What’s your nude?

Adding yet another thing to the list of stuff white people take for granted: Undergarments that more or less match their skin tones. While I distinctly remember thinking the “nude” crayon in my big box of Crayolas seemed strange (and indeed, after public outcry, it was changed), and that “skin-colored” bandaids were anything but for darker people’s scraped knees or banged thumbs, I never thought about lingerie. That’s probably because I’m white.

If you are like most (white) women, you probably have white bras, black bras, riotously colorful bras, and at least one or two “nude” colored bras – they’re as great for tees as the classic white button down. There’s the NuBra that’s just two cups that adhere to each breast and attach in the middle – but it only comes in white women’s skin tone (though evidently, only Caucasian women buy this product anyway, according to their customer page).

But NuBra’s not the only guilty party here; Victoria’s Secret’s new BioFit bra comes in both nude and buff, in case you are a really pale white woman instead of a normal pale one. Look at any conventional or boutique brand of bra and you’ll see plenty for white women to cover up with – but little for women of other skin tones.

So what’s a bra-wearing black woman to do? Make change herself, of course. Tara Raines is an African-American psychologist who decided to lobby for darker-hued nude bras. This came not only after her own fruitless searches, but when she discovered that friends and family would buy buff and nude colored bras and dye the bras themselves.

Raines says: “Women of color have tremendous spending power in the U.S. and it’s absurd to think that in 2012 we are essentially disenfranchised when we shop for lingerie,” says Raines. “It’s my hope that this campaign will drive not only awareness, but swift action by bra makers.”

The What’s Your Nude campaign has a simple aim: To get lingerie manufacturers to make bras in a wider variety of skin tones. The campaign is asking women of all colors to “contact their preferred bra manufacturer or bra retailer on February 1st via phone, email, social media or snail mail.” However, you can still call in and participate in social media. Follow the What’s Your Nude campaign on Twitter and spread the word by using the #WhatsYourNude hashtag.

“I don’t think it’s too much to ask that bra makers include darker hues when manufacturing their collections,” says Raines. “Women of color deserve to look and feel sexy, and a big part of that is looking like ourselves.”

Perhaps brands should do away with the “nude” descriptive entirely. As Alexandra Phoner-Faury writes in Essence (regarding the nude trend for F/W 2011), “While beige may be ‘nude’ for most white women, ‘nude’ for me would be brown. This isn’t the first time this loaded word has been used in the pages of glossies, but it is the first time that the fashion world’s hidden racism has been exposed on such a large scale and caused many to finally take a closer look at the ingrained language of fashion.”

Image: tanakawho

The wonderful thing about pretty lingerie is that even though most people don’t see it, we know it’s there. Underneath our daily suits of armor there’s a softness that can’t help but make us feel sexy.

Boss undermining us? Sexy.

Car needs $1200 in repairs? Sexy.

Ex boyfriend just walked into the coffee shop with his new girlfriend? Sexy.

You get the point.

Cache Coeur Bra and Panties, bra, $45, hipster panties, $29

Thankfully, Faeries Dance, a sustainable shopping site filled to the brim with organic intimates has provided us with all the pretty choices we’ll need to get through all those rough patches. Although they have several clothing categories, I immediately gravitated to the lingerie trimmed in lace and made out of organic cotton fabrics that urges one to choreograph her own show stopping number, Aguilera “Burlesque” style.

Faeries Dance has their assortment right, with an eye on the stylish woman who desires those playful undergarments but is more than likely guided by the principle that her beauty is most evident when she’s comfortable. (Because how can you feel sexy when you’re uncomfortable?) The mission is fitting, as well; all  Faeries Dance products are consciously, thoughtfully sourced and made.

Polka Dot Padded Push-Up Bra, $50

All of the intimate separates featured on the site are sure to hold you together in organic loveliness – or just make you feel ready for action should the world want to rock you in ways you were not prepared for. Feeling sexy isn’t about who sees you, after all – it’s about how you feel.

Lingerie Wash Bag, 3-pack, $27 or $10 each

Don’t forget the essentials for keeping your sustainable collection looking beautiful for years to come: a gentle organic wash and of course, wash bags. They really do make all the difference in maintaining the shape and fabric of your pieces, and they’re so inexpensive I’m amazed more people don’t remember to use lingerie wash bags. This version is a sustainable exclusive from Faeries Dance, and a great deal, too.

