Lingerie as Outerwear: Vamping It Up For The Holidays

I think it’s safe to say that Old Man Winter has settled in to stay. My cheeks are chilly, my nose is red and I was eyeing my padded bras as potential earmuffs this morning. Don’t worry; I decided against that desperate move, after all, I can’t very well blog about tastefully incorporating lingerie as outerwear here, while leaving the house like that.

I have so many holiday parties coming up over the next few weekends and am in full-on dress-up mode! But the problem with having to attend so many events is that you can begin to run out of different clothing options. So for today’s outfit, I decided to see how I could combine separates for a spectacularly dramatic look.

It would be easy to go with a tried and true little black dress and look like everyone else, but I want a punch of color to help me stand out from the sheeple. Nicole Gill’s Elena corset is the perfect choice. The black lace, faux waspie embellishment around the waist will keep the boudoir foremost in everyone’s mind, while the startlingly dramatic burgundy maintains the festive appeal.

An overbust corset can tip toe dangerously close to the femme fatale line, but by adding in the crisp, white, button down shirt, the outfit is kept elegantly classic. The longer length of the fluted, silk skirt accentuates the dramatic hourglass silhouette of the corset and only reveals a tease of legs and delicately strapped high heels.

With such a dramatic centerpiece as the corset, the jewelry is kept simple and chic with just enough sparkle to highlight the shimmering clasps on the corset and your own glowing smile.

1. Nicole Gill Elena Corset: The beautiful, deep burgundy Elena corset is from Nicole Gill’s newest Collection: “A Beautiful Sacrifice.” The black lace overlay creates the impression of two separate pieces of shapewear and produces a breathtaking contrast on the high-voltage sheen of the burgundy silk.

2. Manolo Blahnik Maricrona d’Orsay Pump: I may have been watching a little too much Dancing with the Stars this season, but what isn’t there to love about these shoes? From the delicate fabric pleats of the open toe, to the glistening crystal detailing on the straps, they’re stylish enough for a night of dancing to the DJ at the company party or dining elegantly with your fellow Non-Profit Board Members.

3. Besame Classic Color Lipstick: When I think of a femme fatale, she always has the most beautiful lipstick color in the deepest shade of red or berry. Your trademark pout will be perfectly illuminated in this rich, smooth formula. The 1940’s retro-styled bullet-shaped case is almost too pretty to keep hidden away.

4. Calvin Klein Spring 2012 Lacquer Silk/Metal Satin Fluted Skirt: I love everything about this skirt, from its glistening shine to its form-skimming shape with a gentle, champagne-fluted hemline. It’s a classic style that is well worth the investment and will keep you mixing and matching for years to come. The delicate silk/satin fabric will feel luxurious against your skin and won’t compete for attention with the glamorous corset.

5. Mikimoto Diamond Accented 18K White Gold 8MMBlack Baroque Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings: This outfit is all about long, clean lines, from the corset to the skirt and repeated in the 1 ½ inch drop earrings in stunning 18K white gold, embellished with diamonds and featuring those unusual Baroque Akoya pearls. These earrings are the perfect whisper to flatter your chic ensemble.

6. Ralph Lauren Blue Label Super-Slim Carissa Shirt: You can’t go wrong with the sharpness of a bright, white, button down shirt paired with classic black. The deep V-neck of the shirt echoes the V-closure of the corset while also providing coverage. Should the evening progress to a less formal setting and include dancing, you’re just a layer away from a more revealing, rock ‘n roll look.

7. Toad Lillie Vixen High-Waist Panty with Detachable Garters: These high-waisted, stretch silk charmeuse, vintage style panties pull double duty by also providing hosiery solutions for your attire. However, if you choose not to wear any stockings, the garters are fully detachable and the underpants are still just as fetching with their Hollywood glamour design. All of Toad Lillie’s handmade lingerie is produced with the utmost attention to detail and luxury which makes these underpinnings the perfect match for this outfit!

8. Lana Jewelry Rock Lights Necklace: I wanted the jewelry to be subtle and work more towards creating a mood, rather than becoming the centerpiece of the outfit. This necklace combines white and black gold in simple chains with a sensuous knot and drape. The long lines draw the eyes down and along the key pieces of the outfit yet don’t fight with the corset for attention.

9. Diane Kordas Diamond Embellished 18K Black Gold Arabesque Ring: The black gold base of this ring carries an antique sentiment with its multiple diamond settings and stunning arabesque, filigree design. There’s no need for any other ornamentation of the hands or arms with this sophisticated conversation piece twinkling on your finger.

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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