All wrapped up and smiling...

Who doesn't love a bit of luxury?

For me it starts first thing in the morning, swinging my legs out from the warmth of my rumpled bed sheets to go make the coffee, and this I do by shimmering down the 2 flights of stairs in my house wrapped up in some sort of slinky silk and lace robe or beautiful printed floral cotton kimono. What ever it is I am wearing, it will had made me smile wrapping myself up in it, and getting ready for the outside world that day. 

I posted the picture below on Instagram earlier this week and the response from fellow  lingerie lovers was just how I feel, with 1 in particular saying and I quote "So Pretty!!! Even seeing this pic puts a smile on my face"

That is exactly how it should make you feel Cheeky ;-)

You smiling yet? 

The silk and lace robes we have in the boudoir at the moment are breath-taking (even if I do say so myself....again!). I mean, look at this window display from last week...

All looking beautiful hanging out together, ready to go off to their new homes are pieces from Shell Belle, Marjolaine, Christine and Jayley in antique rose, blush, golden honey and mint tones.

Below is the antique rose lace on rose silk satin Marjolaine.

Here is a close up of the exquisite detailing on the eyelash laced sleeve's...

Then we have Shell Belle, who as you know we love Shell Belle in Tallulah, as I type this I am wearing my Black lace shirt tucked into high waisted jeans- the whole collection is one of my total favourites to wear as Outerwear. Sorry, back to the kimono which is pictured below, this colour way is Elderflower, we also have it in Cream. It is divine. 

Pictured here with a simple ivory chemise, it is very a popular piece for our bohemian brides-to-be wearing on the morning of their wedding. Of course it is not just for Brides, this gorgeous 1920s style kimono is perfect for lounging, cocktail sipping or on a more practical note- dusting in.

If silk and lace robes are not for you, look at these darling cotton robes from British designer Verry Kerry.

The robe pictured above we have stocked before and we often have her winking at passers by from the window, I have this one and I promise you, it makes me smile every morning I slip into it. This is the robe I wear when we have guests for breakfast and it is an occasion that that wearing my silk and lace ensembles is just not called for. I can poach eggs in it or serve granola all whilst feeling lovely and dressed 'appropriately'. Here is a selection of some of the prints available at the moment vary from soft tones of delicate flowers to dark navy and aztec prints.

Below is a close up of one of the new dressing gowns delivered last week from Verry Kerry. As you can see from above, we would normally have amazing prints from Kerry, but this time we have also had a crocheted cream short robe delivered with delicate detailing of a splash of aqua on the sleeves.

I love everything about Verry Kerry, from her beautiful prints to wonderful ethical beliefs and of course when one smiles it inspires others around you to do same ;-)

That brings this blog post to an end, I hope you have enjoyed the read and even seen something that you may just need in your life so we will be seeing you in the boudoir soon.

Thats a wrap.

Until next time Lingerie lovers...

Tallulah x

Everyone is talking about Undressed...

Unfortunately I am yet to visit the Victoria & Albert museum to see the Lingerie Exhibition. Tickets for myself and the Tallulah girls should have been ordered way in advanced. We should of been and this blog should be about our experience at the V&A, but if you are a follower of this blog you will know I have not been myself of late and organising something like tickets in advanced is way out of my realm of things, plus more dramas have occurred but I promise not to bore you with them...Promise!

Instead this blog post is about another exciting event that myself and Maria had the opportunity to visit this week. This Monday (finally we have started opening the boudoir on Mondays again, Tallulah is coming back to work at last!) but we closed early to pop off to Brick lane and attend a talk on Lingerie. One of our very dear customers who has been supporting Tallulah and I have had the pleasure of supporting her breasts for years now, invited us into her club- Kit Kat. A women only members club. Every month these women  get together with a panel and learn something new. This month and I'm sure it was no coincidence that the V&A has just launched, their talk was on Lingerie. On the panel was Edwina Ehrman, curator of the V&A exhibition (who I have to say was my favourite, she was great, full of amazing knowledge) Samantha Roddick, founder of Coco De Mer and Soozie Jenkinson, designer at M&S. Now you all know my thoughts on M&S, from the fabrics they use to the fittings and what they actually fit like so I won't be rude and start my rant off...

We arrived early evening to a very warm welcome, drinks were flowing as were the introductions to so many wonderful women all so interesting and interested to hear about Tallulah, neither Maria or myself are big on 'networking' and I guess we could of done so much more- we both just enjoyed chatting, meeting new people and popping in to some Tallulah customers, I often forget what a small world it is we live in!

