For The Love Of Fine Lingerie – Simone Pérèle

I was never one for beautiful lingerie…mainly because I couldn’t find lovely pieces to fit me. Don’t get me wrong. During my last trip to Paris, I came to really appreciate good lingerie. There is nothing like the soft touch of real, French lace against the skin, or fine silk panties. Don’t forget all of the lovely trimmings too – garters, Merry Widows, tap pants, bustiers… So many pretty little things to choose from!

Alas, with my figure (slender with a larger chest), options were far and few between. As a teenager, I had the nickname “Skelly” for many years thanks to my skeletal physique (highschoolers can be so mean!), and then over the summer of Grade 11, puberty hit and all of a sudden, I was “Skelly Dolly Parton”.  NOT FUNNY.

For many years, here I was…a size 0 with a 34DD chest and my only bra options were “military grade”, “nursing bra”, and “heavy duty”. Oh yeah – let’s not forget the sad colour palette of “bandaid beige”, white and black (I actually loved the black option). For once, I wanted a fabulous lacy bra in gorgeous colours! But where does one get these fine creations in my size? And would a lace bra support me?? Would I be able to wear one and run for a bus without getting black eyes? “No”, I thought.

Fortunately for me, I was invited to the SS17 collection preview of the lovely Parisian lingerie brand, Simone Pérèle at one of the most beautiful hotel penthouses I’ve ever seen. Extremely “Instagrammable”. This preview was an EYE OPENER. Not only was the lingerie absolutely stunning, I learned what real lingerie is. Let me share what I learned…

First and foremost, I learned what size I really am. For years now, I have been walking around wearing the wrong size bra. WOW. I’m apparently a 32F, and I believe it. I no longer have slipping bra straps or bra cups with a mind of their own. The Simone Pérèle team educated me on proper fit and it’s pretty much changed my life. For instance, your bra is supposed to lay flat against your chest with the underwire sitting firmly against your ribcage, and the back of the bra should sit properly across your back without riding up. Furthermore, your breasts should sit comfortably within the cups, not busting out underneath. Visible underboob is unflattering – full stop. It is not a “look”. They should also not be busting out the sides or the top…like they are struggling to escape from a terrible bra.

I was fitted for the most beautiful set of lingerie I have ever owned. I am truly not worthy of it, it is so beautiful and elegant! Just knowing that I’m wearing it under my work clothes or a cozy sweater makes me feel beautiful and more confident. That’s priceless.

Simone Pérèle is a company with a storied history. The company was founded in 1948 by a young and talented Parisian corset-maker by the name of Simone Pérèle. Her pieces stood out as she managed to beautifully combine style and comfort with a clear and precise attention to detail. Fast forward to 2016, Simone Pérèle is now sold in 63 countries across the world with their first flagship store opening in Le Marais in Paris this past May. Three generations of the Pérèle family work in the business, so lingerie is in their DNA. The Pérèle family seems to have mastered the art of lingerie, creating styles so beautiful, yet functional and comfortable. Current styles feature Swiss embroidery on tulle (remarkably strong) to lovely and delicate “guipure” – a fabulous style of lace embroidered onto material which is in turn burned away leaving only the lace design.

I already treasure my new set of Simone Pérèle lingerie like I treasure my wedding pearls and wear it with pride. It feels beautiful, like a second skin. Each time I put it on, I’m actually reminded of how long I went wearing poor lingerie. I’m now a convert.

You can find Simone Pérèle lingerie at Nordstrom and over 200 lingerie boutiques across the country, and the SS17 collection will be available this February 2017. Be sure to view the collection. It is truly amazing.

Feel free to peruse the Simone Pérèle website also at www.simoneperele.com. Simone Pérèle can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.