FEBRUARY SALE!!!!

In honor of the ”Month of LOVE”, we are offering 25% off on all of AKL’s lingerie!!!  This makes it the perfect time to order any lingerie for Valentine’s Day, your wedding, an anniversary, or just because!

Not only is February all about love, but it’s also the Heart Health Month. To learn more about heart disease (the number one killer of women?!) and prevention, visit the American Heart Association’s website, and GO RED!

~Annie K.

The 6 Bras You MUST Have In Your Closet!

It’s now 2013!!  Can you believe it?!  I certainly can’t….but another year has passed.  People are already busy making resolutions about diet and exercise, eating more vegetables and drinking more water, and I am more dreading going to my (most likely packed) gym this week, (I don’t like being all sweaty and gross among hundreds of strangers). But, I thought I would join in the resolution fun.  Here’s my 2013 resolution challenge to everyone: ”2013 is the year I will clean out my lingerie drawer!”  This week’s goal is to organize your bras!  I know, this is a daunting task.  You might have to say good-bye to your favorite thin and worn out “sweatshirt” bra from 10 years ago.  And, yes, if a bra doesn’t fit you anymore (no matter how cute it is)…..get rid of it!!  I get it.  I’m one of those women who doesn’t “notice” my bra is old until the strap just rips out because it’s so disintegrated. (I know…epic confession)  So, to help us on our 2013 bra journey, I’ve come up with six bras that we MUST have in our closets (or drawer in my case). Click on the photos for where to buy info.

1.  The Strapless Bra  

This bra is not just for formal dances.  A strapless bra is perfect to wear under layering camisoles in the colder months, and can be worn under all sort of tops in the summer. And most (like this OnGossamer bra to the right, comes with convertible and adjustable straps!)

 

 

 

2. The Nude T-Shirt Bra

This one I like to call “the sensible nude bra”, but it’s a must because you can wear it under anything, especially a classic white tee, and look fabulous.  Bonus if it gives you a little push-up (like this Chantelle bra!)

 

 

3. The Basic Black Bra 

Except there’s nothing basic about it!  Make it a demi cup (like this Miss Studio by La Perla bra) to wear under sexy scoop neck tops and rock a little cleavage.  Even under a sweater, a black bra always adds a little sexiness to your day. ;)

 

 

 

4. The Lace Bra

It’s a must have bra because it’s so pretty. And, let’s be honest…sometimes you want a little lace to peek through.  And get your lace bra in a fun color for some variety (Like this Betsey Johnson one)!

 

 

 

5. The Full on Flirt Bra 

This is the bra that need to be seen!  It’s much too flirty to keep under your clothes ;)   So don’t worry about if it shows through, or the bows are too much…this is your full on flirt bra! (LOVE this bra by Maison Close.  It’s much to gorgeous to be hidden!)

 

 

 

6. The Trendy Bra                

This might be the least practical bra, but a girl’s gotta feel “on trend”, so why not wear a bra that says you know what’s going on in the fashion world?  Try leopard or neon! (These Mimi Holliday bras are prefect!!)

And, because I’m making you throw out your old, but comfy bras, here’s some replacements!

7. The Comfy Bra 

Perfect for lounging and relaxing. If you  must wear a bra, but want to be completely comfortable, try a Hanky Panky Signature Lace Bralette!

 

 

 

Happy 2013, and I wish everyone well as you organize your bras!!

~Annie K.

 

Let me see you burlesque. . .

Well, once again, Miss Annie K is off on a fabulous vacation (black-tie wedding in NYC. Yes, please!), so she’s asked me to once again help out with a little guest-blogging.  Lucky you, loyal readers.  I am also going to reveal some very embarrassing info about AKL’s fearless founder, so stay tuned!  My gallery idea came about when I was getting ready at Annie’s house today, where I am currently dog-sitting her dog, Max, as well as my two insane creatures.  It’s a bit of a full house, so to distract myself from the constant fur/slobber/barking, etc., I’ve been taking full advantage of the extensive iTunes collection at the Archie house.

Although I had to wade through a lot of weepy country and heavy metal, I’ve also found a seemingly never-ending supply of divalicious music, including Miss Aguilera’s newest album, Lotus.  So, in addition to inspring a lot of diva-handing, it has also inspired today’s Burlesque post.  As much as I still love Xtina, let’s be real. . . girl kinda peaked in this movie.  A big group of us girls went to see it in the theater and as cheesy as this movie was. . .we also immediately went to Target afterwards to get the soundtrack.  Even though, I can’t really bring myself to get through this movie without busting out laughing anymore, the soundtrack is still a fun listen at any time — especially on a morning when I can’t figure out to work the Archie coffee machine, I’m 80 pages behind in reading for one of my classes and am having what can only be considered an epically bad hair day.  And don’t even get me started on the status of my Spanx tights right now. . . So, rather than pay attention to my first class today, I put together this little collection of sexy ladies.  (And pink champagne, because well, it’s pink champagne.)

And while we’re on the topic of sexy ladies. . . while we were at Target getting this soundtrack, Annie dropped a bombshell on us.  Apparently, girl does one hell of a Cher impression!  Now, I’ve been friends with her for a shade over a decade — and I’ve yet to see it happen.  So, this is my challenge to both Annie and all her fellow readers — we need to make this happen, because watching her do a Cher impression would most likely be the greatest thing since pink champers!

Some Mid-Week Sexiness: Garters!

