Lust List: February

Much as I hate the over-commercialisation of 14th February and the pervasive view of lingerie as something that is inherently erotic, I still couldn’t resist running this month’s Lust List as a Valentine’s special. To me, sexy underwear is whatever you feel confident in – that might be M&S black cotton full briefs and a Panache black animal sports bra, but I figured I should probably play it safe and stick to items for this list that are more likely to fit a mainstream definition of sexy.

I know I’m a bit late for it to be used as advice for those who like to give gifts on the day, but any time is right for those who like to buy gifts for themselves, right? Here’s a selection of my favourite cheeky, sensual, sassy, glamorous and striking lingerie and loungewear for V-Day.

1) Playful Promises ‘Miranda’ absinthe peep-hole bra
I’ve written before on how much I love the Playful Promises full bust range, and the Miranda peep-hole bra in sheer absinthe green mesh is one of my favourite designs. Inspired by a retro design seen on Bettie Page, this bra reminds me of Agent Provocateur’s delightfully cheeky 1990s aesthetic. The trim on the briefs matches the bra perfectly, but there is also an ouvert version if you want to fully embrace the naughtiness that this set inspires.

2) eLai sheer ivory silk chiffon shirt
If you’re after something revealing but a little different, eLai’s Perfectly Suited collection brings a touch of the power femme to your lingerie wardrobe. My Valentine’s gift to myself would be the sheer ivory silk chiffon shirt, to wear with the pussy bow as outerwear (perhaps with the pasties covered in tiny faux pearls?) and then again as loungewear later in the evening.

3) Alice Elizabeth Intimates’ Valentine’s range
New UK lingerie brand Alice Elizabeth Intimates have a delightful range of items for Valentine’s Day on their site. I especially like the ‘Ellen’ pencil skirt (pictured above), the ‘Daisy’ tie back knickers, plus the ‘Eden’ harness and garter belt. The prices are affordable, the styling is towards the kinky side of ‘pin up’, and the size range is very impressive indeed.

4) Dottie’s Delights ‘Metropolis’ collection
I love the look of this entire collection from US retro brand Dottie’s Delights, but my favourite pieces are the gorgeous silk lounge pants and the deco bra (pictured left). The fabrics, colours and shapes are simultaneously both modern and vintage in styling, plus the bra fit notes on the website are pleasingly detailed. Stunning images too!

5) Agent Provocateur ‘Caught In Charlottes Web’ bra & big briefs
I spotted this over on The Lingerie Addict, and instantly fell in love. Cora’s right when she says that the rest of the collaboration between Agent Provocateur and Charlotte Olympia is extremely disappointing, but the Caught In Charlotte’s Web bra and big briefs with their web mesh and spider jewel detailing are extremely beautiful. If you can’t stretch to the combined £640 price tag (who can?), the Miód bobbinet tulle & bee charm bralet and harness knickers from Karolina Laskowska come out at less than half the price and are handmade from hexagonal English tulle created on antique machines.

Images via A E Intimates and Dottie’s Delights.