Devonshire Dolly

With the holiday season approaching a set from Iris beautifully packaged is the perfect present for the lady in your life. Romantic, luxurious and made with care, it’s an unforgettable gift.

Shop the Iris collection here http://www.devonshiredolly.com/#!shop/cpl5

Arabel, the handmade lingerie brand for small chested ladies and fans of pretty pants has launched of a number of new intimates. The pastel coloured pieces would make a fabulous gift and can be custom made to ensure the perfect fit.

Additions to the incredibly popular Forget Me Not range include flirty high waisted knickers and a flattering camisole. This unique set is one to treasure and can also be worn as a cute and comfy sleep set. Handmade in soft powder blue lace with contrast trim, this high quality set won’t be forgotten.

Another collection that is being added to due to the fantastic amount of attention it received is the Tallulah range. The new Tutu suspenders is a playful new member of the line and would be a great gift for bridesmaids. The high waisted suspender skirt in pink floral lace is trimmed with white elastic and secured at the back with a satin bow.

Completely new to Arabel are the Mia knickers and thong. These intricate pleated pieces have been made with brides in mind but would make an extra special addition to anyones lingerie drawer. The ivory knickers are adorned with delicate organza butterflies and have a slightly fluted edge creating a beautiful silhouette when worn. The Mia Knickers in ‘Pretty in Pink’ have pastel pink butterflies, while the ‘Something Blue Knickers’ have powder blue  butterflies carefully attached by hand.

#NYFW INSPIRED LINGERIE

Whoever you are, if you have any type of social newsfeed you will have probably seen #NYFW smothered across it in the past few days. We are mid New York Fashion Week and what an exciting one it is. While Victoria Beckham has been playing with frills and geometrics, Monique Lhuillier and Ostwald Helgasons have been the King and Queen of corals. Florals from Kate Spade and Gregory Parkinson have been brightening up the week and with all white collections followed by paisleys, pastels and metallics, it’s a busy one!

Lingerie is very different when it comes to ‘Fashions’ but I thought I’d write a post on Lingerie that could have fallen off the catwalk this week into your knicker drawer. If you’re a total fashion fan who’s on trend from head to toe, then take a look at some similar pieces I’ve found.

Gingham from Derek Lam (middle) made me think instantly of Charm & Laundry (left) and Miss Crofton (right).

Pastels from Lela Rose (middle),  Calla and Misha Nonoo share similarites with pieces from Into the Wild (top left), Miss Crofton (bottom left) and Iris (right).

I loved the hints of neon coming from Calla (middle), Nicole Miller and Rebecca Minkoff. This instantly made me think of our Iris which plays with neon detailing wonderfully.

Florals from Christian Siriano, Suno, Kate Spade and Gregory Parkinson (middle) featured heavily. Here are some of their lingerie counterparts. Miss Crofton (left) and Impish Lee (right).

And of course the collections that were all white everything from Prabal Gurang, Helmut Lang (middle) and Nicholas K.  This area was proudly covered by Amoureuse and Impish Lee!

Lingerie is getting technical, and even more naughty

The lingerie industry is a competitive world, companies are constantly trying to introduce something new, something notable, or something extra eye catching. Now it seems that they’re turning to technology to get the customers attention. It might not be the lingerie of tomorrow, but it may kick off the biggest lingerie revolution since the push up bra.

The BBC recently reported the secret world of Syrian lingerie, including musical knickers, remote control bras and glow in the dark pants. Part of me really likes some of the gaudy ideas coming from Syrian lingerie workshops. Ok, they might not really be my thing, but they’re fun, amusing and different. I questioned who would buy the 'Clap-off bra' though. It would be a very risky gift to buy a loved one!

Lingerie is also becoming a sex toy itself with the recent invention of vibrating pants, bikinis and boxers for men and women. Durex Australia, the creators of ‘Fundawear‘ released this video* on their youtube company page in April. The lingerie can be controlled via an app to produce the sensation of touch and can enable those long distance lovers to get a bit more touchy feely together…sort of.

I still can’t source a fembot bra but you’ll be the first to know.

