DRAWERS TAKE THE LEAD.
And I mean literally! I dont think anyone is as excited as us about our first issue being launched. We are three women who have decided to fill our issue with everyday aspects revolving around lingerie, featuring fashion, culture and the arts, just so the reader can get a broader insight into our minds and the minds out there.
We have passionately included elements that we feel are a very important matter to discuss, for example are you wearing the right size bra? Did you know that lingerie has 'in' trends and styles just like other clothing? As well as book reviews that may get you ladies blushing from underneath the pages.
So with all this in mind, we would like you to enjoy our little portrayal of all things beautiful and understand that when it comes to lingerie there is much, oh so much more that people need to learn...and dont worry, all these secrets are just between you and us.
If you would like a copy of our beautiful zine, it is only £3 and you can order a copy from us! or you can even discover them in Coco De Mer boutiques around London. We promise you it is worth a read; there are features in there that are not available online PLUS you get a special gift with the first issue.
Online you can still get the Drawers experience; The articles are split into sections:
- Fashion
- The Arts
- Culture
- Our Consumer Love
- Collaborations
- Miscellaneous
Click on one of the articles and the labels at the bottom of the posts will lead you to more treats of a similar theme.
Welcome to Drawers ladies!
- The lingerie fanatics, Emma, Danielle and Hannah
the perfect quote to describe the effects of lingerie on everybody around us.
“I love lingerie and feminine things. It makes me feel nice look good and turn somebody on by doing so. It’s an incredible rush. And when it turns a man on – fantastic. But no matter what, I’m getting off.”
- Lorri Bagley
(Actress and Model)
- Lorri Bagley
(Actress and Model)
This is you
We are targeting purely female students within their late teens and early twenties, so we offer a feminine and delicately sexy tone of voice along with beautifully excecuted illustrations. Our ideal reader is a student with class who appreciates and adores lingerie and encompasses the following values:
Feminine
Girly
Assertive
Appreciates the beauty of things
Student lovin’
Socialite
Creative
Playful
If you would describe yourself as one of these characters then Drawers is a perfect publication for you! we promise not to disappoint you with its content and hope you will invite your friends along.
Harriette Tebutt - The Duchess
This is Harriette Tebutt, an illustrator who attends Camberwell College and is our collaborator for our first zine issue. Her images are the inspiration for our style as they portray every essence of a feminine and delicate taste; an ethos to which we want our zine to evolve around and her images will be featured throughout the issue.
We are proud to announce that our first zine is completely illustrated by her beautiful works. Check out the photoshoot of the bespoke doodle undies that we has created for us. Harriette tells us about her life and passion for illustration in an interview within the first issue - and here is a short snipit of it..
Firstly who are your favourite artists?
Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Chagall, Tim Walker, Michel Ocelot and Laura Carin, just to name a few! I think I have too many favourites!
Do you have things that you prefer to draw? Are some objects or subjects more interesting to you than others? What are they?!
Firstly just people in general, they have no idea I’m drawing them. I draw people in cafes, parks and on the tube, all just going about their day to day things. I like drawing old toys, figures of the past, flowers and animals. Mainly just things with a lot of character, I like the personality and stories they have attached to them. I’m always trying to challenge myself with new things, at the moment my challenge is drawing from my imagination as I would normally choose to draw from life.
Why did you choose to illustrate lingerie?
It started off as a project to customize some plain, old underwear that I had barely worn, I’m a bit of a hoarder and so I hate throwing things away! Then I started buying plain underwear with the purpose of illustrating unique designs on them. Lingerie can be quite samey, I like the idea of something being a one-off.
Coco De Mer
"All our products are made with the consideration of environmental and human rights. We invest in the talents of local artisans...Ultimately, we hope that our products bring you joy, inspiration and a recharge of sexual energy that translates in the infinite enjoyment of one of life's great gifts...We Celebrate the beauty from which we all come! Savour life and drink it to the full."
To us, we feel that this is perfect. Not only are they expressing sexual mannerisms, but also taking into account other aspects of life that also revolve around this, for example human rights, fair trade, the enjoyment of life and talents of local artisans. Brilliant!!
If you want to get hold of our print publication with the exclusive free gift then head down to one of their boutiques! For a limited time only, hurry before they all sell out!
Coco De Mer boutiques:
Covent Garden - 23 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DD.
Brompton Cross - 108 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, London SW3 3AE.
To us, we feel that this is perfect. Not only are they expressing sexual mannerisms, but also taking into account other aspects of life that also revolve around this, for example human rights, fair trade, the enjoyment of life and talents of local artisans. Brilliant!!
If you want to get hold of our print publication with the exclusive free gift then head down to one of their boutiques! For a limited time only, hurry before they all sell out!
Coco De Mer boutiques:
Covent Garden - 23 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DD.
