Tag: lingerie

Close up of green dress with a "100% recycled fabric" label, for a post on sustainable style as a femme

Five Ways I’m Trying to Increase Sustainability in My Femme Style

Published on by Amy1 Comment

My identity and presentation as a femme is tremendously important to me. Femme is not just a way of dressing, but a way of sharing who I am with the world. It’s an inherently queer identity and my femme style is a way of living in and embodying my queerness every day. However, like many of us in recent years, I’ve also been thinking more about my impact on the planet and how to express my style in a more sustainable way. So, in collaboration with slow fashion brand IDENTITY LINGERIE, I wanted to talk about some of the changes I’ve made.

Acknowledgement and disclaimer: Before I dive in, I want to acknowledge that to a certain extent many sustainability practices (including those I have listed here) require privileges that many people do not have access to, including money and time. It is also not ultimately possible for individuals to save the planet. The biggest changes must come from corporations and governments. This list is not a prescription or a set of instructions, and you know best what is possible for your life. This is simply what works for me. I’m also far from perfect and frequently fail to live up to the high standards I set for myself. No ethical consumption under capitalism, etc.

Breaking Up with Fast Fashion

Fast fashion—brands that churn out massive quantities of ultra-cheap, throwaway clothing—is one of the world’s most polluting industries. It also exploits workers and harms animals. For all these reasons, I no longer buy new fast fashion items. Sustainable alternatives to new fast fashion if you like a particular style include thrifting pieces, finding alternatives from sustainable brands, or getting creative with items you already own.

Fast fashion brands encourage damaging practices like unnecessary impulse buys, large “hauls” of things that will be worn once or twice (or never worn), and fashions that change overnight.

Buying (and Selling/Donating) Second Hand

I love getting new clothes and shoes, but I actually very rarely buy anything apart from underwear brand new any more. My town has a large number of charity and second-hand shops, and I often find nice pieces at bargain prices there. I also spend far too much time browsing apps like Vinted and Depop and watch-listing things, a small fraction of which I’ll eventually buy. My favourite recent finds include a fabulous leather jacket and some Lucy & Yak rainbow dungarees.

I just had a major clear-out of clothes I no longer wear. I’m going to sell on a few bits, and the rest I’ll either pass on to friends, take to clothing swaps, or donate to charity. That way, they’re not either languishing in the back of my wardrobe or creating more waste, and can instead be worn and enjoyed by someone else.

Of course, second-hand clothing isn’t totally without its issues (delivery emissions when you buy or sell online being the obvious one, and it’s still possible to over-consume thrifted items), but it’s one way to reduce clothing waste and reduce purchases of new items while enjoying style in a more sustainable way.

Buying More Versatile Styles for Sustainable Rewearing

I enjoy getting creative with my presentation. For this reason, I love clothes, shoes, and accessories I can wear multiple ways. One of my favourite dresses at the moment is a simple one that I can dress down with leggings and a cardigan, make playful with fun tights and stompy boots, or dress way up with a petticoat, a waist belt and heels for a wedding or date.

For me, part of the fun of sustainable femme style is creating different looks by mixing and matching the same items in different ways.

I recently got this gorgeous green multiway dress from IDENTITY LINGERIE. IDENTITY is a slow fashion brand that makes lingerie, nightwear, dresses, and more, all while following zero-waste practices. This dress is wearable in so many different ways that it feels a bit like a new dress every time I put it on. The multiway bridesmaid dress trend has been popular for bridal parties for some time, but I think they’re a great choice for anyone looking to get more mileage out of one garment.

Buying Recycled and Upcycled Materials

Materials is a really complicated one when it comes to clothing, and there are no easy answers here. It’s also very, very hard to totally avoid unsustainable synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and viscose. Some natural materials, such as cotton and bamboo, also present issues. The more sustainable alternatives can be expensive and hard to find, not to mention the confusion of wading through the muddy and often conflicting information out there.

One thing I’ve started trying to do, though, is look for more recycled and upcycled materials. This is a great way to support the “rescue” of materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

For example, I recently reviewed a range of polyurethane (PU) leather accessories. PU is, in itself, pretty terrible environmentally. However, that particular brand manufactures its styles entirely from recycled materials, creating a sustainable alternative use for waste. I’ve also tried some gorgeous eco-friendly lingerie pieces over the years, many of which I still love.

Switching to Eco-Friendly Bathing & Beauty Products

Glitter is, of course, a staple of my personal femme style. But the wrong glitter products can also be hugely harmful to the environment. For that reason, you will only ever find eco-friendly, biodegradable glitter in my makeup bag.

