Buckle Up

You don't know Shei until you've tasted Sista Shei! OK, that's my mock tag-line for the funzo lingerie brand, I mean come on... a halter under-wire buckle bra and matching brief? I must have it! Designed for the youth contingent, the strap is of course meant to be seen but even more convenient to be worn beneath a halter dress.  The tuxedo-styled tailoring represents the best of semi-formal styled lingerie. Get ready to ride on the nylon and spandex highway, so don't expect the set to last more than a few seasons with repeated wear. Still an incredibly worthy purchase methinks. ($80)

Mon Bleu!

Refined and lady-like, a silk dressing gown is required for any serious vintage lingerie collection. Dollface dames of the 1930s applied various paints and potions while seated at their vanities in preparation for a glamorous evening out. The proper attire was required for said activity and this fine crepe de chine version is an exquisite example from that era; hand-stitched diamond smocking at the bodice and cuff are the star attractions. Delicate embroidered flowers at the scalloped neckline, a gentle scarf-rolled hem, silk covered buttons and the most beautifulest bias draping round out the deets. I'm quite enamoured, a worthy addition to the vintage wardrobe, yes? ($45)

Vintage-ish

The fashion designers are making their foray into lingerie en masse and Stella McCartney will not be the lone wallflower left out of the dance. New to the game, manufacturing lingerie since 2007, the team has come up with this take on the 50s era wide-strap pink bra set complete with satin, tulle and a dash of cheeky for effect. This is one set you simply must add to your collection, meshing seamlessly with your vintage and contemporary collections. ($202)

Back Down

Transparent silk + silk lace = super sexy. Brit designer Damaris has her finger on the throbbing pulse of today's lingerie enthusiast and this lovely lace-up bodysuit is an excellent example from the latest collection. A silky nothing with a built in demi-cup shell bra, the pièce de résistance is the sensational corset lace-up from the back to the derriere. Can we say butt-cleavage? But the most shocking thing about this piece is the super-low pricepoint. Snap it up while you can peoples! ($285)

Tighty Whities

Someone I know confessed that she only wears white cotton panties and bras. Seems rather odd, but her rationalization had something to do with her strict and rather lazy practice of bleaching the hell outta every load of laundry. The emergency intervention began with the suggestion she dump the harsh chemicals in favor of natural non-chlorine bleach. Secondly she must invest in organic lingerie, something like this utilitarian soft cup bra and panty from Araks. Tiny ribbon bows decorate the straps of the 50s style bra, a shirred front on the low-rider bikini gives the ensemble a more modern edge. Baby steps. ($143)

Mahogany

The color "nude" has always been a bone of contention for me because firstly it's not just one color, and two, it never matches my "nude". Until now that is, the lingerie companies are finally wising up and stocking lingerie in tones complimentary to many shades like this perfect-for-me chocolate soire molded bra and g-string from Cosabella at a lovely price. ($61)

Pretty in Pink

My search for Victorian style boots led me to luxury lingerie purveyor Gentry de Paris, who has gone a step beyond the usual and created foot lingerie. The most intimate of intimates for your feet in the form of satin corset boots. Lined in Italian leather and handstitched by skilled craftsmen in the most romantic shade of pale pink. Details like ribbon laces make these the perfect winter wedding boots. (€375/$558)

Marlene Dietrich

She once said, "I dress for myself. Not for the image, not for the public, not for the fashion, not for men." Whether in a silk chiffon robe or top hat and tails, The Dietrich remains a fashion trendsetter. She invented re-invention long before Madonna and lived her life the way she pleased with maximum visual impact.

