blogleaves: fashion inspiration, style news, and all that's new in the world of figleaves.com

Jennifer, Peaches and polar expeditions

Lots of lingerie news today.

• Buy Jennifer Garner some new underwear! The star's holey briefs are exposed on Just Jared.
• Thong, Brazilian brief, shorty... or loincloth? A Japanese company hopes that this new knicker trend for women will catch on, says Reuters.
• Another day, another Ultimo model: this time it's Peaches Geldof, reveals the News of the World.
• How to find your way on a polar expedition? Navigate with a pair of lacy knickers, of course. The Daily Telegraph has the story.

And on that note, let's have a look at some pretty new arrivals. Below, fresh-as-a-daisy spring prints from Sista Shei and Freya.

 

Introducing Shock Absorber Swimwear

Swimming can be just as tough on your body as pounding the treadmill, y'know - so we're delighted that sports bra specialist Shock Absorber has turned its attention to swimwear. The new range is chlorine resistant and colour fast and, more importantly, gives you the support you've come to expect from Shock Absorber sports bras in bra-sized swimwear available up to a G-cup - so you can jump around in that aqua aerobics class without worrying about what it's doing to your Coopers ligaments.

Midnight Grace in Stella

The Sunday Telegraph's Stella magazine made our day yesterday: Figleaves is "possibly the best intimates store on the web," they said. To celebrate the launch of our own Midnight Grace collection, Stella is giving away this bra and shorty set, worth £38.

70% Off!

Prices in the figleaves mid season sale have been reduced even further, and with items now at up to 70% off I suggest you get in there quickly!

Personal favourites include a selection of yummy Nougat goodies, perfect for pampering the week's stresses away:

        

'My Feet' collection £35 to £10.50           Nourishing Cream Bath £25 to £7.50

For men who love style and refuse to compromise on quality and comfort, I think the best buy has got to be this two pack of Calvin Klein Steel Gold trunks - LOVE the metallic waistband! Down from £37 to £18.50:

 

Bikini waxing, Demi's bikini and Seafolly's legal battle: today's swimwear news

• How to get a post in the French cabinet? Looking good in a bikini is a start, says Sky News.
• Looking good in a bikini can also land you a TV career: Sports Illustrated covergirl Bar Rafaeli is lined up to present the relaunched MTV House of Style, according to NBC Los Angeles.
• Reasons not to live in New Jersey: the state seriously considered banning bikini waxing, says The Huffington Post.
• Demi Moore is favouring a white bikini this spring - as famously posted by hubby Ashton Kutcher on Twitter.
• Australian brand Seafolly (pictured) is gearing up for battle following claims of copyright infringement, reports the New Zealand Independent.

DM in Reveal, Huit in London Lite, Calvin Klein in The Telegraph

Reveal magazine, er, revealed its "wow factor bras" this week. Included in its figure fixers was this dotty DM strapless bra - "Frill detail boosts a smaller bust," noted the magazine.

Meanwhile, in the world of newspapers, this Huit set (above left - but be quick, though, as it's nearly sold out) appeared in London Lite's fashion round-up this week; while The Telegraph's Hilary Alexander recommended Calvin Klein's front closure bra to a reader looking for a replacement for an old favourite.

The one-shoulder dress that rocked

A celeb trend today. Here are Gemma Arterton (right) and Talulah Riley (nope, me neither) at the Martini world premiere party for new Richard Curtis movie The Boat That Rocked. On this evidence, it looks as though the asymmetric look is here to stay - so if you have any glam nights out planned, be prepared to bare your better shoulder. Underneath? We'd recommend investing in a strapless bra.

image: Getty

Simone Perele in Perfect Wedding

Figleaves.com's head buyer Rachael Smith was dishing out lingerie advice in Perfect Wedding this month. Her top tips for creating a great cleavage on the day? Ultimo's long line bra, £30, or Simone Perele's Fidji basque, pictured: "It's worth every penny for your special day and is a fabulous solutions piece."

Staying in is the new going out: the evidence

Here's a story to warm a lingerie retailer's heart: sales of lingerie in the UK have risen 12 per cent in the last three months, reports Catwalk Queen. Seems like staying in really is the new going out...

Below: new arrivals from Masquerade and Elle Macpherson Intimates.

Harvey Mushman

New in today for men is our Harvey Mushman collection, exclusive to figleaves.

As you may or may not know, Harvey Mushman was the racing alias of Steve McQueen. The new collection aims to channel the laid back style of the adventurer, silver screen icon and racing legend with t-shirts, swim shorts and cotton trunks in easy to wear shapes designed with vintage style prints.