The venue was such an amazing space. Maria and I loved it, both wanting a party of some sort ourselves there. Think trendy open space in the basement of an building on Brick Lane. It was separated very cleverly with the use of the furniture and lighting in to different 'rooms'. Below are a couple of images I managed to snap before the talk commenced.

The talk was on the History, Fantasy & Reality of Underwear. As mentioned above Edwina Ehrman I most enjoyed listening too, she spoke about 'Breast Bags' in 1450, can you imagine call ones bra your breast bag? Here is an image of an original- thread bare wouldn't you say?

She then went on to talk about the evolution from bust supporter as in the boned corset that we all know about and the complete ridged-ness back in 1876 to the around 1910 when the corset became more an under bust corset, so it was shrinking and the bra as we love and know it know started to take shape, you can see this in the middle image below, softer looking, more relaxed. Then the 1930s happened and the soft braille was invented and loved. This shape is making a huge come back with soft bra sales in the boudoir massively going up. We have always sold soft cup bras and I wear them at night, not only do I love bras, but the shape they give under my silk nighties is an absolute must.

Edwina then went on to talk about colourful lingerie. Back in the day the rule was to wear lingerie the colour of your skin. That turned out to be black or white (who ever has these skin tones even back then...) it was deemed to be frivolous and one was a fiend should they be trying to attract attention with different colour corsets or even socks and look how trendy it is now to have mad colourful socks! I know what I would be wearing and it would 100% not be white. That is unless is was this gorgeous new Wacoal set that arrived last week. It makes me think of the 70s, ok so not burn my bra 70s, but 70s fashion- imagine this teamed with a light shirt unbuttoned low tucked into high waisted flares wearing  stacked wedges finished off with rose gold huge hoops. Sorry I went off track there a little, off to a little hippy sunny place for a bit!

Back on the talk, it was great but I did come away feeling a little niggled. One of the questions from the audience was about the price of knickers and how expensive generally lingerie is (the M&S lady kept saying how they have machine washable silk bras for something ridiculous like twenty quid...quality, NOT) but no one answered this, I had my hand up and was desperate to let this lady know about the many 50 odd pieces of good quality fabric it takes to make a bra let alone the matching knickers, so from the pattern design process to cutting fabrics then on to stitching together involves so much more work than saying running up a pair of trousers, I am by no means suggesting that this easy either- I went to London College of Fashion back in the day and completed a Fashion Design course, I know pattern cutting and stitching and didn't really like it, my tutor  Jane ended up running up most of my final collection -ssshhhhhhhh!! 

I will be visiting the V&A soon, no the tickets are not booked- but I would really love to visit the exhibition, have you been? Swing by the boudoir and share your thoughts on it, 

would love to hear.

Until next time lingerie lovers, enjoy the sunshine that is teasing us every day or two. Hope to see you on Cross Street soon.

P.S next blog time I will be gushing about a new designer I met with Yesterday. She is amazing, her collection is ridiculously amazing and Tallulah will be celebrating finding her and the most perfect boudoir slippers very very soon with bubbles of course! 

T xx

Well Hello Spring...

Finally longer days filled with some glorious sunshine have arrived. Spring is in the air and in the boudoir lots of beautiful lingerie collections to celebrate this!

Here is a little introduction to some staples any lingerie lover (or not) will be needing over the next couple of months.

Starting with this Ginia silk collection. This is a new designer for us at Tallulah. Made in Australia, it was first introduced last season with some simple camisoles sets, slips and the perfect silk P.J's 

(of which we have these order for later in the year in the most amazing print).

Below is the latest collection of ivory camisoles with matching frenchies and a gorgeous short sleeved wrap kimono to finish off the boudoir look. I mean I will be wearing this camisole as part of my Underwear As Outerwear wardrobe so watch this space....

It has the most beautiful lace and delicate pin tuck details finished with the bow. Perfect with my high waisted flares!

Now for something embroidered, and as a Tallulah lingerie lover you will know that I am not too fond of embroidery on my lingerie I much prefer lace, 

unless it is embroidered cherries from Aubade- you remember right? 

But this set from Maison Lejaby (formerly known as just Lejaby) in its ice-cream tones is just something else, I love it, the fit is that of the classic Lejaby and in a padded balcony as not everyone can wear the padded plunge. It is pure perfection.