Brompton Cross - 108 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, London SW3 3AE.
Trends
Season after season and trend after trend, women continuously have to go out shopping in order to keep up to date with the ever changing fashion trends of this western world.
However are we making it sound like a hassle? No.
Do we complain how tiresome it can get walking in and out of every single shop trying on items in the right size convincing ourselves how we can actually squeeze into a smaller size, or two? Most certainly not.
The reason for this is because we love it!
Now ladies, it is not just normal clothing items that we must keep in trend, but also lingerie. As new patterns and colours emerge for every season’s style, underwear also keeps within the guidelines and creates ‘must have’ pieces. Unfortunately, next time you go for that shopping trip ladies you must also remember to peak through the underwear section.
Isn’t life tough?!
One trend that is in fashion is the minimalist look. Here neutral colours such as white, beige and cream dominate the style alongside clean cut lines. The idea is all about going back to basics with no nonsense, effortless and stylish looks with more attention to detail than on pattern design.
Filled with colours and vibrant life, floral depicts every essence of a warm summer’s day combined with an innocent girly effect. This pattern has also been interpreted into lingerie, so not only can women look feminine on the outside to the world but can also reveal it underneath in a more private and personal situation.
And in our zine there is any more to learn about...
Ethics when it comes to lingerie
Life not fair, but at least your lingerie can be.
Here are some boffy facts for you, they are tips that you might not know but you should because they are all associated with our beautiful environment.
They are really interesting though so make sure you give it a read.
We know the best way to green your wardrobe is to buy less and wash less. But what about your underwear? The thought of second hand lingerie or stretching out time between underwear washes (shiver) isn’t appealing at all!
The issues of climate change, the environment and ethical issues such as the working conditions of people manufacturing goods in poorer countries are constantly being brought to the forefront of our minds by the media. The fashion industry has been revealed to be guilty of pollution and exploitation. We know that you make your underwear purchasing decisions based on how good they make you feel.
Have you thought about how good you’d feel wearing underwear that is good for the environment?!
British women spent £2.75 billion on luxury lingerie in 2009. The unfortunate truth is that the majority of the underwear in our drawers is made from conventional cottons and polyesters. When it comes to ‘fair’ undies, fabric selection is the key.
We have created a few simple steps to follow to transform your underwear drawer in to any tree huggers dream. You don’t have to get rid of all the stuff you already have, just be more critical of your next purchases.
Step 1 – Ditch conventional cotton – especially anything bright white!
Conventional cotton alone is responsible for one fourth of the worldwide insecticides and pesticides used globally. Not only are these poisons intoxicating and (we hate to be dramatic but) killing the workers who grow the cotton but they are absorbed into the fibres and then slowly absorbed by your skin. They are still present in the fabrics after a few washes. Yes, your intimates are dangerous to you as well as the environment! The solution is natural organic cotton dyed with natural dyes or perhaps even try a new eco-friendly fabric.
Step 2 – Plastic pants? No thank you.
Man-made fibres like acrylic, nylon, polyester and polypropylene may be cheaper to produce. Petrochemicals produce fibres of uniform strengths, lengths and colours which make mass production an awful lot easier. Petrochemicals use more non renewable energy resources (i.e. oil, coal) than any of the natural fabrics. We think plastic panties are a big, ‘no, no’.
Step 3 – Bonjour bamboo
Bamboo is more breathable than cotton, it’s more absorbent than cotton but it dries as quickly, it’s naturally antibacterial, it’s softer to the touch yet it is more durable than cotton, and it’s much more ecologically sustainable. Bamboo is fast growing and extremely versatile; and even a quick search online will divulge vast amounts of bamboo lingerie. Even Stella McCartney has incorporated the fabric in to her designs.
Step 4 – Heavenly hemp
We know what you’re thinking; ‘hemp is far from heavenly’, you’re wrong. It is no longer the rigid, industrial, scratchy fabric it once was. Hemp is in fact the world’s softest natural fibre and it means the most comfortable, flattering and environmentally sound lingerie you’ll ever wear.
Step 5 – Peace silk
Leather and fur have long borne the brunt of the criticism of animal products in fashion, but silk usually gets a free pass. During the process of creating conventional silk, the silk worms are purposely destroyed. Peace silk — also known as vegetarian silk — is made from cocoons that have been collected after the moths have hatched and flown off and alive to create silk another day. The reason they destroy the silk worms is because just before hatching, the moth secrets an acidic chemical that weakens the thread allows it to tear a hole in the cocoon. Because the thread is torn when the moths emerge, peace silk thread cannot be unwound in a single continuous piece as conventional silk thread is. It instead has to be broken down and spun like wool. The result is not commercially accepted, thicker and loftier weave with some color irregularities.
Step 6 – Hunt out rare eco-fabrics
New eco friendly fabrics are being created all the time. Why not search out a soy, coconut or milk bra?!
