Saturday, April 25, 2009

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.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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!!

Friday, April 10, 2009

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?

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

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.