Come Hither

Marlene Dietrich best personifies vintage Hollywood glamour, which is why British designer Madame V named her silk chiffon robe after the icon. Trimmed completely in marabou feathers, strike a pose because you'll look like a classic film starlet. The luxurious and sophisticated confection arrives in its own storage container — a signature Madame V logo hatbox. (£600/$1184)

Suit Yourself

I know what you're thinking... when did bodysuits make a comeback? That's right, the bodysuit is making a comebac. Popular in the 90s, the shirt versions that snapped at the crotch were supposed to ensure your blouse never untucked. This halter version from luxe lingerie designer Kiki De Montparnasse is stitched together from jersey and stretch chiffon and not made for poolside. Designed as a versatile home loungewear item, pair with sexy high heels if you dare. ($350)

Love Story

Jane Austen meets Harlequin Romance for this romantic cotton candy pink floral underwired bustier from Italian luxury purveyors Verde Veronica. Brightly colored bouquets dominate the muted background, satin trim and bows detail the cup for a sophisticated frill. Elegant and feminine, sheer and delicate, pleasing to the eye, comfortable, and flattering to the figure — this is what fine lingerie is all about! (£105/$216)

On The Fringe

Over the last century, a major transformation has taken place in the women's undergarment industry. Practical cotton shifts have given way to seductive silky nothings, designed to reveal rather than conceal. This beguiling fringe teddy from the Carol Malony collection manages to do both. Although it's not exactly demure, the most important bits and pieces are shrouded with fringe and mesh. Practice your Shakira moves in the mirror before you show off in the boudoir. Hips don't lie. ($50)

Off We Glow

Been wondering what to wear with that transparent blouse? Forget the prim and proper tank top and let a fluorescent Chantilly lace bra shine through. Flip the switch on the black-light and light up the night because this set glows in the dark! That's right, your undergarments will give off more neon light than Times Square. Wowee Zowee! ($150)

Shocking Stockings

It's difficult for women of color to find thigh-hi nylon stockings in a range of skin tone colors. Secrets in Lace offers their premier French heel stockings in beige, copper and espresso — a downright plethora! Called a "French heel" for the seam which widens into a sharp triangle shape at the heel, it's extra sexy. Browse through the site for a modern take on retro cheesecake photography, featuring curvy models. ($29)

Harlequin Romance

Still sleeping in old tee shirts? Grow up girl, you're a woman now! Many refined ladies retire to bed in Regency romance novel lingerie, like this silk georgette pale pink nightie with matching panties from Jane De Lacey. The neckline has a crushed silk flower rosette and ribbon embellishment and the panties are trimmed all round with a delicate lace. (£165/$330)

Robe de Chambre

It's very interesting to see how other people live, for instance a French woman I knew had a very eclectic bathroom. Dried flowers, tons of expensive skin products like Jurlique and Decleor, and a lovely silk kimono hanging from a hook, a page right out of an Anthropologie catalog. Miles ahead of my Neutrogena and frumpy comfort robe. Step it up a few notches by replacing said frump with this luxurious short ruffle robe. Giving you a reason to utter the classic line, "Excuse me while I slip into something a bit more comfortable..." ($150)

Bed Dressed

Whatever happened to getting dressed for bed? Yes, waking up with mussed hair in a BF's tee shirt can be cute, but a sweetly sexy cotton eyelet nightie is better. Lightweight cotton is essential for hot summer nights, which is why fine linen importer Lartisana went to India for these handmade confections. Adjustable straps, ribbon bow ties and lace at the bust and hem round out the details. Bulk up your bedtime wardrobe and get one in each color. ($48)

Daughter of Shanghai

I've never worn a corset, to be all trussed up doesn't seem very appealing to me. But not having a super-tiny 22" waist to fit into vintage couture is becoming an issue, and I realized that a girdle or corset was the reason. Women 60 and 70 years ago didn't just have tiny waists, they had help! It was all just an illusion, so I searched and found this pale green Chinese brocade corset by What Katie Did, suitable for a varity of cup sizes, and modestly priced for a handmade garment. (£119/$239)

Spy Girl

This Claret silk and French lace bra and hipster from lingerie couturier Spoylt is super sexy. The utility garter is the icing on the cake; couldn't you imagine Jennifer Garner wearing this in an episode of Alias? Each item is sold separately and the total is $305. Pricey? Of course! Luxury ain't cheap, especially the handcrafted variety. Made in London, this is one of the premiere lingerie brands.

Strawberry Shortcake

It's rare to see a lingerie set rather than the pieces offered individually. So my mouth practically watered when I spied this silk and French Leavers lace bra and panty set from British brand Fleur T. The details are quite flirtatious; the ruffles on the bum, the silk bra tie, hot lace on lace action and the tiny chocolate bows on top! Deliciously priced at $267.