The more eco and exotic your undies the more exotic you’ll feel, we promise!
Here are some boffy facts for you, they are tips that you might not know but you should because they are all associated with our beautiful environment.
They are really interesting though so make sure you give it a read.
We know the best way to green your wardrobe is to buy less and wash less. But what about your underwear? The thought of second hand lingerie or stretching out time between underwear washes (shiver) isn’t appealing at all!
The issues of climate change, the environment and ethical issues such as the working conditions of people manufacturing goods in poorer countries are constantly being brought to the forefront of our minds by the media. The fashion industry has been revealed to be guilty of pollution and exploitation. We know that you make your underwear purchasing decisions based on how good they make you feel.
Have you thought about how good you’d feel wearing underwear that is good for the environment?!
British women spent £2.75 billion on luxury lingerie in 2009. The unfortunate truth is that the majority of the underwear in our drawers is made from conventional cottons and polyesters. When it comes to ‘fair’ undies, fabric selection is the key.
We have created a few simple steps to follow to transform your underwear drawer in to any tree huggers dream. You don’t have to get rid of all the stuff you already have, just be more critical of your next purchases.
Step 1 – Ditch conventional cotton – especially anything bright white!
Conventional cotton alone is responsible for one fourth of the worldwide insecticides and pesticides used globally. Not only are these poisons intoxicating and (we hate to be dramatic but) killing the workers who grow the cotton but they are absorbed into the fibres and then slowly absorbed by your skin. They are still present in the fabrics after a few washes. Yes, your intimates are dangerous to you as well as the environment! The solution is natural organic cotton dyed with natural dyes or perhaps even try a new eco-friendly fabric.
Step 2 – Plastic pants? No thank you.
Man-made fibres like acrylic, nylon, polyester and polypropylene may be cheaper to produce. Petrochemicals produce fibres of uniform strengths, lengths and colours which make mass production an awful lot easier. Petrochemicals use more non renewable energy resources (i.e. oil, coal) than any of the natural fabrics. We think plastic panties are a big, ‘no, no’.
Step 3 – Bonjour bamboo
Bamboo is more breathable than cotton, it’s more absorbent than cotton but it dries as quickly, it’s naturally antibacterial, it’s softer to the touch yet it is more durable than cotton, and it’s much more ecologically sustainable. Bamboo is fast growing and extremely versatile; and even a quick search online will divulge vast amounts of bamboo lingerie. Even Stella McCartney has incorporated the fabric in to her designs.
Step 4 – Heavenly hemp
We know what you’re thinking; ‘hemp is far from heavenly’, you’re wrong. It is no longer the rigid, industrial, scratchy fabric it once was. Hemp is in fact the world’s softest natural fibre and it means the most comfortable, flattering and environmentally sound lingerie you’ll ever wear.
Step 5 – Peace silk
Leather and fur have long borne the brunt of the criticism of animal products in fashion, but silk usually gets a free pass. During the process of creating conventional silk, the silk worms are purposely destroyed. Peace silk — also known as vegetarian silk — is made from cocoons that have been collected after the moths have hatched and flown off and alive to create silk another day. The reason they destroy the silk worms is because just before hatching, the moth secrets an acidic chemical that weakens the thread allows it to tear a hole in the cocoon. Because the thread is torn when the moths emerge, peace silk thread cannot be unwound in a single continuous piece as conventional silk thread is. It instead has to be broken down and spun like wool. The result is not commercially accepted, thicker and loftier weave with some color irregularities.
Step 6 – Hunt out rare eco-fabrics
New eco friendly fabrics are being created all the time. Why not search out a soy, coconut or milk bra?!
The more eco and exotic your undies the more exotic you’ll feel, we promise!
Ethical brands
Who says sustainability can't be sexy?!
It is becoming increasingly popular to buy lingerie that not only is sultry and luxurious but also is created with care for the environment.
People assume something that is made out of materials such as bamboo, hemp, soya or jersey will be plain with no personality.
If you girlies want to get involved check out these brands and start spending:
The Natural Store is a brand that we found which creates beautiful eco lingerie with stunning prints along with added chic created from ribbons and bows using the most luxurious fabrics such as silk to line the little treasures.
Greenknickers: 'We started Green Knickers to prove that ethical choices can be funny, beautiful and sexy. The logical place to start was obviously knickers!' Stated by Sarah and Rose, the creators of the brand.
Lifes not fair but my knickers are: The main focus is Fairtrade products; it is a beautiful website showcasing affordable lingerie.
We are definitely getting the bank card out to purchase some of these beauties!
Can we persuade you to do the same?
It is becoming increasingly popular to buy lingerie that not only is sultry and luxurious but also is created with care for the environment.
People assume something that is made out of materials such as bamboo, hemp, soya or jersey will be plain with no personality.
