Love, Life And Lingerie

D&B is a Fall Essential!

2009-09-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that our gorgeous Royalle molded cup bra and tanga set by De Chelles were recently featured as the 'investment find' on sheknows.com!!

With millions of viewers to the site, this luxurious set might be gone before you know it, so grab it quick at Dames and Broads.

D&B Now Offers Gift Certificates!

2009-07-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to get that dame or broad in your life? We just made it easy for you to give her the world's most comfortable and sexiest lingerie all with a click of a button.

Send the lucky girl the luxurious gift of a Dames and Broads Gift Certificate!

You choose the amount and the date to send it.
We email it to her inbox.
She chooses how to spend it online.

Available in any denomination from $25 - $500.

Get yours now at Dames and Broads!

We are always working to bring lingerie to every girl, every day!

Love,
D&B

Dame of the Month - Ms. Liza Minnelli

2009-07-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Liza Mennelli in Cabaret, 1972

Liza in Parade Magazine, 3/2008

Liza in Cabaret, 1972

Liza in Parade Magazine, 3/2008

Liza on Porta a Porta, Italy 10/2008

Given the incredible energy, infamous voice, and stunning body she has been showing off in shows around the world, we would never know Ms. Liza Minnelli has battled through formidable health problems. For her courage and ability to conquer the odds while still staying sexy, we are proud to call Ms. Minnelli our July Dame of the Month.

Who She Is: Born in 1946 to entertainment celebrities Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, Ms. Minnelli is an actress and vocalist well known for her role in 1972 film Cabaret. She has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress, several Tony awards, an Emmy and a special Grammy.

Why We Love Her: Her many awards speak to her formidable talent. The youngest women to ever win a Tony Award for leading actress, Ms. Minnelli has a lot of practice in the limelight (she was the baby in the last show of In the Good Old Summertime in 1949). Yet, no one can say she hasn’t worked hard for her career. From working as a nightclub singer to juggling roles in film and theatre, Ms. Minnelli continues stunning audiences with her enthusiasm, her songs, and her dance abilities.

Her body is another thing to love. At 62, Ms. Minnelli is not afraid to bare her body, shocking Italians with an energetic TV performance while clad in a partially transparent black top and tights reminiscent of the classic Cabaret look she coined. After all, who will ever forget her legendary dark helmet of hair, her big eyes, and her extravagantly fabulous eyelashes?

We heartily approve her outfit choice (which would look fantastic over this set by Tra La La), and only hope that we will too can maintain a body that will pull off an outfit like that.

Extra Credit: Ms. Minnelli serves as an inspiration for people everywhere for her dedication to theatre and her ability to beat seemingly insurmountable odds.

After suffering through viral encephalitis, Ms. Minnelli brushed aside diagnosis of life in a wheelchair, and continues to dance despite “two false hips, a wired-up right knee, two crushed discs and scoliosis.”

Ladies, with a role model like this, how can we continue to languish on the couch?

Trivia: Members of Ms. Minnelli’s family on her father’s side were actually circus performers.

You are a fearless role model to us all, Ms. Minnelli. Your huge personality both on stage and off coupled with your determination to succeed, make us love you, and your fabulous body and willingness to show it off is just icing on the cake. Your classic, yet daring Cabaret style fit perfectly with our Playful Promises lingerie from England. Try this Miss Showgirl set or this Miss Beauty Queen set. And while we don’t have fur for you, we do have animal print.

Hugs and Kisses,
Dames and Broads

July's Broad of the Month - Britney Spears!

2009-07-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

We have always had a love for celebrities with crazy lifestyles & fabulous voices (case-in-point : Michael Jackson). With renewed faith in the fantastic comeback of Ms. Britney Spears, we have nominated her as our Broad of the Month.

Who She Is: Originally from Kentwood, Louisiana, Ms. Britney Jean Spears has been in the spotlight for over 2 decades – from her debut in the Mickey Mouse Club at the age of 8 to her current career as singer, dancer, and songwriter, with dabblings in the world of acting, writing, piano-paying and directing.

Why We Love Her: We all know about the stories posted on every tabloid. Everything from her multiple marriages, her childcare habits, and her panty-less party escapades have been examined by the media. And yet, we can’t help but love her for the way she is able to hold her (sometimes bald) head high through all the gossip, and even date one of her paparazzi piranhas.

Regardless of what you think of her personal life, there is no doubt that she is incredibly talented, making remarkable leaps from Mickey’s stage to her the world's, with songs that most of us have belted out in the privacy of their homes . She is listed in the Guinness World Records for having the “best-selling album by a teenage solo artist” and had sold over 37 million albums worldwide by the time she turned 20.

And, though ravaged by two pregnancies and an affinity for Cheetos, her fabulous body is also on the comeback trail. We can only hope to have those abs after 2 sons, divorce and a few bad mental health days...

After her meteoric rise and shocking fall, her latest incarnation as phoenix from the flames, inspires us to make our own comeback.

Extra Credit: Britney Spears is credited for having revived teen pop, with 6 albums released and over 83 million records sold worldwide. She is ranked the 8^th best-selling female recording artist in the U.S. and the top selling female artist. To put it simply, you would have had to live under a rock to not at least be familiar with “Baby One More Time." In fact, we at D&B are guilty of playing her music while checking inventory! Although we prefer "Circus", and If.You.Seek.Amy...

Trivia: Britney Spears is currently dating her agent and may be (according to a recent Star tabloid cover) engaged for the 3^rd time. Ms. Spears, we have plenty of beautiful lingerie that is perfect for your wedding night, including this lacy Columbian bralette and this non-conventional tuxedo set (And ladies, if you need wedding shower gifts, we have plenty of super cute satin panty, garter, and eye-mask sets!).

Britney, you drive us crazy (in the best way possible)! We love your music and wish you all the best for your upcoming concert. Your body is enviable, but let’s not get caught panty-less on camera again – we have plenty of sweet and sexy panties to show off. Try the Brazilian tangas to make your booty even more delicious, or some sexy peep-hole panties. If you need more bling while running around with the kids, try this sequined, Brazilian racerback bra.

XOXO,

D&B

15% off Your D&B Purchase @ Shecky's

2009-06-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY, we will be at Shecky's Girls Night Out! See all the lovely pieces and get them at 15% off!

Gather all your dames and broads and join us for cocktails, food, hot summer fashions with fabulous markdowns, beauty discoveries, and of course, lingerie from around the world from yours truly!!

The event runs from 5-10pm @ The Puck Building (293 Lafayette Street). Tickets are selling out quickly so get yours at Shecky's!!

Come See Dames and Broads Saturday (6/20) at PoshGlam!!

2009-06-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Since the weather in NYC has been dreary all week and the prospects for the weekend are equally wet, we are offering you a way to spend Saturday in the most glamorous and fabulous way possible - SHOPPING at POSHGLAM!

We are proud to say that Dames and Broads will be participating in this AMAZING event at Studio 26 but come early because we won't be there all day (event, however, lasts from 12-7)!! This is a chance to see all those beautiful silk and lace pieces in person!

Bring all your friends! What could be better then avoiding the thunderstorm by shopping and eating?

Hope to see all you fabulous ladies there!

Love,
Dames and Broads

Dame of the Month - Helen Mirren

2009-06-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Helen Mirren in a Bikini - Gorgeous!

Poised, elegant, and yet so sexy with her killer figure she recently showed off in that bikini picture (which would, by the way, look fabulous in something by Mimi Holiday), it is no surprise that Helen Mirren is our Dame of the Month

Who She Is: Born Ilyena Vasilievna Mironov, Helen Mirren is an English actor of theatre, film, and TV with numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film, The Queen.

Why We Love Her: Although she is no spring chicken, her courageous antics have made her a fabulously fun person to be around at any age. She is not afraid of speaking her mind, albeit in a perfectly elegant and British way. From blasting the National Theatre in The Guardian (a heavily read English paper) for lavish productions that are “unnecessary and destructive to the art of the Theatre” to commenting on Prince Charles forgetfulness when she was named Dame Commander of the British Empire (he forgot to give her half the award), she’s shown that she is not someone to be trifled with.

She is also incredibly talented, setting records in the acting world. As 1 of 3 actresses to win a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and an Emmy for performances given in the same year, she also became the first actress ever to win Golden Globes for leading roles in both TV and film in the same year. Talk about girl power!

Extra Credit: She has the body we hope to have at her age, and maybe even now. AND she’s not afraid to flaunt it. As The Guardian has said, “No British actor has ever done sex quite like Helen Mirren.”

Appearing in nothing but her birthday suit more times than any actress in her generation, Ms. Mirren proudly appeared nude on the cover of a magazine at the age of 50 in 1995. In her words, “Flesh sells. People don’t want to see pictures of churches. They want to see naked bodies.” Given the hype over nude photos of celebrities today, we would agree. (Of course, we will always stand by our point that the only thing as good as nude is lingerie-covered…)

We only wish we were so brave as to flaunt our stuff so publically.

Yet, through all the nudity, Ms. Mirren maintains her poise and elegance. She shows us girls everywhere to be proud of what we are, and celebrating our bodies can be tasteful and does not mean sex tapes and pornography.

Trivia: Although she enrolled in a teaching school after graduation, she dropped out of college at the age of 18 after being accepted into the National Youth Theatre.