I’ve tried to switch to more eco-friendly bathing and beauty products recently, too, including shampoo bars, mineral sunscreen, and products made without palm oil. This is in addition to my policy of not buying anything that was tested on animals.

Sustainable Style as an Ongoing Project

I’m sure I will keep learning more about sustainable style and eco-friendly practices, adjusting my habits as I go. None of us are (or can be) perfect. What matters is that we learn, grow, and try to do better every day.

IDENTITY LINGERIE gifted me the piece featured in this post. All views and writing, as always, are mine.

Header image for romantic and sexy gift ideas guide for Christmas

6 Romantic and Sexy Gift Ideas for Your Partner This Holiday Season

Published on by Amy

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? No, me neither (though I’m doing better than I typically have been at this point in previous years.) Giving gifts isn’t super high on my list of love languages, but I do enjoy the process of choosing or making the perfect presents for my loved ones. That’s why I decided to put together this guide to sexy gifts to help you out if you’re stuck for ideas.

If you have a romantic partner or partners, you might be thinking about getting them something special to show your love, give them the pleasure they deserve, or add to your amazing sex life together.

Gift Guide: Six Sexy Gift Ideas Your Partner Will Love

From sex toys to trips for two and more, I’ve put together six romantic yet sexy gift ideas to get you inspired.

Something They’ll Feel Sexy Wearing

I nearly put “lingerie or underwear” as the heading for this section, then I changed my mind. Because what makes a person feel beautiful, handsome, or sexy is very personal and might not be what we traditionally think of as “sexy.”

For some, that thing will be a set of lacy lingerie or slinky underwear. For others it might be a perfectly tailored shirt, a sparkly gown, a pair of sky-high heels, a leather or faux leather harness, a silk tie, or even a fragrance or piece of jewellery. The trick is to know your partner and their tastes. Not sure? You can always take them shopping so you can choose something perfect together.

A Beautiful Sex Toy

Sex toys can be as beautiful as they are functional, and some of them are real works of art. They can be made of materials from silicone and glass to metal, ceramic, and even some types of stone. They come in all colours, shapes, sizes, and designs you can imagine. A heart toy could be particularly cute for a romantic occasion. Some even have glitter!

Gorgeous toys can be wonderfully luxurious and sexy gift ideas to show your partner that you’re thinking about their pleasure. Just make sure you know them well enough to choose something that will work for their body and preferences. (And maybe don’t buy a lifesize realistic sex doll if they live in a small apartment.)

Giving red roses to your lover is traditional so, if they have a clitoris, how about a red rose suction toy? (Cute, lasts much longer than cut flowers, and says “I care about your pleasure!”) If they’re a strap-on top, how about this red rose harness?

Massage Oils or Candles

Giving each other massages is a wonderful way to connect physically, get close whether or not the massage leads to sex, and tune into each other’s bodies. You can step things up a notch by adding oils, candles, or massagers into the mix. These can make great stocking-filler gifts!

Create a romantic atmosphere by dimming the lights. I like candles, fairy lights, or lamps with a warm soft glow for this. If you like, you can also play some gentle and relaxing music.

A Sexy Gift Idea That Keeps On Giving: Subscription Box

Subscription boxes are great ideas if you’re looking for sexy gifts that keep on giving. Depending on how long you subscribe, your partner can enjoy regular treats for 3, 6, 12 months… or even longer. They can also be a great way to explore new ideas, rekindle a spark if your sex life has dwindled lately, or just set aside intentional time for each other and your intimate relatioship.

There are now adult subscription boxes in all kinds of categories. You’ll find boxes with sex toys, lingerie, smutty literature, kink and BDSM gear, date night kits, and more. Some are designed with couples in mind, and others can be enjoyed solo. I even stumbled across one designed specifically for polyamorous triads!

A New Collar

This one’s for the kinksters! For many who are involved in BDSM or a D/s relationship, collars are both intensely personal and intensely meaningful. That means that this isn’t something you should spring on someone without warning. Always have a conversation about what collars mean, whether you want them to play a role in your relationship, and the expectations and obligations that they do and do not imply.

With that caveat out of the way, if collars have a place in your relationship then a new one can be a wonderful and romantic gift for your submissive partner. With everything from ornate showpieces to simple metal bands and even totally discreet day collars available, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The Ultimate Sexy Gift Ideas: A Romantic Getaway, Trip, or Vacation

If you’re looking to splash out (or can find an incredible last-minute deal) why not surprise your loved one with a romantic trip together… or choose and book it together as a gift to each other?

