blogleaves

Caught on camera - How To Look Good Naked!

Did you just spot us on How To Look Good Naked?! My phone is buzzing with texts from colleagues and friends who spotted our products on the show. I know that our buyers in particular, who work so hard to ensure we stock the best quality and latest innovations in shapewear, will be particularly chuffed.

Gok loved the Spanx Slim Cognito shaping bodysuit and the Wonderbra D-G Everyday t-shirt bra. The Spanx has bra loops to prevent it rolling down and smooths your figure, creating a flawless and tones look, while the Wonderbra shapes with lightly padded, smooth cups.

Also spotted: The Pour Moi? Provence basque, Miraclesuit Extra Firm control brief, Just Peachy Lace brief, and Wonderbra D-G Sexy Glamour plunge.

A big thank you to Gok Wan and his team for mentioning us, and keep watching next week!

Gok's back!

...or 'buy one Gok Wan free' as Jason from Creative joked last week.

Our favourite shapewear guru is back on TV tonight, teaching us all a thing or two about how to boost our best bits and flatter the less than perfect areas we all have ("hi, my names is Suz and I'm a baked potato addict. Meet my tummy...").

Competetive as we are when it comes to solutions and fashion, we'll be swotting up on valuable tips tonight. How To Look Good Naked, Channel 4 at 8pm - have your laptop at the ready to shop as you go!

LBD 3 ways...

As the party season shimmies into the not-too-distant future my thoughts have turned to the inevitable outfit planning and this year's Little Black Dress.

This season the LBD dances out of ubiquity on a breeze of sparkle, detail and satin. Updating the traditional party wardrobe staple into something not only wearable but lovable, the latest crop of designs fall roughly into 3 categories: structure, texture, and embellishment.

First up, structure. These dresses are deceptively simple, focusing on cut to create dramatic effect and let your figure do the talking. Catwalk inspiration is strong here, reflecting the shoulder trend that was so popular at shows from Balmain to Louis Vuitton. The neatly tailored, figure defining shapes of the kind that Roland Mouret does so well are also big this season, creating a curvy, Hitchcock heroine silhouette.

Soft textures abound, from satin twisted into a shoulder knot to chiffon that falls in graceful layers. The figleaves maxi dress is the most glamorous of the group, it's Grecian shape brushing the floor.

Adding a rock chic, attention grabbing hint of sparkle is a duo of sequin encrusted shifts. Hems are short so wear with tights or leggings if you're not feeling daring. For a softer version I love the silk embellished hem dress. Styled in a muted tone with sequin embroidery skirting the hem, this a discreet and chic way to wear the trend.

So there you have it, three ways (at least) with the classic Little Black Dress. I know which one I'm going for, next I just have to choose the accessories... Is there ever a better excuse for shopping than the festive season?

Shapewear: tried and tested

We at figleaves.com love to offer you all your lingerie solutions. Whether that be everyday essentials or a touch of luxury for special occasions, we hunt high and low  to bring you the latest additions that we think you’ll love to have in your lingerie drawer and that’s why we’re so excited about our new line of shapewear, Lytess.

Now we know that shapewear is a strange thing to get excited about but when we heard that this new range is infused with Caffeine and Shea butter to moisturise and improve skin tone we were more than a little intrigued.

The brand says that after 18 days you can expect to see a smoothed and shaped silhouette as the technology behind the product works with your body to eliminate toxins and reduce fats creating a slimming effect. Good bye lumps and bumps and au revoir cellulite!

It’s no surprise then that as we learned more about the benefits of Lytess here at figleaves.com we all wanted to try it for ourselves. So that’s exactly what we’re doing. Both myself and Jerry from the DD+ team have slipped into our Lytess for 18 whole days so that we can let you know exactly what we think and what to expect.

The range comes in a full length legging, a Capri pant and a short. We’ve opted for the shorts so that we can wear them under any outfit. Today I’m wearing mine under denim and have found them surprisingly comfortable and Jerry has a dress on. Because they’re light and not at all restrictive they’re already proving themselves in the versatility and wear ability stakes. But 18 days is a long time. . .

The technology works with your body best when you’re mobile so as neither of us are hard core gym junkies (honestly who has the time?) we’ll simply be doing the 30 minutes walking we do every day to and from the tube station.

We’ll report back to you at the end of the trial with what we think of the product and what results we’ve seen. In the meantime you can follow us on Twitter to find out how we’re getting on.

Rankin and Roll

Billed as Rankin's 'most ambitious exhibition to date', the Rankin Live project saw the world famous photographer and Dazed & Confused co-founder shoot 1,000 members of the British public, then print and hang the pictures live at the show. All proceeds from the prints went to Oxfam, a charity that Rankin has created stunningly evocative imagery for in the past.