If you girlies want to get involved check out these brands and start spending:
The Natural Store is a brand that we found which creates beautiful eco lingerie with stunning prints along with added chic created from ribbons and bows using the most luxurious fabrics such as silk to line the little treasures.
Greenknickers: 'We started Green Knickers to prove that ethical choices can be funny, beautiful and sexy. The logical place to start was obviously knickers!' Stated by Sarah and Rose, the creators of the brand.
Lifes not fair but my knickers are: The main focus is Fairtrade products; it is a beautiful website showcasing affordable lingerie.
We are definitely getting the bank card out to purchase some of these beauties!
Can we persuade you to do the same?
Photo shoot - a sneaky peak
A mix of play and nature
Females are guilty of the love for playful times with little sneaky hints but never give in to reveal all. There is a sense of free spirit and liberation within this photshoot. Walking in the park and stumbling amongst a pair of knickers delicately hanging freely from a tree or bush.
Its cheeky, girlie and fun with a secrective element to it, with the underwear hidden amongst foliage.
Here is a sneaky peek but you will have to buy the zine to see the whole shoot. They are designed by the lovely Harriette Tebutt herself and to us portray a warm summers day!
Location: Nottingham.
Kinky
We know that this image may be a little too sexual for some, but we just absolutely adore it! It's just very delicately shown in a subtle manner. Definately an inspiration starter for our magazine. Long live natural breasts!!
Lingerie fanatic - the artist
Natasha Law is a personal favourite artist of ours who is London based and renowned for her sexual portraits of females in their underwear posing in their own home environment. Her style is a very modern intake, one similar to David Downton, where thick illustrated lines highlight the body shape and silhouette of the women with block colours filling in the space of their clothing.
Art is always interpreted in various ways by different viewers and their opinions, but to us, her images do resemble the vibrant nature of the 1970s, where pop art meets erotic mannerisms and daily routines show a sunny minimal side of life. In some pieces of her work it is as if you (the viewer) are a ‘peeping tom’ and accidently stumble across a window looking into a home of a half dressed female. We are sure that a small majority of people will interpret her work as either being perverted or too kinky for some, but we think that’s what makes it even better!
How many fields of flowers or city streets must one person be subjected to within every art gallery? So this way half naked ladies wearing nothing more than a small amount of underwear is actually a breath of fresh air.
When viewing Natasha’s work we noticed that the femininity of the drawings are so delicately portrayed, It must be admited that the curves and shape of a woman’s naked body are much more flattering to gaze upon in a picture than the opposite sex, just because of the voluptuous silhouette creating an essence of sexuality. Something that Natasha captures brilliantly.
So now, everyone can realise how posing in your underwear can be taken to new levels!
The Eleven Gallery
Natasha Law’s work is often shown in the ‘Eleven’ gallery (11 Eccleston Street London, SW1 W9LX), a quaint establishment who pride themselves on exhibiting the best contemporary artists both international and local as well either being renowned or new up and coming names.
Danielle had the opportunity to visit the gallery and can proudly recommend it to anyone who has passion or a creative eye and can appreciate wonderful work.
The Eleven gallery is independently owned therefore you won’t be swimming your way through dozens of tourists who hover for a ridiculous amount of time around one painting, pretending that they ‘understand it!’
Consisting of two rooms on the ground floor, the paintings are hung along the wall throughout the simplistic white room, which drawers your attention to the image only instead of being distracted by other activities.
A beautiful ballerina...
It is a privilege to speak to a professional ballet dancer about their performing life, after all wasn’t being a ballerina every little girls dream at one point? But Susie King ensures us that it is not all about glitter, tutus and becoming a magical princess for the evening. The 20 year old Principle Ballet Dancer who currently performs for the Rambert dance company, shares the hardship and price ballet dancers have to consider when fulfilling their dream.
1)How long have you been a dancer for?
18 Years
2)Why did you choose to become a dancer?
Both my parents were dancers so I got brought up into a dance environment. I attended my parent’s ballet school when I was 2 and I enjoyed it so much I've never wanted to give up. I love the sense of achievement when I do a show and everything works, also I just love performing and being on stage in front of an audience, it’s an amazing feeling and experience!
3)What requirements are companies looking for when hiring new dancers?
Body type to fit the rest of the company, experience, dance quality, size and height, ability, age, type of training, determination, drive and attitude.
4)How much hardship and dedication does a dancer need to commit?
Dancers have to live, eat, sleep and breathe dance. You have to have the right mentality to succeed as it’s so incredibly competitive, so you have be the first in the studio in the morning and the last the leave in the evening. Dance is a tough profession, so that’s why you have to be completely dedicated and work 100% every day!
5)What is the average amount that a dancer would spend on dance shoes and clothing, and how often do they need to be updated?
