Let's talk about sexy stuff!
It's only in the last few years - as I have come to appreciate, respect, and love my body even more - that investing in cuter/sexier/better quality lingerie pieces has become a little obsession of mine.  The less hangups I have about my body, the more fun it is to dress up in lacy items that make me feel super sexy.  Even if you aren't totally at peace with your body, dressing it up in items that make you feel beautiful and sexy (as with every day clothing) can really feed your sense of confidence and help in changing your mindset from negative to positive! 

When I started looking to buy items from companies like Hips and Curves, I did a lot of looking online to try to find a review of items from someone my size.  I wanted to know how things really fit on a similar body.  Finding that review was nearly impossible, which is why I decided to buy a pair of thigh highs and write my own review.  Read on for reviews of a bra and panties from Hips and Curves and a very sexy pair of panties from Lane Bryant.  I have also included my current favorite picks from four of my go-to lingerie retailers, along with info on sizing and fit and current sale promotions.

This post has been a BIG labor of love and has taken me many, many, many hours to complete.  I hope it provides you with helpful information.  If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment on the post or contact me via email. :-)





The Isabella Stretch Lace Bralette from Hips and Curves is the second bra I've bought from the company.  Sadly, I did have to return the first - the Eyelash Lace Strappy Bra.  I bought it according to the size chart (I bought a 4X) and it was a bit too loose.  As a woman with smaller breasts, I really loved that the cup straps were adjustable, which made it fit my boobs great.  I'm going to be reordering it in a smaller size, but happened to see the Isabella on sale one day.

I bought the Isabella in a 3X, but feel I could also size down in it as well.  Because I bought this one at a great sale price, I decided to go ahead and keep it.  The lace is beautiful and unlined, leaving a sheer bralette for extreme sexiness.  It comes in various colors, but I was practical and chose black.  I love the bow and ruffle details that add an extra dose of feminine.  The adjustable straps in the back are long and thin, connecting to the two-hook band.  Because the band and straps are on the thin side, I will say that this doesn't really offer much in the way of support.  It is definitely more of a pretty decoration than a structured undergarment.  As I have no idea what it is like to have large breasts, I will let you decide if that information means anything to you.  I thought it was worth pointing out though.


The bands of stretchy lace that make up the front straps and cups are wide and can accommodate whatever you have to put in it.  The V neckline comes all the way down to the band, while the sides meet another sheer panel under the arm.  I will say, it probably fits a C cup and larger much better.  On my B cup breasts, there is a bit of room where the lace is sewn together in the middle.  I can easily remedy this by taking it in just a bit, but it looks just fine as it is.  It isn't something I am wearing for a huge chunk of time, so it doesn't really bother me.  This bralette is extremely comfortable and very pretty and sexy.  I am looking forward to acquiring more in various colors.

Of course, as soon as I started to gather links for this part of the post, the Isabella is sold out for now.  The Lace Bralette with T-Back is a similar style.  The Isabella Stretch Lace Babydoll has the same bra style on top and a sheer skirted portion attached.  It comes in black, indigo, red, navy, and pink.




Also from Hips and Curves, I bought the Savoir Faire Lace Cheeky Thong in red and turquoise.  I'm not really a thong wearer, but I wanted some colorful, sexy panty options for play time.  Since I can be sartorially adventurous at times, I went ahead and purchased two pair and hoped they would fit correctly.  I bought them in a 5X according to my measurements and the size chart.  At Hips and Curves, a 5X roughly translates to a size 24.  With the panties, I would pay more attention to the hip measurement for fit and size down if you are on the smaller end of the measurement.  The 5X fits me extremely well and is super comfortable, stays in place, and isn't too tight nor stretched too much.  It is likely I could have sized down, but these fit so well and are so incredibly comfortable as is that I think they are a great fit.


The wide lace band is unlined and made of a stretchy, soft lace.  It feels incredibly comfortable against the skin and is wide enough to cover a lot of tummy and doesn't roll down.  The thong part of the panty is also made out of this same soft lace.  Like I said, I am not a huge fan of thongs but I absolutely love this one.  It is actually really comfortable and doesn't feel weird.  The crotch portion of the panty is lined in a soft cotton the same color as the lace.  Truly, I also want these in every color.  A similar style is the Lace Thong that currently has a few more color options. 





In branching out and trying new panty styles, I also decided to try this crotchless thong panty from Lane Bryant.  Like the lacy thong above, they have a wide sheer lace band that fits around the hips.  I love the way these look on me as well.  The rise settles a little lower than my natural waist and accentuates my curves in a very seductive way.  I just love wearing them because they compliment my big hips and make me feel super sexy. 


The band is ruched just a little in front and lays flat the rest of the way.  The solid material covers your bits both in front and back.  I bought these in a 22/24 and find they fit true to size.  The material lays flat against your butt, but it can travel into more of a thong style if you move around a lot.  I would also like to point out that the "crotchless" portion isn't just a gaping hole. The material is cut in the middle but covers your lady bits.  It doesn't feel drafty or weird at all.  I do wash these in a little lingerie bag in the washing machine and lay them flat to dry.  They are very well made and have been holding up to wear and washing.  I own two pairs of black ones, a red pair, and a pink pair.  Lane Bryant also recently introduced a ruffled version on their website that comes in black, red, and leopard print.  I own the black ones and they fit the same as this lacy pair.

