Crepe-Suzette brand expands available corset styles

We've been working hard at coming up with new, modern styles of authentic busk corsets at the CS warehouse. Take a look at our latest styles here and check out this video from our partner store featuring new upcoming styles to be in stores before December 2009.

Good Sense Corset Waists

Found these images of some amazing vintage ads for "Good Sense Corset Waists" that I just had to share. They advertise corsets for the whole family, including babies and toddlers! These were printed back in the late 1800's and I just couldn't keep them to myself!



There is also this one, from the same era that even gives the prices! Only have two quarters to rub together? No problem, you can buy a corset for your baby!



Now, we might not have corsets for your babies, toddlers, or even young children, but we've got some incredible corsets for you adults out there and the good news is they're on closeout right now at our sister site, OrchardCorset.com! Not quite the 1800's price, but an incredible deal none-the-less. Check out the entire selection at www.OrchardCorset.com/Empire. Don't miss out, these prices are only good while supplies last. And they are GOING FAST!

I Can't Believe It's A Girdle Ad from 1971

This is an original 1971 "I Can't Believe It's A Girdle" Ad from 1971. I found this on youtube, and couldn't wait to show it to you vintage lovers. We actually still carry this playtex vintage girdle in the brief and all-in-one style in our Crepe-Suzette store.


Enjoy!

Vintage Bullet Bra "Angle-Action" Softcup Bra by Bi-Flex

This truly authentic vintage softcup bra is amazing in its design alone, but add the original manufacturer's box and its a one-of-a-kind. Well, mostly. We've actually got two of these beauties. One in size 32A, in a matching box and one in size 34A in a box for a 32B. Both of the boxes have some damage to the tops, but the 32B box is in significantly better shape.

Marketing lingo from the box says:

"'Angle-Action' straps float all tension off bosom and shoulders."

"4-section circular-stitched cups mold gently but firmly."

"Stitched non-curl band prevents rolling."

"Classic center section for perfect fit and heavenly comfort."

These bullet bras are made from 100% cotton and have small elastic panels in the front center and at the back where the hook and eye closures are for a customized fit. Comes with old-style adjustable straps. These will go fast, as previous experience would tell me, so if you're interested - snap them up quickly. Bullet bras aren't easy to find anymore, especially with the original manufacturer's packaging.

From the Tags, Vintage Poirette Ultratoner Waistline Briefs

I wanted to share with you this pair of waistline control briefs that are still in the manufacturer's packages with the original tags.

from our site's description: These Ultratoner Waistline Briefs are an absolutely amazing find. Designed with high waist styling, an exclusive lightweight, elastic fabric with "built-in memory action", overlapping tummy control pannel, low-cut legs for stay in place comfort, hidden garter tab holders, feminine accent bow, special rear light control paneling for a natural look, and a cotton panty liner.

But the best part of these briefs is the amazing packaging. Maybe its just me, being a bit of a sucker for vintage fonts and design, but you've gotta check the pics out and then read some of the marketing lingo -- absolutely priceless.


Here's the front and back of the package, respectively.

I love the front of that package. She is beautified with her bright red lipstick, and full make-up. She has her hands folded across her chest for modesty, and the best part: a wedding ring on her finger.


Like I said, could be just me, but normally you don't see wedding rings on lingerie models in current catalogs. Love her hair and headband too. Just wonderful.

You can read some of the marketing schpeel off the package... but here are some of my favorite parts:


"Tones, trims, slims...feels like an all day body massage."
(Righteous! I totally want one of those.)

"Because only Ultratoner has two secrets. Fantastic Elastic. Plus -- unique contour control!"
(I added the bold - it rhymes. And, how can secrets be secrets if they are plainly printed on the packaging? Non-Secret 1. fantastic elastic Non-Secret 2. unique contour control! Just saying...)


"This fantastic elastic, a lightweight hi-luster blend designed exclusively for Poirette, has a built-in memory action that gives and returns with your every motion...walking, stretching, bending, breathing." (Note the little illustrated yoga folks on the package breathing, stretching and bending)


"Thanks to Ultratoner, you've never looked (or felt!) so ultra sleek!" " Tones, Trims, Slims!"