Rankin led the search for 'eccentric and enthusiastic Londoners' in an attempt to capture the style and expression of the times. I'm not sure what that says about the members of our Marketing team who were photographed, but we were over the moon with the images!

Lisa Henderson, our Marketing and PR Executive is normally camera shy, but found Rankin so easy to work with that her confidence really shines through: "I am in awe of Rankin’s work.  I don’t know how he does it but he just knows exactly what to do in order to get the best of each person when he photographs them – a snapshot of their character captured forever in that small moment in time." Couldn't agree more Lisa.

Jess summed it up for us nicely: "was great doing something out of the ordinary  – sitting still and not getting the giggles was a challenge. The end result looks nothing like the real me, but is something I will show my grandchildren when I’m old and grey. Rankin is a legend!"

From the sublime to the rebellious, we're beaming with pride over these pics. Hope you like them too.

    Christina Acklam                 Lisa Henderson                 Jess Burnett                     Natalie Watts

   Marketing Manager            Marketing & PR Executive      Head of Marketing            Studio Manager

Win framed lingerie signed by Dita Von Teese

To celebrate the launch of the Party Edition by Dita Von Teese we are offering one of our lucky Facebook fans or Twitter followers the chance to win a framed piece of lingerie signed by the burlesque beauty.

To enter the competition simply becomes a fan of ours on Facebook and comment ‘enter’ on the competition news feed story. Or follow us on Twitter and tweet the following message ‘enter @figleaveshome’. All entries will be entered into the draw and one winner selected at random. Good luck x

Terms and conditions
1. Entrants must be fans of figleaves.com at Facebook http://tinyurl.com/nfjk7bor be followers of figleaves.com on Twitter http://twitter.com/figleaveshome.
2. No Purchase Necessary.
3. Draw closes 11:59pm(GMT)Tuesday 29 September 2009.
4. Entrants will be required to comment ‘enter’ on the competition story at facebook.com or tweet their wish to enter the competition ‘enter @figleaveshome’
5. Open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands, IoM, RoI, aged 18 or over except employees and their immediate families of figleaves.com, their agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion.
6. Acceptance of the terms and conditions is a condition of entry and entry instructions form part of the terms and conditions.
7. The prize is a framed piece of lingerie signed by Dita Von Teese.
8. One winner will be randomly selected from our Facebook fans or Twitter followers who have entered the competition, by the stipulated time and date, on Wednesday 30 September.
9. Entries from third parties, agencies or sent in bulk will be declared invalid and void.
10. No responsibility can be taken for lost, delayed or non-transmitted entries.
11. Prize winner will be notified within 10 days of the winner being drawn. Prize is as stated and no cash alternative is available. The winner will be notified by the Facebook or Twitter account by which they entered. It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure that their account settings enable us to contact them.
12. In the event of circumstances outside its control, the Promoter reserves the right to provide a similar alternative prize of equal or greater value.
13. If the winner does not respond to claim their prize within 28 days of notification being given, an alternative winner will be selected.
14. The Promoter's decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
15. For name of prize winner contact the Promoter 28 days after the closing date.
16. Promoter: figleaves.com, Solar House, 915 High Road, London, N12 8QJ.

PPQ at London Fashion Week

The 25th annual London Fashion Week kicked off in style on Friday. We were absolutely thrilled to be invited down to the Red Bull Factory on New Oxford Street to sneak a peak at the Spring/Summer 2010 collection from our friends at PPQ.

Doing our bit for figleaves.com we decided to support our own new collections and accessorised with figleaves clutch bags and beautiful Adele Marie jewellery. A black cropped sequinned blazer coming soon to the womenswear collection also made an appearance and it was in good company with several faces in the PPQ front row sparkling in their sequins.

While no one was looking we cheekily snuck into the front row for a photo opportunity.

We think we fit right in amongst Fearne Cotton who was wearing an impressive black hair bow, Alexa Chung, the Geldof sisters, the JLS boys, Michelle Williams, and supermodel Erin O’Connor.

We’d contributed to the swag that the guests took home in their goody bags. Lisa was more than happy to show off the figleaves.com gift bag containing a look book, our Italian hosiery and a pair of silk briefs exclusively designed for the occasion.

But enough of our self indulgence and onto what we were really there to observe...

What better way is there to banish our post-summer blues than mentally dress ourselves up for Spring/Summer ’10? And we’re pleased to note that PPQ will have us back bathing like ‘50s screen goddesses. Swoons from famous faces in the front row were visible as the label unveiled their gorgeous polka dot bikini.

Sumptuously starlet and decorated with an oversized bow at the cleavage, it’s the latest in a line of pieces this LFW to actually, quelle-horreur.  . .  celebrate curves (is it just us or after 25 years is this capital coming of age?)

