Up Close and Personal: Lingerie and Perfume Pairings for Your Valentine’s Night In

Selecting a fragrance is much like choosing lingerie—both are deeply personal decisions that involve trusting your instincts. Whether your boudoir persona is more shrinking violet or smoldering temptress, we believe your scent and your skivvies should align with the mood—both yours and the occasion’s.

Below, we’ve paired our favorite romantic fragrances with their complementary negligees, bralettes and underthings, for an extremely sensual approach to the art of seduction.

For Love & Lemons Noemi strappy bralette | For Love & Lemons Noemi ruffle panties | Giorgio Armani Si eau de parfum

Feminine, irresistible and fierce describe For Love & Lemons’ strappy bralette and matching ruffle panties, as well as Giorgio Armani’s distinct, modern scent, Si. Delicate florals float strategically in all the right places on the set, just as the perfume recedes into an airy petal fragrance after a few moments on the skin. Ballet-pink mesh and black detailing create a wildly seductive, stripped-down silhouette, for both the elegant bottle and the boudoir.

Natori burnout velvet robe | Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady parfum spray

You are a portrait of a fine lady when draped in the softly flowing luxury of this Natori velvet robe. For a similarly rich, dark allure, add Frédéric Malle’s rose and patchouli scent, named after Henry James’s novel about a woman “confronting her destiny.”

Maison Close Jardin Imperial underwire balconette bra | Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt cologne

Inspired by the earthy scents of windswept cliffs and breaking waves, Jo Malone’s musky fragrance is light and far less rugged than the name implies. In a similar way, this Maison Close balconette adorns your curves with a whisper of lace. Like the cologne, the bra is tempting, but not overpowering, and makes a subtly sexy statement.

In Bloom by Jonquil satin short pajamas | Gucci Bloom eau de parfum

The lace-scalloped sweetness of this In Bloom pajama set plays up your more demure side and mirrors the scent of Gucci’s aptly named Bloom fragrance, which captures the spirit of a garden stroll. The key note of this scent is Rangoon creeper, a plant of south Asian origins that adds a powdery tone to the otherwise floral perfume.

Honeydew Intimates Lucy bralette & panties gift box | diptyque Eau Duelle eau de parfum

This bold, strappy Honeydew Intimates set is for femme fatales who use their charm and wiles to ensnare their lovers. Draw them even closer with the warm, rich bourbon vanilla scent of diptyque’s Eau Duelle. Not too sweet, not too heavy—this true vanilla is dangerously intoxicating, much like the woman wearing it.

La Perla Wisteria underwire balconette bra | Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge eau de parfum

Classic red lingerie meets hedonistic glamour in this La Perla number, spiced up even further with Tom Ford’s audacious jasmine scent. The saturated fragrance is powerful and deeply romantic, just like the scarlet trimmings that grace your knockout figure.

Bluebella Imogen chemise | Maison Margiela Replica Lipstick On fragrance

Maison Margiela’s Lipstick On fragrance smells exactly as the name suggests—like the light, nostalgic aroma of makeup that permanently lingers around your vanity. What better pairing for this flirtatious scent than an equally girly, barely there Bluebella chemise? The combination is a rather gorgeous homage to the ritual of getting ready.

Skarlett Blue Entice underwire balconette bra | Byredo Bal d’Afrique eau de parfum

Inspired by 1920s Paris, this romantic Byredo scent begins as a vibrant, sweet citrus and unfolds into a warm, woody base that is both elegant and euphoric. Skarlett Blue’s lace bra echoes the vintage feeling of the fragrance and is equally rapturous.

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Calling All Cupids: Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Guys and Gals You Love

February 14th is a day dedicated to love of all kinds—romantic love, self-love, puppy love, loving friendships and love for chocolate. And though we do believe it is the thought that counts, it doesn’t hurt to also say “I love you” with some heart-shaped diamonds or an indulgent, fleece-lined robe—especially if you are both giver and receiver.

Upgrade her bouquet with the rapturous scent of turkish rose, or accessorize him for spring with a colorful beanie. Get in the spirit of the holiday with this adorable Alice + Olivia sweater, or spread the love with something extravagant—both a luxury handbag and a designer belt are gifts on our list. When in doubt, remember that a box of chocolates is a classic for a reason. 

Below, all of our favorite gifts for the men and women that we love (ourselves included).