So fantastic! If you've got some vintage designs, fonts, ads you want to share with me, email them to katie@jlk-associates.com. I'll pick one/a few to feature on the blog and give the winners a coupon code for 10% off any Vintage item in our store.

Authentic Vintage Open Bottom Girdles

I've just finished adding a few new vintage items these past couple days (I've been busy with other work), and just had to post about these two open bottom girdles that are up and available for purchase. The first is an adorable little girdle that is practically seamless, has a nice cutaway diamond shape tummy control panel, a center seam and a contrasting accent bow. SO CUTE! It looks like a lady's version of a tuxedo.

(See? I told you so. Tuxedo.)

A portion of the tag got cut off, so I can't tell you the original manufacturer, but its in absolutely amazing condition. No visible signs of anybody even wearing it! There is some mild discolration on the stitching along the center seam that is barely noticeable, and a few scuff marks. Other than that, this piece is immaculate.

Its made of a nylon/spandex blend that gives the garment a lot of stretch! Unstretched the waist is about 27 inches, but I could stretch this puppy past 46 inches. I said a lot of stretch.

Sidenote: Another JLK girl, Megan is absolutely in LOVE with this girdle. Its a good thing for you that its not in her size! :D

The other open bottom girdle I wanted to share with you is actually a pair of girdles - one is size 34 and one in size 36. These are manufactured by Realform "Girdles of Grace" under the "Soft Skin" label.

The size 34 still has the original tags! The tag even has a sizing chart on the back, and the original manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3.50! What a bargain!

These girdles are also designed to just slip on and have garter tabs and metal attachments.

The criss-cross no-stretch tummy control panel is bound to keep you nice and streamlined and the rest of the garment is made from rayon, cotton and rubber. Its got an amazingly comfortable feel to it with superb stretchability for all-over shaping. Love this girdle!

Both of these girdles have mild discoloration due to aging and the elastic on the garter tabs is a little stretched out. Other than those minor things, these girdles are in absolutely wonderful condition. I suspect they'll probably go pretty fast, so jump on it if you're thinking you want to be the proud owner of style # 107 by Realform, Girdles of Grace!!

Review and Win Sweepstakes Details

We love to know what our customers think -- of our products, our service, our selection. We are constantly trying to find ways to collect opinions and comments and use them to make our sites better. Right now, we're focusing on our products, and we would like to know what you think! Seriously, let us know!

Right now, we're running a "Review & Win" sweepstakes with all of our JLK partner sites (OrchardCorset.com, GirdleZone.com, Crepe-Suzette.com and GalacticBra.com) for a $100 shopping spree valid at any of those sites on any item(s), any brand, any size you choose. All you have to do is write a review on a product that we offer in our stores. Simple, huh? We thought so too.

Go to your favorite JLK site, and navigate to a product that you have first-hand knowledge of. Ordered one of these from us? Borrowed your friend's? However you've gathered your experience, we just want to know about it and share it with other customers who are considering buying that item. So you say everything was perfect and it fit like a glove, you got compliments every time you wore it and have ordered three more? Great, write about it and let us know. But, what if you thought the straps weren't wide enough or that the color wasn't what you expected? We'd love to know about that too. Whatever your experience, we just want you to share it with us and other potential customers.

The great news? Each product review you write using your own words and experience will give you a new entry into the current sweepstakes. Cool, huh? Just make sure you include a valid email address so we can contact you if you win!

*Want to see an example?

The Case of the Mystery Strap aka Vintage Airway Surgical Appliances Rigid Boned Corset in Purple, sz 40

Talk about some serious support!


This is the Airway Surgical Appliances answer to a post-surgical lumbar/back/abdominal/all-over-mid-body support garment. Its intense, to say the least. There are two sets of strong, rigid (in other words, not much bending allowed) boning running up the back of this garment (that can be removed), two sets of three tight cinching laces and quick-adjust straps, a front set of industrial strength* hook and eye closures with lovely silver snaps to help hold ya in place.