On top of the Brigitte Bardot style two-piece, more haute 50’s touches came and came. There were jewel toned picture hats, retro ruffling and gorgeous A-line silhouettes. It gave the effect of an old-school Vogue shoot in the Hamptons. Make-up followed suit - think long eyelashes and sexy nude lips.

To contrast, electric, modern finishes were added. Oversized statement bags and killer heels (note to self: strictly for poolside posing. Sand + stilettos = surefire humiliation). And although we must admit we haven’t quite got round to thinking of our bikini shape-ups just yet, any motivation evaporated a little when we glimpsed their gorgeous line of summer dresses. Monochrome maxis with a splash of candy pink, a silky emerald green caped dress cinched at the waist and irresistibly girlish playsuits. Hmm if only we could afford that flight to the Bahamas this winter.

Fresh with summer 2010 inspiration we headed for the after party at The Mayfair, via an impromptu scenic tour of central London courtesy of our not so terrific map reading skills. . .

A retro carnival theme came complete with waitresses blowing bubbles and dishing out free candy bracelets, chewy cherries, marshmallow treat and sherbet straws. Yum. The fun, summer atmosphere fit perfectly with the pieces from the collection. The bar kept us in cocktails all evening while the DJ’s played a laid back reggae and ska infused set which had us all singing and swaying along until our poor little feet could take no more and we headed for bed and sweet, fashion filled dreams.

With love from, Amy and Suzi xx

figleaves loves Marc Jacobs

While London patiently awaits the arrival of the 25th annual Fashion Week at Somerset House, our New York counterpart is already underway. The Bryant Park catwalks have played host to Derek Lam, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Carolina Herrera  to name but a few. But it is Marc Jacobs who is currently the toast of the town and the figleaves.com office.

Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2010 ready to wear collection stepped out with a subtle couture twist, comprising all the notes needed to create a fusion fashion symphony. Japanese style top knots piled on top of the heads of Pierrot made-up models blended Asian and European influences. Zigzag patterns and cut away fabrics were reminiscent of both a folksy 1970’s Zandra Rhodes and her 1980’s punk ventures. Military style jackets in pastel colour palettes added femininity to masculine shapes. Shoulders were big and wide but softened by ruffles, creating boardroom power dressing with a romantic twist.

Antiquity met modernity where lamé metallic fabrics were overlayed with pearl embellishment and high lace collars. While the collection featured references to several time periods, in a nod to the more recent past we especially loved the designer revisiting his experimentation with underwear as outerwear.

Bras in soft satin over tailored shirts and full briefs as shorts under blazers represented an interesting collision of workwear meets loungewear that we wish we had the guts (and the legs) to try. Thankfully hemlines weren’t always short. Billowing dresses ending mid calf and worn over sheer hosiery also featured heavily.

At first glance the collection may seem as though there is no common theme connecting the eclectic mix of east, west, old, new, fantasy, reality, work and play but in a week of what have been beautiful but quite safe shows; this melting pot of contrasting flavours has inspired us. Speaking after the show the designer told of his desire to romanticise with his clothes. Well we couldn’t help but fall in love.

Rising Stars Awards 2009

Retail Week's 2009 Rising Star Awards night was held at London's Grosvenor House Hotelon Thursday, and we were so proud to have three figleaves employees nominated for prizes. Designed to recognise the achievements of young, up-and-coming talentswithin the retail industry, we'd like to say a big well done to Laura Milford for coming runner-up in Outstanding HR Individual or Team, Christina Acklam for coming runner-up in Outstanding Online Individual or Team, and Andrew Miles for finishing in the top 6 of Outstanding Supply Chain an Logistics Individual or Team. These three made it to the final from 600 applicants, so a really impressive achievement.

Judging from the photographs (and a few sore heads the next day), Retail Week put on a good party! Our CEO Julia Reynolds and some others from the office went down to wish our nominees good luck, and it sounds like they partied well in to the night.

Dora Lesinska and Julie Catling with Theo Paphitis

If you'd like to become part of the figleaves team, we'd love to hear from you. Click here to find out how you can get involved.

Christina Acklam, Lisa Henderson, Laura Milford & Julie Catling

 

              Julia Reynolds, Dora Lesinska & Mark Patterson                       Matt Garratt, Joanna Ansell & Andrew Miles

Dita has arrived

There’s a real buzz in the figleaves.com office today and it’s all because of one curvaceous and delicious lady, the magnificent Dita Von Teese.

Ever since we heard that we were getting  the starlet’s second collection for Wonderbra, we’ve been overwhelmed with excitement but no one more so than Desta, our assistant buyer for the range. We asked Desta why she loves the collection and she was more than happy to tell us. . . “It’s sexy and glamorous, perfect for the party season. Dita’s a fashion icon and the fifties, vintage inspired designs mean that everyone can look and feel fabulous”. Tempted?

