07 September 2014

Just To Sprinkle Stardust And To Whisper "Go To Sleep. Everything Is All Right"

I've been thinking a lot about underwear as of late. Lingerie can often be a sore spot for plus-size women. Maybe even for women of any size. But then again, so can most revealing genres of fashion, be they swimwear or tank tops or mini skirts -- because they flaunt the imperfections we're so often told to hide. You know the ones: jiggly bits and cellulite and all that jazz.

Around age 17 when all my friends were hitting shops like Victoria's Secret, I realized I didn't own any type of risqué sleepwear. No babydolls or satin chemises. No lace bras. I was scared of anything that could classify as sexy, because I felt so not sexy myself. And because I wasn't big into dating, I didn't see the point of owning something that seemed so intertwined with relationships. Not to mention that I was the largest of my friends -- the one with the most fat on her body -- and presumed that wearing anything that showed off my tummy or legs would result in horrified gazes and Mean Girls-style mockery.

It was a friend in college who pointed out to me that lingerie doesn't just have to be for a partner or an otherwise naughty sleepover. Nor does feeling sexy or beautiful. It can be fun to prance around the house doing chores or working on a class assignment or writing up an article whilst wearing a gorgeous lace nightie. It can be something you do for you. Just because you want to. Or just because you can.

I first heard about Nine X Lingerie via the beautiful Nancy Whittington's blog, Sugar, Darling? Back in July, she reviewed a purple, preciously vintage-inspired, babydoll, and I made a mental note to check out the site. Immediately, I was impressed by their range, which extends from a UK 8 to a 24, or S through 6XL. The collection is far more size inclusive than most brands and e-retail sites, even those that are plus-specific.

When asked whether I would review a Nine X item, I didn't hesitate. Size inclusivity is something I care very much about, and the idea that someday I'll walk into an actual store (you know, IRL) and see everything from an 8 to a 32 is one I hope for deeply. So brands like this really resonate with me.

I chose to feature the Black Lace Panel Babydoll because it was something a bit out of my comfort zone. For this fire-lit shoot, I had to style it with a black bra and knickers -- otherwise you'd be seeing a bit too much for comfort! -- but the babydoll is actually really beautifully designed. The see-through lace is classic, and has something of a naughty/nice boudoir nature to it that I love. Double-straps also added to my partiality. But when I received it, I was most shocked by the sheer softness. It feels like perfect silk, and is definitely something I'd be happy to wear just for the sake of it.

Nancy Whittington of Sugar, Darling?

The best part of the babydoll, though, is that it breaks one major plus-size rule: the tummy should always be hidden. I have bad days, just like any other person, of feeling less than pretty. And for most of my life, before blogging and messages of size acceptance and body positivity entered the equation, my belly was my biggest hangup. Just as a visible belly outline is probably the biggest hangup for a lot of women. So I don't know, maybe a huge part of self-love starts there. Right at the core.

It's not easy when you have a world telling you that a six pack and abs of steel are the ultimate and truest forms of beauty. But I know for me, finding clothing that I think is beautiful -- that I feel beautiful in -- is a huge confidence booster. There will always be people out there who look at photos like these and think, "What is she doing showing off her stomach like that?!" But there will also be those who encourage and support it. And the latter sort of humans definitely make self-love a whole lot easier. And worth dealing with any haters that come your way in the interim.

Some other Nine X favs include: