Gift Rebelle This Valentine's Day!

Luxurious velvet and red hearts: what's not to love?

Shop the entire Rebelle collection in the online boutique now, and gift your sweetie a set she'll never forget! There's something for everyone in this range, from the versatile Ribbon Corset, to the devastatingly sexy Bralette and Thong set, to the High Waisted Knickers (a must for curvy figures).

Nicole wears the Rebelle Bralette and matching High Waisted Knicker. Photo: Kelly Puleio

Got fit or styling questions? Send us a message and we'll help you pick out the perfect gift: one that's sure to please for years to come.

Gifted Harlow & Fox in the Lingerie Secret Santa

Well, it's official: I'm smitten! Harlow & Fox lingerie is a new favorite!

As I mentioned in last week's post, I participated in this year's Lingerie Secret Santa, and was delighted when a box arrived addressed to me from Harlow & Fox, a brand I've long admired and dreamed of trying for myself. As a former bra fitter and current-and-always busty girl, I'm certainly aware of the  complications that come with making bras for an ample bosom. Let me say this: there's a reason I only make Bralettes for the time being - there is a ton of work involved in crafting brassieres for larger busts. I have a huge admiration for companies that specialize in larger cup sizes, because the fit considerations are just so complicated past a C/D cup, and I've seen plenty of bras that don't quite fit the bill. So, Harlow & Fox, you absolutely rock and you have my full admiration!

Let me start by saying that Harlow & Fox's branding is absolutely exquisite. From the uber chic black magnetized gift box, to the wax seals and sleek lookbook, there is not one detail that founder Leanna overlooked. I can't remember the last time I was so excited to open a package!

And now to the best part: the lingerie! Dreamy doesn't begin to describe the Eleanor set that Leanna sent. The Mink hue is a gorgeous fawny brown (silk and elastene, so stretchy and luxurious), with an oh-so-soft Chantilly lace detail. Leanna sent the Full Cup Bra and Classic Brief, which are both so comfortable and fit beautifully. I can't remember the last time I had a satin (let alone silk!) bra, so this set is truly a treat.

I probably don't have to tell you that Harlow & Fox's construction is impeccable. Both the exterior and interior of the Eleanor bra is as perfect as I've ever seen, and I love that there's an extra (hidden) attachment to the side sling underneath the lace for added support. The straps are wide, soft and luxurious and the hardware color is a rare treat: gold. Every addition Harlow & Fox adds amps up the brand's fine lingerie game, and I'm so delighted to own this set! One of the sweet flourishes seen in both the Full Cup Bra and the Brief (which has a rear keyhole!) is the pearl drop detail. Such a sweet, memorable addition. And I didn't realize it while I was taking these photos, but Harlow & Fox also sent me their Special Washing Agent, something I'm really excited to try.

I'm not sure if it was the Special Washing Agent, but I should also mention that the package itself smelled heavenly. Just another treat for the senses. Thank you so much, Leanna and Harlow & Fox. I am one very happy giftee!

Gifting Evgenia in the Lingerie Secret Santa

This is the second year I've been invited to participate in the Lingerie Secret Santa, which is just what it sounds like! A bunch of indie lingerie designers get together each holiday season and send lingerie to each other - it's a wonderful way to add new pieces to our respective collections, plus share our own pieces with a new audience.

This year I was lucky enough to have Karolina Laskowska as my giftee. Karolina is one of the most talented independent lingerie designers I know, so sending her some Evgenia pieces was both super exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Her work is exquisite and I had hoped against hope that mine would measure up.

Credit: Kelly Puleio Photography

The above ensemble from my Spring/Summer 2015 Night Garden collection has gotten a good amount of attention, so I figured it would be a fun set to send to Karolina, in addition to a matching Sleep Mask to round out the look.

I had a blast sewing this set up. The Sleep Mask was a bit of an experiment and I love how it turned out. After packaging everything up, I sent the box off and was shocked when just a few days later I learned that it arrived in England! While I was shooting my Fall/Winter 2015 collection, the Instagram photos began rolling in, and I was absolutely enchanted with every single one of them. Karolina is a perfect fit, and I couldn't think of a better person to gift Evgenia to this holiday season!

Via Karolina Laskowska's Instagram

There are tons more pics on Karolina's Instagram page, so head on over there to check them out, and while you're at it, see all the amazing lingerie Karolina creates on her site. You won't be disappointed.

Are you as entranced by this set as I am? Even though only the Bralette is available for sale right now, the Tap Shorts are available for early special order. Just shoot me a message.