P.S. The lusciously cozy Rosalba nightgown at top is just $59.

Images: Faeries Dance

Editor’s note: This is a sponsored post. We will always tell our readers when a featured product or brand is sponsored, in full compliance with FTC regulations. Thank you.

Every so often fashion’s latest it girl works underwear as an evening wear trend, leading to guaranteed media furor and endless references to Madonna in the 80s. Exposing her bra at a fashion party was the last thing on Anh Oppenheimer’s mind when “on a freezing foggy San Francisco night,” she decided it was time to revisit fashion’s most provocative trend. “My husband and I have two little kids and we were perpetually too exhausted to go out on dates. So we thought of having a Netflix date – curling up in bed and watching a movie. I wanted to dress up for the date, but when I pulled out my negligees I realized it was way too cold! My other choice was my well-worn flannel pajamas. I could be sexy or warm, but not both!”

Like every budding digital-age entrepreneur before her, Oppenheimer first trolled the internet looking for “sexy” + “warm sleepwear.”  Finding nothing, she decided that night to create her own line. In time for this year’s holiday season, Snoa Lingerie launched this month. It’s elegant cut and innovative fabric design may prove the solution to every man’s ultimate gift giving dilemma – deciding to buy something sexy or wearable. I caught up with Oppenheimer recently, here’s what she had to say:

How did you go from documentary film-making to designing Lingerie?

My background is in documentary film-making, where I focused a lot on environmental and social justice issues. I know sexy lingerie seems far from this! But actually, my documentary background helped inform my commitment to be a conscious company (triple bottom line of people+planet+profit). It also gave me the nerve to just jump in and do something, without having the “proper” degree or experience.

Tell us about the unique double-fabric design you’ve designed?

We were really struggling to find a way that our lingerie-sleepwear could be comfortable as well as warm. Naturally, we didn’t want anything bulky. We found a silk-modal – modal is made from sustainably grown beech trees – we loved because it’s exquisitely soft. We were trying to pair that with bamboo fleece at first, but the two fabrics were too different from each other. We considered making the nighties from wool jersey, but hated the idea of giving up on the uber-softness of the silk modal. Finally it dawned on us to do a double layer – with the soft silk against your skin and the warm wool cocooning you from the outside. The fabric manufacturer, Enviro Fabrics, thought we were nuts! Essentially, it’s two nighties connected at a few of the seams. But we tried it, lettuced the edges of both fabrics and fell in love!

What inspired you to create an eco line?

Before I started this business, it never dawned on me that nearly everything I was wearing was dyed in an unhealthy way – that pesticides are used to grow cotton, that polyester is not good. I’ve since discovered the fashion industry creates 25 percent of the chemical waste in the world! By choosing eco-friendly fabrics, we are choosing to make a positive environmental impact. We also produce the garments locally – my business partner, Susan, has been using the same sewing contractor for years – they’re about 5 miles from the Snoa office in San Francisco. It’s such a win-win. We get to drop by any time to check on how everything is going, we know that we’re helping a bunch of people in these tough economic times, and no ships or trucks involved.

Tell us about the collection?

We have two main collections, the Basics and the Signature collection. My favorite from the Signature collection is the Hot Toddy (see below). It’s named after my husband, Todd. It’s certainly the sexiest number in the bunch! Made from organic bamboo, it has a wide collar around the back of the neck and plunging down to your heart, then trumpet flair fleece covers your wrist. It’s so warm! And so tiny! To me, it’s the perfect combination of sexy and flattering. If you’re a guy giving to your honey, the Greta Gown or Nightie (see above) is terrific. The lines are simple and flattering. Both show enough skin to please, but they’re as classy as they are romantic.

Where can I find your pieces?

Two stores are carrying Snoa Lingerie: Workshop in San Francisco and Top Drawer in Bedford, New Hampshire. We also sell our products online. Prices range from $90 to $185.00.

Can lingerie really make the world a better place?!

It’s vital that people find ways to make themselves happy. I firmly believe that the world will improve as people’s happiness improves. We have to keep our spirits up by pampering ourselves occasionally. And that means different things to different people. To be honest, I’m not much of a clothes person or a shopper. I pamper myself by reading a good mystery, drinking a glass of wine and talking with a friend – but for many people, looking good and feeling good in what you wear is a huge part of making them feel good.