Ms. Mirren, we absolutely love you for all your talent, poise, and courage. You are the model of elegance and sassiness. Women like you deserve the best, and should be draped in our gorgeous Turkish silks. Or try our prim and proper but super sexy line of British lingerie, like this cute bra and thong set by Mimi Holiday…

Lovingly,
Dames and Broads

Broad of the Month - Ciara

2009-06-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ciara in July's GIANT magazine in DAMES & BROADS

Shooting up the billboards, Ciara has “1-2 stepped” her way into our lingerie (a gorgeous set you can get here) and into our hearts as our Broad of the month.

Who She Is: Ciara, best known as a R&B, pop, and hiphop singer-songwriter, is also a producer, dancer, actress, model, and music video director. On top of all that, she was named “Women of the Year” in 2004 by Billboard.

Why We Love Her: In 5 very short years, Ciara has managed to grow from a Georgia high school graduate to a major R&B icon, all while hooking-up (allegedly), with a number of Hollywood’s hotties. Most famously, her 1-year relationship with rapper Bow Wow, shows women everywhere there is nothing wrong with wearing those sexy stilettos, even if it means towering over your man (so Katie Holmes, there was no reason to slouch in that wedding picture).

Oh yeah, did we mention that she wore our goodies in a recent photo shoot (see picture above!)?

Extra Credit: Ciara example is testament that not all twenty-something year olds are crazy party-goers full of booze and drugs (put the pills down Lohan!). And, whether she is singing at “Stand Up to Cancer” events or dancing for “Make A Wish Foundation”, this do-gooder still manages to do it in style.

Trivia: Ciara’s middle name is “Princess” and a self-described “army brat” who looked up to girl group Destiny’s Child.

Ciara, we all wish we were “hot like you”! But in the meantime we will settle for supplying you with beautiful undies. When your ready, we will be here with more gorgeous bras by Clo and fabulous panties.

Much love,
D & B

The Power of Daily Candy

2009-06-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

When we first learned that we would be in Daily Candy we were understandable thrilled. As far as we are concerned it is pretty much The Today Show of the Internet with over 2.5 million subscribers to their infamous daily newsletters. Our excitement was only mildly dampened when we learned we would only be a Deal and not featured and said Deal would only be made available to New Yorkers. We pouted and then decided to turn our frown upside down because ITS DAILY FRIGGIN CANDY for chrissakes!

Every time we told someone about the pending placement, our equally excited friends and family said "Oh My God, are you ready for that?? And we realized that we didn't even know what it meant really to be featured on DC. We have all heard the stories of sites being shut down by a mention on Oprah or TTS but what does a DC Deal really mean for traffic and sales?

Well, since DC does not publish local subscriber numbers and we had no idea what the open rate (% of emails that are actually opened by DC subscribers) was, and no idea how receptive their readers would be to Dames and Broads, we were clueless as to how to prepare. Since we wished we knew the impact of the placement and pondered it during many sleepless nights, we decided to share what it meant to Dames& Broads.

According to Google Analytics, in total we received 2100 visits on the first day of the deal with and additional 900 visits over the course of the week the deal was live. However that deal was "StumbledUpon" (A social networking sites that allows uses to share sites with others) and we received an additional 900 Visits from them.

While 4000 visits might be paltry to the big boys, it is fantastic for us small fish. We are delighted and thankful.

The promotion resulted in 400% rise in sales volume (week over week) however DC carts were at least 40% smaller in size. Which makes sense- there was a 25% coupon attached to the promotion and these users were testing us out for the very first time and were probably more apprehensive.

There was also a 25% increase to our newsletter subscriber list so that we can continue to contact potential customers.

Not to mention the countless emails from users asking why we dont carry larger sizes, other press wanting to cover us, and advertisers wanting us to run in their publications.

For a week, we were a "big deal" - PUN INTENDED. And now it's back to work...

Much Love,
D&B

Limited Time Offer! 25% Off Dames & Broads Lingerie

2009-05-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Happening now, as mentioned on DailyCandy this past Tuesday, we're celebrating our four month anniversary with what better way than a 25% discount for all of YOU! Just type the code: DCDAMES at checkout!

So take time to go happy-shopping for that sexy, classy or cute lingerie that you've been wanting for a while! No need to window shop any longer! (or "monitor screen shop" in this case).

It's our small thanks to all of you readers, shoppers, and lovers of lingerie alike! And definitely check back for our Dame & Broad of the Month!

SHOP NOW!

*Offer Ends June 2nd!*

Love,
Dames & Broads

Dont you wear panties????

2009-05-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ok ladies, you are rebelling and I want to know why. Please explain it to me. I have searched the many corners of the earth to bring to you the best bras AND panties and still you insist on defying me.:) Why are you just buying bras?

This week we are running a promotion with Daily Candy (details to come) and were surprised that many of the orders are just bras. Now, we are not one to complain about orders (THANK YOU DAILY CANDY GODS!!!!), but we were baffled. Ok, sometimes we get it. You love the Else Basic Ultimate Support Bra from Turkey and lord knows you dont need another pair of black panties- even if they are fab. But what are you going to do with just the Miss Showgirl underwire bra??? Its sheer hot pink fabulosity! It will be lonely without the matching high waist brief or low rise knickers.. Just the thought of it by itself with some boring nude thong brings tears to our eyes...

Unless..... you all are channeling your inner Britney circa 2007 and are deciding to parade around in just your brasseire, which the broad in us wholeheartedly supports.

Hugs and kisses,
Dames & Broads

Criticism is appreciated. No, REALLY....

2009-05-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been crazy with trunk shows and press events and vendor meetings. To summarize, they have been going like this: I stress and then agonize over every little detail. I literally worry myself sick. I call my publicist, friends and family at all hours of the night to pick their brains and then go with my own opinion anyway. At some point there is some sort of breakdown and I question if i am in fact built for this entrepreneurial life. The event takes place, is well received and everything works out well. Everyone else is thrilled, I am outwardly pleased, and inwardly wishing for More, Better, Next....

Afterwards, someone will approach, call or email me and tell me how captivating the concept is, how lovely the lingerie is, how pretty the site looks. I will thank them politely and think to myself "if it's so great, why haven't they bought more or anything at all." (Yes, I have committed to memory almost every sale of every single piece of lingerie- it haunts me in my dreams). Then I go home with my ego stroked but my brain tortured by the fact that something is missing. No, some THINGS are missing. I know I could do it better. But what? When? How?

This excruciating process will be repeated approximately every 2-4 days and does not always included sleep yet frequently includes some ridiculous amount of food.... It must stop.

So I decided to start meeting with people who have no interest in making me feel good. I went in search of impolite, politically incorrect, "keep it real" friends who want me to succeed far more than they want to ease my fears. And when I ran out of those, I looked for people whose livelihood depended on me being wrong and them being right. People who had to draw attention to the broken so that they could be paid to fix it.

I met with former lingerie buyers from major dept. stores, copywriters, graphic designers, and retail ecommerce entrepreneurs. And finally I started to hear the ugly truth.... and it was music to my ears.

Just a few of the things I learned:
1. This is not a date! You cannot be afraid of setting expectations. In an effort to avoid disappointment and failure, I was terrified of defining objectives. In order to ever be pleased or satisfied in business you must set some goals. How will you ever know if you are successful if you don't?

2.My site is pretty but does not convey effectively who/what Dames & Broads is and how we are profoundly different from other lingerie sites. It is functional but not experiential. In order to draw women into a change in purchase behavior especially for something as intimate (pun intended) as lingerie i must offer them a different shopping experience.

3. Mannequins may work for well know retailers and outerwear, but people really do prefer live models for lingerie. Nothing is "pushed up" on a plastic mannequin and you cant always ask your audience to use their imaginations.

4. Social Networking is great but also can be distracting on an ecommerce site. Users should never be directed to leave the site just to see what i am doing on Twitter... They might not ever come back.

5. More is more. Users need and want more product, more product info, more advice, more more...

6. Stop burying the lead. If shipping is free. Say it loudly, above the fold, and over and over again.

There is more but I am tired... and since I received all this constructive criticism a strange thing has happened. I can finally sleep. There seems to be something very calming about untapped possibilities...

Things gon' change 'round here.

Smooches,
Dames & Broads

Broad of the month- Kathy Griffin

2009-04-30T19:13:00.001-07:00

We know, we didn't see it coming either but Kathy Griffin is our Broad of the month. We were leaning toward Bea Author but Kathy looks better in a bathing suit...

Who She Is: Kathleen "Kathy" Mary Griffin is an actress, comedian, and self proclaimed "D-list" media personality. She appeared on the 2nd worst Brooke Shields show (sorry Lipstick Jungle was no Cashmere Mafia and never should have won the war between the two), Suddenly Susan and went on to star in her very own reality show" Bravo's Life on the D-list. But if you have watched the show and seen this Grammy nominated star's sprawling mansion, you know that life on the d-list ain't so bad at all...

Why We Love Her: There always has been and always will be a special place in our heart for trash talkers like Kathy, but that is not why she is here. Over the course of the last 4 seasons of my life on the D-list, we have watched religiously as Kathy kept moving forward after botched plastic surgery, a divorce from a stealing husband, and the death of her beloved father. We saw her sell out shows despite being banned from almost all day time talk shows. And we cheered with our gay husbands when she took home an Emmy after being fired from hosting red carpets. Suck it Ryan Seacrest!