Wearing the Isabella Stretch Lace Bralette and Extra Wide Lace Band Stay Up Thigh Highs, both from Hips and Curves

Below you will find my current top picks from my favorite places to shop for lingerie: Hips and Curves, Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Curvy Girl Lingerie.  I have made notes about sizing and fit for each retailer, along with current sale promotions in case you want to make a purchase.  Linked items with an asterisk are ones I actually own.

Hips and Curves:

Hips and Curves always has really beautiful and sexy pieces to choose from.  I love that so many of their items come in multiple colors.  If you want something other than black or red, this is a great site to check out.  I feel like they have a good variety to suit a more demure sexy to a very daring sexy.

In regards to sizing, I find the panties and hosiery to fit true to the size chart.  If your thighs are thicker like mine, I highly recommend the Extra Wide Band Thigh Highs.  They stay up better and are better proportioned for larger thighs.  The hosiery that says "Stay Up" are the ones that specifically have the silicone bands on the inside to help them adhere to your skin.

Because I have smaller breasts, I can generally size down one from what the size chart says I should wear in bras.  Most of the bras and bra cup containing items are best for C cup breasts and larger.  I found the Eyelash Lace Strappy Bra (in a size down) to work great for my B Cup breasts.  The Isabella Stretch Lace Bralette (mentioned in the review above) has a little bit of extra room for my smaller boobs, but it can be sewn a little smaller or overlooked, depending on your personal taste.

Sales to be aware of:

• Shop Hips & Curves 3 For $30 Panties. 
• Shop Hips & Curves 4 for $28 Panties. 
• Shop Hips & Curves 2 for $30 Hosiery.  
• Shop Hips & Curves 2 for $52 or 2 for $42 Bras.
• If you sign up for the email newsletter (or just check the website every Tuesday), they have "Ooh-La-La Tuesday" where a different item is on sale each week.  A lot of the time, the deal is 50% off whatever item so it is definitely worth a look.

 

Lane Bryant:

Lane Bryant is my typical go-to for bras, panties, and lingerie.  I have quite a few LB chemises, robes, garter belts, bras, and panties (including sexy panties and every day panties) in my wardrobe.  They have always been true to size and well-made.  The Sophie Theallet pieces I own are jersey knit comfortable and very pretty, with interesting details in fishnet cuffs and sheer cut outs.  I love them!

Sales to be aware of:

• Cacique Everyday Deal: 5 for $35 Panties + BOGO 50% Off Bras!
• Take $45 OFF orders $150+ when you use code 45NETLB at LaneBryant.com! (10/1 - 10/31) 
• Think Pink: Shop Lane Bryant's Cause Collection and 10% of your purchase will go to the American Cancer Society! 

Lane Bryant: 1 - Sophie Theallet Colorblock Chemise* / 2 - Lace Halter Chemise / 3 - Sheer Robe with Lace / 4 - Colorblock Knit Chemise / 5 - Sophie Theallet Colorblock PJ Set / 6 - Satin Sleep Cami with Lace  & Satin Sleep Short with Lace / 7 - Satin & Lace Chemise / 8 - Cooling Chemise / 
9 - Strappy Halter Babydoll / 10 - Mesh Inset Chemise / 11 - Sophie Theallet Satin and Lace Gown / 12 - Sophie Theallet Colorblock Robe* / 13 - Mesh Trim PJ Set


Lane Bryant: 1 - Criss Cross Lace Garter Belt* / 2 - Draped Bow Garter Belt / 3 - Sophie Theallet Garter Skirt / 4 - Lace Back Hipster Panty / 5 - Skirted Crotchless Panty / 6 - Skirted Crotchless Panty / 7 - Ruffled Crotchless Panty* / 8 - Crotchless Thong Panty*

Torrid:

I own a few pairs of panties from Torrid.  They have really upped their game in providing sexy and pretty undergarments in the last few years.  I find that the panties fit pretty true to size, bordering on slightly smaller.  Keep your measurements in mind when ordering and know that certain styles will fit lower or higher.  I particularly love the way the "ruched butt panties" fit because they accentuate the curves of my butt in a very pleasing way.
I tried on bras in store recently and found them to be very comfortable.  They do have B cup sizes in larger bands, so this is great news for all the smaller busted ladies like me.

Bras go up to a 48 band size and F & G cups.

Sales to be aware of:

• 30% Off Lingerie & Sleepwear During the Sexy Sale at Torrid.com! 
• Panties 5 for $35 During the Sexy Sale at Torrid.com! 
• Get up to 40% Off Bras During the Sexy Sale at Torrid.com!

Curvy Girl Lingerie:

Curvy Girl Lingerie is a boutique in San Jose, California specializing in plus size lingerie, accessories, and other sexy items.  You can order from them online through their website.  Most lingerie fits up to a size 22/24, but they also carry items that fit larger sizes as well.  Both on their main website, Facebook page, and Instagram, you can see regular ladies modeling the lingerie so you have a better idea about how it will fit.  Contacting them through the form on their website has always been a quick and positive experience, so if you have further questions about an item do not hesitate to ask them.  The social media for Curvy Girl Lingerie is run by owner Chrystal, who keeps the spaces very positive, upbeat, and inviting.

While I haven't personally bought lingerie from them yet (there are quite a few pieces on my wishlist), I have purchased the Plus Size Doggy Style Strap.  This padded belt is soft and has strong adjustable straps.  It is very well-made, wide, and comfortable against your skin.  This strap can be used for leverage and intensity in any position.  If you or your partner need something to help with balance or to keep one of you sturdy during sexy time, this is a great accessory to have.

Sales to be aware of:

• Checking Curvy Girl Lingerie Facebook page is the best way to learn about new items and special deals