In a recent interview, the head bra-fitter at swanky lingerie store Rigby & Peller (bra-makers to the Queen!) said there were three types of underwear...
Everyday, sports and underwear designed to be taken off as soon as it's put on... if you know what she means.
Frou frou frillies and ribbon bedecked bras might not be particularly practical (there's no escaping a VPL in ruffle-bottomed pants) but for an instant mood-lifter, there's nothing like treating yourself something fancy - even if you're the only one that's going to be seeing it.
Georgia Range
From £45, Agent Provocateur
Everyone loves AP for their naughty underthings and even more risque stores - you don't get peep-holes in the changing rooms and staff in stockings and suspenders at Marks & Spencer do you? Their latest campaign features my favourite model ever, the incredible Karen Elson. Nothing like a freakishly pale redhead to model tartan lingerie, is there? How cute are the bows on the suspenders? God bless you Karen, god bless you. Of course, this being AP it's all stupendously expensive but if you can't splash out on some frilly pants, what can you spend on?
Georgia Range
Fom £28, La Senza
Another range of lingerie called Georgia - what is it about Georgias? Is it a reference to Georgia Baillie, source of Russell Brand's naughty phonecalls? Who knows. Whatever the reason, this is a sexy set and no mistake. Something about that shade of dusty pink paired with black lace spells boudoir to me. Available in a selection of styles and with a variety of matching bottoms, this relatively bargain buy from high street faves La Senza is a less obvious way to inject some burlesque beauty into your life, and I actually think you could wear normal clothes over this one, which is nice.
Edy Range
From $45, Trashy
You know what to expect when you shop at a store like Trashy. The store is the absolute best place on the planet for all your ridiculous Halloween costumes (sexy plumber, anyone?) but they also have an extensive range of lingerie which is actually rather fabulous - and modeled by some seriously hot ladies. This collection is, I think, designed to make you look like a sexy Christmas tree bauble (hey, these guys can make anything sexy) but I say there's always a time and place for red sequinned negligee, and that time and place is now.
Paige Range
From £24.50, Bravissimo
Presumably named after the first lady of pin-up, Betty Paige, you're already onto a winner with this set. The super sexy range for bigger-busted ladies is uber-feminine and those flirty frilly briefs are subtle enough to not make you feel like Christina Aguilera in the Lady Marmalade video but special enough to make you feel pretty awesome in the bedroom. Opt for on-trend nude and black or unashamedly girly in shades of pink.
Vintage Pearls
From £45, Miss Lala's
Cate wrote about Miss Lala's last week, but these knick-knacks are too pretty not to mention again. It's a nice change to see super-sexy lingerie in apple green - one of my favourite colours (good for redheads!) and underrated as an underwear colour choice. These pretty pants feature a pearl and ribbon print and I love the fact that there's an option for a sexy boxer short - not everyone wants to shake their booty in a thong, after all.
Ceriso Anchor Print Range
From £14, Marks & Spencer
M&S have long been purveyors of fine lingerie, and this season's new collection is no different. The Ceriso range features cute prints, great cuts and - this being M&S - perfect fits. The long-running retro obsession with anchors is showing no signs of slowing down, so sticking the print onto an underwear set is a sure fire way to appeal to vintage fans. More of an everyday option than the other sets, this is a great way of adding a little vintage va-va-voom into your day to day life.