Feminine Differential - Lingerie

Few words evoke passion or a smile like the French word for undergarments.  Likely the first garment you tried on and noticed it provided an emotional response. Females see it as a vehicle to enhance their femininity and males see it as alluring. Some see it a both.  

The word's etymology helps us to understand more:

The word lingerie is a word taken directly from the French language, meaning undergarments, and used exclusively for more lightweight items of female undergarments. The French word in its original form derives from the old French word linge, meaning 'linen'. So faire le linge, comes to mean "do the laundry". In French the word lingerie applies to all undergarments for either sex. In English it means women's underwear or nightclothes. Lingerie as a word was first used to refer to underwear and bras in 1922. Informal usage suggests visually appealing or even erotic clothing. Although most lingerie is designed to be worn by women, some manufactures now design lingerie for men.


Lingerie is made of lightweight, stretchy, smooth, sheer or decorative fabrics such as silk, satin, Lycra, charmeuse, chiffon or (especially and traditionally) lace."  (Wikipedia) 

Above are my favorites and "goto" every day lingerie items:  

The Bra - JC Penney,  Ambrielle Mystique Push Up Plunge Bra   My tag shown to the right.  The cute little bow in the center is perfect.  

The Panties - Wacoal, Lace Impression High-Cut Briefs 

The Cami for shaping - SPANX, Women's Shape My Day Open Bust Camisole

Don't get me started on how we must match our undergarments to what we are wearing on the outside. That is a whole "Feminine Differential" far and above the basic undergarments. 

  

Fashion and The 70's

I was browsing eBay checking my sales when I noticed other jeans skirts like the ones I have for sale.  There was one skirt that I love - a vintage Levi two zip jeans skirt. "I must not buy - I must not buy." 

OK, I feel better. The urge will pass.  The two front/side zippers brought back a wonderful memory of the Levi jeans shown in the layout here.  The decade was the  70’s and I had that pair. Although not at all "out" like I am now, I wore them all the time on weekends, fully knowing they were a female cut and look. I guess I did not care and thought they were really cute; still do think they are cute.

To add to the androgynous look I had a pair of the Reebok Princess Sneakers. Love the name. Both the regular and the hightop variety as showed.  Every now and again I would see the Princess sneakers on another man but lacked the nerve to ask if they knew they were a woman’s style. Then again I was never approached either. They were super comfortable. 



Just two of the boundaries I pushed. The 70’s were a magic time for fashion. Men and woman’s bell bottom (flair as they call them now) jeans, platform shoes, white suits and disco. Did you have a white polyester  suit?  I did. 

If you were alive in the '70 you remember the iconic fashion in the film, Saturday Night Fever. According to Style Fashion:

On seeing John Travolta strut down a New York street in the opening credits of what became a career defining performance, Fred Astaire was moved to remark that John Travolta had simply had 'it'. In 1977 the 'it' in question was one of the most stylish film performances of all time.

Any 70’s fashion trends / disasters you would like to share?

Come on - you were there....