The Ultimate Guide to Honeymoon Lingerie

Celeste Demi Plunge Bra and Boyshort from Simone Perele

Once you’ve said your “I do’s,” the honeymoon is a time to celebrate romance and embrace your inner seductive prowess. What better way to step into your new title of “Mrs.” than with a lingerie wardrobe that makes you feel beautiful and sexy?

When it comes to honeymoon lingerie, a little fore-planning goes a long way. Make an appointment for a professional fitting. Look for high quality brands that feel as good as they look. Leave the tattered straps and dull nudes behind; it’s time to move confidently into your new world. Here’s my checklist of honeymoon lingerie must-haves:

1. The Sexy Lace Bra (or two or three!). There are fewer things sexier than lace, so take along a few different colors. Pick a shape that suits your size and style. A lace demi cup with a revealing balconette shape is classic seduction (larger busted women should look for a full cup demi). A lace triangle bralette is chic, comfortable and easy to wear.

2. The Essential Strapless Bra. Honeymoon getaways almost always call for flirty dresses and tops, so it’s essential to have a fail-safe strapless bra. Look for a plunging neckline and a fit that stays in place without sliding. For more, read my blog article, How to Find the Perfect Strapless Bra.

3. The Versatile Convertible Bra. A multi-position bra discreetly hides straps so you can look flawless in just about anything. Try the Simone Perele Inspiration Memory Foam Bra, which can be worn three ways (classic, racerback and halter), or the romantic Amour Push-Up with Racerback.

4. The Chic T-Shirt Bra. A woman must always be comfortable when she travels. Look for a seamless t-shirt bra made with breathable, curve-hugging fabrics in fresh, feminine colors like coral or azalea.

5. Matching Panties. This is a French golden rule. Just like you wouldn’t go on your honeymoon without your better half, a bra should never travel without its bottom half.

6. Bedtime Lingerie. Your wardrobe de nuit (nighttime) is au moins (at least) as important as what you wear during the day. Look for sensual fabrics, touches of skin-revealing lace, and flattering silhouettes, like the sensual Celeste Nightdress made with French Chantilly lace. For more ideas, read Bedtime Lingerie à La Française.

A little lingerie goes a long way to feeling effortlessly sexy during one of the most exciting trips of your life!

How to Find the Perfect Strapless Bra

The Simone Perele Velia Strapless

If you are like most women, the thought of purchasing—or wearing—a strapless bra can induce nail-biting anxiety.  I’ve known many women who have sworn off strapless bras altogether… sacrificing style by avoiding wearing a dress or top that would require a strapless—or worse—many women simply go “au naturel”.  I must say, though the French love the ’70’s era, this is not a trend we’ve held onto.

The solution is simply to find a strapless bra that conquers all fear… one that does everything it’s supposed to, and more.  We all know the woes of the wrong strapless bra, but the truth is that the right one can be your wardrobe secret weapon… the “piece de resistance” that saves the day.

So keep your wardrobes and manicures intact; I’ve identified the 5 things every woman must know in her search for the perfect strapless bra:

1. Know your size. Your search should begin with a proper bra fitting.  Many women are wearing too large of a band size, which is the Achilles heel of a strapless bra and is sure to set you up for a failing (and falling) wardrobe malfunction.  Important: if the bra doesn’t come in your size, don’t buy it!   The bra should fit you.
2. Start with quality.  Begin by identifying high quality brands that make strapless bras in an array of sizes, as they are more likely to pay attention to detail and deliver a well-engineered bra that’s comfortable and made to hug your curves.
3. Look for latex or silicone grips.  This is one of the secrets of a properly designed strapless bra.  At a minimum, silicone grips should run along the top and bottom inside seams of the wings and back band of the bra.
4. Avoid an overly padded bra.  Too much padding can lead to bulk, add weight, and interfere with the fit.  Instead, look for a contoured bra in a clean, simple design that is seamless under clothing.
5. Pay attention to strapless bras with a cult following.  There’s one thing you can always count on: when a woman finds a strapless bra she loves, she is likely to tell other women about it!  Reviews can be incredibly helpful.  For example, I found that the Simone Perele Velia Strapless Plunge has a loyal following… and this is one the most reliable and comfortable strapless bras I own!

Once you tried and have fallen in love with your curve-hugging strapless bra, go back and buy at least one more.  One should always have nude and black.  Night out dancing anyone?