Lots of planning and effort has gone into ‘teesing ‘you throughout our Dita day celebrations so that we can delight you with her fun and frivolous Party Edition of beguiling bras, flirtatious briefs and  coquettish suspenders destined to bring out the burlesque beauty within all of you.

We’ve been tempting you here at blogleaves all week and the figleaves community has been going stir crazy for the pieces ever since we whet your appetite with our Dita Day Twitter page and photo gallery at our Facebook fan page.

We’re thrilled that you’re as excited about the “sexy” and “gawjus” Multi Teese, Satin Teese and Sparkle Teese designs from “an awesome and sexy lady”. The tempting line  features satin and sparkle numbers in red, mauve and black colour palettes destined to add a touch of old Hollywood glamour to anyones lingerie draw.

Have we piqued your interest yet? The wait is almost over.

You’ve been so patient with us so now its time for the big reveal that ends all burlesque shows. Ladies and gentlemen we give you  the one and only, Dita Von Teese. . .


 

Teese Me!

On Friday we'll be launching the long awaited Party Edition collection by Dita Von Teese for Wonderbra. News of the latest Dita/Wonderbra collaboration has caused quite a buzz in lingerie and fashion circles, and we've been busy little bees in the office and the warehouse to make sure we can get this gorgeous collection to you as early as possible. We're expecting stocks to sell fast though, so make sure you check back on Friday to avoid missing out!

The pieces themselves are inspired by the glitz and glamour of the striptease, but with a sophisticated touch particular to Dita's style. Vintage references are strong, particularly in the Satin Teese collection which features quilted stitching running under the lace-topped cups, and a high-waisted cincher that gently shapes and defines an hourglass silhouette. The attention to detail on this piece especially I think is beautiful, with little satin covered buttons disguising the hook and eye fastenings and sheer panels to the side and behind which keep the look light and subtly revealing.

The playful Multi Teese set features sequin detailing and saucy magnet fastenings covered with velvet bows for a little striptease of your own, whereas the showgirl influence really comes through in the Sparkle Teese range with scarlet tassels that nestle between the cups and at the hips or above the bottom - definitely invest in this set if you're one for showing off!

 

Each set in Dita's collection for Wonderbra is deliciously seductive simply worn on it's own (hmm... maybe with slightly dishevelled and tousled locks?), but if you like to dress up our stylist tip is to pair with glossy black hold-ups and slick your nails in nude, blood red or shiny black varnish. To really run with the vintage look, red lipstick and bold strokes of liquid eyeliner are essential, but keep your skin dewy and not too matte for a more modern approach.

As a little teaser, this clip of Dita Von Teese for Wonderbra should set your pulses going. See you Friday!

A little Teeser...

Just a little something for all you lingerie addicts out there. Coming soon, very soon...

 Watch this space to be the first in line.

The September Issue

A group of us were so excited Tuesday night to head down to Islington's Screen on the Green for a preview of The September Issue! Let me just say, if you love fashion, if you love the fashion industry, see this film.

What's it all about? This is a documentary about the inner workings of American Vogue, and about the sheer force of creativity and influence with which the organisation holds the fashion world in sway. It also offers a fascinating glimpse of the shadowy figure of Anna Wintour. Forget The Devil Wears Prada, Director R J Cutler had final cut and what we get is far more interesting than any sketch could ever offer. Scary? Yes, but you have to have respect for the judgement, intelligence and humour with which she executes her ideas.

So, office politics? Oh yes! The relationship between Anna and her Creative Director Grace Coddington is very interesting. It's clearly a pairing that drives fabulous results, but there's a tense push-and-pull relationship between Grace's romantic vision of beauty and creativity, and Anna's cool, strict approach.

Best bit? Without a doubt, Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley arriving for a tennis lesson with a complete set of Louis Vuitton bags, towel, hat and, wait for it... tennis racket cover! Loved it.

Final word? It's out on the 11th of September, so book your tickets and let us know what you think

The shape of things to come...

This September we've got something very, very exciting lined up for you...

We'll be launching gorgeous new site designs that reflect the luxurious experience that we want to create when you shop at figleaves. The colour palette is dripping with delicious purples and we've got some beautiful, rich new imagery. Our Facebook fans have been leaving some very enthusiastic comments, so take a sneaky peek at the designs to see what you think. We'd love some feedback.

However you like to shop, we've done some clever tweaking to make the experience even better. If you know exactly what you're looking for or have a very clear idea of what you want, our product finder will help you quickly refine the search by choosing what you want to see and what you want to exclude. You'll then be able to shop for matching items or a complete outfit from one page. If, on the other hand, you like to shut out the world and settle down with a glass of wine while you browse at leisure, you'll love Styleleaves. We'll be writing about fresh style ideas and top tips as well as keeping you up to date with all that's new for the season.

Keep an eye out, all this will be gracing your computer screens soon!