Depends on how strong or arched the dancers’ feet are, i personally go through 1 pair of point shoes every 2 weeks and they cost around £40. Dance clothes would cost me about £250 a year which includes leotards, tights and warm up clothes. But when a dancer is in a company, the company pay for any costumes and shoes, you just have to provide training clothes, but as a student you have to pay for everything, but once again it differs from dancer to dancer and school to school. I go to Rambert and they have a more relaxed attitude towards uniform but schools like the Royal Ballet are very strict so their students tend to have to spend more on dance wear.
6)Is there a criterion that must be followed when choosing dance clothing?
Breathable, easy to move, flattering to your body shape and something that clearly shows the body, nothing too baggy. Most ballet dancers just wear leotard and tights in class.
7)What is the primary underwear worn by dancers when performing?
Nude thong, or nude body stocking or sometimes nothing! Sometimes dancers have to wear sports bras which we call 'bounce' bras to stop the bounce! But that depends on how on large the girls chest is, most classical ballet dancers are very small so they don't need them.
8)How comfortable and flattering are the clothing items?
I personally find the dance clothes very comfortable and flattering to my body type, but it depends on the individual. In dance it tends to be the smaller and more toned the better as you can't hide anything, your whole body is on show.
9)Is the items (especially when performing) one size, or fitted to each dancer specifically?
They are normally fitted to the dancer. But sometimes companies reuse costumes so they have to either be altered to the dancer’s size or the dancer just has to squeeze in!
10)What is the average age that ballet dancers retire from performing?
40. But it varies a lot from dancer to dancer and if their body can still keep up with the rest of the company or injury or family desires etc.
11)If you could do it all over again would you change anything and if so what?
I don't think I would change anything because the ups and downs of my training and career so far have shaped the person and dancer I am today. So every experience has been a learning curve for me, good or bad! Plus I have had so much fun and had amazing experiences growing up because I was dancing I wouldn't want to change a thing
Rambert is a company who base their inspiration on a contemporary style mixed with traditional classical ballet. Their reviews from broadsheet critics have been of positive praise and since only being established in 1982 and keeping up to their same standards will ensure Rambert to have a long and successful presence ahead of them, ready for the next future generation of dancers. Here are a few images of Susie in action, her physique and ability is outstanding, truly breathtaking.
Music for your panties
There is no point pretending when you have some time to yourself at home, one of the things you look forward to is stripping down to your undies and strutting your stuff to your favourite tunes. We’ve been hunting down new talent for all of those dancing moments:
So, you’re cleaning the flat on a Sunday, you need some real pants for this one. The ones at the back of your underwear drawer, maybe even some slouchy socks! We recommend Let's Go Surfing by The Drums.
This new indie, Florida-via-New York quartet will get you jumping and jigging around your living room.
Easy morning grooves with a hair brush. No one likes getting ready for work in the mornings so we’ve found a voice as sexy and soulful as the lacy, Brazilian cut knickers and matching bra set you’re going to wear whilst you sway and howl to this new talent. She’s called Rox, or Roxanne Tataei and with a style not unlike Amy Winehouse she’s bound to go far.
But unlike Winehouse, twenty two year old Miss Tataei’s youth wasn’t misspent; Saturdays were for Church, for singing, from 9am to 5pm, every week from the age of five to ten. It was here that her voice, love of performance and work ethic took shape. We love her passion and dedication and we propose you add her single ‘My Baby Left Me’ in to your morning lingerie routine.
You’re getting ready for a night out and you’re looking for something to prepare you for a heavy night, we recommend Joy Orbison. Not for everyone, and the exotic lingerie you’re wearing isn’t for everyone either! His sound is a lovingly-crafted late-night evolution of house and UK garage, with soft bass, hypnotic home-made percussion and distant chopped-up vocals.
BRKLN CLLN, deserves some underwear that gives you a bit of bounce, a set with as much quirky, character as this track has bass.
Unwind with a glass of wine after work; kick off your painful shoes along with the rest of your work apparel and start putting dinner on. Underwear choice is up to you along with the song choice.
The artist is I Blame Coco, it’s reggae tinted pop and Rasta-folk. Although they are trying very hard to be ‘Doherty’ cool, we don’t mind admitting that the lead, young, rich, intoxicated, Coco Summers has some soul and talent.
So, you’re cleaning the flat on a Sunday, you need some real pants for this one. The ones at the back of your underwear drawer, maybe even some slouchy socks! We recommend Let's Go Surfing by The Drums.
This new indie, Florida-via-New York quartet will get you jumping and jigging around your living room.
Easy morning grooves with a hair brush. No one likes getting ready for work in the mornings so we’ve found a voice as sexy and soulful as the lacy, Brazilian cut knickers and matching bra set you’re going to wear whilst you sway and howl to this new talent. She’s called Rox, or Roxanne Tataei and with a style not unlike Amy Winehouse she’s bound to go far.