Iris - Our luxurious new brand

  We at Devonshire Dolly are thrilled to be ending the week with some very exciting news for you all. The fabulous lingerie brand, Iris, is now available from our boutique. 

Founder Ellie Simpson-Gray puts her skilled craftsmanship and beautiful vision into creating some truly refined and well constructed pieces. The lingerie is exquisite, ranging from the serene Ava set, fit for a Hollywood goddess, to the Rita Pastel set, which balances utter femininity with an alluring twist. Iris epitomises glamour, luxury and high quality. If you're looking for that special piece that you can treasure for a lifetime then it's a must see. 

Something that I personally really loved about the collection is the sense of inspiration you get from each piece. The brand somehow manages to incorporate the contemporary, classic and vintage looks into one collection whilst keeping it's identity, with incredible results.

Into the Wild 

There’s a new kid on the block in the world of handmade lingerie and if you haven’t already, you need to take notice. Into the Wild was launched earlier this year and has so far released two collections- ‘The Silent Bloom’ and ‘Afterlight’. Contemporary, original and super pretty, this lingerie is perfect for young women wanting something stylish and affordable that they can flit about in comfortably.

The ‘Afterlight’ collection features space prints, beautiful black laces and gorgeous mesh pieces. The ‘Silent Bloom’ collection involves more floral laces, light coloured silks and strappy suspenders. The backs and sides of most of ITW’s pieces are just as much a feature as the front, which I love. Lingerie that flatters every angle.

We're so excited to have Into the Wild on board with us. Happy Friday!

The stunning new collection from Miss Crofton

We are very pleased to announce that some beautiful pieces from Miss Croftons new collection are now available from Devonshire Dolly, and what a collection it is.  From playful panties to opulent bras, the collection maintains the brands air of nostalgia whilst providing elegant, pretty pieces that won't fail to catch the eye. With retro florals and delicate black laces it's hard to pick our favourites, but we've painfully narrowed it down to our top 3.

Firstly is the “Those Summer Nights” red bow back lingerie set. As one of the most striking new pieces, the bra and knicker duo would inject colour and luxury into anyones knicker drawer. With a bright pink, oversized satin bow and see through bra, the naughty but nice set is a must have.

To show off the collections fresh and flirty new florals is the "Picture Perfect" range. The frilled bras and panties are perfect for slipping on under your summer dresses. Also available in an intricate red floral print, the range is a timeless, feminine favourite. 

The "Shake Your Tailfeather" bra couldn't be left off the list, just look at it! The boisterous bra is the ultimate show stopper. Cheeky yet alluring, the unique piece won't fail to make you feel a sassy kind of sexy.  With fringe detailing and black mesh, if you're looking for excitement, look no further.

We have some very exciting news to end the week with. We are very  pleased to announce that the wonderful Arabel has joined up with Devonshire Dolly and will now be available to buy through our website.

We're a huge fan of this London based brand and know you will be too. Bringing a range of colourful knickers, bras and suspenders, the affordable but luxurious brand will brighten up anyones knicker drawer.

Our personal favourites include these hand made (of course) nautical, sailor knickers. Created in royal blue satin and mesh, and lined with comfortable cotton, they are then decorated with white heart lace, trimmed with satin elastic and finished with satin ribbon bows. Could not be cuter.

Another piece to make you swoon at yourself in the mirror is the Candyfloss bra. Super soft and the definition of pretty, the soft cup bralette is made using sheer mesh and aqua satin. Secured at the back and neck with ribbon and finished with a candy pink bow, it's dreamy! Matching candyfloss knickers are also available. 

And to showcase the perhaps darker side of Arabel is the Gwenhyfar Garter belt. Made to measure and with a plush underside, the belt will slip on beautifully and comfortably. An intricate floral appliqué is sewn into the black satin elastic belt, and it features six suspender straps to give your stockings extra hold. Matching knickers are available and the piece can also liven up an existing black set. 

Devonshire Dolly's Summer Choices

Summer brings a little more freedom to our choices of lingerie. We tend to wear more lightweight pieces in brighter colours and a little less structured. Vests and strapless tops move to the front of the wardrobe and necklines lower. This increases the danger of the an accidental bra flash. But if the risk is there, make the possible slip up a pretty one! 