The only way I know of to be 100 percent eco is to compost myself.  Otherwise, I’m using resources every minute. And if I beat myself up about that, I’ll be miserable – and useless. So, I’ve got to think about what I can do that is sustainable to my life and my well being. So, if you need a nightie, buy one. Give your old ones away to a woman’s shelter. And take care of your new nightie so you don’t need to buy a new one for a while. If the new nightie makes you smile, if it makes your honey smile, if it encourages you to relax more, to bring a cup of tea to bed – all these positives add up.

Dude, got your squeeze for Saturday night? No, not your date, mister; your girdle and slimming undershirt! I know what you are thinking. Spanx; I needed that! I needed tummy control and penis definition.

And even those of you who don’t truly need it, those with tight abs and buns, might still get swept up in the trend the way skinny gals do, heeding any and every opportunity to look even skinnier. We live in America. Isn’t  skinny what really counts underneath it all?

Yep, in the battle of the bulge the undergarment of the century is now a male weapon of choice, stockpiled on the shelves of men’s departments at stores like Neiman’s, Bloomies or  Nordstrom, where you can peel one on, suck it in and smooth it all out before you try on that $2,000 Boss suit.

Look for them on the red carpet (I’m wearing Armani and a Spanx Compression Tank),  at weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and black tie fundraisers. Just keep in mind what savvy women Spanxters know too well: After that third dessert, the torso trimmer will act like a tourniquet and turn on you. If you feel you need oxygen, put down the funnel cake. I repeat, put down the funnel cake!

The New York Times calls them men’s shapewear, which is a bit prissy for my taste, and reports that retail sales are booming. Apparently fashion directors at both stores and web sites like Freshpair boast Spanx can’t make em fast enough to fill the orders. No wonder I’ve been ogling young San Francisco men lately, thinking, “I admire their shape.” And here I thought I was a shameful cougar.

Is it worth the investment, you ask. The shapers – being touted as the revolution in men’s underwear – are rather pricey, but this is what you get for your money:

The Zone Performance Crew Neck, $78, compresses the abs and torso, firms and tones the chest, improves posture and provides lumbar support and eliminates bulk under clothes.

The new, Cotton Comfort Boxer Brief, $48, lifts and adds dimension and depth for an enhanced profile, compresses legs, and has moisture cooling under groin.

And the Zone Performance V-Neck, $78, does all those other good things while aiding work outs with maximum mobility. In other words, you can cheat at the gym. Maybe not so much when you let it all hang out in the bedroom.

The success of the new undies is good news for retailers, but maybe not so for personal trainers and chiropractors who help men get ripped and relieve their back pain. Personally speaking, it seems the men’s version offers something the fem designs don’t. Mine do nothing for my posture or performance on the elliptical or during Zumba and I pull my back out every time I sit on my French vanity stool and struggle to climb out.

But at least my latest pair feature a pee hole which I greatly appreciate when I’m out partying and trapped. I can pull up my dress and relieve myself…just like a man. Just like a man in Spanx.

You’ve started buying eco-friendly clothing. Check. You’ve realized that buying vegan shoes and paying a higher price is okay because really, how often do you buy new shoes? Vegan shoes. Check. You are eating amazingly well with your organic veggies and tofu scrambles. Eating right. Check.

But there’s a final frontier, something you hadn’t thought of but it lays closest to your skin (besides your favorite necklace). It’s your undergarments – the foundation of who you are and the secret pieces that make you look seamless.

Tiffany Phipps, founder of T-Luxe lingerie, created her line to cater to those women not only ready to tackle that final frontier, but who appreciate well made panties and bras, bustiers and sumptuous silk robes. Women who don’t and won’t skimp on their lingerie no matter how eco-friendly they have to be.

Tiffany goes eco-glam on lush fabrics used in the production of T-Luxe with blends of soy, organic cotton and bamboo. And the fact that they come from a Fair Trade facility with low carbon emissions? It doesn’t get any better. Not to mention that she designs and manufactures everything in Brooklyn which cuts down on her (and your) carbon footprint when it comes to getting you your essentials.