Below is another new designer to the boudoir for this season. MarieJo, a label that has  around for a very long time. I have been told over the years what a great fit it is by customers visiting and also other lingerie boutique owners and although I always knew it would be, nothing from past collections stood out and took my breath away to try it out, until this one and yes it is another embroidered collection. Just look at it, its ridiculous. 3 styles of bottoms from a high waited brief to a tiny string thong (with an in between bikini). 2 styles of bras. In 30 backs and unto an E cup so it covers lots of sizes.  Contrast black piping. Quick before it goes, I'm not too sure on the re-ordering of this beauty.

Keeping with the coral theme is Amour from Simone Perle. I am sure you know this one and if you have had it in any of the other colours over the years then this is a no brainer, you are going to 'need' this in your lingerie drawer for summer. 

It is one of those Summer Staples.

Still with the coral (and embroidery)  you can see a little bit of a theme here right?! Look at this below from Hanro of Switzerland. In the past we have had Cottons only from Hanro. Vests, knickers and sleepwear in particular but this is on another level with its soft oyster coloured tulle and contrasting coral embroidery delicately tickling the wire free bra and matching knickers. It is available in xs, s, m, and l. An easy present to buy!

This has to be my personal favourite so far this year. It makes me happy just to look at it so can you imagine how I feel wearing this beautiful lace and tulle frill lingerie set? Originally it was ordered in in the black, it sold out almost instantly- before I even had a chance to nab a set. Upon re-ordering we had the devastating news that no more black was available...we tried ivory and wow was that a great decision. Honestly this is just beautiful and not much left in the ivory now either eeekkkkkkkkkk!

I mean, just look at it...

And here is the newbie from Jayley. How great will this be in your summer wardrobe?! I can see this being worn with literally everything as my other silk devore jackets and kimonos- they have nearly been worn to death and a new colour and style is just what ones summers wardrobe needs. 

Calling this my summer wardrobe injection.

Finishing up with a bowl of lace and colour from Eberjey. These seem to of taken over from the famous and best selling silk Mary Green shorties that we are still trying to find a direct substitute for. Exciting new colours arriving every couple of months to keep it fresh. 

That finishes up my little round-up.

Hope something in this blog post grabs your heart and makes it skip a beat.

Lots of Lingerie love to you all.

T xx

Getting beach ready...

Can you believe Easter is in 2 weeks? I can't. Are you escaping and soaking up some precious natural vitamin D? This year has just flown by, well I guess it has not been a 'normal' beginning of the year in Tallulah's world, but it's great being back in the boudoir, my happy place being  surrounded by the gorgeous new spring collections and in particular the new swimwear collections from Seafolly. We have never had this particular Australian swimwear designer in the boudoir, normally we stock the Moontide collections from Australia. It is easily available in department stores and as a rule when buying, I try to have collections and designers in Tallulah that are not so ready available, but last July I just fell in love. From fun and flirty retro red and white polka dots to exquisitely sophisticated chic navy blue. The whole collection is gorgeous and to celebrate Seafolly becoming part of Tallulah's family we are having Prosseco and 10% discount off the Seafolly swim collection this weekend ready in time for any of you lucky lingerie lovers who are off over the Easter break. Whether its a short spa break or a longer family holiday around the pool, we really hope you can make it in to Tallulah either Friday or Saturday for your swimwear fix, chat and of course a drink or 2!

Here is the invite for 18th-19th March.

 Below is a little introduction to the collection, starting with the Polka collection, and if you follow on Instagram FaceBook Twitter then you may recognise this one...

Retro style Polka bikini.

Tie-side Polka bikini.



Styles in this collection include the padded bandeau and halter tie tops, high waisted 50s styled briefs or lower waisted with tie sides and a fantastic one piece. The suit is low fronted (but not to low) with a slight shaped pad in the cup that can be removed like the halter tie top in  the bikini.

Below is the floral print of which the base is navy blue. The shapes include a larger cup under-wired bikini top, padded bandeau and one style of bottoms the tie-side.

Here is the collection that I think is my favourite, the simple shape of the top and navy blue colour  plus the fact that this is under-wired and almost just wraps around ones bust looks great, it can be halter neck or a strapless with tie-side briefs. This is the one I will be wearing in Venice this summer, can't wait!