We've chosen our favourite pieces for summer from the Devonshire Dolly lingerie chest. All made by one of our fantastic designers.

First up is this adorable and fresh feeling 'Sophia' set by the wonderful, British brand Miss Crofton. Made from a beautiful bright, coral coloured mesh, it's the perfect set to slip on under those summer dresses. Only £39.50

  Next up is Impish Lee's 'Maxine' set. Described by the designer as a piece 'for those steamy days lounging with a margarita,' the 'Maxine' is a retro two piece that could be straight out of a 60's film and can also be worn as swimwear. It's perfect for those who may be a little self conscious of their tummy area, yet want to look and feel confident and glamourous. £148.50

Another multi functional favourite of ours is Daydream's Boyshort and Bralette set. It's perfect as sleepwear or lounge wear on warm summer nights. It also comes in a range of colourful fabrics and is sure to brighten your morning if worn as lingerie. The small straps and low back allow for it to be worn with a wider range of tops, and at just £24.50, it's a must have!

Finally, this summer it's all about the Royal baby. Kate's almost ready to pop and we all know that the arrival will mean an excuse for a good old British party. Get involved with these fabulous 'Mono-Crown' knickers by Layla Simone. £8.95

So those are our favourite summer picks. Whatever you decide to wear under your short shorts and vests this year, make sure it makes you feel colourful, comfortable and confident!

The English summer is (painfully slowly) approaching us. Skin is beginning to be bared, sunglasses are creeping onto faces and some unfortunate english roses are even blushing a little too pink. The weather may not be hot hot, but this bank holiday saw beaches swarmed with lovers of the sun soaking up all they could.

This means bikini inspiration, here's some of my favourites.

Bettie Page

Marilyn Monroe

Farrah Fawcett

Raquel Welch

Who is your ultimate beach queen?

Before we begin crowning the Queens and Kings of lingerie throughout history, welcome to the Devonshire Dolly blog. A place to compare bra sizes and natter about knickers while catching up on the latest lingerie news.

As owner of Devonshire Dolly and a huge lover of lingerie myself, I've picked out my all time favourite icons to share with you regularly. My chosen women wear lingerie with confidence, pure gorgeousness, and have that all important glint of fun in their eyes. Madonna, Bardot, Von Teese and Monroe to name a few will have their turn on DD's wall of appreciation. First up though, it's the less obvious but equally goddess like, Mrs Carter.

Although more iconic for her talent in pretty much everything available, Beyonce definitely deserves some attention for her skills at working a corset and undoubtedly meeting the above set requirements.

Ok. Admittedly Bonce doesn't look like she's having much fun in this photo. However, the video it is from (Why Don't You love Me) is the most glorious, glamourous, oomphiest(?) fun, ever. Take a look at the bottom of the page. What a woman. 

Plus, how can we forget the whole outdoorsy, surviving in the woods, makeshift lingerie for Destiny's Child's Survivor? Sinitta was late to the party.

Fierce

mmmmh

She showed us the best thing about getting married is the lingerie possibilities.

Best Thing I Never Had video

And who cares if lingerie isn't practical.

EVERYONE had a go at copying this outfit:

Justin- still so sexy

And to finish, this shot for Vogue's Power issue promotes exactly what it say's on the cover.

Do you disagree? Think Sinitta rocked a leaf and an updo better? Discuss, appreciate, and gaze upon the beautiful Beyonce.

As a strong supporter of independent designers, Devonshire Dolly offers lovers of lingerie gorgeous, hand made products made with care. We aim to provide women of all shapes and sizes quality lingerie that looks great, boost confidence and fits beautifully. If you want something a bit different or maybe even bespoke, we will have the perfect design or designer for you. Be it bridal lingerie, vintage, burlesque or a pretty everyday set. We're excited to be working with some great designers and can't wait to show you all! Stay tuned! If you're a designer and want to perhaps use Devonshire Dolly as a platform for your pieces. Please contact [email protected].