Tag Archives: bridal lingerie

Where to Shop for a Lingerie Shower (other than Victoria’s Secret): Part 2

As we discussed in part 1 of this series, Victoria’s Secret has become such a household name in women’s lingerie that it’s often the only option we even think about when trying to figure out where to shop for a lingerie shower. I mean, you’re not going to pick her up a pack of Hanes at Walmart, am I right? Vicky Secret it is! But the reality is there are lots and lots of beautiful (and yes, affordable) brands out there waiting to be discovered. As you survey the sea of gifts at the party, you can be proud that yours is the only one not in a pink striped bag. You might even find a new favorite in the process and end up picking out a little something for yourself! See more alternative lingerie brands here.

True & Co.

True & Co.’s goal is to change the way you shop for lingerie. Each style is crafted to fix common undergarment woes, like slipping straps, spill over, too-tight bands or extra material in all the wrong places. Once you take a short fit quiz about your bra experience, they’ll create a personal shop filled with styles that will work for you. Ask the bride to take the quiz or just opt for one of their can’t-fail, timelessly sexy styles, like the longline lace Bardot or the so-soft-and-stretchy lace Gramercy bralette (seriously the best bra I have ever owned).

Available at trueandco.com

Honeydew Intimates

Bride not so much the “vixen in black” type? The playful pieces from Honeydew Intimates feature lots of quirky prints and bright colors perfect for a bride with a bright personality. The line also carries a full range of loungewear, so a tomboy bride can enjoy her honeymoon breakfast in a cute pair of lounge shorts and a comfy-cozy top.

Available at honeydewintimates.com, Nordstrom, ShopBop and other retailers

Only Hearts

This romantic New York-based line extends far beyond lingerie, carrying everything from silky kimonos for honeymoon lounging to flowy sheath dresses perfect for a sunset stroll on the beach. The real stars are their lacy bra and panty sets though—try the slightly naughty Golden Key set in bridal white, complete with a tasseled blindfold ($132).

Shops in New York and Los Angeles, and available online at onlyhearts.com, Journelle, Nordstrom and other retailers

BHLDN

BHLDN (pronounced Beholden) is a little bit boho, a little bit Victorian and a whole lot of gorgeous. Their lacy underpinnings are perfect for the vintage bride. Plus, there really is something for everyone, as the line runs from sex kitten in thigh highs and a garter belt to demure maiden in a camisole and tap shorts. Treat her to a heritage piece of lingerie with the Guipure Lace Demi Bra, crafted from real Leaver’s lace. Their Painted Petal Robes would also be the perfect gift for the bride the morning of her wedding. (Be sure to check out the Sale section as you can find their signature pieces dramatically marked down at the end of each season and snap them right up.)

Available at bhldn.com

SkivvieBox

Want to splurge on a gift that will keep on giving? Check out SkivvieBox, a monthly subscription service for lingerie (yep, that exists)! At $59.99 a month, it’s a bit pricey, but think about asking each bridesmaid or a group of friends to chip in for a month each. Every month the bride will receive a designer lingerie set valued at $100-$150 and custom-picked just for her depending on her style, whether she’s a beautiful basics or party underneath type.

Available at skivviebox.com

This post contains a few affiliate links. All products are selected because we love them—if you love them too, you’re helping support Ultimate Bridesmaid. So thanks!

Bachelorette Party Inspiration Boards: Lipstick, Lingerie & Wine

Lipstick Love

I’ve wanted to do a lipstick inspiration board ever since I saw the very popular image on Pinterest of rows of lipstick kisses framed after a bachelorette party. The dark reds and browns of this Wedding Paper Divas invite pair perfectly with signature cherry whiskey smash cocktails. Outfit the bride in a custom kiss the bride tee and send the guests home with these old-fashioned homemade ball lollipops. I couldn’t resist going a little bit literal with these cherry chocolate kiss cookies and why not throw in a few mustaches to represent the man in her life (even if no boys are allowed).

Lingerie and Lace

A lingerie shower is by far one of the most popular themes for a bachelorette party, but too often the result is tacky rather than sweet. I recommend keeping things delicate and fresh with light colors and lace—no hot pinks please! We’re going for bridal, not stripper. I decided to infuse a bit of a Parisian vibe since France is known for its lingerie, so I wanted macarons…but it was really hard to pick which ones! Finally I landed on lemon with blackberry filling because I loved the pop of neon sprinkles on the white icing. I carried through the French connection with champagne in glamorous gold-dusted glasses and an “ooh-la-la” invitation. A clothesline to display the underpinnings is a must and I like daffodils for the flowers because they feel so fresh and sweet. These lingerie favors are some of my favorites—each is filled with chai tea or hot chocolate mix!

Fine Wine

Women and wine—we just click. I loved the smoky charcoal grey and fuchsia of this Girls Night Out invite and added lavender to complete my wine theme. Incorporate wine bottles into your decor by making them into art pieces like these neon paint-dipped ones, by simply filling them with flowers, or by dressing them up with these faux-fur bags. These creative favor packages include some great ideas, like sending your guests off with bath salts, a corkscrew, chocolates, and wine, of course. Sounds like a perfect bath in the making. The food was too fun. Two words: Cheese cake. Literally. For dessert, incorporate the theme with dark chocolate merlot cupcakes or sweet and tart champagne raspberry popsicles.

For more bachelorette inspiration, visit my Pinterest board.

This post contains a few affiliate links. All products are selected because we love them—if you love them too, you’re helping support Ultimate Bridesmaid. So thanks!

Lingerie

All right, we’re going there, ladies. Lingerie for the shower. The first thing you’ll learn when you start shopping is that good lingerie—you know, the delicate kind with lace—is expensive. I mean, it can be really expensive. Bras can run your $60 easy. I think there are two gift approaches when going into a lingerie shower. Option 1: Team up with another guest to get the bride one really nice set, something she would never buy for herself and may very well use to seduce her husband (but don’t think about that part). Option 2: Go for a more affordable everyday item, something in cotton or jersey that’s cute and comfy and that she’ll wear all the time. This post addresses option one, though I’ve tried to keep things reasonable. Seductive and admittedly beautiful Agent Provocateur pieces will set you back $200 for one bra…not a proposition I’m personally willing to entertain.

To me, black and lace is the ultimate in classic sexy. It will never go out of style. This gorgeous Espirit set comes in at only $60 for the bra and panties, or swap out a chemise in the same pattern for $50.