A change of scene, having an adventure, and getting a long stretch quality time together are amongst the best things you can do to nurture your relationship no matter whether you’re newly in love or have been together for decades.

Pro tip: plan to go early in the new year if that’s possible for your schedule and budget. Me and my girlfriend are going on our first holiday together in January. December is busy and January tends to suck, so planning something wonderful to look forward to post-Christmas is a strategy I would highly recommend!

Thanks to Inyarose for kindly sponsoring this guide to my favourite sexy gift ideas. All writing and views, as always, are mine.

A woman with long red hair facing away. She is wearing a skin-tight wet look mini dress and holding a riding crop. Text reads: Lovehoney Fierce review.

[Fetishwear Review] Lovehoney Fierce Range: Catsuit, Lace-Up Bra Set, and Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress

Published on by Amy1 Comment

Halloween is coming, which can mean only one thing: scary, kinky parties! So naturally, I’m already planning my outfits for some adventures at the end of the month. In honour of spooky season, Lovehoney kindly sent me a few pieces from their Fierce collection to try and review: the Fierce Catsuit, Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress, and Lace-Up Bra St.

Update: A Note on Materials

These pieces from the Lovehoney Fierce range are all made of a black faux-leather, wet-look fabric, which is a polyester/elastane mix. Though they are not animal-derived and are therefore technically vegan, I don’t love that Lovehoney is using synthetic (read: plastic-derived) materials. These fabrics are awful for the environment, both in production and after you discard them.

Since I first wrote these reviews a few years ago, I’ve learned a lot more about fabrics, their eco implications, and the impact of textile waste. Personally, with what I know now, I would not buy these pieces new today. However, since I already own and like them, I’ll be wearing and caring for them for as long as I can to extend their lifespan.

I’m not going to tell you to avoid polyester entirely, as unfortunately it’s ubiquitous. However, I will offer the following tips to help you minimize your impact if you do choose to buy and wear synthetic fabrics,

  1. Buy second hand wherever you can
  2. If you must buy new, only choose pieces you really love
  3. Wear and care for your items for as long as you can
  4. Mend, upcycle/repurpose, resell, donate, or recycle at the end of the item’s life

All Lovehoney Fierce items are hand-wash only. Use cold water and a little gentle detergent, then dry them on the washing line. Studies have shown that handwashing results in far fewer microplastics being shed from polyester clothes, so following these instructions also reduces the environmental impact of your polyester garments.

With that said, let’s dive into the reviews.

Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress

Lovehoney wet look minidress product photo
Image: Lovehoney

The Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress is a luscious deep, shiny black that catches the light when you move.

I debated whether to categorise this piece as clothing or as lingerie. It’s definitely a dress, but it’s also extremely short. Unless you’re maybe 5’2″ or under, this is not going to be something you can wear to an ordinary club or bar. It fastens up the front with a zipper, and the collar closes with bra style clasps with three tightness settings to choose from. Once you fasten the collar, you get a cut-out peephole neckline which is super sexy and shows off your cleavage or upper chest. The Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress is a rare gem for me: a garment that works with my G-cup chest, rather than fighting against it.

The Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress is designed to fit snugly. These pieces run pretty true to size, in my experience, but I’d recommend sizing down rather than up if you’re between sizes. Thanks to the lack of wires, this dress is pretty comfortable. However, the synthetic fabric doesn’t really breathe so it gets extremely hot after a while especially if you’re in a warm environment.

I feel sexy in a vampy sort of way in this dress. I love the way it enhances the curve of my waist and hips and shows off my shape at its best. I’ll likely pair it with some killer heels, sexy stockings, and kitty ears for a full Halloween look. This range is well-named—it really does make me feel fiercely fabulous!

Buy the Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress for £34.99 from Lovehoney UK or $47.99 from Lovehoney North America.

Feline Fierce: Lovehoney Wet Look Catsuit

Lovehoney model in black PVC wet look catsuit
Image: Lovehoney

The Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Catsuit, like the Cut-Out Minidress, is shiny and catches the light beautifully. It features a collar neckline which fastens with bra-style clasps, and a cleavage-displaying cut out section at the front. Mesh panels at the hips show a glimpse of skin.

The Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Catsuit fastens with a single, long zip that runs from the centre of the chest all the way to the top of the butt. With a zip pull at each end, you can choose how open or closed you want the front. You can also unzip the back for easy access for sex without needing to take the whole thing off.