Gifts for her:

 

Gifts for him:

SHOP: Valentine’s Day Gifts

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From the Gym to the Bar: 5 Key Athleisure Pieces

Updating your off-duty look is as simple as slipping into a few cozy activewear items. The key to looking pulled together rather than ready to do pull-ups? Mix athletic gear with more structured elements. The contrast creates a sporty luxe look perfect for your casual weekend plans.

Along with your staple sneaks, a few fresh additions to your closet will help your outfits flex from winter into spring. These are pieces meant to be rotated through your wardrobe, giving each new look an easy modern appeal.

Track pants

So comfortable and so cool, track pants dominate streetwear this season. Instead of putting on an entire track suit, however, match the pants with a suit coat. It’s the ultimate power combo, exhibiting the wearer’s laid-back attitude with professional polish. Don’t be afraid to pair the racy pants with a pump or a sleek shoe, but sneakers work too.

Shop our picks:

Givenchy tonal logo track pants | Pam & Gela stripe track pants | Topshop stripe track pants

Hoodies

Hoodies were the gateway garb to our current athleisure obsession. When designers like Demna Gvasalia started constructing (or deconstructing) this sweatshirt style with their signature flourishes, the fashion fold was quick to find ways to make it an acceptable top for any outfit. Feel free to pair it with both skirts and trousers.

Shop our picks:

Champion Reverse Weave® pullover hoodie | Vetements Light Hometown hoodie | Burberry Krayford embroidered hoodie

Sports bras

A sporty first layer can set the stage for your sleek style. New sports bra silhouettes integrate such fashion savvy, you may want to reveal them under a (also trending) sheer shirt. Mesh inserts, structural cups and logo bands make slipping on—and showing off—these underthings a move we can support.

Shop our picks:

New Balance Escape sports bra | Zella Body in the Lead sports bra | Calvin Klein Laser racerback bralette

Windbreakers

Rarely is such a practical purchase also such a statement piece. This spring, windbreakers will be on the shoulders of the world’s women, no matter the weather. These light layers give your outfit a breezy attitude. Our tip is to pick a style with a loose cut and an accent color.

Shop our picks:

Topshop colorblock windbreaker jacket | Cotopaxi Teca packable windbreaker jacket | Proenza Schouler PSWL padded short windbreaker

 

Sporty tees

Sport your favorite athletic brand on a new tee. These muscular logos are instantly recognizable and add personality to your favorite jeans. This season, classic cuts and prints will make this the shirt you wear again and again.

Shop our picks:

PUMA Glam oversize tee | Reebok graphic logo tee | IVY PARK logo tape boxy tee

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The Wrinkle-Free Travel Suit We Made Just for You

Whether traveling across town, from coast to coast or to another country, the eternal question for the commuter is, “How do I arrive at my destination looking crisp and polished?” Our designers were tasked with reinventing the classic suit for the man on the move, taking their cues from the small army of Nordstrom employees who routinely fly to L.A., New York, Europe and Asia. (It goes without saying that you can’t show up to Pitti Uomo looking like a slob.)

The result is a next-generation travel suit that’s lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, breathable and, yes, stylish. Lead designer Ryan Guinn took a few minutes away from the European leg of Men’s Fashion Week to talk us through the highlights and features of his favorite new suit.

The new Tech-Smart travel suit

What was your process when designing a classic suit with next-century materials?

When designing anything new, my philosophy is always to start with the raw material.

In the case of Tech-Smart, form follows function, so stretch was the easiest place to begin. We took a super 110’s wool and integrated 3% stretch, just enough to add performance and recovery—but not weight.

Then we turned to the details. What does a traveler or commuter need? Function, performance and ease.

Are there any hidden treasures in this suit, details someone might not notice until he put it on?

So many! Rubberized buttons give a tech touch, and are also more resistant to falling off. The trouser has a comfort-stretch waistband, which is ideal for 12+ hour days or red-eye flights.

But my favorite feature is the pockets. The sport coat features 11 pockets while maintaining a clean line and a crisp look. Some pockets are mesh lined, some have concealed zips, and all are designed to accommodate your gear without looking like a cargo jacket. We incorporated a concealed zip pocket in the trousers, on the side seam, to protect your valuables while you’re in an airline seat or a busy subway.

Tech-Smart fabric is showing up in dress shirts, suits, even socks and underwear. What’s so special about TechSmart fabric, in general?

