Gifted Betty Blue's Loungerie in the Lingerie Secret Santa

This post is a long time coming, but better late than never, right?

As in 2014, I participated in the Lingerie Secret Santa again at the end of last year and once again hit the jackpot with UK based Betty Blue's Loungerie! I've been admiring them from afar for a while, but what a treat to finally have their amazing work in my collection.

Photos of the Nell Dress Slip via Betty Blue's Loungerie

Betty Blue's Loungerie is retro glam at its finest, using soft, luxe fabrics to create sumptuous, vampy silhouettes, reminiscent of the screen sirens of the past. Betty Hobcraft, the brains behind the gorgeous brand, sent me a piece I was elated to finally try, the Nell Dress Slip, one of the line's classics. It's totally iconic and just as gorgeous on as it is in the photos. The refined slip silhouette in stretch satin and uber soft lace boasts a high natural waistline and sheer panels at center front and center back, a cheeky, sexy detail you don't often see in traditional loungewear.

I'm not an easy fit, with a large bust, large hips and comparatively narrow waist. What's great about this piece is that it stretches in the right spots and fits me marvelously.

Photo of the Agatha Eyemask via Betty Blue's Loungerie

As if the Nell Dress Slip wasn't enough, Betty Blue's also sent me their lingerie bag and their Agatha Eyemask, a sweet touch and extra cherry on top that just made this gift even more lovely. This whole collection came beautifully packaged and perfectly constructed. I really couldn't have asked for a more lovely treat. Thank you, Betty Blue's!

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.