This one also runs fairly true to size but, again, I suggest sizing down rather than up if you’re between sizes. It’s supposed to be skin-tight. The legs were a little long for me, though, and I’m a fairly average 5’5″. Something to be aware of if you’re on the shorter side.

The material is soft and comfortable to wear, The overheating issue is a major consideration, though, since it’s non-breathable and covers most of your body.

Skin-tight black clothing is typically associated with a dominatrix look. However, I’m much more inclined towards the subby end of the spectrum. Fortunately, clothing can be whatever you make it. I feel like I can definitely use this piece to tap into aspects of my submissive self. It’s also perfect for pet-play enthusiasts, those looking to add a sex kitten twist to their bedroom or club look, or anyone who loves skintight shiny things but can’t be bothered with the faff of wearing latex.

The Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Catsuit retails for £44.99 from Lovehoney UK or $59.99 from Lovehoney North America.

Lovehoney Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set

The Lovehoney Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set on the model
Image: Lovehoney

The Lovehoney Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set is a two-piece set consisting of a non-wired, halter-neck bra and a pair of high-waisted knickers. Both have cut-out sections with lace-up detailing. The knicker waist and the bra band are made of stretchy elastic.

As the elastic is stretchy and the bra has 3 clasp options and a tie-up halterneck, the sizing is somewhat adjustable. I usually wear a UK size 14/16 and the large fits me comfortably. Some reviewers noted that the knickers were on the small side so, unlike the catsuit and minidress, I suggest going up a size if you’re between sizes.

The fabric feels nice against my skin, and the stretchy elastic waist and underbust bands mean nothing is digging in or pinching. Overall, surprisingly comfortable! So the moment of truth: did it contain my chest?The answer to that is… kind of.

My boobs mostly fit into the cups and stay put when I wear this set, particularly when I tie the halterneck quite tight to give them a little extra lift. However, there’s usually a bit of nipple slippage when I’ve been wearing it for a while.

The Lovehoney Fierce wet look lace-up bra set set is very much my style. The feminine silhouette with a kinky edge just speaks very much to my personal aesthetic goals. Lovehoney describe it as a “Dominatrix-inspired look,” but that’s just one possible interpretation. The open panels, easy access through the lacing, and crotchless knickers all speak to vulnerability to me, which helps me tap into my submissive headspace when I’m wearing it.

The laced up detailing really makes this set for me. It’s just the right level of showing off my body while leaving enough to the imagination.

This set retails £34.99 from Lovehoney UK or $47.99 from Lovehoney North America.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set, Catsuit, and Wet-Look Cut-Out Mini Dress to review. All views are, as always, my own. This post contains affiliate links.

A woman in a black bodysuit lying on a bed for a Lovehoney Lingerie bodysuit review round-up. Text reads: Four Lovehoney Bodysuits I Adore

[Lingerie Review] Four Lovehoney Bodysuits I Adore and How I Style Them

Published on by Amy

I don’t often do lingerie reviews any more, as styles come and go so fast, but Lovehoney’s bodysuits are some of the pieces that I come back to again and again. Bodysuits are consistently the most comfortable, most body-friendly, and most versatile items of lingerie for me. Most of them don’t have wires, which is important from both a comfort perspective and because wired pieces are usually woefully inadequate for my G-cup chest.

Let’s talk about four of my favourite bodysuits and some of the ways I style them.

Lovehoney Lingerie Review: Hourglass Open Cup Crotchless Bodysuit

The Lovehoney Hourglass Open Cup Bodysuit is made of black floral lace and microfibre, with an open crotch and removable straps that frame your breasts. It also has removable suspender straps.

This piece, available in UK sizes 6 to 28, is designed to be wearable either on its own or under clothing as “shapewear.” Its stretchy, soft fabrics and adjustable straps make it comfortable to wear. Since this piece is open cup, you don’t need to worry about cup sizes! The Lovehoney Hourglass Bodysuit is a godsend for people like me with large chests; many of the lingerie items I’ve reviewed over the years have been difficult or impossible to wear. You can easily wear this bodysuit either by itself or with a bra.

The aesthetic of the Lovehoney Hourglass Open Cup Bodysuit a kind of femme soft-bondage.

Despite striving to be body-positive and doing continual work on my self-image, there are still parts of my own body that I struggle with. Most notably, I have a complex relationship with my stomach. So pieces that hide the bits of my body I’m less confident about, while emphasising the bits I do love (waist, breasts), are basically the holy grail of lingerie to me. I also adore the way this piece’s lace panels cling to the curve of my hips.

The Hourglass Open-Cup Crotchless Bodysuit retails for £32.99 from Lovehoney UK or $39.99 from Lovehoney US.

