Sensual Life Style Guide
Do you like riddles? Are you a film buff? If so, answer this. What do Illya from Never On a Sunday (1960) and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde (2001) have in common?
Blonde hair, yes—but what else?
Melina Mercouri plays Illya, the most sensuous and radiant "woman of the night" in the Greek seaport of Piraeus, where everyone adores her and she is the one who chooses her partners. She is fiercely independent, sexually progressive, while at the same time not spending her life trying to find the perfect man. She is smart and a force of nature who knows who she is, which in the film proves to be more important than sophistication or money. (Mercouri was 40 years old when she played Illya and did not hide a single day of her age.) Homer, an American tourist, tries to change her like Professor Higgins tried to do in My Fair Lady, but he cannot change what is special and unique about Illya. She is a woman to be reckoned with, a woman who makes no excuses for herself or her lifestyle. She loves life and she loves herself for who she truly is.
Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, a naturally blonde super-popular honor student with pink as her signature color. Elle, like her hair, has a heart of gold, and she leads a wonderful life until jilted by her boyfriend, Warner. Devastated, but determined not to give up, she attends Harvard Law School. She sticks out like a sore thumb with her West Coast charm and pink Prada, but resolves to succeed and is soon one of the best in her class. She wins the respect of her peers and wins a coveted intern spot at a law firm, going on to defend a client in a high profile murder trial. Elle overcomes the "dumb blonde" stereotype by being smart, by being a woman to be reckoned with, and by making no excuses for herself or her lifestyle. Like Illya, she loves life and she loves herself for who she truly is.
When we have a "zest for life," we live each day with a sense of excitement, with a sense of wonder, and with a sense of fantasy. We stay true to ourselves in our actions and in how we present ourselves to the world. We accept imperfection and we dress first to please ourselves. Style is YOUR personality and looking genuinely YOURself. It is the way people see you and the way you want people to perceive you. Being stylish is when you match who you are to what you are wearing.
With so much emphasis in the news about "healthy living" options, we would like to add "sensual living" options to the equation, which, in essence, is the relationship you have with yourself. Begin your day with beautiful music, with good food, with a fragrant scent, with a positive image of yourself in the mirror, and with luxury fabric against your skin.
We literally have you covered in the fantasy and luxury fabric department, which gives YOU more time to discover just what it means to BE YOU . . . beautiful from the inside out, like Illya and Elle.
1. ysé LINGERIE is designed by women for women. Since 2012, the French brand has been creating beautiful collections to enhance our bodies. Read about ideal fittings adapted to each cup on their website. They created the sweatshirt Le Plaisir with the idea of putting your own pleasure first. Wear it loose-fitting for a casual look. Made of organic cotton and created and printed in Paris.
2. ysé pack of three cotton jersey briefs was designed with softness and fun in mind. These little knickers are embroidered in French with the names of the best days of the week: vendredi, samedi, dimanche (or Friday, Saturday, Sunday). They are perfect for sleeping in or wearing under loose clothes.
3. New York–based CLO intimo was launched in 2003 by Claudia Ochoa in the interest of producing feminine, flattering lingerie influenced by the sophistication and modernity of the New York woman, while maintaining the passion, color, and sensuality of her Columbian roots. Claudia has perfected the art of designing pieces that heighten a woman's sensuality and comfort. CLO lingerie is designed for a woman by a woman. All pieces are made in small, family-owned businesses, providing a living wage and a healthy work environment. The Fortuna Racerback vest gives bra support in a flattering camisole. It is made from French-style lace in a vintage pattern with front closure clips. It can be worn underneath your tops, peaking out from a blazer, as sensual loungewear or as a party top. There are many beautiful lingerie options on their website, so take advantage of a 15% discount when you enter BUSTYLE at check-out.
4. RIGBY & PELLER is a British leader in lingerie styling and fitting. They carry brands that will make you look and feel your best. For those of you living in or visiting the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, or Washington D.C. area, call the toll-free number or book an appointment online with a lingerie stylist. From a simple update for work to a perfect fit for your wedding day or even a lingerie wardrobe transformation, Rigby & Peller stylists are happy and trained to help. Remember, there is a perfect fit for every body.
5. The MISSONI HOME Wolf Jacquard-stripe cotton-terry robe is an instant graphic update to your everyday lounge edit. It is ankle length with an integrated hood and patch front pockets, made in the EU of plush cotton. Considering you wear a bathrobe almost every day, the cost per wear is 94 cents per day, which is a small price to pay for a daily dose of joy-producing luxury.
6. No one does silk like EQUIPMENT. If you are looking for something truly indulgent, this classic PJ set is a top-notch choice. (Coco Chanel was known to wear white silk men's cut pajamas in a similar style.) You can also make them party-ready with a pair of strappy heels and a bold red lip—or wear the shirt with a dark-wash jean. Take them on holiday and wear them while enjoying room service on your balcony overlooking the sea.
7. Lingerie and swimsuit brand ERES believes in a natural look and loves nothing more than simplicity when it comes to swimsuits. The brand replaced corsets, stays, and underwire in the late 1960s, with cuts of the fabric, seams, and finishes that provided the necessary support. In 1968, the brand came up with PEAU DOUCE (soft skin), an exclusive blend of polyamide jersey, lively and elastic with unparalleled stretching properties. Les Essentials Asia swimsuit offers real comfort and hugs the body so well that it fits like a glove. Made in France, it has a flattering rounded neckline, low scoop back and discreet sculpting panels. It is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, but also perfect with skirts, jeans, trousers and shorts. We suggest to always have your Eres swimsuit and your Equipment pajamas in your suitcase. They take up so little space compared to the amount of pleasure you will feel each time you slip them on.
8. WOLFORD is known worldwide for their high-quality stockings and bodysuits. The London Effect body is a harmonious combination of a white blouse and a bodysuit. The concealed button strip, overlong sleeves and wide cuffs are the 2020 version of modern shirting, while the cotton/elastane material makes for ease of movement. Wear you CLO Fortuna racerback vest underneath with the first three buttons left undone for an office to dinner look. Receive 15% off when you sign up for their newsletter.
9. MAISON ULLENS is a Belgian ready-to-wear collection that is a way of life. Their exceptionally crafted knitwear is designed for comfort and ease, while never sacrificing quality. The clothing is elegant and timeless. It is stylish without being trendy. The Navy & Khaki Summer Travel dress is form fitting, reversible, and ankle-length and is crafted using the plated rib technique. The cross-backed straps make for a sexy, bare back. It is made from 100% cotton and can be handwashed. Wear it on a plane or to a meeting, underneath a jacket or cardigan and to a dinner party with nothing at all.
10. Not all slip dresses are created equal. A slinky slip dress is the epitome of lazy luxury and the Australian brand The Silk Laundry has nailed the silhouette. The Deco Slip Houndstooth dress offers a modern approach to feminine dressing. The references from the Art Deco era combine to create a striking shape, while the houndstooth pattern makes it feel less lingerie-like. This is an elegant and timeless dress that can be easily dressed up or down for any event.