Luxury Lingerie Shopping

I stumbled upon this really cute summer collection from Claesen’s this morning in my never-ending search for different lingerie. I am sure, however, that most people in the Netherlands know the Claesen’s label as the company has been in business since 1993. They are known for their quality underwear lines for men, women, boys, girls and infants.

I love the refreshing prints and fun comfortable looking camisoles and briefs. While their official website does not provide the names of the individual pieces of the Summer 2008 collection, I will try to describe the styles to you. A pretty pink camisole with spaghetti straps and cute bow between the breasts is my favourite. A hint of grey design running vertical throughout the material adorned with a little lace around the breast tops creates a delicate touch. The matching briefs in boy short styling have a wide waistband elastic with one tiny button. The same styling is offered in another pretty pink with large black butterflies in the pattern and black accent lace, black straps and black waistband on the briefs.

Another cute design is the matching red heart tank top and bikini pants. Red piping around the neck and armholes of the tank top cami makes it perfect for layering in a casual look. The bikinis have a thinner waist with higher cut legs and both pieces have a diagonal baby blue spot throughout the fabric. Several of the designs have matching lounge pants or pyjama bottoms, pretty chemises in both spaghetti straps and halter ties-around-the-neck, and skimpier bikini panties.

Claesen’s also offer the same designs in bright, bold plaids, dark green eyelet, and a busy fabric, which looks like sailboats. One thing that seems to be important is the image of being an old label and what I assume denotes quality and old time values. One really odd part is the use of “The Incredible Hulk” but again I think the idea is strength and durability.

Intimo, the multi-million dollar home party plan lingerie (based on the success of Tupperware and various Jewelry Party Plans)company from Melbourne, Australia has released its Autumn Winter 2008 Collection. Created in 1995 as a direct marketing company, Intimo now has lingerie Consultants in both Australia and New Zealand.

Home lingerie parties used to be very popular in my neighbourhood but one thing that always irritated me was the fact that the lingerie was of very poor quality and somewhat flimsy looking. Intimo, on the other hand, boasts high quality designer lingerie. Further, the company claims that each consultant is trained in proper bra fitting and understands the different body types and how to match the correct lingerie with each woman’s individual body shape. Aside from the fun of attending a home lingerie party, having a qualified consultant on-site would appeal to many more women since they would be able to purchase practical undergarments rather than purchasing cheap loungewear as a courtesy to the hostess or consultant.

Proud of their label, Intimo states, “With more than 140 different styles, a full spectrum of colours and over 50 sizes ranging from 30A to 46F, Intimo has one of the most comprehensive lingerie collections under one brand name”. The newest release is the Autumn Winter 2008 Collection which includes elegant names such as “J’Adore, Panache, Geisha, Crystelle and Classique”. Beautiful laces, pretty bows and gorgeous embroidery are staples in the Intimo line of panties, bras and camisoles.

It is difficult to fully appreciate the new collection from the website only. Very little information exists as to descriptions and fabric content. But in all fairness, that is the idea of home party plan; to bring the products to the customers. And although, I live on the other side of the world and would not be invited to a party, I would be sufficiently excited to attend after seeing the sneak peak on the website.

The “Essentials Collection” which includes “Trousseau, Body Essentials, Sherbet, Everyday Active, Everyday Smooth, Sophisticates, Valentina Leopard, Everyday Sculpt, and Flirt, displays very large pictures of models showing the full range and providing information about the sizing, colours and materials. All of the designs suit a real purpose, whether it be to offer support, sexiness, elegance, definition or class to an outfit.

I have to admit, it really is hard for me to believe that this is party plan lingerie!