Christmas Gift Guide: Lingerie
I think that gifting lingerie is really nice and this kind of gifts is not confined only to couples. I have given lingerie sets to my mum who loved them or to my sister in law and I have received them from my friends. Also, at least in Italy, it is lucky to wear new lingerie on the first day of the year and traditionally red briefs are given to everyone in the family. So, I have picked few items because if you know the right size, it could be a nice present. Let's be honest, most of the time we never buy something nice for ourselves, so it is lovely to receive great underwear.
I had to start with my favourite colour and introduce this purple Ciao Bella set by b.tempt'd with the bra in a balconette style and tanga brief. The foam lined cups make it very comfortable to wear it and sizes go from 32B to 36E. www.btemptd.co.uk
This Mara Basque by Bluebella with matching brief is gorgeous and it is just what you always desired but never dared to buy for yourself. So you can just leave this post open in case someone picks the hint or if you know someone who would love this item you know where to find it easily. Figleaves stocks so many brands that it will be great to shop without the hassle of traipsing the high street with all the crowd and the cold. The basque is underwired but not padded and it goes from 32C to 36DD. www.figleaves.com
I love the bottle green colour of the embroidered N.1 Jenny Packham for Debenhams lingerie set with delicate lace detailing. The bra is not padded and it is underwired going up to size 36DD but you must act quickly because nearly all the sizes are sold out. The briefs come either in a Thong style or Brazilian. www.debenhams.com
Dita von Teese has created a lingerie collection and I can assure you that it is not just a celebrity who signs few garments. She really got involved in the sourcing and designing of the collection. Figleaves stocks it and among all the beautiful styles I have picked this Dahalia with balconette bra and you can choose between bikini or G-String briefs. This gorgeous cobalt colour will be great on any skin tone and it comes in red, peacock, black, creme and burgundy. www.figleaves.com
The Eugenie matching set by Elomi is a great lingerie set in a rich berry colour and foil print embroidery. The bra goes up to 46JJ and you can choose between high leg briefs or thongs. I like the strap detailing at the front. www.elomilingerie.com
It is not a rule that giving lingerie has to be confined only to lacy little numbers. It can be great if a teenager starts to receive some lingerie closer to her style like this one from Scotch & Soda. It has a printed pattern and front hook with lace trimmings and the bralette has a triangle shaped cup. It comes in a box. www.scotch-soda.com
This Diane magenta lingerie set by Empreinte is very festive or it can be available in black or white for a more classic look. Myself I always go for colourful lingerie, better if I can match them with the same colour of what I am wearing. The not padded, underwired bra goes from size 30E to 38F. Figleaves stocks many other styles from this great brand. www.figleaves.com
Studio Pia creates beautiful lingerie sets like the Soraya with gilded embroidery and it is trimmed with cruelty free, organic, stretch satin silk. Also for each product sold Studio Pia will plant one tree in the Indonesian rain forests. This is real luxury lingerie and ethical as well. www.studiopia.co.uk
Here we have another "casual" lingerie set, just to prove that they are not only frilly ones. This Wild Black Zebra one is by Freya and I like the trimming at the briefs and under the bra cups. It goes from 28B to 38G and as well as the moulded plunging bra, the same pattern is available with the cups with some sheer details and two styles briefs. www.freyalingerie.com
Let's stay with the animal print trend and this delicious Bree leopard Print set by Figleaves. With this pattern there is a whole collection including nightwear too. I like the satin and lace combo and the pink and purple nuance. Sizes come from 32B to 38G. www.figleaves.com
I am sure that if you check in your underwear drawer you have at least one item by Marks & Spencer. This historical store has been forever our supplier of briefs and bras and I think it has been among the first ones to give the fitting bra service. This sweet set is by Rosie for Autograph with a lovely floral print and matching briefs, all in a mix of silk and lace. www.marksandspencer.com
This bralette by Gossard has got a rich burgundy tone and the whole set is available in a choice of 8 colours including black and white, as well as a festive red. Figleaves stocks it complementing the bralette with a choice of thong, briefs or lace shorts. Available from 32D to 38FF. www.figleaves.com
I really like bodies because they have all the sophistication of a bra and also you are covered without having to wear something less glamorous. This Decadence black body is by Wacoal with a beautiful baroque embroidery and sheet panels at the sides. www.wacoallingerie.com
Aubade has always very sophisticated lingerie sets and this Belle d'Ispahan is not an exception. The cup is not padded, it is underwired with the embroidered tulle and lace with a jewelled detail. Figleaves stocks it together with the beautiful briefs all in black with teal lace. www.figleaves.com
Go for a classic colour, always on trend for this Anoushka matching set by Fantasie with cup sizes going from 30D to 40GG for the side support cup bra. or 30D to 42I for the full support bra. The choice for the briefs is regular or high waist and it is available in red too, for a more festive look. www.fantasie.com