Extra Credit: Kathy gets an E for 'Effort' and a T for 'Nice Try' for her short lived rebound relationship with Apple co-founder Steve Wosniak. Unfortunately her nerd tolerance was not high enough to hang in their for the prize. But she receives a huge gold star from us for that smoking hot body at 48 years old. Lord only knows how many sit ups, hours on the treadmill, and missed desserts it took to create that figure but the fact that she did it without one Jenny Craig meal gets kudos from us!

Trivia: Kathy has admitted to "lightly dating" N'Sync member Joey Fatone. We are dying to know what light dating encompasses these days. Given a 10 year old's explanation of "second base" on Oprah a week or so ago, we are sure it must amount to a brief marriage...

Kath, you crack us up and for that we worship you. Although we don't yet carry Irish lingerie to honor your heritage, we have some fab British lingerie to support that lovely rack of yours... the next Internet billionaire brainiac you date will be very appreciative.

Yours,
Dames & Broads

Springing Forward

2009-04-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

Miss Showgirl, from Playful Promises $88 for the set

If you are anything like us, you have been waiting on the warm weather like the second coming. Well despite the freak blizzard in Chicago, it's seems to be here. And that means new styles (like the one above) are in at Dames and Broads!

Three cheers for everyday glamour!!!

Take a look at all of our fabulous sets here.

Dames & Broads is looking for Interns!!!!

2009-04-05T18:25:00.001-07:00

Email: Info@DamesandBroads.com
Website: http://www.damesandbroads.com
Internship Location: New York City - remote internship considered
Details of Internship: PR and Social Media Internship

Headquartered in New York City, DamesandBroads.com is a new, e-commerce site offering decadent yet essential lingerie pieces from around the world.

Job Description:
Dames & Broads is looking for an enthusiastic, smart and highly motivated intern who will receive on the job training while assisting with the company’s daily marketing/ pr activities to enhance brand image, gain media exposure and generate revenue for the company.

Responsibilities Include:
15-hour commitment per week.

Fill the role of managing editor for the site's blog, Love, Life and Lingerie- frequent blog assignments and entries.

Assist in Press outreach and maintain and update press materials

Assist with maintenance of media lists and other databases

Carries out special event planning activities and arrangements i.e. trunk shows, PR events, invitations

Design, document and execute Dames and broads social media plan leveraging both online and offline marketing and promotional strategies for the site.

Assist in Customer Relationship Management (i. E newsletters, promotions, etc).

Qualifications:
Personal passion for lingerie and or fashion.

Web and Blog Savvy.

Ability to publish blog entries

Always eager to meet influencers and attend media events to represent and evangelize Dames & Broads.

Savvy with social media and online technology:

Photoshop knowledge a plus

Compensation:

Unpaid

College Credit available

Dames and Broads - In her Shoes- Fly Female Entrepreneur

2009-03-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

We are over the moon that the ladies behind one of our favorite blogs, In her Shoes, chose to interview Dames and Broads founder, Melissa Finney for their "Fly Female Entrepreneur" feature.

Check out the interview here...

Bookmark the site... there are good things here...

From one broad to another,

D&B

This month Dames & Broads is In Style...

2009-03-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be one of InStyle's Steals of the month!!!! All Instyle users receive a 20% discount as well as a free sample of Soyelle Lingerie wash with their next purchase.
Simply enter "Instyle09" at checkout.

And check out our other Dames and Broads press to date.

Smooches,
D&B

Dame of the Month- Dita Von Teese

2009-03-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

We have adored her for years. It was only a matter of time before Ms Teese became our Dame of the month.

Who She is: Born Heather Sweet, Dita Von Teese is a burlesque superstar who went from stripper to MAC and Cointreau spokesperson, model/actress, and author.

Why We Love Her: It ain't easy to go from stripping in skeevy clubs in Southern California to sitting front row at the Dior show in Paris and having your own line of WonderBras. Hell, it's a miracle to go from stripping to anything other than porn. But if you have ever seen Dita dance, you know she is a miracle worker. A classically trained ballerina, Dita brings an elegance and grace to a traditionally seedy profession.

Extra Credit: Points must be given for living through 1 year of marriage to shock rocker Marylin Manson. After dealing with his drug and alcohol abuse as well as his affair with actress Evan Rachel Wood, she left his house and the marriage empty handed. Von Teese recently said of Manson, "He's been in touch a little. The apologies come, and he was like, 'I made a big mistake.' And I'm like, 'Yeah, yeah, I know. Go ahead and say what you need to say to feel better and to sleep at night.'" LOVE IT...

Trivia: Though she rarely acts, she won best Actress at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in 2005 for the short film, The Death of Salvador Dali.

Ms. Teese, please know that we recognize you for the American treasure you are. Shame your Wonderbra line is only available overseas... We would certainly carry it if they would let us...:)

Dames and Broads

Broad of the Month- Kim Kardashian

2009-03-17T16:33:00.001-07:00

We love her for all the wrong reasons--- Cheers to the Ms. Kardashian, our Broad of the Month....

Who She Is: Kimberly Noel Kardashian is the part Turkish-Armenian/ part Russian /part Scottish/ part Dutch daughter of OJ Simpson attorney Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who is married to Olympian Bruce Jenner). She is also a former friend to Paris Hilton. But our fair Kimmy made a name all her own when she starred in a home made sex tape with Z list pseudo-rapper Ray J ( better know as Moesha's brother).

Why We Love Her: Most of us would have ran and hid under our bed for a grazillion years after having to admit to doing the dirty with Brandy's little bro, but not our Kimmy. This chick stood proudly, posed ass front for pics, and got herself a reality show.... and a second season of said reality show, and a third, and a clothing line, and a million appearance fees, and the coveted cover of Playboy, and a nice little $5 million settlement from aforementioned sex tape scandal. $$$KA-CHING$$$
It took Jenna Jameson and Tracy Lords years of tenacity and back breaking work (pun intended) to crossover from porn glory to mainstream. But for Kim the transition was complete in less than 18 months. Talk about landing on your feet...

And who in god's name rebounds from Ray J with Reggie "Please never put your shirt on again" Bush (pictured above alongside his love)? Did we mention that Reggie signed a contract that could be worth 62 million smackers in 2006 with the New Orleans Saints? They are discussing marriage...
Why buy the cow if Ray J milked it for free???- Because clearly she has some unworldly "gifts".

And the body... All breast, lips, hips and thighs, she is a beacon of hope for voluptuous women everywhere.

Extra Credit: We have seen the sex tape. And if we were stupid/crazy/drunk enough to humiliate ourselves, embarrass our families and shame our dead father's good name by making a sex tape with the wackness himself Mr. Willie "Ray J" Norwood, we hope, NO PRAY, we look half as fabulous as she does in it. Who the hell has that type of lighting in an amateur porn? Did Kevin Aucoin himself rise from the dead to do her makeup? Not our fav bra and panty set in the very beginning- but hey, we all make mistakes... Say what you want about Kim but she is photogenic.

Trivia: In 2000, at the age of 20, Kardashian married music producer Damon Thomas; their relationship ended in divorce in 2004.

Kimmmmmmy, we love you and want to become besties. And we are ready, willing, and able to get you out of those boring black bras that you wear in every photo shoot. We have some great Turkish lingerie worthy of your heritage and some fab brazilian tanga s perfect for your lovely tush.

Holding you in highest esteem,
XOXO
Dames and Broads

With Missed Opportunities Comes A New Homepage

2009-03-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

For a lingerie ecommerce site that launched a little over one month ago, Dames and Broads has been very lucky from a press/traffic stand point. We have been mentioned in UrbanDaddy, FabSugar, and will soon be in InStyle among others. And while these mentions have driven traffic and sales, in our new company excitement we really lost out on some low hanging fruit. It simply never occured to us to have some sort of email capture/ newsletter sign up so that we could communicate with potential customers (thousands of contacts down the drain). We never thought to reward our larger customers and encourage bigger orders with Free Shipping (those that spend more deserve more). We offered no additional incentives to sweeten the deal for those customers on the fence....(anyone choosing to give us their hard earned $$$ in these hard times should feel pampered)

Well as of March 19th all that changes. Behold our new homepage and offerings.

-Free Shipping on every order over $100
-Newsletter Sign up for great deals, savings and the newest styles
-Free Soyelle Lingerie wash samples with every order (limited time only)!

Have any other suggestions that would make DamesandBroads.com better from a user or business standpoint? We are pretty sure we have a lot more to learn...

Let us know, we would love the feedback.

Dames & Broads

A picture is worth a thousand words

2009-03-03T15:44:00.001-08:00

My publicist suggested I have pics taken to promote myself as a lingerie expert. OK she really just mentioned that it might be a good thing to do at some point in life. Since I am vain as hell and have been secretly dying to have my own photo shoot since Samantha posed for nude pics on Sex and the City, I considered her suggestion a proclamation and I immediately called photographer Hao Zeng and makeup artist Lazarus Jean Baptiste to make it happen. I was super excited and called my former roommate DJ Kiss who has some of the best promotional pictures I have ever seen.

She gave me fab advice which included scouring magazines and online image sites to pick out the images and poses that i wanted so that I would not leave without the shot I wanted.