But unlike Winehouse, twenty two year old Miss Tataei’s youth wasn’t misspent; Saturdays were for Church, for singing, from 9am to 5pm, every week from the age of five to ten. It was here that her voice, love of performance and work ethic took shape. We love her passion and dedication and we propose you add her single ‘My Baby Left Me’ in to your morning lingerie routine.
You’re getting ready for a night out and you’re looking for something to prepare you for a heavy night, we recommend Joy Orbison. Not for everyone, and the exotic lingerie you’re wearing isn’t for everyone either! His sound is a lovingly-crafted late-night evolution of house and UK garage, with soft bass, hypnotic home-made percussion and distant chopped-up vocals.
BRKLN CLLN, deserves some underwear that gives you a bit of bounce, a set with as much quirky, character as this track has bass.
Unwind with a glass of wine after work; kick off your painful shoes along with the rest of your work apparel and start putting dinner on. Underwear choice is up to you along with the song choice.
The artist is I Blame Coco, it’s reggae tinted pop and Rasta-folk. Although they are trying very hard to be ‘Doherty’ cool, we don’t mind admitting that the lead, young, rich, intoxicated, Coco Summers has some soul and talent.
Personal Matters
Doesn't everyone?
This image is just to show explicit phrases and private matters distributed in a different way. Personally we find it very comical (especially the face of the blonde haired woman!!)
Do you know your cup size?
Emma's Bra Fitting Experience
Does your bust feel suffocated in your bra?
Are you falling out of your bra?
Are you just uncomfortable and dread putting on a bra?
A huge amount of girls and women are wearing the wrong size bra and if you said yes to the above questions then the chances are you are one of those females! With National bra fitting week and my own personal experience getting fitting, I now experience the benefits of wearing the right sized bra! Did you know that a piece of underwear that fits to perfection will make you appear slimmer and curvier, instead of ‘four boobs on the front and four boobs on the back?’ Your clothes will look amazing and your confidence will soar!
I would really recommend that you take a visit to your nearest lingerie shop and get fitted by a professional; it only takes five minutes that leads to months of comfort. I was dragged to Bravissimo by a good friend of mine, insisting that I was a lot larger than I thought. The idea of taking my top off in front of a stranger was a little unnerving but it was fine! Friendly professionals greeted us; I was taken into the beautiful dressing rooms and instantly was at ease. The fitter looked at the bra I was wearing and disappeared for a short while before returning with some delicate bras for me to try. They fitted perfectly; the correct size was three cup sizes bigger and two band sizes smaller, the difference in comfort was unbelievable.
But if you are a girl who is not comfortable with the thought of someone fitting you, here are some top tips to ensure that you are teamed up with the perfect bra for you.
• You should only be able to fit one finger between the band and your body.
• You should always do the bra up and secure it on the last hook.
• If you are wearing an under wired bra, ensure that the wire is flat against your body.
• The wire should not be digging into your skin under your arms.
• To make sure the cups are the correct size: bend over, hold your bra underneath the cups and shake your bust slightly from side to side to ensure you are in securely. This will show whether you need to go up a cup size or not.
• The band should be parallel with the bottom of the bra cup. If it rises up then the band is too large.
The smaller the band size, the larger the cup size so for example if you are wearing a 34C (the cups are too small and the band is too big) your new bra size may be 32D.
Don’t forget though that some brands or styles will differ so if you are struggling to decide which one is most suitable, don’t be afraid to ask one of the fitters. Besides that is what they are there for.
Do you think you look sexier with a cleavage? So many girls wear the wrong sized bra thinking that their breasts look fuller due to the cleavage created from the small bra. But girls, there are bras out there that you can wear correctly and safely but are deliverable designed to give you a natural looking cleavage. Don’t harm your health for the way you look, it is really not worth it. It has been found that wrongly sized bras can seriously damage breast tissue especially breasts that are still developing. It can also cause back pain.
Ok, now you’re fitted with the prefect size, you feel more confident and happy with the purchase of a new beautiful bra. Lingerie is such a weakness for us! Wear your new bra for a couple of weeks to ensure it is comfortable and that you have picked the right size and style that suits you. If you now forget that you are wearing a bra altogether, then result! You can now go out and buy beautiful lingerie that is kind to your body and fill up that underwear drawer of yours
Happy fitting and enjoy shopping for a new you!
Emma x
Does your bust feel suffocated in your bra?
Are you falling out of your bra?
Are you just uncomfortable and dread putting on a bra?
A huge amount of girls and women are wearing the wrong size bra and if you said yes to the above questions then the chances are you are one of those females! With National bra fitting week and my own personal experience getting fitting, I now experience the benefits of wearing the right sized bra! Did you know that a piece of underwear that fits to perfection will make you appear slimmer and curvier, instead of ‘four boobs on the front and four boobs on the back?’ Your clothes will look amazing and your confidence will soar!
