THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 15, 1996 TAG: 9602150029
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Fashion
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
GO AHEAD. Slip into something comfortable. Brew yourself a pot of tea. Curl up with the latest romance novel. These are the little things in life that let us regenerate.
Innerwear designers are working overtime to help us relax, creating loungewear and at-home styles that are a little bit flirty and very cozy, with an emphasis on enhancing the figure.
Your favorite flannel pajamas won't give you sex appeal, but the loungewear of today can sizzle. With soft body-skimming fabrics like silks and chiffons, a subtle message of allure can capture attention.
Many of the intimate apparel designs seen in the bedroom were streetwear-inspired shapes first, such as the slip dress and the coordinating dress and jacket. Even workout wear has influenced lines like Calvin Klein to use leggings, bra tops and camisoles as lounge wear.
Watch for creative patterns and unusual prints with lots of color thrown in. Novelty treatments like lace, ribbons, pearls and frills give it a sexy touch.
According to Kathryn Buky, manager of Karen Eagle After Five & Bridal, women love lingerie sets with lots of adornment and straps.
``Our customers love sheer, short and sassy looks,'' Buky said. ``After all, lingerie is all about feeling beautiful.''
Sleepwear still includes brushed cotton, thermal waffle patterns and cotton knits for a cozy bedside manner. The big sleep shirt is an easy favorite and new designs show campy characters like The Cat in the Hat and Mickey Mouse.
And whether it's short-shorts or boxers, all kinds of sporty little short sets in satins and cottons are sure picks as lingerie alternatives. Be it comfort or sex appeal, today's loungewear is rich in fabric and form, keeping your body in mind. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
BILL TIERNAN
The Virginian-Pilot
CREDITS
Fashion Coordination and Styling: Kim Wadsworth for Wadsworth
Style
Hair Styling and Make-up: James Grantham for Body Waves, Virginia
Beach
Models: Lisa Renee and Steve Sobie, courtesy of Glamour Model &
Talent Ltd.
Shot at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bahnson Stanley III,
Norfolk
Butterflies Are Free
Lisa wears a butterfly-print ensemble in softest shades of blue
and pink. Short slip nightie, $24, with matching wrap robe, $40, by
L.A. Intimates, available at Hecht's
Restful Moments
Lisa relaxes comfortably in Calvin Klein leggings, $25, and bra
top, $19. Black sleep shirt, $40, layers the look or goes solo
later. All from Hecht's.
BILL TIERNAN
The Virginian-Pikot
Lisa and Steve are a romantic pair at home wearing the minimal
comforts that loungewear affords. She is in a silk damask nightie in
rich cream tones, $37, by Silx for August Max, available at Karen
Eagle After Five & Bridal. Steve wears Calvin Kleins, $15, with
campy-print robe in cotton by Shadowboxer, $80, from The Quality
Shop, Norfolk.
by CNB