Foregoing beauty sleep, I stayed up all night, rummaged through my closet and did my best to pick the sexiest, slimming, experty things I could. I arrived at the shoot, ready to give my best Samantha Jones.

And everything was wonderful until I looked at the first proofs- and I saw all my imperfections that good lighting and makeup could not hide. I was devastated. So much so the Laz- the Make Up Man had to booty shake to get me to smile for the rest of the shots.

I almost didn't recover- then there was an outfit change and I got to put on my lucky bra. I know it sounds stupid but this bra really is magic. Whenever I feel less than or unattractive, the pleated silk and eyelash lace assure me otherwise... Ahhh the healing power of good foundations.:)

Did I become an instant supermodel? No. But I got a few really good shots.
And I will post them soon... right after they airbrush out the rest of my flaws...

Melissa
owner, Dames and Broads

Turkish Lingerie- You Need This

2009-02-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

Else Pleated Silk satin bra

Else Pleated Silk satin Culotte

OK ladies this is your monthly lingerie public service announcement. I know you love that Dames and Broads lets you shop for lingerie by country of origin, and you clearly have a strong preference for Brazilian lingerie . I also know that you are frustrated that we are sold out of the Royalle set, but we do sell other things, you know...

Brazilian lingerie is not the only thing that will accentuate your assets. While we love showing off a prominent derriere, it's time to give the hips some love! Turkish lingerie is the perfect lingerie for hourglass figures and the many women who are desperate to fake perfection. Most Turkish Lingerie rides low and straight across the hips emphasizing the width of your hips. The larger your hips appear, the smaller our waist looks- an extremely crowd pleasing optical illusion.

The set that has made the biggest impact on Dames and Broads customers is the pleated silk pieces from Turkish lingerie designer Else. The rows of pleated silk and scalloped lace will draw attention to your hips further slimming your mid section and the bra is full coverage so you can wear it under most things. The color is a show stopper and the quality of the silk is second to none (again thanks to turkey's reputations for excellent textiles).

C'mon Ladies try something new...

This Public service announcement has been brought to you by Dames and Broads:)

Dame of the Month- Sophia Loren

2009-02-23T14:05:00.001-08:00

Sophia Loren, Oscars 2009

not even close to a size zero... THANK GOD

Loren giving Jayne Mansfield "the eye"

Who she is: Born Sofia Villani Scicolone, Sophia Loren rose from poverty to become a sexual icon in the 60s. Often called the "Italian Marilyn Monroe" though not nearly as tragic a figure, she was the first person ever to win an acting Oscar for a foreign language film (a feat that would not be repeated until Roberto Benigni's win for Life Is Beautiful in 1998).

Why we love her: Even though Sofia Loren looked like an oversexed, overtanned orange bridesmaid at the 2009 Oscars, we forgive her and cant help but be amazed. At 74, she looks better than most more than half her age. She is not and never was a size 0, though she was a skinny child and considered an ugly duckling, nicknamed 'The Stick'. She later blossomed into a glamazon- so much so that many male actors refused to work with her since she stands nearly 5' 9" and in towering heels and big hair can appear over 6 feet tall (One leading man made her walk in a trench next to him to give the impression that he was taller). But she embraced her beautiful body famously saying"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti", making us want to eat a bowl of pasta immediately. In an age where you could cut yourself on the hip bones of most young actresses (we are talking about you Ms. Lohan), every picture of Sophia Loren reminds us to celebrate our curves. At the height of her career, her measurements were 36D-24-38. GOD BLESS HER!

Extra Credit: As a young girl, Sophia Loren entered 2 beauty contests winning neither but scoring a screen test with director Carlo Ponti. She failed the screen test miserably and was told by Ponti she might be more successful if she changed her oversized lips and nose. She ignored him and did neither but later married Ponti who would produce many of her movies.

Trivia: She appeared in the 2007 edition of the famous Pirelli Calendar at the age of 72, making her the oldest model in its history. Hating beauty salons, she does her hair and nails herself. She is also the godmother of Drew Barrymore- Let's not hold it against her.

Ms. Loren-While it was hidden under horrendous golden taffeta on Oscar night, your body is still one of the best in the business and we have the perfect lingerie for your voluptuous hourglass figure. In fact, this fantastic matching bra and panty set from Else reminds us of the black bra and panties you wore in Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (pictured above) and has the power to create an hourglass silhouette for those of us who have to fake it.

Thank god for it since not everyone has your heavenly gifts...

Half your age and still in awe,

Dames and Broads

We wish we had a justification to buy these---

2009-02-20T15:47:00.001-08:00

We love the idea of thigh highs, but usually just the idea of them. And, at 6 feet tall, for me they have always been more like painfully awkward knee highs. We tend to shy away and steer clear. This pair from Bebaroque makes us change our tune, and we are singing Haleluja. These are so fierce, so chic, and so completely impractical we are almost sure they come with a happy ending. Or at least we hope so...

Interestingly enough this brand hails from Scotland

We had to share this find with you.
Smooches
Dames and Broads

Who doesn't like gifts???

2009-02-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day has come and gone, your bday is nowhere in sight and no one got you anything for President's day (sometimes people can be soooo selfish...) . Not to worry my dears, every single thing from Dames and Broads comes gift wrapped every day, no matter what.

You deserve presents even if you have to give them to yourself.

From one broad to another,

M

Federal (Crime) Express- I guess postal carriers like lingerie too

2009-02-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

Every day in business breeds a new set of challenges, a new reason for a nervous breakdown, something else to keep you up at night. On Thursday after a relatively good day in business, I received a call that all of the packages we had shipped on the previous Saturday (thankfully not the busiest of days), had been stolen... Actually the packages had been opened, all of the contents removed, sort of resealed and shipped on their way...

WTF (cover your ears readers for all sort of unholy profanities were exclaimed)!!!!!

I swore, I almost had a heart attack when I realized that we were sold out of many of these items (thanks Urban Daddy) making them irreplaceable or at the very least on backorder, I was extremely loud but polite to our fed ex rep hoping one of the two mannerisms would result in our packages being found... to no avail.

Then I breathed deep yoga like breaths over and over again until I was able to speak at a normal decibel. When I was ready, I began calling and emailing the customers effected, offered replacements and discounts and tried my best to give them the customer service that they deserve. (I still feel incredibly guilty that they trusted us with their valuable orders and this is what happened).

When I finished, I called my bestest gay husband who is the head of sales for a lovely French fashion company. Then I began the rant all over again- "Can you believe this happened??? Who do they think they are??? Isn't this the craziest thing you ever heard???

He listened politely (which is extremely rare for him), and then softly chuckled and said "Welcome to fashion. You're in business now and it aint so glamorous, is it?"

No, it's not. It's is beautiful but tough... just like us.

XOXO
Dames and Broads

P.S. Got a call from one of our lingerie vendors in Canada--- our next shipment will be incomplete because all of their 36Cs were stolen off of a truck... HERE WE GO AGAIN. :)

Our Stimulus Package-Bra and Panty sets under $50

2009-02-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Dechelles Savage Bralette and Thong Set

Clo Cilantro Bralette set

Blush Tresor set

Times are hard. We get it. We know you should not be choosing between bras and groceries. We know that you dont want to choose between the bra or panty. You want both. You deserve both. We agree. Above are our favorite bra and panty sets under $50. And the best thing is: There are even more where these came from.

Much love,

Dames and Broads

Broad of the Month- MIA

2009-02-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Who She Is: Born Mathangi Arulpragasm, MIA was nominated for a Grammy for Best Song for her smash hit, the way oversampled, over remixed "Paper Planes".

Why We Love Her: Let's face it the 2009 Grammy Awards were the TV equivalent of watching paint dry until she came on stage. Paul McCartney, honestly who really cares? Coldplay, YAWN... Carrie Underwood, snoozefest. Right as we were going to change the channel to the equally banal Desperate Housewives, she walked out on stage in a sheer polka dot number in all her 9 months pregnant glory and we instantly put the remote control down. She jumped up and down and we held our breath in awe (and in fear that the baby would just fall out of her and plummet to its end). And though she later admitted to having contractions before and during the performance and making her fiance bring a stop watch to the awards show "just in case", she brought the house down. And sideshow act aside, she really did rock it...

Extra Credit: She is decidedly anti establishment, has had her videos banned, her US visa (temporarily) denied and still managed to ensnare one of the hottest bachelors in her web. She is engaged to indie rocker Ben Brewer who also happens to be the son of Warner Music Group Chairman and CEO Ed Bronfman. Did I mention he is also the heir to the Seagram's fortune...

Trivia: M.I.A. contributed songs for A. R. Rahman's score of Slumdog Millionaire, which included the collaboration "O Saya", releasing the soundtrack in late 2008 via N.E.E.T. In 2009, "O Saya" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song

MIA- we really do adore you and think you are extremely talented. We also have the perfect sheer number for you to wear to the Oscars... and since we will soon be carrying nursing lingerie you really should just give us a call.

With Loving Devotion,
Dames and Broads

Affluent men like South American lingerie.... SURPRISE, SURPRISE

2009-02-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

De Chelles Savage set

Clo Encanto Set

The results are in and they are shocking...bankers, lawyers, and brokers like lingerie made for Latinas. Ladies have another brownie and then do a few lunges because clearly he loves you curvy and pear- shaped. He loves how you look in Brazilian thongs and tangas and Colombian lingerie. We tried to tell him how hot the Turkish silk panties and Dutch mesh bras by Timpa but he was singularly focused with few exceptions.

