Ginny and Jude's Two Shoes: Fancy bras and knickers

As I did my laundry this week I reflected with some sadness on the fact I don't have nearly as many pairs of colourful, fancy knickers as I once did. And don't even get me started on lingerie sets! It feels like a long time since I left the house with perfectly matching underwear. And more's the pity.
Why has this happened?? There are some practical answers - a smaller disposable income floats quickly to the top of the list - but really; I need to redress this issue. And quickly.

If (when, when!) I ever open a bricks and mortar shop, alongside my own bits and bobs I would most definitely want lingerie in there. Floaty, deliciously silky pieces in gasp-inducing brights and prints. Because nothing matches that feeling of beautiful fabric close to your skin; the flash of lace beneath a sheer blouse; that secret knowledge that underneath your clothes you look bloody fantastic.

Despite the fact I haven't bought any special lingerie for myself in some time, I spend an inordinate amount of time meandering and jinking through the internet looking at fancy bras and knickers. So, if I had a bunch of dollars to spend on lingerie right now, this is where I would be going....

1. Miss Crofton
Oh, you Londoners have it good! Miss Crofton is Georgia Campbell, an East Londoner with a wonderful eye for colour and form. If you're a local she has a regular stall at the Broadway Market in East London every Saturday from 9-5. For the rest of us, she has a nifty online shop. Enter at your own (financial) risk; I am keen on every single piece.

Delightful Delicacy Set / $96

Picture Perfect Bra and Knickers / $63 & $45

2. Katerina Nis
Stylish Sydney gal Katerina Nis recently launched her Boardwalk Taffy collection of lingerie confections and I've been quietly coveting several of these colourful pieces. That gorgeous silk Confetti Camisole will be mine. One day.

Cherry Soda Bloomers / $54

Confetti Camisole / $74

3. Lonely Hearts
This NZ label has just introduced underwire to their staple pieces, which is great news for us ladies who have an ample bosom, yet would still like to waltz down the street in a soft cup. And those highwaisted knickers in that most fantastic Forest Green. Stop it! Can't wait to visit their store in Auckland one day.

Sabel Highwaisted brief and Full Cup bra / $70 & $89

Anouk Underwire Midline Bra / $99

4. The Slipperie
For many years I have been a fan of online Vintage boutique Wildfell Hall. I did small whoops of joy when I discovered that the effortlessly stylish owner Amy had opened The Slipperie; a vintage shop dedicated to slips, lingerie and all things lounge. I see many pairs of tap shorts in my future...

Vintage Silk Tap Shorts / from $36

1930s Rayon Slip / $75

And the best of Etsy...

Marianna Giordana
French born, Australian-based Lingerie designer Marianna Giordana uses lace in a most spectacularly sensual way.