Did I mention how friendly and informative Tiffany is? You’ll just have to meet her and come and peruse her garment rack. What? Did you say where? Why at EcoSalon Shops! on June 4th, of course.

When you hear the term ‘eco lingerie,’ do you think: beige, bland and boring? We hate to break it to you, but you’ve been out of the game too long. Summer flings, vacations, weddings and sultry nights are on the horizon, and we’re here to loop you in on red hot green lingerie that will knock your partner’s socks off. From the playful and coy, to the sexy and seductive, here’s your guide to the best sustainably crafted unmentionables that are sure to help you ring in a season of frolicking good, green fun.

Eco-Boudoir

With the belief that lingerie is like a second skin, Eco Boudoir designs gorgeous lingerie crafted from certified organic cotton and silks that are cultivated sans harmful chemicals. Their spring/summer 2010 collection, Tropical Paradise, will equate to many mini-vacations in the boudoir. A Bird of Paradise organic silk gown, ‘butterfly dream’ prints across slinky bras and panties, and a ‘peacock blush’ organic cotton and silk chemise round out this breathtaking collection.

Knickers in a Box

Handmade in the UK using organic and end of line fabrics, vintage, or UK sourced fabrics, Knickers in a Box are playful and unique panties that are perfect for a special occasion. Detachable broach flowers, organic silk side ties, tassles and beads add up to make these knickers an event in and of themselves.

Enamore

Also designed and crafted in the UK, Enamore lingerie employs organic, sustainable and vintage fabrics to produce their show-stopping collection of va-va-voom underthings. On the prowl? Then don’t miss the highlight of their camisoles and nighties collection, the Bedrock Betty camisole, which boasts leopard print topped by a candy pink bow.

Loup Charmant

Two words: white hot. Loup Charmant lingerie proves that white is far from plain with their organic cotton see-through slip and barely there short nightie top and bloomer set. This luxurious collection of eco-lingerie drips with femininity and grace.

Perfectly Imperfect

If you’re looking for sexy lingerie that also translates to daily wear, Perfectly Imperfect lingerie has a wow factor while also being down to earth. Their organic cotton Sweetie Lace Nightie screams both seduction and comfort, making it an ideal addition to your green lingerie collection.

Luva Huva

Employing remnant fabrics and cut-offs that would otherwise go to waste, designer Joanna Ketterer of Luva Huva makes every garment in her collection herself, by hand. The utterly romantic Magnolia Bra and Knickers set is perfect for a wedding night, your own or someone else’s. Each piece in this exquisite collection has an old-fashioned vibe that is anything but straight-laced.

It sounds so trite, but the more I’ve learned to love myself, the greater my capacity is to open my heart to others. One way I practice strengthening my self-love muscle is through self-care, which includes buying myself lingerie rather than waiting for someone to buy it for me.

There’s something special about treating myself to a sexy, skimpy outfit. It feels good, just because. It’s satisfying in a simple way and doesn’t involve trying to satisfy someone else.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m big on satisfying sex and lots of it, but who could resist a little sexy for the self? And who could resist this Organic Cotton Bralette and Bloomers ($54 – pieces sold separately) from ClareBare’s shop on Etsy?

Seriously sweet and best of all, 100% eco-friendly. Both pieces are made of organic cotton purchased from “a small, sustainable farm in Texas, as well as Clare’s collection of vintage fabric and trimmings”. She makes everything by hand and “thinks of underwear more as an accessory than an undergarment – it makes dressing yourself a lot more fun.”

Find this outfit and other adorable items – just in time for Heart Day – at ClareBare.

Infusing my home with a little Asian appeal is quickly turning into a frenzy. Choices, choices. Let’s see – I’d adorn empty walls with an elegant cherry blossom hanging and a beautiful Buddha panel, bring a boring old tabletop to life with a bonsai tree instead of coasters and perk up my porch with a gong instead of a traditional wind chime.

I’d better not neglect my bedroom, of course! This sleepy space could sure use a little more character. I think the classy Tansu Collection is the perfect fix. The honey shade of kiri wood used to craft these pieces is a trademark of Japanese décor that has been popular for centuries. The floor chest would make an ideal nightstand, while the tabletop chest has plenty of drawers to fit my (hint hint) extensive jewelry collection. Right, dear? (Available at sponsor VivaTerra for $139- $349.)