We are packing and sending them to you now as gifts.
Act surprised when you get it ok?

Happy Valentine's Day love,
Dames and Broads

A bird in the hand..... Is no match for Urbandaddy

2009-02-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Urban Daddy 2.5.09

London 2.2.09

Yes we know we shouldn't have done it. But it was too tempting to resist. With Valentine's day fast approaching and us still missing stock from some of our favorite UK lingerie vendors, we were beginning to freak out. We called, we begged, we pleaded and they said that all was on the way. We relaxed, we breathed easy and we posted merchandise to the site that we did not have yet in our NYC warehouse. What's the worse thing that could happen right? The merchandise after all, is in transit.

famous last words...

London - Something happened this week that was so unexpected, so chaotic, that life in one of the world's busiest and wealthiest cities ground to a halt. Schools and businesses closed, roads emptied of traffic, and London's public transport network of buses and trains was paralyzed.
It snowed.

8 inches of snow, and the entire city came to a screeching halt, including shipments, courier services, and all panty transit.

Add to that that Urban Daddy, a daily email newsletter and website telling of all things hot, cool and up and coming, was featuring us in their upcoming Valentine's day perks program. That lovely email would be going out to 450,000 affluent men all over the country.

Missing Inventory+ Debilitating Storm+ Urban Daddy mailer to half a million =The Perfect Storm.

The UD email was sent out yesterday and like wildfire the orders came in. And what was everyone clamouring for.... the missing merchandise. (Well, actually the men were far more swayed by the Brazilian tangas, but this makes for a far more dramatic story).

What were we to do? We had orders that had to be filled quickly and our merchandise was stuck in the UK!
We had a drink. We went to sleep. We were exhausted. Stress is bad for the skin, my mother says...

And when we awoke, we received word that the merchandise had made it safely to the Dames and Broads warehouse.

As Mae West always says:
A man in the house is worth two in the street.

LESSON LEARNED.

XOXO,
Dames & Broads

International Lingerie and the City of Brotherly Love

2009-02-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Feb 9, 2008. Dames and Broads will be hosting a trunk show in the city of our birthplace, Philadelphia PA.

There will be friends, panties and drinks just as god intended...
If you want to buy V-day presents, get a lingerie makeover based on your body type, or just talk about why your Brazilian booty deserves some southern hemisphere appreciation, stop by and say hello.

We will be waiting with drink in hand....

XOXO,
Dames and Broads

Paris, Sales, and Lingerie- an Update

2009-02-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

Paris my love

Der Kommisar

Der Kommisar

Der Kommisar

Miss Lala

Miss lala

I am back from Paris and Salon lingerie. Actually I have been back for a second, but I've been too busy to update everyone properly.

First, Paris- I swear to god I love that city. I could walk it for the rest of my life. Nuff said.

Sales in Paris- I did not see one item over a size 40 (US size 6), so I spent a good portion of my time shopping in Paris feeling obese. But it was probably for the best since "Solde" seemed to indicate only an extremely modest price reduction. Saks Fifth Avenue needs to journey to Paris to teach them the meaning of the word sale... They cant be serious offering 30-50% in the midst of this financial crisis. If you want a real deal, hope the Eurostar to London and let Harrods show you how it's done... Racks of 70% off merchandise line the halls. Now that's a markdown the way god intended. I found the cherry bomb set from AP for a song at their mini boutique at Harrods. But the bow, aka the best part, has absolutely no spandex therefore no stretch. It was either too tight or too loose and ended up looking awful. Sadly, it had to remain in the UK.

Lingerie- the Salon lingerie show introduced me to a few brands that I was not familiar with that I now adore. Der Kommisar, a Dutch lingerie line from Amsterdam, rendered me awestruck with their quilted fabrics, over the top bows and gun detailings. Uk lingerie company, Miss Lala, made me nostalgic for the pin up girls of old with their pleated silk heart high waisted panties and matching bra. Other clear winners were Australian company Mimmelu and New Zealand maternity and nursing lingerie company- Hot Milk.

more to come...

Dames and Broads

Bestsellers

2009-02-01T06:21:00.000-08:00

After months of scouring the planet for the most lovely but wearable lingerie, it is so interesting to see what people actually buy. The truth is that I was dying to see if I was right, if I should have trusted my own instincts less or should I have taken others' input more.

The answer is always in the sales right???

The very first thing to sell were the PASSPORT PANTIES. I love passport panties but that was a huge shock. I was sure the first thing to go would be a bra and panty set... But I do know the girl who purchased them and she is an always on the go, international jet setter so it does make sense.

At the very other end of the spectrum was the next purchase, the Mimi Holliday Lipe set, pictured above. The color, pricepoint, and fabric (silk and lace) is so perfect for its new owner. Though signifcantly less expensive, this set will be right at home next to all the La Perla, and Myla in her home.

Next to go was the Savage bra set from Brazilian Lingerie designer, De Chelles. The set is extremely affordable, very sexy and not at all for the faint of heart. One of my favs.

To date the most popular lingerie is by far and away are those from Brazil and it is very clear that many ladies are ready for more daring everyday bra and pantry sets ; 70% of sales came from the Everyday Extravagance category.

hmmm... It will be very interesting to see what the fellas buy for their ladies next week for V-day....

XOXO

Dames and Broads

If you build it, they will...

2009-02-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

Dames and Broads.com is live, finally...

It feels so great, like I can rest now. Except I can't. It just the beginning.

Here's what really happens when you launch a biz ( since no one shared this with me, I will do my civic duty).

You send out the "It's here!!!" email and glow with pride.
You get a ridiculous amount of positive feedback. People you dont even know write to tell you how much they like it, what their favorite items are.
Your first orders come in. You feel like a rockstar
You realize you actually do have to fufill orders- Panic sets in
No matter how tight your biz plan, and your years of web experience, you are still slightly suprised that the site did not crash from all traffic and you are not close to sold out after day one.
You realize that you actually still have SOOO much work to do and that launching was the easy part (which is hilarious since that was hard as hell). You will think about that all night, and the next night.
You thank god for your biz/marketing plan, and then begin to understand that half that hypethetical shit might not even work.
You breathe.You recommit. "Fuck it," you say. "I am in it for the long haul."
You decide that you will win or go down kicking and screaming.
You sit back down at your desk and get back to work.

just the beginning...:)

Dames and Broads

Broad of the Month- Lady Gaga

2009-01-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

Who She is:Lady Gaga, a former burlesque dancer who was born Joanne Stefani Germanotta, now has the number one dance song in America, Just Dance.

Why we love her (Love is actually an understatement as we believe her to be the second coming of pop music with Madonna being our lord savior, but whatev): Gaga was born in Yonkers and attended The Convent of the Sacred Heart in NYC (fellow alums include the Hilton sisters and Caroline Kennedy-Gaga managing to matriculate without becoming incredibly annoying seems feat enough for us). However she credits Lower East Side dive bars with her real education at the hands of drag queens and go go dancers. Role models for us all...

Lady Gaga is no overnight success though and has been clawing the way to the top in her onesie bodysuit and crazy wig since she was just 14 doing open mike nights at NYC's Bitter End. She was signed by Def Jam at 19 and dropped just 3 months later and has spent the last few years writing great pop songs for shitty acts like the Pussycat Dolls, Fergie and New Kids on the Block. It's about time she had her time to shine.

Extra Credit: Lady Gaga got her big break from Akon, which makes it all the more unbelievable that she doesn't suck. We can't believe there is actual talent where the autotune should be..

Trivia: her name is a reference to the song "Radio Ga-Ga" by Queen). A producer started calling her "GaGa" as a nickname around the studio after noticing her highly theatrical stylings bore striking semblance to those of Freddie Mercury.

A girl from New York with an exceptional voice who is inspired by trannies and degenerates, she is clearly our kind of broad.

Ms Gaga- if you every need another corseted bodysuit to roll around on the floor in, come see us. We have just the thing...

With Admiration,
Dames and Broads

Dame of the Month- Georgina Chapman

2009-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Who she is: Georgina Chapman is the co founder of the sometimes amazing, most times remarkably average fashion line, Marchesa, and the second wife of the most feared man in Hollywood, Harvey Weinstein.

Why we love her: Though not the first wife or the only founder, she seems to be the only one that matters. Just try naming the other women, we dare you. Press completely ignores the other chick whose blood sweat and tears also went into creating Marchesa, and all marvel at the newly tamed, kinder, gentler Weinstein after his marriage to Chapman, 20+ years his junior.

Extra Credit: The daughter of a millionaire coffee entrepreneur, Georgina could have sat on her gorgeous English laurels or been quite content with her mildly successful modeling career (recognize her from her early nineties Head and Shoulder ads? Neither do we). But she didn't. She seems to be a workhorse who hasn't let family money or lukewarm reviews from fashion critics stop her from becoming a force to be reckoned with. We have a feeling that her husband hasn't hurt her visibility either. Ever notice that all the stars of the Weinstein movies (current and upcoming) just happen to be in Marchesa on the red carpet, or that Georgina has walk on roles in nearly every film? What the hell was she doing in The Nanny Diaries?!

