Lingerie as Outerwear: We're Bringing Purple Back

Today’s Lingerie as Outerwear post is an ode to the color purple. What with all the dreary grey skies and the slushy smudge color of the great outdoors, I’ve found myself pining for some scintillatingly beautiful color. A visual pick me up to get me through this weird winter weather.

Why purple you may ask? Funny story, I was walking down the street during my lunch hour and a woman passed me wearing the most amazing purple coat. I swiveled on the spot to get better look at her outfit and we came face to face just like the “Woman in Red” in the Matrix. Thankfully she wasn’t pointing a gun at my face; she just wanted to ask me for directions, but I credit her bold color choice with turning around my whole day! That, and I really like the color purple and think the world should wear more of it!

It all began with this cream Pati. Olie Vienna Corset with the Spring colored applique. The high neckline keeps the lingerie in respectable mode, while the pleats and embellishments are demanding to be shown off and not covered up with modesty. Paired up with a classic high waisted Lanvin Slim pant in a neutral khaki that the Silver Screen Goddesses would be salivating over and I had the perfect outfit all ready to go. The rest is just gravy.

These Yves Saint Laurent purple suede platforms give that necessary kick of color and texture to show that you didn’t use up all of your creativity just picking out the corset. Black Honey Almost Lipstick is the ultimate insiders’ secret and is known to go with any and all skin types. You could grab a purse, but it might be smarter to grab a blank notebook to record all of your adventures. This handmade Shakespearean Romance Journal could be just what the sartorialist ordered.

Throwing in a multi toned necklace with diluted pink and purple beads, super sparkly, dangly earrings and luxuriously minimalist golden toned bangles and crown shape ring brings this outfit up another notch into the head turning range. So be careful when you walk down the street or you might just have a posse fashionistas following your inspirational tail.


1. Pati.Olie Vienna Corset: Made to your exact dimensions, this bespoke corset will fit more comfortably than a glove. You had better be ready to chat up everyone you meet, because they’re all going to want to know where you found such an amazing piece. Maybe you should start practicing your mysterious smile now.

2. Monies resin Necklace: Multiple black leather bands keep these purple and pink resin beads up close and personal. They add that little bit of subdued sparkle that’s happy to play a supportive role while letting the corset do all of the talking.

3. Kismet Crown Gold Ring: The simple shaping and solid construction of this ring make it an easy piece to incorporate into any outfit. The golden tones will pick up the brown notes in the trousers, the cream colored fabric of the corset and of course those glorious bangles.

4. Immortal Longings Book Addict Gift Set Anthony and Cleopatra Romance Journal: Now, I love me some Shakespeare, Anthony and Cleopatra is one of my favorite plays, but I adore the way the designer has used this cover to create a place for your own masterpiece. Blank pages can be tricky to start off, so I recommend beginning the first page with a Black Honey glossed kiss and a record of the music playing in the next coffee shop you enter.

5. Jigsaw Hammered Bangle Set: The texture of the three bangles is beautiful and really shows the workmanship that went into them. You’ll feel that extra bit awesome knowing that you supported a fair trade product and artist. Well done you global citizen you!

6. Kendra Scott Ashton Earrings in Purple: Paging jeweled chandelier earrings for one. These delicately embellished earrings are the perfect mix of purple jewel tones to tie in with that fabulous purple journal, suede shoes and shiny grin. Be sure to play with them every so often as you scribe your hopes and dreams into the awesome journal. Who knows? Perhaps a delicate symphony will sing softly in your ears, or maybe you’ll just enjoy wearing some super cool earrings.

7. Yves Saint Laurent Purple Suede Platform Shoes: Yves has done it again. The simple platform heel is elevated to covet-able status with the infusion of this glorious purple suede. Do your best Cynthia Nixon strut as you coast along in these puppies.

8. Lanvin Slim Pant: The ultimate in luxury, these beautifully tailored pants really show off all the true hallmarks of designer luxury wear. They will quickly become a staple wardrobe choice with their classic silhouette and easy matching khaki. I love the high waist and can certainly envision Katharine Hepburn gliding along in a pair.

9. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick: Shhhh, don’t tell everybody. This is just for you lovely readers. Clinique has had a cult following demanding their Black Honey shade ever since its debut on the market in 1971. I’ve actually had to reserve mine a few times, while I waited for the next shipment to come in. You never want to hear the words “Sold Out” at the cosmetic counter.

10. Audrey Brief by Oh La La Cheri Paris: A beautiful corset deserves a beautiful bottom and these briefs from Oh La La Cheri Paris are the perfect pair. Their simple design in a glossy purple satin will be comfortable and you would never know they weren’t a matched set.

Have you been pairing your corsets with any typical everyday clothing lately? I know it can be difficult to do in the cold months, but that just gives you more options for layering now doesn’t it?

I think a good challenge to leave you with today, is to incorporate more color into your outfits. Take some chances and who knows, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a whole lot of compliments.

Happy Thursday everyone!

Cheers,

Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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