Also in the collection is a padded halter shape- pictured below, and regular briefs that are slightly higher although not as high as the retro style in the Polka dot collection. This shape is great to sit just above a c-section scar as the tie sides may sit a little low, in case one is worried then this is the perfect shape bottoms. A super strapless one piece also in this beautiful navy blue, straps can obviously be added just like all of the bandeau/strapless styles of bikini tops mentioned.

Here it gets a little bight and white! Below is the simple shaped and amazing coral colour bikini. Padded bandeau top with tie-side bottoms, it is also available in chic white.
Imagine either colours with a tan, this coral is just incredible. LOVE IT.

Also within the collection are soft cotton kaftan's. Of course we are still stocking the beautiful silk and beaded kimonos that are great to cover up with when popping to the bar for a cocktail. The kimonos are online to buy always and we have some new colours in the boudoir. We will be offering the 10% off discount to these over the 2 days also (but not online, sorry!) Here are the cotton kaftan's from Seafolly's collection and the top image is the white dress style kaftan.

As you can see, they will sit perfectly over the bikinis and suits.
Also we have a rather elegant black one piece, that I have to say looks amazing with the sheer gold and black silk kimono and big Jackie O style sun glasses.

Looking forward to seeing you and any friends you bring along to the boudoir at the weekend for some swimwear shopping and Prosecco drinking.

Friday 18th and Saturday 19th March.
11-6.
Tallulah Lingerie.
65 Cross Street.
N1 2BB.

T xx

Slipping back in to things...

And in a big way with designers Emilio Pucci, Calvin Klein and Céline just a few whom are declaring this Spring/Summer season another season of the Underwear as Outerwear trend. Little slip dresses, wisps of Chantilly lace and diaphanous silks adorned the catwalks making me think of the collections in Tallulah from Marjolaine's silk chiffon trimmed in Gothic eyelash lace to our Bespoke silk Christine gowns that have had lots of press lately including 'How to spend it' and in the fantastic new bridal magazine 'Absolutely Weddings' - click on the links for a read.

The silk slip is no longer regarded as an evening only sensual boudoir piece, or just a very functional layering piece in ones wardrobe, but is looked upon as more of a key piece in our wardrobes.

Marjolaine from last season, still going strong

Lingerie as a fashion trend is not a new thing, far from it with Chanel partial to a wide legged lounge pant back in her day and of course who could forget the phenomenon of Madonna and the stir her and Gaultier caused with her beautiful pink coned bra shape corselette. Then who could forget Kate Moss and the slinky silk adorning her body a couple of decades ago? See the image below for a reminder...

Image via vogue.fr

I have always loved a slip, under my dresses as a layer or simply as a dress, during my second pregnancy my most comfortable and glamorous outfit was a 1940s inspired Mary Green silk chiffon nightie layered over a simple bias cut slip, I still wear it now. But I have to say my favourite to wear is my Shell Belle ‘Gatsby’ 1920s inspired slip in black silk trimmed in the most exquisite gold decadent lace. I wore it to a wonderful festival wedding in the summer.

Back in the 90s I went through that 'indie rock' phase. Tiny spaghetti strapped slips and huge Dr Marten boots laced up with ribbons not laces, although I wore Wolford opaques WITHOUT the rips and holes added to them you will be pleased to hear!

Many of our silk Christine's gowns have found new homes as outerwear for wearing to parties, dinner partying in or even tangoing in. Dress them up with heels and a sparkly bolero or be more casual like I wear it with Belstaff leather biker boots and a chunky cashmere cardigan, either way you will love the way it feels and how easy to accessorise the simple and elegant slip into a dress day or night.

Christine silk gown with silk velvet and bead bolero hanging in Tallulah

Length is key, nothing to short or you will look like your off to bed (rather glamorously I'm sure).

And if your unsure of the full on ‘I'm wearing my underwear as outerwear and I don't care' look then ease yourself into it, like with a camisole edged in delicate lace peeping out of the bottom of a sheer t-shirt or the lace trimming on a chemise tickling the edge of your summer dress hem. 

Layering with Shell Belle lace, cashmere & denim

As you can see from the above image of my outfit at the weekend, I love the contrast of the shapes and fabrics, feminine and delicate mixed with tougher leather and denim and all in all layering. I have my Shell Belle lace slip tucked in but hanging out under my cashmere jumper (as I re-read this that sounded complicated to do, but it really isn't)  I'm not a total girlie girl but I do love feeling feminine. 