It’s Wednesday, so that means we need to add a little sexiness to our week.  And, what better way to do that than to showcase thigh high stockings + garters!!  They were originally used to serve the functional purpose of holding up a lady’s everyday stockings, but now garters add that finishing touch of raw sex appeal to any lingerie ensemble.  From girly and sweet, to dark and sultry….stockings + garters are one sensual combination. Garters can be clipped in a variety of ways, so get creative! Feel free to rock some in a boudoir shoot…..or if you’re more daring…under a dress or skirt!  And, not like you need any proof of how sexy they are, but I thought I would show you some anyway!

Want a pair for yourself?  Try these!  (All found at Bare Neccessities)

~Annie K.

 

 

 

 

 

A Little Italian Lingerie Can Go A Long Way

There’s something about the way an Italian woman carries herself.  She always looks “put together”, from her heels to her dark polished hair.  Her make-up is flawless (if not a little heavy) and her dress hugs her curves (and maybe shows a little bra!).  It’s this confident sexiness that I love.  Americans are all about perfection (ahem, we can’t all look like Jennifer Aniston because 1. we can’t afford her nutritionist and 2. we don’t have time to do yoga for 10 hours everyday?!)  But the Italians are all about life, love…and food!  I saw women well in their sixties and seventies who had just enough of their lace bras showing to make me blush….but they love it. (Am I the only one imagining Sophia Loren right now?)  While designing for AKL, I always keep a little “viva Italia” in the back of my mind!

And I love a country that has lingerie stores around every cobble-stoned corner.  Here’s a few that caught me eye.

I can definitely appreciate a shop that has their “bridal lingerie” in the widow!   A practical support bra may not be my first choice for romance, but those slips were gorgeous….

Ti Per Te by Kristina Ti has very pretty underthings sold through the wildly popular OVS stores.  Move over VS Angels!

And then there’s La Perla.  The queen of all Italian lingerie…well maybe of ALL lingerie!  With their impeccable quality (yes, that’s a window display showing how they hand stitch some their pieces)  to-die-for fabrics, and styles, they ensure any woman wearing La Perla feels her absolute sexiest.  (This store was in Rome near the Spanish Steps – a.k.a Rome’s 5th Ave)

Two more lingerie company’s of note are intimissimi and yamamay.  You can’t go more than two steps in Italy without seeing one of their billboards.  (They’re comparable to Victoria’s Secret in price and their big budget ad campaigns.)

Yes, many gorgeous lingerie was seen, and I’m beyond inspired!  And, even though I’m back in the U.S. trying to pencil in enough gym time, I’m going to keep a little of that Italian confidence with me. (I may even expose a bra strap or two….while eating pasta…oooh….)

~Annie K.

 

 

NYFW Favorites Part 2 (Saved the best for last)!

So many great collections in New York last week!  But, I saved the BEST for last.  These are my TOP 4 COLLECTIONS!!  Those gowns, the colors, Oscar’s florals, Victoria’s exposed bras (LOVE), Zac’s “bridal gown”, and Monique’s prints, all made these four collections stand out above the rest of the fantastic collections last week!!

See what I mean…….Fashion’s Gold Medals!

Next up….”London’s Calling”!  Fashion’s followers are flying across the pond to London Fashion week!

~Annie K.

September Lingerie Spotlight: The ‘Lace Panty’!

This month’s Lingerie Spotlight is on AKL’s ‘Lace Panty’!

This panty is a perfect pairing for AKL’s ‘Silky Chemise’.

AND can be worn under a wedding gown!  The stretch charmeuse and lace provide a comfortable fit and a delicate touch.  The ‘Lace Panty’ comes in ivory, and is definitely worth a closer look!

At $36, the ‘Lace Panty’ is also a fantastic Bridal Shower or Bachelorette gift!!

(Please note that even though AKL’s chiffon pieces are made in a “soft ivory”, the ivory ’Lace Panty’ still looks sexy under any of the AKL chemises!!)

 ~Annie K.

 

Labor Day Sale!!

CELEBRATE LABOR DAY WITH SOME LINGERIE!!

LABOR DAY SALE at Anne Kristine Lingerie!

American Holidays are always something to celebrate, and AKL produces all of their pieces in New York City, so Labor Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate with a SALE!!

All lingerie pieces are 15% now thru Monday!!!

~Annie K.

3 Ways To Make Your Boudoir Shoot HOT! Idea #1

The photographer has been chosen, the lingerie has been purchased, and you’ve spent countless hours at the gym in preparation for your boudoir shoot. But, before the pictures are taken, I need to suggest some ways to make your shoot unique and fabulous!!  We all love the classic boudoir shoots.  The gorgeous four poster bed, the smokey eyes, the pearls, and of course the sexy lingerie.  Over the next three posts, we’ll explore three ways to take your boudoir shoot from hot to scorching!

The first idea is to wear a lace eye mask.  Even if it’s just for a couple shots, they are so, so pretty, and add that extra layer of mystery to any photo.  The popularity of  “Fifty Shades of Grey” aside, eye masks are sexy, sexy, sexy!  (I mean, how fabulous did Anne Hathaway look as Catwoman….amazing!)  But, unlike opaque eye masks,  I like lace for pictures because you can see your eyes through the gorgeous fabric.

 

Want an eye mask?  Shop the look on Etsy.  My favorite mask is from joyful gabby!

 

 

 

 

 

LOVE this white mask for a “bridal boudoir shoot”!!! (also from joyful gabby)

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned throughout this week for ideas #2 and #3!

~Annie