This garment is vintage, as you can tell. Not many things made with the craftsmanship and quirkiness of vintage undergarments. Its got a few small elastic panels, mainly in the front along the top to help form to the wearer's body/ bust and allow for a bit of movement as well, there are two at the bottom for hip movement. Its also got a nice ribbon trim along the outside, and nice clear plastic rings to hold back the cinching straps and keep them from flapping. The attachments to the laces, and all other fixtures are made of heavy duty metal.

THE MYSTERY
The mystery comes from the two straps you see cutely rolled and piled up on the bottom there (Elaine tucked it all pretty like that for the picture :))

I'll get some better pictures of the straps, but heres the mystery... There are two straps approx. 20 inches long that are attached to the garment with a snap on either side of the center closure. The portion of the straps that are closest to the body of the garment appear to have been pretty stretchy at some point, although most of the stretch is gone now. Also along the bottom are two teeth claw grabbers that appear to be garter tabs for those coordinating purple stockings we all have in our stocking drawer (/sarcasm). (Sorry the pics aren't great. I'll get some new ones if we can't figure it out from these pics.

Anyway, so you guys should tell me what these straps are for. So that therefore I can go tell all the girls what the straps are for as if it came from my own bank of information and essentially claim it as my own personal fact. However, for allowing me to leech your knowledge, I'll give you free shipping and 10% off your next order if you are the first who can tell me what the purpose of the purple straps is.

Vintage Open Bottom Girdle #1554 w/ Garters by Custom Maid

We've actually got a pair of these with identical patterns and material, but different manufacturer's tags. As companies got bought out or expanded to different lines, or what-have-you, they sold or passed along the patterns as well. Its common in vintage lingerie to find identical items from different manufacturers. And this is just one such case. We have a size small that has a Custom Maid tag, and a size medium that has a Copilot tag. Both are identical; both are in fantastic condition.





These are high quality garments with old-fashioned stitching and high quality fabrics. They stand up to the test of time. These open bottom girdles have a 3/4 side zipper with ribbon tassle over lined hook and eye closure so its easy to get on and off, side satin one-way (vertically for comfort, not horizontally for chub) stretch panels to keep the hips smooth and shapely, the center diamond no-stretch lace panel, keeps the tummy tucked, reinforced elastic paneling in the front for extra coverage, rump smoothing diamond cut stretch panel in the back, 6 attached garters with ribbon covers for discreetness (or sex appeal - there's something especially appealing about a girdle with garters and ribbon covers), made from nylon, lace and lyrca.




Both of these garments are in great condition. They appear to have been worn several times but have no visible stains, damage, wear marks, over stretched elastic or pilling. There is some discoloration due to aging (think ivory instead of white) which is almost a given with vintage items. A few scuff marks on the ribbon covers that will probably come off with delicate washing.




These tend to go pretty fast, especially with two size choices. If you're interested, you might wanna snap it up before someone else does. If you have any questions about these garments or anything else you've seen, leave me a comment! I'll try to get back to you as soon as I uncover my keyboard from the stacks of lovely vintage lingerie in my office. :D

Vintage Vanity Fair Black Lace Teddy

A throwback to moonboots, "the moonwalk" and, Moonlighting... We love the '80's!



The teddy was a staple of 80's wardrobe along with snapping bodysuits, stirrups and leg warmers. But this black beauty from Vanity Fair has an elegant sexiness to it that the rest of the 80's fashion rarely did. (Sorry side ponytails and multiple belts.) Sheer black nylon panels with detailed lace sections come together in a criss-cross pattern that accentuates all the assets.



From the belly button up, this teddy is cut in a scalloped design and stitched together with little peak holes for an extra hint of mystery. Two satin covered buttons adorn the top for a bit more strength. Three small snaps hook at the crotch, ribbon straps are adjustable. This gorgeous teddy is delicate and demanding all at once. If Maddie would have put this on, I guarantee David Addison, Jr. would have acted a lot sooner - course the ratings would have gone down a lot sooner, too.

Vintage Bestform Garterbelt with light Boning

This is a pretty unique find. I actually had to ask one of the girls here if this was a garterbelt or a girdle. I've decided its a little bit of both.