I have to say, I am utterly pleased the designers have declared the Underwear as Outerwear trend is still going strong, but even if they didn’t and Vogue were not writing about the simple silk slip, Tallulah would still be in love with the silk slip and have a boudoir full of different shapes, fabrics and styles.

We declare our love for the silk slip and our love for  underwear as outerwear forever.

Goodbye January, Hello February...

I write this blog post with a crushed heart.

 Its not bruised, cracked or hurt, it is broken.

Very sadly this mad crazy world lost some great guys recently.

David Bowie, Lemmie Miller, Glenn Frey, Terry Wogan and the best guy of all, 

One of my closest and dearest.

We were born just 3 days apart and have grown up together.

For the very long month of January we stayed with him in hospital. Sharing and soaking up lots of love. 

We had some ups with smiles and made new memories that I will cherish forever but mainly it was downs. 

Lots of tears and unbelievable sadness. 

We had a wedding, a pyjama wedding. Charlie was in bed we thought it would be nice if we all wore pyjamas like him. Not the glamorous day our darling Bride-to-be had envisioned her wedding day to be.

I'm glad my Ivory silk robe could be used, but for this wedding it was more than just 'a getting ready outfit' it was an actual outfit and a little bit of luxury and as her 'Something Borrowed'. 

Image via Instagram @thegoodpeople 

I have to say, it has been so nice when I have popped into Tallulah, seeing all of the new stock looking alluring hanging up and decorating Tallulah, all ordered so long ago now and my head is all fuzzy so it's a nice surprise!

Like this gorgeous new colour in the fantastic 'Opera' collection from Chantelle. Pictured below is the padded plunge shape with removable pads and the thong, also available is the sheer half cup bra (up to a F cup!) lacey shorties and a bikini brief. Now if you have had this in any of the other colours Tallulah has stocked over the years then you will also 'need' this new colour. 

Beautiful Silver-blue colour Opera from Chantelle.

Also to arrive from Chantelle is this charming and sexy blush set. Pictured below is the padded half cup, but also available is the padded plunge (I have this on today and if you follow Instagram you will see) again with removable pads, bottoms wise to choose from you have thong, shorties or bikini brief. 

No un-padded bra though in this collection, that is the only bad word I have to say about it as it is nice to have the choice.

Both of these new collection can work as great nudes on paler skins tones. 

Disappearing under light coloured t-shirts and shirts in a pretty way. In Tallulah we are not massive fan's of the smooth t-shirt style bras as you know and always choosing pretty lace over plain, so these are both perfect for us.

New Satine collection from Chantelle.

Tallulah is looking divine and makes me smile when I'm in there, I hope you feel the same upon entering the boudoir, I really do. The girls have looked after her beautifully, and I hope you agree they are all amazing.

Sorry for the sadness in the beginning, I just felt I ought to explain my absence from the Boudoir these last few weeks and couple to come. 

Remember, Life's too short, Surround yourself with people you love and who love you back... and wonderful lingerie!

Next post will be about the new Chantal Thomass that is due in any day now. Yes its all black and lace, but its a special black lace and perfect for Valentines Day.

Until next time lingerie lovers, T x

A little introduction...

Apologies in the weeks that have passed since my last blog post. But since that last post the most beautiful new silk collection has arrived in the boudoir, Clara Rossi. It is made in Italy using the finest silks and handmade laces. 

Below are a few close ups starting with the  chemise. I love the name of this colour, Sangria Red for obvious reasons! The length sits just below the knee so is perfect under those maxi length dresses that are so 2016. I particularly like this under my wrap around style dresses with the black lace cheekily peaking out below my hem line. We have a fabulous Black robe to sit on top of this chemise should one want a matching outfit for lounging at home in style in too.

The slip below is my favourite I think. The straps cross over at the back, a cheekier length that is shorter than the above style. The gorgeous Pewter silk colour trimmed in the same black lace. This is super sexy to be chased around the boudoir in (wink wink). The black robe sits beautifully over this too.

Then the camisoles. I do love a camisole. Below is the fantastic and bold colourful version, this is also available in ivory silk with ivory lace for a more subtle version.

Other styles in the Clara Rossi collection  include a classic A-Line chemise. Colours to choose from in this style are the same as the above camisole (which has been selling very well this week) and also Navy silk and Ivory lace trim. Both gorgeous, in fact the whole collection is. If your around this weekend why not swing by the boudoir to see for yourself.

Lots of Lingerie Love to you,

T x