Summer Bra Faux Pas

Summer: sandy beaches, weekend getaways, chilled rose, flowing dresses, exposed bra straps…

Summer is the most challenging—and fun—time of year for bras.  On one hand, it’s a great time of year to embrace color, with fresh corals and vibrant blues (“très” flattering on tanned skin).  But strappy tank tops, off-the shoulder dresses, white t-shirts and airy fabrics can result in a series of wardrobe malfunctions that can threaten the elegance that a French woman strives for each day.

So with the season heating up, I thought I’d expose a few bra “faux pas” I feel every woman should avoid.

1. A white bra under a white top.  Though it may seem counterintuitive, a white bra should never be worn under a white shirt or dress.  Opt for a pretty nude bra with a hint of lace on the straps for a clean, invisible look.
2. Falling strapless bras.  There are few things less elegant than the sight of a woman hoisting up her strapless bra.  The goal of a strapless bra is to offer support that’s invisible under clothing, giving the illusion of invisibility with all the benefits a bra has to offer.  Look for a strapless bra that’s lined with silicone grips and has firm, all-day support, like the fabulous Simone Perele Velia Strapless Plunge.
3. Showing too much strap.  A little strap goes a long way. Keep them tucked away with racerback bras, such as the sheer, summery Simone Perele Amour Push-Up with Racerback, or a great strapless bra.  If a hint of strap must be revealed, keep it in the same color family as the top you’re wearing, and opt for chic spaghetti straps.
4. Revealing your bra under a lace top.  With lace at the top of the season’s trends, this is an important rule to cover.  Lace is inherently sensual, so it’s important to have a seamless, invisible bra that doesn’t show through, so as to keep the look sophisticated and not overtly sexual.  Need some help?  Layer a camisole for extra coverage.
5. A white or colored bra under a black top.  White or colorful bras under a black top have a way of making themselves known, no matter how hidden you think they are. (Flash photo anyone?).  The cardinal sin of bra etiquette is wearing a red bra under a black top.  For a more elegant, harmonious look, pair a black top with a black (or other very dark colored) bra.
6. Unkempt straps.  There is no doubt that summer reveals the straps that are often hidden under long-sleeved shirts and bulky sweaters during the winter.  As a result, your straps must be in pristine condition.  Keep your bras washed and replace them when the straps are worn.  I love the lace detailing on the Simone Perele Caressence straps (plus they are infused with Aloe Vera for an ultra-soft touch).
7. The bra misfit.  The form-fitting t-shirts, airy fabrics and breezy dresses of summer call for nothing less than a flawlessly fitting bra.  Start the season with a proper bra fitting, (I like to go twice a year to confirm my size), and you’ll have smooth sailing all summer long.

“Le Weekend” Getaway Lingerie

The first signs of spring come with a renewed desire for travel, spontaneity and vibrant color. Enter: le weekend getaway!  There are few things more fun than a weekend excursion at the end of a busy week—the charming towns, beaches, cozy dinners—all of which of course require an effortlessly stylish wardrobe.  So what’s the secret to the perfectly packed getaway?

The first element to travelling in style is a chic weekender bag.  You’ll need a tote that’s as stylish as the clothes in it.  Then, any French woman will tell you that the most important parts of your weekend wardrobe include a pair of perfectly tailored jeans, stylish ballet flats and of course, flawless lingerie.  It is simply unimaginable to end a fabulous day in a tattered bra and panty!  Instead, set the tone with practical and pretty bra and panty sets that make you feel confident, sexy, and of course, comfortable.

With the help of some of my close friends in Paris, and drawing from countless weekend getaways, I’ve assembled this essential “bon voyage” lingerie checklist:

• The Strapless.  Weekend getaways almost always call for a flirty summer dress, so it’s essential to have a fail-safe strapless bra.  I love Simone Pérèle’s Celeste Smooth Cup Strapless Bra and Velia Strapless Bra (which has a very loyal following), for their plunging necklines and seamless look and fit that stays in place without sliding.
• The Lace Demi.  Exude confidence with a stunning lace bra.  Look for a bra with pretty straps that can peak through a sleeveless top, and a pop of color.
• The Chic T-Shirt Bra.  A woman must always be comfortable when she travels.  Be a seamless traveler with a curve-hugging and breathable flawless French t-shirt bra.
• The Convertible Bra.  Don’t get caught with your straps in a twist.  Be prepared for all of your favorite warm-weather tops with a fabulous convertible bra.  Simone Perele’s Trocadero Push-Up or Amour Push-Up with Racerback gives a beautiful shape.
• The Silk Nightdress.  Weekends are all about indulging in a little luxury.  End the day in a silky nightdress and you’ll instantly look and feel sexy and glamorous.

“Voila!” Now you’re set to jet set.