Trivia: Marchesa just happens to be named after an Italian socialite and Femme Fatale, Marchesa Luisa Casati- another amazing Dame.

All hail the beautiful and alluring Ms. Georgina Chapman- a true Dame if we ever saw one.

When you are ready Mrs Weinstein, we have some great lingerie for you...
Hugs and kisses,
Dames and Broads

Dames and Broads of the Month--- Here's to the Hustlers...

2009-01-12T15:09:00.001-08:00

We are going to try something new here at Dames and Broads at the suggestion of our friend Lisa. Every month we will be honoring women who we admire and respect for all the wrong reasons. The ones that we call names but secretly want to be when we realized that sometimes being a lady simply is not enough. Here's to the hustlers, the working girls among us, the not so nice girls who finish first. Here's to the Dames and the Broads... We raise our champagne flutes in your honor...

Feel free to suggest upcoming dames / broads of the month. Not sure the difference between a Dame and a Broad? We see the Dame as a bit more stately and the Broad as scrappier. Both are formidable. But the Review Guys have given us pretty good guidelines:

Broads-
The Word itself has a Sinatra-esque gangster-ism ring to it. A broad can take care of herself, is probably out for herself to begin with. She’s tough and not to be messed with. She might be intimidating, but also sensuous. Is she a tough broad? A dumb broad? A smart broad? Regardless, she is a broad to be reckoned with.

Dames- “Dame” is French for “woman”, though it’s pronounced the same as a beaver’s “dam” (no beaver jokes, gutter-mouths!). This girl-nomer has a “can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em” quality I find irresistible. Implies the hold a woman can have over a man. I picture a Sinatra-era guy shaking his head, muttering “dames” under his breath, tortured, at once loving us and hating us. It’s great.

Pictured above: The icons- Mae West, Joan Crawford, and Eartha Kitt... They did it their way.

Paris, Sales, and Lingerie- these are a few of my favorite things

2009-01-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

(From the top: Agent Provacateur, Chantal Thomass, and Princesse TamTam)

Paris, Je viens...

Next week I am headed to my birthplace, Paris, France. No, I was not actually born there, but I was reborn there and that is certainly close enough. Plus, it is far sexier than saying Philadelphia (the city of brotherly love pales in comparison). I lived in the City of Lights for a year a decade ago and it was the first time I learned what home feels like. I can't wait to go and cheat on the love of my life, New York City.

My timing is impeccable. Not only is it Salon Lingerie, the largest lingerie trade show in the world, but it is also sales season. And not just any sale... under French law, retail stores are only allowed to run public sales for several weeks in January and July, so this one will be the business. Nowadays my pockets are lined with lint but I am a proud American and we spend "irregardless" of our financial circumstances. Who says I am not patriotic?!

My plan is to hit up all the French lingerie designers I can't usually afford. I even know what I want. The pics are my shopping list (Princesse tamtam, Chantal Thomass, and Agent Provocateur- I am taking the Eurostar to London after all... ).

Paris, discounts, and panties- Life aint so bad after all.

XOXOXO
Dames and Broads

"Engaging" gifts for the betrothed

2009-01-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, a dear friend of mine got engaged to the man of her dreams. I am incredibly happy for her and am quite positive that he just might be the luckiest man in the world. But, there is another feeling at work as well. Surprisingly, it is not jealousy. I am definitely a women who covets and have long ago accepted the fact that I might never view my grass as being greener. However that gnawing longing to be in her shoes does not exist here.

It also doesn't make me hopeful like many of the other over 30 battle weary New York women who heard the news. Not once have I thought, "well if she can find her soulmate then maybe I can too..." If you know this dame then you know there was never any doubt. Don't get me wrong, I am pretty damn fabulous, but she has certain admirable powers (there is this beguiling, hard-to-get, southern belle, subtle sensuality, ladylike thing) that I will never master. As a point of reference, my own mother once said "honey, you aren't easy but you damn sure ain't difficult"--- that pretty much sums up my demure qualities.

But what it does makes me feel is grateful; lucky that I have been her friend long enough to get to see her much deserved happy ending (which is really only the beginning). We have over 10 years in the game together and I am fortunate that I get to witness this part of her life.

Above are just a few lingerie engagement gifts perfect for dear friends. The first is the Sista Shei Silk Tie Side Brief & Eyemask. The second is the Etoile Bow G String from Kiki De Montparnasse.

Both say "Congratulations and I hope you both have a great sex life till death do you part" in a very loving and inappropriate way.

Hugs and kisses,
M

New year, Newly single and Newer lingerie

2008-12-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

This year I gave myself the gift of the single life for Christmas. Because we are all the lord's children I will refrain from saying anything negative about him. I wish him health, happiness and whatever else comes to his kind. I will leave a little older, much less naive and with a few nice pieces of jewelry. Thanks for the memories!

I am also moving on with a few more pounds and some emotional baggage that will no longer fit in my carry on. So needless to say that I have some things to work off and through before I will be ready for whatever is out there waiting for me.

I was twenty six and a 34C the last time I was truly single and I have no idea what it will be like dating in my thirties. Now a 36D and 30 years young, I feel completely unprepared for the world I am entering. I don't know how to flirt or internet date or have casual sex or if I am supposed to do any of those things. With Sex and the City off the air and all my friends in relationships or just as clueless as me, I have no guides on how to proceed. I feel terrified, and excited, and apprehensive, and damaged, and reborn, and hurt, and angry, and destroyed, and free and extremely prone to writing long run-on sentences.

What's a newly single, not feeling so fabulous, bigger breasted girl to do?

I went lingerie shopping. More accurately, i went f%ck that lying bastard, you will never get to see me in any of this but the next guy(s) will absolutely love it, can't wait to be over him, you hurt me so bad i am going to do something incredibly inappropriate in this, my larger D cups look better in this bra anyway, I might just answer the door in this, i don't really care that we are in a recession, good old fashioned lingerie shopping.

And hundred of dollars and a few yards of silk satin and antique lace later, I felt better. Its still hard to sleep through the night. But every morning I wake up to drawers full of something that makes me feel pretty instead of .... him. For now, it will do.

The pics above are the pieces in case you want to see what I bought. (Myla Simone, Myla Nicole, and Sista Shei Blossom)

I hope to one day soon sell other ladies a little bit of comfort...

Dames and Broads lingerie.... Feb 08

Lingerie PR

2008-12-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

What happens when you are still passionate about your business but absolutely sick of talking about it? You break down and hire a publicist...

I still love the lingerie business. I still think my offerings are going to knock your socks (and hopefully your Hanky Pankies) off. I am just sick of telling you about it. Besides, we are past the sexy part. If you are my friend in real life or just on Facebook, you probably have already seen web site mocks, you heard all our globe trotting stories about the the great pieces we have found, you have seen logos and brand identity images. But now I am mired down in Fed Ex paperwork, projection forecasts, and accounts receivables. Trust me, you probably don't even want to talk to me right now. I am officially no fun. So I am hiring a publicist to be fun on my behalf.

I will let her tell you all about the differences between American and English lingerie, about why you deserve better than rayon and why your bottom will be writing us thank you letters after being softly caressed by our silk panties. I, frankly don't have the time. She can go though the motions of teaching men to stop buying crotchless panties for Valentine's day via media outlets while I simply roll my eyes and write them off as hopeless. See?! This will be better for the both of us.

Since I have the honor of being based in NYC, I can't swing a chanel bag without hitting a PR girl in her well coiffed and often blond head. But the question is, can I swing the monthly monetary commitment that it will take to get her to extol the virtues of Dames and Broads to all the glossies and blogs?

Don't get me wrong, there is money in the D&B coffers but the salesperson in me is only interested in marketing that directly results in sales and my inner control freak is terrified to hand over our brand identity to a stranger. But perhaps it is time to relinquish my grip on my wallet and let's somebody else do the talking. Anything that would allow me just a bit of time to shut up...

Passport Panties- Underwear for the Jetsetter

2008-12-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

I just got back to NYC from Art Basel in Miami. I leave tomorrow for Pittsburgh. Before I leave though, I must book my hotel in Paris for Jan as well as a seat on the Eurostar so that I can be in London just a few hours later. In February, I will be visiting a girlfriend in Nicaragua before she leaves for Italy. Just got invited to be someone's +1 at a wedding in Argentina...

As I rush from one airport to another, plead with the lady behind the counter for an upgrade, and hop on planes, trains and automobiles, it will be difficult if not impossible for me to keep it together. Inevitably somewhere in between the Champs Elysees and Trafalgar Square, I will have gone from chic to harried. The carefully planned outfits will look thrown together and my makeup will have gone the way of my diet. but thanks to Passport Panties, my lingerie will still be on point. Disguised in a fab passport holder, these soft, semi sheer, gorgeous panties come with a cleansing towelette in case of "emergencies" (I will leave you to read between the lines). They are perfect for the jetsetter or the woman who, like me, will be spending 30+ hours in coach for the next few weeks and still wants to feel sexy as they travel the globe.

Bon voyage....