Incorporating performance fabric into things like dress shirts and socks and underwear felt like an organic expansion. All our fabrics have integrated performance properties: wrinkle recovery, moisture wicking, 4-way stretch, quick dry and breathability. We worked hard to avoid adding topical treatments to the fabrics. Those can feel scratchy or uncomfortable, and tend to lose performance with wash and wear. Our new dress shirts (and other Tech-Smart items) feel good to the touch and are built to perform over the long haul.

You travel a LOT and you have to look good while you do. What advice would you give your younger self as you prepared to go on your first big business trip?

You never know who you are going to see or meet on an airplane or train station. Always look your best! And if you can be comfortable while doing so, then you truly are expressing yourself in the best way. 

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8 Sultry Lip Looks for Wine Lovers

Not unlike your favorite vino, wine-colored lipstick is refined and complex, and varies on a spectrum from juicy Grenache to saturated Cabernet. You needn’t swirl, smell or sip to determine which is your ideal wine shade, though it wouldn’t hurt to swatch a few. Below, we, your lipstick sommeliers, have rounded up some of our favorite bold hues, all with a hint of drama and a lush finish.

Tom Ford Boys & Girls lip color – The Boys in Ryan

This clutch-sized lippy is a buildable wash of crimson that ranges from blush rosé to tawny Pinot Noir. Wear as a single, sheer coat or in full-on layers—the metallic formula leaves behind a pearlescent shine while Brazilian murumuru butter, soja seed extract and chamomilla flower oil create an ultra-soft application.

CHANEL LE ROUGE Longwear lip crayon in 08 Cassis

This easy-to-apply crayon lipstick is an extremely comfortable, full-coverage ruby shade that leaves behind the fruity finish of a sweet sangria. Use the tip of the crayon to draw a precise outline and then fill in the lips with the flat side for a vibrant, satiny look.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in Glastonberry | Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre lip lacquer in Unleash Me

Charlotte Tilbury’s matte lipstick in Glastonberry is a dramatic, full-bodied hue for your pout. Taking cues from a high-tannin Syrah, it leaves behind a dark, matte berry statement with just one coat.

Add shine to your already bold pucker with a swipe of Charlotte Tilbury’s lip lacquer overtop. Unleash Me is the perfect complement to the aforementioned matte, amping up the luxe color for a lustrous, high-glamour finish.

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek lip & cheek color in Illusive

Consider RMS Beauty’s lip & cheek color in Illusive your “daytime wine” shade. A single coat of the dusty-rose color hearkens a crisp White Zinfandel, but it can be layered to reveal a more intense plum shade for an evening look. Add a wash of the all-natural stain to the apples of your cheeks for a cohesive flush.

NARS Audacious lipstick in Bette

NARS’s Audacious lipstick in Bette is a true garnet, with deep red tones that stain your lips like a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The matte formula is richly pigmented, looks luminous and won’t bleed or feather no matter how many glasses of wine you enjoy while wearing it.

 

 

M·A·C Cosmetics Plum lipstick in Smoked Purple | M·A·C Cosmetics lip pencil in Cyber World

For a more cool-toned wine, M·A·C’s Plum lipstick in matte Smoked Purple will remind you of a bright Pinotage. The creamy texture makes this highly pigmented color a treat to apply, especially when layered on top of Cyber World lip liner. Carefully line your lips with the eggplant pencil before swiping on lipstick, tidying the edges of your pout with a concealer brush for a polished look that is super graphic.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving lip balm in 006 Berry

Dior’s tailored-to-you balm leaves your lips soft and moisturized while adding just a hint of dark berry color. The product reacts to your own pH for a truly custom glow that enhances your pucker. Think: your lips, but juicier.

Laura Mercier Velour Lovers lip color in An Affair

For a taste of Malbec, try Laura Mercier’s stay-all-day lip color in this medium purple shade. Mango butter hydrates the lips while mattifying powders gently diffuse the color, creating a satin finish that will not budge.

SHOP: Lipstick & Lip Liner

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Really Sexy Feminist Lingerie: A Talk with the Founder of Bluebella

Emily Bendell, founder of the London-based lingerie company Bluebella, is an Oxford graduate on a mission to embolden women through an erotic first layer. Since 2005, when Emily founded Bluebella, her goal has been to create lingerie that is both affordable and appealing to women of different sizes. Her arrestingly original designs produced in luxe fabrications don’t cut corners or cut uncomfortably into your curves.