I would really recommend that you take a visit to your nearest lingerie shop and get fitted by a professional; it only takes five minutes that leads to months of comfort. I was dragged to Bravissimo by a good friend of mine, insisting that I was a lot larger than I thought. The idea of taking my top off in front of a stranger was a little unnerving but it was fine! Friendly professionals greeted us; I was taken into the beautiful dressing rooms and instantly was at ease. The fitter looked at the bra I was wearing and disappeared for a short while before returning with some delicate bras for me to try. They fitted perfectly; the correct size was three cup sizes bigger and two band sizes smaller, the difference in comfort was unbelievable.
But if you are a girl who is not comfortable with the thought of someone fitting you, here are some top tips to ensure that you are teamed up with the perfect bra for you.
• You should only be able to fit one finger between the band and your body.
• You should always do the bra up and secure it on the last hook.
• If you are wearing an under wired bra, ensure that the wire is flat against your body.
• The wire should not be digging into your skin under your arms.
• To make sure the cups are the correct size: bend over, hold your bra underneath the cups and shake your bust slightly from side to side to ensure you are in securely. This will show whether you need to go up a cup size or not.
• The band should be parallel with the bottom of the bra cup. If it rises up then the band is too large.
The smaller the band size, the larger the cup size so for example if you are wearing a 34C (the cups are too small and the band is too big) your new bra size may be 32D.
Don’t forget though that some brands or styles will differ so if you are struggling to decide which one is most suitable, don’t be afraid to ask one of the fitters. Besides that is what they are there for.
Do you think you look sexier with a cleavage? So many girls wear the wrong sized bra thinking that their breasts look fuller due to the cleavage created from the small bra. But girls, there are bras out there that you can wear correctly and safely but are deliverable designed to give you a natural looking cleavage. Don’t harm your health for the way you look, it is really not worth it. It has been found that wrongly sized bras can seriously damage breast tissue especially breasts that are still developing. It can also cause back pain.
Ok, now you’re fitted with the prefect size, you feel more confident and happy with the purchase of a new beautiful bra. Lingerie is such a weakness for us! Wear your new bra for a couple of weeks to ensure it is comfortable and that you have picked the right size and style that suits you. If you now forget that you are wearing a bra altogether, then result! You can now go out and buy beautiful lingerie that is kind to your body and fill up that underwear drawer of yours
Happy fitting and enjoy shopping for a new you!
Emma x
Time to rate your knickers
Ever heard of the Undies awards girls?
It is an award ceremony for your favourite undies!
It is an annual event that takes place in America, drawing people from far and wide. It is in its fourth year and has received over 100,000 votes for the most desired underwear with various categories such as the brand and style. Both men and women of all shapes and sizes get to have their say.
There are award ceremonies for the best television programmes, the best celebrities providing awards such as the most sexiest men and women.
So why not celebrate our curves?
This is a huge subject within the english culture, We think every young woman would benefit from something like this as well as providing the lingerie industry with ‘real’ information.
Gather round ladies, along side the taking of votes, advice is given to help them find the perfectly fitting selection of lingerie. There are brands that we have found which allow you to customize your own bra. It is extremely common to have one cup bigger than the other so this ingenious idea could transform our buying struggles to cater for uneven shapes. Chicken fillets no longer needed ladies!
Look out for another article after more research has been done to provide you with the perfect solutions!
In the next issue we are having an award ceremony of our very own so girlies start spreading the words and giving us an idea of what you would vote for!!
The style and fit can transform your confidence. Watch this space.
Film reviews
‘Project Chore’ This is defiantly a sexy and cheeky film clip to watch when you have a spare minute or two.
The Damaris lingerie brand is known to be controversial which director; Justin Anderson has captured perfectly pushing boundaries of modern film. Not what I was expecting at all, the music works well with the fast pace of the clip working effectively with the movements of the women.
We love the contradictions used in the film. Women doing not so glamorous everyday chores and jobs around the house yet they are wearing the most beautiful underwear.
Every girl enjoys the thrills of being able to walk around in the privacy of their own home, just in their underwear but not usually in their best pieces so it is an interesting approach. It reflects everyday life yet perhaps displays the sex appeal of the modern housewife.
This short film can be found exclusively on vogue.co.uk. Everyone is talking about it.
The Damaris lingerie brand is known to be controversial which director; Justin Anderson has captured perfectly pushing boundaries of modern film. Not what I was expecting at all, the music works well with the fast pace of the clip working effectively with the movements of the women.
We love the contradictions used in the film. Women doing not so glamorous everyday chores and jobs around the house yet they are wearing the most beautiful underwear.
Every girl enjoys the thrills of being able to walk around in the privacy of their own home, just in their underwear but not usually in their best pieces so it is an interesting approach. It reflects everyday life yet perhaps displays the sex appeal of the modern housewife.