Brazilian, Turkish, English, French body types... You are gorgeous somewhere

2008-12-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

Ladies ,

Stop it. This one size fits all mentality will be the death of you. Most of us will never be a size 0. Most of our men don't want us to be. So why do we subscribe to one Nicole Kidmanesqe asexual standard of beauty? Perhaps it is because we don't know that our pear shaped bodies are revered in Brazil, that our generous hips and ample bosom are considered ideal in Turkey, that our itty bitties are all the rage in France. Did you know that they make something to help create waistlines in England and can fake the hell out of a gorgeous bustline in China?

But no need to go so far to be appreciated. Perhaps you should start in your living room. Did you know that everything you hate about your body is exactly what you man loves. He wants you to stop covering up the big butt, the smaller breasts, the meaty hips. If it doesn't jiggle, he doesn't want it and if he didn't want something soft, he would be dating Tom, not you.

I am not saying to let yourself go. I am saying give yourself a break and embrace the gorgeous body you inhabit.

In Feb , Dames and Broads will start bringing you lines from around the world made specifically for your body type.

One size fits all no more...

You deserve better.

XOXO

D&B

Dames and Broads-they just dont make them like they used to

2008-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

I spent a good portion of last weekend on my couch watching TV. Even though I had mountains of work to do, I chose to instead lay around in my college boyfriend teammate's jersey (Don't feel bad for him, the bastard had it coming:)) and cashmere socks. Sometimes life in its causal simplicity can bring such joy.

I meant to watch an old movie and revel in the glory that is Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, or either of the Hepburns (Audrey or Katherine depending on the mood), but then I stumbled upon Bravo TV and became physically unable to turn the channel.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta is simultaneously repulsive and captivating. You will find yourself wondering aloud "are these chicks for real?" as the hours drift by. Between Kim's awful wig and singing voice, Nene's unwillingness to wear a bra or stop talking shit, and Sheree's extremely high and misguided opinion of herself, it really is hard to look away.

But after many hours spent watching that nonsense I began to wonder where all the real Dames and Broads have gone. I miss women with awe inspiring wardrobes and witty one liners who cant keep men from throwing themselves in their direction. They seem to have been replaced with tacky and classless half wits who think that Victoria Secret is the epicenter of sexy.

Are there any left? Or must we wonder the earth searching for the real thing eventually settling for cheap mediocre knockoffs. Take the brief quiz below and reinstore my faith in today's women.

You find out that your guy has been cheating on you. You're supposed to meet him for dinner at a ritzy joint later that evening. You:
A. Call him on the phone, bitch him out, and have a girlfriend pick up your things from his apartment.
B. Attend the dinner and ask him where things went wrong.
C. Put on your sexiest little black dress and meet him as usual. Then you casually bring up the affair, catching him off guard, and carefully escalate the assault to the point where you throw your champagne in his face, and exit gracefully.

In bars, your drinks are:
A. Beer and hard liquor
B. Sweet froofy girl drinks with names like "Mangoberry Sunrise"
C. Wine, champagne, martinis and cocktails. And always free.

When men tell you how beguiling you are you respond:
A. "What does beguiling mean?"
B. "Thank you" modestly and then avoid eye contact
C. Yes, I've heard that often but I prefer to think of myself as enchanting

If you answered mostly Cs, there might be hope for us yet.

From one broad to another,
M

Top 10 Lingerie / Underwear Brands

2008-11-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

Just a bit a lingerie news to darken an already dreary Friday in NYC:

According to WWD, 2008 retail sales are really hurting long established intimates brands especially those distributed by department stores.

"Battered by consolidation, depleted margins and a glut of inventory, department stores have increasingly given smaller space in innerwear departments to national bra brands, many of which are promoted day in, day out, and have a generic look."

As a result most are cutting advertising, marketing and merchandising budgets drastically. Heavy hitters like Victoria Secret are still doing OK (formaldehyde bras notwithstanding) due to the teen focused PINK lines and international expansion.

Here are the top 10 Intimate Apparel lines by sales in the US

1. Hanes
2. Victoria's Secret
3. Fruit of the Loom
4. Playtex
5. Jockey
6. Bali
7. Joe Boxer
8. Maidenform
9. Vanity Fair
10. Calvin Klein Underwear

If you are anything like me , you looked at the above list and shook your head. Joe Boxer, Really???!!! Is the entire Unites States in 8th grade? Fruit of the Who? Well, I never...

Where does this list and this economy leave grown ups who prefer silk to rayon and sensual glamour to pink cheetah prints?

Don't worry ladies, I will not forsake you. You still deserve the best even if you now must pay less for it. No need to go to the dark side (read Hanes and ugly nude bras). The pictured Dechelles bra and panty set from Brazil (all silk and lace) retails for less than $65. It does not come in a pack of 3 and it shouldn't...

All is not lost.

Soon,

Dames and Broads

Gorgeous and Affordable imported bras and panties

Jan 2009

Envy and Girl Crushes

2008-11-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Last night I went out to dinner with some former co workers. After weeks spent working 12 hour days, trying to be a good caregiver to my new blind dog and recently discovering that I am allergic to my make up, I was proud of myself for just showing up. To say that I looked haggard would be a compliment. My hair was pulled back into a frayed ponytail. My attire was very secretarial pool circa Working Girl 1988. Makeup was non existent. I felt like I looked: Worn out.

We got down to the business of our quarterly catch up. After recapping jobs, boyfriends, and such, we veered off course to random story telling. It seems that our friend Kari had ventured into an ad agency to present to clients when all attention became focused on a sales rep from CNN who had just entered the room. She was one of those mythical urban legends that you read about, not only beautiful but incredibly well put together. Or maybe she seemed beautiful only because she was so put together. She did not merely take off her coat as much as there was a "reveal" of Extreme Makeover proportions with all eyes (male and female) on her. Kari then recited to us in elaborate detail every stitch of clothing this siren was wearing weeks ago. And we listened intently about a women we would never meet as if it was monumental in our lives.

I want to be that woman.

I bet she would have worn heels to dinner thereby avoiding frayed pant hems. Her hair probably would have been cascading down her back or at least her ponytail would be smooth and orderly (more Jlo and less Miss Celie from the Color Purple). No way in hell she would have walked out of the house without mascara. And lipstick. And foundation.

She has me beat. I can't be that woman everyday.

But I promise you this: If she had disrobed past her coat and her fancy dress... If she got rid of the expensive wide belt and perfect accessories... If she had chosen to show the world (or at least the inside that ad agency) her foundation garments... she would met her match.

For beneath my common wardrobe, I am formidable.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the fairest panties of them all...

ME

XOXO
Dames and Broads

Shop Dames and Broads Lingerie Jan 09

Yes we can... Maybe I can too...

2008-11-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

I love the English Language. When I was a kid, I used to diagram sentences for fun. (No, not my sexiest moment). There was something about the structure that I found incredibly satisfying. But I have always reserved my deepest affection for the words themselves. Antonyms, synonyms, onomatopoeia... There is something about seeking and finding one word to describe an emotion or happening that spellbinds me.

But there is no word for today. No group of letters strung together will ever fully encompass what I feel right now.

Everything is possible.

May god keep him safe.

God Bless America.

Risky Business

2008-11-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

I just took an entrepreneurial risk assessment test and failed with flying colors. While there were a few parts in which I excelled (i.e all parts that required you to not play well with others), evidently I am a tad risk adverse. After receiving a score of 25 out of 38, I assumed that quiz was mistaken and I retook the test this time changing my answers to the truth (aka what I now thought they wanted to hear as opposed to the answers that I previously thought would yield the highest results). My score dropped to 23. Clearly I am not even daring enough to chance failing an open notebook test only meant to assess my own shortcomings.

I will admit it. I am terrified of failure and tend to avoid it at all costs. I am the girl who read 100 pages ahead in Choose Your Own Adventure novels to avoid costly mistakes and impeding doom. But I am even more afraid of fear's paralyzing effect on me. For this reason I have an extremely oxymoronic approach to life and risk. I inch my way closer to the edge and then take flying leaps off cliffs.

I researched buying studio apts in Manhattan for years and then bought a dilapidated three bedroom in Harlem 25 minutes after viewing it. My first entree into the stock market wasn't until I was 29 but I only bought one stock and with all of my cash reserves. I only play black jack @ $5 tables but have been know to go all in and lose hundreds in one hand. I spent most of my twenties never dating men more than twice. Four years ago I went out on a third date with one lucky gentlemen and we have been together ever since.

I don't believe in diversification.

Who knows how this will serve me in business. In life I have been right more times than wrong. I have had a ton of fun and cried a bunch of tears. I have lost my life savings at least 3 times and have doubled my net worth. The only thing that I am sure of is that money comes and money goes. And the only regrets I have are the things I did not do...

I already see my duality rearing its ugly head. I alternate daily between cutting back inventory levels in case I am the only one who actually needs functional lingerie and quadrupling orders in anticipation of overwhelming success. The real reason why I wont carry above a D cup is the inventory nightmare it creates. I know that "plus size lingerie" are the #3 most searched for key words in the world of online intimates but what the hell am I going to do with a 44G bra if it doesnt sell?

Maybe there is a middle ground, and I will do my best to remain on it. But I know the day will soon come for me to choose sides. And when others step forward or to the side and I will leap.

The bridal lingerie is not for me...