We spoke with Emily just after she returned from showing her new collection at Salon International de la Lingerie in Paris. Here’s what she told us about why you should buy your own lacy underthings, how to wear them now and why lingerie is about female empowerment, not submission—which is why she recruited British Olympians and Paralympians to model some of her seriously sultry styles.

Emily Bendell, founder, CEO and creative director of Bluebella lingerie

How did you come to start Bluebella?

My background is actually not in fashion. I studied politics and economics at Oxford University—so not your typical route into fashion, particularly not lingerie. Back when I was studying—I’ve always loved lingerie—I basically couldn’t find what I wanted, or what my friends wanted. I felt women had evolved. We no longer saw lingerie as this binary sexy or functional thing. But we saw it as a fashion crossover purchase, something that if it was pretty we might show a little bit under what we were wearing. And I wanted that modern, high-design, fashion-focused product but I couldn’t find it, certainly not at a price point I could afford. So I thought there was a gap.

So you started a lingerie line?

I started really small. It was just me, testing the waters with friends and family. It was funny—when I first started, it was very much the expression “fake it until you make it.” I’d put on different voices when people would call. So I’d be like, “Sales,” and then I’d be like, “Deliveries,” in sort of a deeper voice. I’d be pretending there were different people in the business when really it was just me doing everything. At some time, I’ve been everything in the business, which I think is really valuable and important. But now there are 12 of us located in London.

Your designs are very modern. What are they usually inspired by?

We look at the catwalk, fashion trends, lifestyle trends. We’re also inspired by the world around us. We’ve got this, what I call, the creative circle. Social media is a huge part of what we do. Our fan base, who are often very creative themselves, are posting our product. They’re posting themselves wearing it, styling it as art. They’re inspired by our product and we’re inspired by how they might style it up and what they might put with it. It’s very authentic and organic.

A lot of our designs are also very provocative. We’re very inspired by the allure of what’s underneath. We like creating illusions, where there might be cutouts, there might be sheer mesh, or we might play with the lines of the body with strapping. The female body inspires the designs and the designs play with and complement the shape of the body.

It does seem like your piping and striping doesn’t accentuate the usual sexy parts of a woman’s body. Do you try to expand beyond the traditional erotic areas?

I think that’s right. One of the things that we pride ourselves on is being a female business that understands women. We create these beautiful products but we make sure there’s something in the collection for everybody. Everybody feels better showing different parts of themselves off. It might be a little cutout at the base of the spine—that’s a sensual part of the body. We play around with it. We’re very much about inclusivity. Our size ranges, with the launch last year of More by Bluebella, serve up to a DD through a U.S. I. We wanted to bring our same design ethos to a population that can be underserved. So it’s not just affordability.

The other thing that’s important is that our customer isn’t buying the product for someone else. It’s very much part of her outfit. Even if it’s a bit more provocative, it’s a self-indulgence, something to make herself feel great. That inspires a different kind of design. Our design ethos is, “Never save anything for best.” Wear it, enjoy it. Don’t just bring it out once a year for a special occasion.

Who are some people you find sexiest now and why?

That would be impossible to pick. There are so many great girls we work with that are all so different. Tigerlily, who is our current muse, Tigerlily Taylor, she’s got a really effortless cool that we love. She’s got sexiness without trying, which is why we pulled her in to do a shoot. There are loads of other girls on Insta. A girl called Nyané [Lebajoa], who we’ve worked with a number of times. She’s got a really beautiful look—a mix of heritages and delicacy. That’s what I mean by the creative circle—there are so many girls with unique style.

Do you have a philosophy behind why lingerie inspires confidence?

I think we women buy shoes and bags not for anyone but ourselves. We buy them because we feel great in them. I think it’s very strange that traditionally lingerie has been in a totally different category. Lingerie is the thing you wear closest to your skin; it’s your most intimate purchase. The idea of that purchase being for someone other than yourself is really alien to me. We consider ourselves a new feminist brand. We’re very much designing product to make women feel amazing. The design and our aesthetic is always very strong. There’s no submissiveness in anything we do.

We are trying to redefine sensuality: It’s not something directed toward another person—it’s something held within yourself. It’s a strength and something to be enjoyed.

Bluebella’s 2016 “Be Strong Be Beautiful” campaign featuring(from left to right) Stef Reid, Paralympic long jumper; Amber Hill, skeet shooter; Bryony Shaw, windsurfer 

SHOP: Bluebella lingerie

—Britt Burritt

 

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