This short film can be found exclusively on vogue.co.uk. Everyone is talking about it.
Drawers' book recommendations for all you lovely readers.
Each issue, I will provide you with novels of a romantic nature and some of a more risqué and erotic subject matter.
Food of Love by Anthony Capella (2005) is a book that you will want to devour in one sitting. The descriptive content will lead to a faraway land, discover your desire and ensure you are brought back to reality by the end of the novel. A passionate and sensual novel that teaches the culinary delights of Italy and a touching love affair that proves heartbreaking for a particular character. His only way to prove his love is through food. It is a book that I have read time and time again despite the writing is not to the highest standard.
In too deep by Portia De Costa (2007) A feisty erotic novel that follows an ordinary woman encountering a sexual fantasy with an anonymous admirer called ‘Nemisis who leaves letters of the most crude and erotic nature. At work she falls for a professor, with fantasies in her imagination leading her astray; is this man she has fallen in love with actually Nemisis after all? You will witness her story as she slowly discovers the truth with many sexual scenes and confrontations masking her from the truth. The ultimate aphrodisiac is ignited from the imagination. The author cleverly builds up the story line resulting in the reader getting caught up in her fantasy world. It is a sophisticated take on a novel that provides romance with plenty of heat.
Food of Love by Anthony Capella (2005) is a book that you will want to devour in one sitting. The descriptive content will lead to a faraway land, discover your desire and ensure you are brought back to reality by the end of the novel. A passionate and sensual novel that teaches the culinary delights of Italy and a touching love affair that proves heartbreaking for a particular character. His only way to prove his love is through food. It is a book that I have read time and time again despite the writing is not to the highest standard.
In too deep by Portia De Costa (2007) A feisty erotic novel that follows an ordinary woman encountering a sexual fantasy with an anonymous admirer called ‘Nemisis who leaves letters of the most crude and erotic nature. At work she falls for a professor, with fantasies in her imagination leading her astray; is this man she has fallen in love with actually Nemisis after all? You will witness her story as she slowly discovers the truth with many sexual scenes and confrontations masking her from the truth. The ultimate aphrodisiac is ignited from the imagination. The author cleverly builds up the story line resulting in the reader getting caught up in her fantasy world. It is a sophisticated take on a novel that provides romance with plenty of heat.
Cocktails
Women who love lingerie love cocktails. At Drawers we have been busy exploring everything cocktail related going on in London. From where is good for a hot date and the classes that are a must with the girlfriends to unbeatable cocktail recipes. Where to start?! The perfect, affordable girls’ night out, of course! Let’s face it, there's nothing it won't cure; from heartache to a headache, a girls night out is one of our only gender exclusive thrills we really crave. Leaving your lovers and worries at home; an occasion as impressive as a girl’s night out deserves perfect, delicious, glamorous cocktails.
P.O.A.
Starting with your underwear! Since this is restricted to females only, you’re permitted to wear your most exotic and risqué lingerie under that little black dress. There’s something almost mischievous about hiding your promiscuity and it causes you to just ooze confidence.
London is said to be the best city in the world for a cocktails. There are enough chic bars for any self claimed party girl to be content. The problem, however, is finding a cocktail that gives you change from a £10 note! In our experience girls nights out come in two forms; a weekday ‘quiet’ few drinks and a planned, anticipated special event. In our zine, we have solutions for both, check the treats out.
Keep up with Drawers when they take the lead.
Keep a look out for more exciting content revolving around our love for lingerie.
The next issue of the zine will be out for you to enjoy at the end of September. However from now til then we will ofcourse not forget about you and your needs! We will update our blog with interesting things that we find along the way... our research blog is available for you to look through. We thought that if the readers of the glossy magazines such as Vogue, glamour or cosmopolitan could see behind the scenes and see where and how they draw inspiration for articles, it would involve the reader. It would be so interesting which is why we have decide3d to give you access to our brainstorming ideas for present and future zines. We want you to become part of the publication and we would love any suggestions or comments on what we are doing and what we have provided for you so far.
- Emma, Danielle and Hannah,
Your lingerie fanatics. x
The next issue of the zine will be out for you to enjoy at the end of September. However from now til then we will ofcourse not forget about you and your needs! We will update our blog with interesting things that we find along the way... our research blog is available for you to look through. We thought that if the readers of the glossy magazines such as Vogue, glamour or cosmopolitan could see behind the scenes and see where and how they draw inspiration for articles, it would involve the reader. It would be so interesting which is why we have decide3d to give you access to our brainstorming ideas for present and future zines. We want you to become part of the publication and we would love any suggestions or comments on what we are doing and what we have provided for you so far.
- Emma, Danielle and Hannah,
Your lingerie fanatics. x
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