Its cut long enough in the back to give the rump some cover, but short enough in the hips and front to allow for some serious leg movement. Manufactured by Bestform, this is one of those garments you look at and know its going to last. Its got three pieces of flexible boning in the front to keep down the tummy pooch, flat lying seams, and no-stretch control panels. There are only two stretch panels on this garterbelt, along the hips made from a nylon/ rubber blend. This small bit of elastic paneling allows for movement and customizeable fit in an otherwise rigid garment.



The cut is high enough on the front part of the thighs to allow for freedom of movement, and there are two small shaping darts in the back for rump room. The embroidered floral pattern throughout the body is a nice touch adding elegance and style. The center panel is attached using a very sturdy stitch pattern that leaves just a hint of space for a touch of mystery. It attaches on the left front side with hook and eye closures. Four permanently attached garters are fully adjustable.

This piece has never been worn and still has the original Bestform tags attached. Style #03128, in white, size 28.

Still in the box - OTC Professional Supports Girdle

Wow. The craftmanship in this garment is unreal. This thing is a serious piece of work. Brand new, still in the original packaging (a narrow pink box - slightly beaten) is not for the casual wearer. This girdle is packed with features for supreme control and support.

This girdle has two sets of laces on either side that are divided into two sections. The laces travel up the entire length of the garment and are then fed collectively into two separate pull-tight harnesses giving the wearer even more control and even more cinching power. Each of these four pull-tight straps fits nicely into a belt loop to hold it in place. There is a hook and eye closure in the front to one side so that once the garment has been adjusted to the wearer, they can easily take it off and on without redoing the laces. (Nice thought, guys) I'd hate to have to re-lace it each time.

In the back there are two curved rigid steel bones for ultimate support, but they can be removed if its a little too much by just feeding the boning through an opening at the top of the garment. Clever, huh? It comes complete with two adjustable removable garters in the box. Size 32 Waist, 38 Hips.

This is an amazingly well-built garment for someone with serious support needs. Brand new, still in original packaging? Hard to find, for sure! Worth the effort, too!

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to our brand new blog for our "One-of-a-kind Vintage" section from Crepe-Suzette.com. My name is Katie, and I work for JLK & Associates, the owner of a few great quality retail sites.

Crepe-Suzette.com, a fantastic vintage, vintage-inspired, and modern shapewear retail outlet. We have a great selection of products from brands like Rago, Sensual Mystique, Vedette, Annette International, Lady Marlene and much more. We have some elegant items, some cute things, some sexy numbers, some fun stuff, some saucy pieces, and some modest garments - whatever your need, whatever your style.

OrchardCorset.com is a fantastic site for bras, hosiery, panties, corsets, costume lingerie, bridal lingerie and more. We proudly boast one of the largest bra size ranges on the web from 32A to 54L!! How's that for selection? We also offer many of our intimates in plus sizes. Being a bigger girl myself, I love the selection and appreciate the wide range.

And last (so far*), but not least we have GirdleZone.com, a website that focuses on girdles, shapewear, and foundation garments. A great assortment and some specials that you won't see anywhere else!


YOU MIGHT BE ASKING...

Why start a blog for a retail website?

And I Would Respond...

Because, we have a section over at Crepe-Suzette.com that is called "One-of-a-Kind Vintage" that, as part of my job, I get to post new items to on an almost daily basis. I have box upon box and stack upon stack of unique authentic vintage items in my office that I pour through each day to locate the newest addition to that great section. Problem is with new products going up all the time, theres no way for me to share the beautiful, the cool, the rare and weird things that I find in an organized way.

(drumroll, please)

So, this blog was born! I'm planning on using it to feature some of the most fascinating, the most elaborate, the sexiest, the most well-built, the most beautiful, the weirdest, the fanciest garments - the whatever I find that I think is worth sharing! If you have a thing for vintage, vintage-inspired, unique or pin-up era lingerie, bookmark us! Or, you can even add us to your RSS reader. I can't wait to share with you what I find.

*I say last so far because we are in the works of putting up two new sites. Details to come!