Take Bridal Shower Lingerie to a New, Beautiful Level

We've all been there: the bridal shower where the Mrs.-to-be in question opens gift after gift of cheap lingerie that's either embarrassingly scandalous (hey, Mom's in the room after all!), poorly constructed or feels like sandpaper. At a time where we're all starting to contemplate the cost/benefit analysis of consuming fast fashion, it makes sense to gift something with staying power, something that says "I think you're really special and you deserve something as lovely as you are."

Left: Deco Camisole, Deco Tap Shorts, Deco Garter Belt | Center: Cotillion Chemise, Cotillion Knickers

Right: Deco Bralette, Deco Garter Belt, Deco Knickers

I started Honey Cooler Handmade partly because I felt that lingerie with fine yet hardy embellishment was difficult to find. Delicacy and strength CAN go hand in hand, so this wedding season, why not gift both? If she's into versatility, a Deco Cami is a perfect gift. It can easily be worn in the boudoir or paired with skinny jeans for a night out. Want to go a bit sexier? The Deco Bralette's cheeky sheer heart appliqués are sure to make an impact. If her style is all about simplicity and comfort, the Cotillion Chemise and matching Knickers are at once sexy and undeniably cozy.

When you gift Honey Cooler Handmade lingerie, you let her know that she's special enough for the best.

HCH Private Eye Sleep Masks Get a Facelift

One of the great things about running Honey Cooler Handmade as a tiny enterprise making one-of-a-kind lingerie is that when my customers make requests, I can often address them without hesitation. There are currently no patternmakers to consult (other than yours truly) and no size runs to adjust, so changes are easy to make.

While my Private Eye Sleep Masks have been a best selling style since their inception, I've also had more than a few requests as of late to make the band bigger. I'm happy to announce that every new Private Eye Sleep Mask is 2" bigger, with average full resting circumference of 17", stretching all the way to a roomy 26" or 27". Even bigger brained? Not to worry - custom work is a snap. Just email me with your stats and we'll take it from there.

(via)

I just finished up a sexy new stash of Private Eye Sleep Masks which are in the official HCH boutique and on Etsy right now. My personal favorite is the red Scarlet Private Eye Sleep Mask, which features a gorgeous dragon lace chevron. Also making a reprise is the Leona Mask, which boasts a sphinx and pyramid motif lace chevron. Each Mask is beautiful, versatile and spacious: the perfect gift for your favorite Sleeping Beauty.

Dollhouse Bettie Trunk Show on Friday February 8th!

Don't miss this one! Honey Cooler Handmade and Dollhouse Bettie are teaming up to present a trunk show that's practically guaranteed to land you with the Valentine's Day gift of her (or your) dreams.

Join us on Friday, February 8th from 5 - 9.30pm at Dollhouse Bettie in the Haight. I'll have a bunch of new pieces in my stash, plus Dollhouse Bettie has a fresh collection of lovely bits to share, including the gorgeous Mille Fiori collection (pictured above right). Sip some champagne with us as we help you find the gift that will make her feel like the gorgeous leading lady she is this Valentine's Day.

Hope to see you there!

I'll Let You in on a Little Secret...

She'd rather get silk than paper this Valentine's Day (and who are we kidding? You'd probably love seeing her in it too). Chocolates get eaten, roses fade, and cards get tucked away into dusty shoeboxes. Change up your routine and give her a pair of Honey Cooler Handmade's sexy, flattering Knickers this Valentine's Day - they're the gift that keeps on giving, and will make her feel like the goddess she is!

Check out what's new in my Knickers & Bloomers section of the Etsy shop - there will be many more pairs to come in the next few weeks, and stay tuned for details on local trunk shows featuring HCH lingerie.

Top row: Maura Knickers, Hattie Knickers,

 Bottom row: Josephine Knickers, Mimi Knickers

A Little Gift with a Lot of Luxury

Still undecided on a holiday gift for your favorite Sleeping Beauty?

Crafted from the most luxurious fabric imaginable and featuring vintage insertion lace flourishes, an HCH Private Eye Sleep Mask marries sensual style with practicality - it's the perfect present this holiday season. Tucked in a cat napper's stocking, or gifted before a long transatlantic flight, an HCH Private Eye Sleep Mask blocks out the peskiest light, prettily!

Clockwise from top left: Orpha, Lupe, Shirley, Phoebe, Dinah

New masks have just been added to the Etsy shop, so be sure to swing by to check them out and snap up yours. And since I ship Priority Mail, there is still plenty of time to snag one before Christmas if you live in the US!

A Special Gift

I've been sewing my heart out over this very special project: a gift for one of the loveliest ladies in Hollywood. More photos to come once it's all packed and ready to go, with the exquisite touch of the very talented John James of John James Designs. For now, you'll just have to be content with a teaser photo... or visit the HCH Facebook page for more sneak peeks!

Now on Etsy: The Chloris and Sundara Private Eye Sleep Masks

Having worked in a lingerie store for a good portion of my time in California, I can say that the hardest part of gifting lingerie is not knowing the giftee's size. When it comes to Valentine's Day, birthday, or bachelorette party gifting, sometimes you just need to find a present that's easy, sweet and uncomplicated.

Enter Honey Cooler Handmade's newest product: the Private Eye Sleep Mask. Made from the same silk jacquard as all my other pieces, these masks give a taste of the insertion lace detailing I love so much, in a perfectly compact package where size is no object. As featured on the blog a few days ago, Delinda is already in the Etsy shop along with two other pretties: Chloris and Sundara.

Chloris (top) and Sundara (bottom) Private Eye Sleep Masks

I've already had some special requests for certain color and lace combinations. If you'd like a special mask made just for you, shoot me a message!

Now on Etsy: The Victoria, Stella and Henrietta Bow Belts

They're up! Check out more shots of Victoria, Stella and Henrietta in the HCH shop now.

I sewed up extra Bow Belts in time for the holidays since three of mine have been adopted by Bohemian Boudoir's booth over at the Dickens Christmas Faire.

These new additions make great holiday gifts because they work for just about any size and body type. Better yet, they give you the appearance of a cinched waist without the commitment of a traditional corset. Perfection!

The Victoria Bow Belt, The Stella Bow Belt, The Henrietta Bow Belt

Preview: Henrietta and Stella Bow Belts

Just in time for the holiday party season, meet two lovely new Bow Belts. The first, Henrietta, is made of a yummy striped satin and antique Victorian braid. It's topped off with a smart bow and antique crescent moon vignette button. Stella is made of a lovely taupe ribbon printed with shiny silver stars. Both make the perfect stocking stuffer or finishing touch for your own holiday ensemble. Take a peek!

Henrietta Bow Belt (left) and Stella Bow Belt (right)

Detail of the Henrietta Bow Belt 

Detail of the Stella Bow Belt

Look for them in the Honey Cooler Handmade store tomorrow and stay tuned for an uber-precious gift wrap option for all your HCH gift giving needs!

Gift Giving, Honey Cooler Handmade Style!

You: "Where is Stephanie and what has she been up to?"

Glad you asked. I've been sewing my little heart out, but not for Etsy. As it turns out, two very important people had birthdays over the past month and I was determined to knock out two very handmade and very special gifts for both of them in the space of just a few days.

The first gift was for my best friend's daughter Sadie, who just turned 4. Even though there's an enormous age gap between us, I can relate to Sadie on many levels. We both like princesses, pink, glitter, butterflies and dancing. So when her birthday rolled around this year, I knew I had to make something uber special to add to her cache of princess wear. After consulting with her mom about Sadie's favorite things, I decided that a pink sparkle tutu lined in purple tulle and topped with giant rhinestone-spangled butterfly wings would be the most practical solution to every fairy princess' problem: "What the hell do I wear for a day of adventure?" So, behold. The finished product!

The wings were by far the most fun part of this whole enterprise! If I can get BFF to take photos of Sadie in all her fairy princess glory I'll make sure to do a full-on blog post about this uber-fun piece. Sadie is already mastering the ability to turn down paparazzi photo shoots, so I wasn't able to get shots myself. As a side note, this tutu is for outside use only because the glitter tulle sheds sparkly speckles everywhere. Wish I'd known that when I bought the tulle, but hindsight is 20/20.

Next up: my husband. His birthday was this week and he's been asking me to make him a button-down shirt for years. Too scared to venture into the uncharted waters of menswear, I always pushed off the project, but this year I decided to make his dream a reality. I drafted the pattern off one of his existing shirts and got down to business sewing. It was actually a really fun project!

My husband looks amazing in his shirt, but I doubt he'll model it for me so you'll have to be content with folded close-ups for now.

My workspace is currently overrun with contractors (long story), so needless to say there will be no sewing this week. Next week, however, I plan to rock the socks off every Deco-loving person on the planet once again. I scored some lovely lightweight jacquard this week, so expect some incredible loungewear in the coming weeks.

Have you ever made a gift for someone that stretched beyond your realm of expertise or comfort? I'd love to hear about it!