Former plus-size model Crystal Renn has become the new face - and body - of Agent Provocateur, one of my favorite purveyors of uber-sexy lingerie. Shot by Purple Magazine's Olivier Zahm, the collection and the snaps are said to be inspired by road-trip films, though I remain inspired most by Crystal Renn's incredible body transformation.
View the lookbook below, and shop the collection online, here!
Despite my best efforts to avoid it, the holiday season has arrived. And this year, in part due to my dedication to astrologist Susan Miller's uncanny monthly predictions over at Astrology Zone, I've decided to focus my holiday gift guide into a minimum of 12 carefully edited editions, each focused on an astrological sign. Because I'm a narcissist, I'll kick things off with my own zodiac sign, which (for those of you who don't know me in real life) is LEO - the (for the most part) undisputed queen of the zodiac.
Now, for those of you who know a Leo woman, you know that narcissism comes quite naturally to us - we're rarely far from a mirror, and fancy ourselves QUITE the sex kitten. And while Leo woman is, in most cases, friendly, outgoing and loving, she's also bombastic and demanding - only the best for this girl, my friends. In related news, Leo women love luxury and are known to give in to every single one of their whims, often to their own detriment. In short, if you've got a Leo woman on your holiday shopping list, know that it's a tall order - gifts are a big deal to her, and practicality is eschewed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
I long to live a life where Agent Provocateur lingerie qualifies as a REQUISITE, not a splurge - and one day, I will. But until that day, I'll bide my time and satiate my desires with the brand's latest introduction - a trio of day fragrances dubbed Eau Provocateur.
These cleverly crafted scents provide a thoroughly modern interpretation of the brand's three existing signature perfumes: Eau de Parfum, Maitresse and L'Agent. My favorite of the three is easily Maitresse Eau Provocateur, which boasts top notes of Rose, Jasmin Sambac, and Iris, middle notes of Acacia (a thorny shrub) and Granny Smith Apples and a seductive base of Amber, Sandalwood, and Tonka. Maitresse in its original incarnation is an astonishingly SEXY scent - the kind one should likely wear with nothing at all - but this iteration allows you to enjoy the heart of the fragrance at any hour of the day and with any company - gender be damned.
Eau Provocateur, L'Agent Eau Provocateur and Maitresse Eau Provocateur will be available for $70/each at select department stores starting on April 15.
At my part-time home in the Land of Delusion (Population: 1), my lingerie drawer is full of luscious silk and decadent lace creations by the likes of Agent Provocateur and Kiki de Montparnasse. But since I have other priorities in life right now (read: shoes), I've been looking for smart but affordable lingerie that will inspire my mojo without killing my bank account.
Enter Smart & Sexy.
This line of bras, panties and chemises deliver as promised - sleek, sensual lingerie that's downright inexpensive (I shudder to say "cheap"...though it might be apropos.)
For literally $15 ($15!!!), you can snag a printed bra with a matching thong. While the fabrics aren't the finest (how could they be for that price?), I found the cuts to be ultra-flattering on my less than perfect bod.
Shop Smart & Sexy online at www.smartandsexy.com or find a store location here.
The POOL collection of swimwear is an aspiring or veteran bathing beauty's dream. Defying the usual cutesy, tropical prints and radioactive hues of most swimwear lines, POOL employs earthy colors, excellent construction, and innovative shapes that anyone (including this Lycra-phobe!) would kill to wear.
Every piece is unlined - instead, you'll find sturdy, double-faced fabric whose durability is evident the moment you see it on the hanger. The goal here is to prevent any bunching or pilling, to create classic pieces you can wear for several seasons - without looking like you're training for the Summer Olympics. Want to cannonball into the deep end without the fallout of an atomic wedgie? Inspired to plunge through a wave while keeping your decolletage to yourself? A POOL ensemble might be your best investment this season.
The wonderful, earthy colors are anything but muted. From rich aubergine to Amazon green, any skin tone is complimented by POOL's entire palette; and because each and every piece is without print, each and every piece is mix n' match-able - meaning you can create your dream swimsuit with any body. Classic bikini bottoms, little hipsters accentuated by ruched side-ties, and even a Forties-inspired swim "dress" are all simple, sweet foundations for the line.
As someone who has (ahem) rather difficult-to-fit breasts, I was especially excited about the incredible range of tops POOL has created. On first glance, the shapes seem traditional - bandeau, triangle, underwire, French. Upon inspection? A triangle shape that provides excellent side coverage, wearable by any size or shape. The sexy, wire-less French top adds a touch of glamour with petite gathers around the bosom; while the double-faced, reinforced construction of the sides of the piece offer gentle lift and perfect, stay-put coverage. For a lingerie-inspired look, the classic underwire top caught my eye - reminiscent of a classic Agent Provocateur brassiere, it's flawlessly designed to - are you ready? - NOT cut into the best part of your assets.
Look for me on the beach this summer - I'll be easy to spot, decidedly un-Baywatch-esque or parrot-like. And I won't be swimming with my elbows while clutching my breasts, desperately trying to save my top from swimming with the fishes. I'll be sexy and confident in POOL. And, with any luck - tan.
-Lalla Robinson, West Coast Contributor
Agent Provocateur has a reminder for the boys as Valentine's Day approaches. Their new video, "Love Me Tender…Or Else," highlights the simple rule that no man should ever forget Valentine's Day otherwise they will bear the consequences! The lead role in this film is played by up and coming Brit model Rosie Huntington Whiteley wearing the Love range from Agent Provocateur. To check it out:
Hand-washing is an absolute must when it comes to delicate underpinnings like lace bras or mesh panties. And while it may initially seem like a hassle, once you get in the habit, it's actually a pretty enjoyable, girl-y task.
My favorite new find for hand washing at home is Soak. This fine fabric wash is a low-suds liquid with a no-rinse formulation. Simply soak your lace bras, cashmeres, hosiery and more in the sink or basin for 5-10 minutes, squeeze the water out of the fabric and leave to drip dry. No icky soap-y residue is left, just the light whiff of Soak's beautiful fragrances like zing-y Citrus and feminine Flora.
If you're ready to upgrade from Woolite or worse, Tide (trust me, you're ready), check out Soak at www.soakwash.com.