Lovehoney Lingerie Review: Fierce Leather-Look Lace-Up Body

Lovehoney’s Fierce range offers a sexy and affordable alternative to expensive materials such as leather and latex. Of all the pieces I’ve reviewed from the Lovehoney Lingerie Fierce range, I find this bodysuit the easiest to wear.

The simple cut of this piece allows the halterneck, lace-up detailing at the hips and cleavage, and shiny fabric to take centre stage. This Lovehoney bodysuit is less adjustable than some of the pieces I’ve covered in this review, but the halterneck style allows for some adjustability. It also makes this piece one of the better options for larger chests.

The Lovehoney Fierce Leather-Look Lace Up Bodysuit is fairly comfortable thanks to its lack of wires or scratchy fabrics. However, like the other pieces in the Fierce range, it can get very hot after a while due to the non-breathable synthetic fabrics.

The Fierce Bodysuit retails for £34.99 from Lovehoney UK or $47.99 from Lovehoney US.

Crotchless Deep Plunge Black Lace Bodysuit Review

I love fishnet. It’s endlessly cool and adds instant sex appeal to any look. I own fishnet tights in several different colours, and this Lovehoney Lingerie mesh bodysuit is one of my favourite pieces I’ve reviewed.

The deep plunge neck of this Lovehoney bodysuit is ideal for those with larger chests. I adore the way it shows off my cleavage while a hint of nipple pokes through the mesh. Another really sexy option is to wear this one with nipple pasties. I also love the thin band around the waist, which lends shape to the piece without pulling too much focus away from the cleavage.

This one size piece is suitable for UK sizes 6-16.

The Lovehoney Mesh Bodysuit is open at the back, framing the butt. Ideal for spanking scenes, if that’s your thing! The tie-up waistband and halterneck make it somewhat adjustable, and the stretchy mesh makes it easy and comfortable to wear. This piece is particularly ideal for play parties in hot venues as it allows my skin to breathe.

The Lovehoney Mesh Bodysuit retails for £16.99 from Lovehoney UK and $22.99 from Lovehoney US.

Late Night Liaison Blue Lace Bodysuit Review

This one piece Lovehoney bodysuit is the only blue piece of lingerie I’ve ever received for review! It is also available in red if that’s more your style. With a plunging neckline and strap detailing around the hips and between the breasts, it also features criss-cross strap detailing at the back and a crotchless G-string gusset.

I absolutely adore the gorgeous, deep midnight blue colour of the Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Bodysuit. This is a relatively unusual colour for lingerie, and it’s nice to see something different.

The delicate floral pattern on the lace is beautiful, and I love the scalloped edges. The straps that sit between the breasts add some interesting detail, and I like the way they draw attention to my cleavage. The extra coverage is also useful for days when I’m not feeling so confident about my stomach.

This piece is available in One Size (UK 6-16) and Plus Size (UK 18-24.)

This isn’t the most forgiving piece for large chests, and I definitely get some nipple slippage when I wear it. I can’t be too upset, though, when it’s so pretty and makes me feel so good to wear. The adjustable straps do help. When Lovehoney Lingerie first sent me this piece to review, I thought I might end up passing it along to a friend. But I ended up keeping it and loving it more than I expected!

The Late Night Liaison Body retails for £29.99 from Lovehoney UK or $36.99 from Lovehoney US.

How to Style a Bodysuit

Of course, the most basic way to wear a bodysuit is on its own. And these pieces are sexy enough that they don’t need anything else. However, whether you enjoy getting dressed up for your partner (or yourself) in the bedroom, are looking for kink party outfit ideas, or are feeling daring in your outfit choice for a night out dancing, there are so many different ways to style a bodysuit.

I’ve worn a bodysuit with sky-high heels and a tiny hat fascinator for a play party, but I’ve also worn the Fierce Leather Look one with a swishy skirt, fun tights, and stompy boots for a night at a vanilla club. I once went to a candy-themed play party wearing the Lovehoney Lingerie Open Cup Bodysuit I reviewed above with candy nipple tassles! And I love the fishnet piece with fishnet tights in a bright colour for a match/contrast effect.

Why not pair your favourite bodysuit with a pair of skinny jeans or skintight leather trousers, throw a blazer or leather jacket over one for a fun casual/glam mash-up, or pair one with an underbust corset? Get creative with it; there’s no wrong answers here. Lingerie is supposed to be fun!

Thanks to Lovehoney Lingerie for sending me the bodysuits featured in this post to review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views, as always, are mine.