2008-10-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to get my hair blown out at my local salon. I forgot my typical business books, magazines, and how to start a lingerie business for dummies guides and was forced to read the supplied beauty rags. I was too slow and unwilling to fight for a withered Glamour from 2006, so I took the only mag left: NY magazine, the wedding edition. I flipped through the pictures of couples getting married at the Central Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum. One couple even had the balls to shut down the meat packing district so they could wed on its cobble stone streets.

It was the black and white pics on those cobble stone streets that did it. I started to cry. Hysterically. Under the dryer.

Perhaps this happens all the time to NY women or maybe the ladies in the salon decided to take pity on me. Everyone kindly ignored me except for the owner of the establishment, who brought me a tissue, patted me gently on the shoulder and told me I had 10 more minutes until I was dry.

Somedays I cant decide if this business is the reason I am alone or the thing that keeps me from feeling lonely. It takes up a lot of space.

Sometimes I can't remember if this is really my dream or if it is just the backup plan to a dream defferred. The emotional equivalent of adding something to a "to do" list just so I can have something to check off.

Today I am tired. But everyday cant be rainbows and puppies.

Web Design: Quick to make a decision, Slow to Spend Money

2008-10-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

Over the last 4 months, I solicited 10 different price quotes from web designers and developers to build DamesandBroads.com. From the recommended, the unknown and the infamous, I was quoted anywhere from $3500 for a complete e commerce site built from scratch to 15k+ for just logo design. Each one told me how I could not live without wish lists, pagination, dynamic product reviews and all this other stuff I had never heard of. Each additional suggestion was additional $$$ and an additional headache. After awhile I no longer knew what I needed and what I could do without. I had absolutely lost the ability to prioritize.

I had web designers telling me the most important thing was how the site looked ("No one will buy anything if the site looks a mess"), web developers telling me that site functionality was paramount ("no one can buy anything if the site does not work"), publicists telling me that press mattered above all else, ("no one will buy anything they have not heard of"), and lingerie manufacturers who had their hands out (hard to sell anything if you do not have a PRODUCT). Not to mention a few things called site hosting, e commerce platforms, search engine optimization, and search engine marketing. These people were making me tired. I ran out of breath just making a list of things to do.

But research and desperation have led me to two things that are going to make my life a lot easier: Volusion and Alondra. Sound like super heroes don't they? The former is my e commerce platform that provides all of the fancy bells and whistles of a great online store (zoom, the ability to integrate any of your product offerings onto facebook/ myspace/ etc, and coupons) at a great monthly price. The store comes ready to go, you just upload your products. My second great find is Alondra, my new web designer who will be manipulating Volusion's templates so that my store looks anything but standard. She is quick, gifted, and from what I 've heard, beautiful. Everything I am looking for in a savior.

Two more obstacles avoided... One million more to go.

xoxo,
Dames and Broads

Packaging Woes...

2008-10-19T12:20:00.001-07:00

These are tough times. Any non essential item is a luxury and any person who spends their hard earned money on luxuries should be treated like the most valuable customer in the world...

I wish my packaging vendor, US Box, felt the same way. In the last 3 weeks, they have sent me (and charged me for) the wrong samples, given quotes on the wrong products not once but 4 times, and have blamed it all on my inability to effectively communicate. Now, I am no Barack, but communication has never been a problem for me.

When I referred to the emails proving my sanity and their ineptitude, I was told they will send me my new samples for free. Except that I have to pay for shipping. And shipping is 13 times the price of the sample.
and "please be clearer in your email next time..."

I wanted to clearly reply what they could do with their boxes... but they are one of the few vendors who can reproduce my logo on custom pillow boxes. The owner is an ass but as of right now his price is the cheapest. But the salesperson in me wants to walk. Curse him out in my uppity way ("Clearly sir you do not deserve my business. Now, GOODDAY,!!!"). Take my
money elsewhere, where someone will treat me like my pennies matter.

But my customers deserve the best. They will choose to give me their money instead of countless others and they should feel like they are receiving a gift every time they order. So I will bite the bullet, swallow my pride and pray that this time I can clearly communicate my order.

But one more mistake and I will scream and people might be receiving panties in a paper bag.

Please let me know if you like the packaging and think it is worth the drama.
M

An Open Letter to Hanky Panky--- All in good fun

2008-10-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dear HP,

I hate to hate. Really I do. But someone has to tell you for your own good. Somehow in your rise to glory, you have become passe. There, I said it. Yes, you are the Tory Burch Reva Ballet flat of thongs, the Magnolia Bakery of underwear, the wedge heel of panties. I am officially over you.

Your ubiquitous presence haunts me. There you are mocking me in every sample sale's community dressing room, on the lips of every d list celebrity. Parading around as a fresh young thing, when you are older than me!

The other girls may fall for it, but I know better. Pumpkin, Waterfall, and Denim are not acceptable colors in my lingerie wardrobe. I am thirty years old for chrissake!

And when did nylon and cotton become all the rage??? Whatever happened to silk and satin? (see pic)

It's ok, HP. It's your time to shine. But I just wanted to let you know, that there will soon be a new kid on the block.

But you are not all bad. Is your PR director looking for more work??? :) :) :)

XOXO
dames and broads

FORWARD!!!

2008-10-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

"Courage doesn't always shout. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I will try again tomorrow."--- UNKNOWN

So traveling to Brazil to search for a lingerie manufacturer did not produce the results I thought it would... After scouring the city for 4 long, rainy days, I did not find anyone who was willing to work with me, the US dollar and my size Ds.

I have to admit I felt tired, drained and defeated. I was ready to throw in the towel and return to my normal life and hideous nude bras.

But my girl, Monica, told me that if I am going to make it, I have to be ready to adapt. The point was to bring to market affordable, wearable, but sexy bras and panties and by god, wild horses could not keep me from it... After all, they say evil triumphs when good women do nothing...

The Brazilian trade show showed me that there actually are many high quality yet cost conscious lines that we Americans have been deprived of simply because of our geography. The problem is that only a few pieces can actually be worn underneath clothes. In fact, some of the sets made me wonder if Brazilian women ever put on anything at all over these elaborate devices. No wonder thousands of men endure 10 hours in coach just to lay eyes on these creatures...

But every once in awhile I would stumble across a miracle (like the one pictured). Pretty little things that could actually be worn by mere mortals. I wondered if there were similar products in other parts of the world. Then I wondered, would I would be willing to traipse all over the globe to bring these items to American women? Yes, yes I will.
The saga continues...

Dames and Broads Version 2.0

B is for Brazil, B cups and Business Plans

2008-10-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I went to Brazil in search of a manufacturer who could produce affordable, wearable, and gorgeous lingerie. Yes reader, I know, I am doing the lord's work.

My plan was simple (though not particularly well thought out): fly to Sao Paulo alone, attend one of the top Brazilian innerwear trade shows and canvas the entire manufacturing district until I convinced one of the dozens of lingerie manufactures to produce my line. God this will make a great story for Oprah, I thought. It would have been ambitious for anyone to undertake but when you couple this with the fact that I spoke no Portuguese and intended to do it all over the course of four days, it becomes clear that this mission was entirely based on faith.

You see, not only were the cards stacked against me, I had been warned. I attempted to hire an apparel specialist and a translator from the US Commercial Service in Brazil and was flat out rejected.

"There is no market for this. There are several manufacturers in Brazil (A LOT... TOO MANY), but no company would work with the US designs for lingerie. Several US companies tried manufacturing lingerie here to re-export because Brazil is well-known for its manufacturing in this field, but it rarely worked out because the designs are very different from what is used and produced here."

The game seemed to be over before it began. Discouraged and traveling alone to what the NY Times calls "the most dangerous city you will ever love", I began to realize what a suicide mission this was. So I decided to seek help from higher powers. I prayed and sent out a mass email.

Subject line: Solo to Sao Paulo

And miracles happened (who knew the lord has Gmail?). My brother who owns a bed and breakfast in Bahia, suggested I call a Samba dancer he knew. She just happened to be a costume designer for the Philadelphia Opera, spoke fluent manufacturing and apparel Portuguese and owned a home in Sao Paulo. She agreed to accompany me to SP, without ever meeting me,...FOR FREE.

My girl, Khadeja, called a college friend now living in Sao Paulo. He agreed to take me in. Also without ever speaking to me. also for free.

And so I went. And after many Nos, crazy looks, and discussions about how the US Dollar was now relatively worthless in Brazil, we actually found some people who were at least willing to speak to us. I could almost see Oprah’s couch in front of me.

And that is when I was told that Brazilians only makes B CUPS. Yes, you read me right. They have somehow convinced an entire nation of voluptuous, plastic surgery loving women that they are all Bs. How can I make a product I cant even wear?

Jeez, I guess need to work on plan B…

Because I like to give back...

2008-09-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

I love lingerie and have spent a king's ransom collecting pieces for years. However too many bows, frills and ruffles prevent me from actually wearing the majority of it. I have an entire drawer full of just garters which is down right foolish when you realize that 36 inches of legs have kept me from owning an actual pair of thigh highs to attach to aforementioned garters. One woman's thigh highs are another woman's over the knees socks...

Every morning I get up and put on something beautiful, lacey, and decadent. I gaze into my floor to ceiling mirror and am thrilled to see a seductress. Then I take it all off and put on the ugliest nude bra in creation and my one size fits every other girl in NYC Hanky Panky underwear. Really, it's magic. Presto Chango: instant matron. You see, I live in the real world where $300 fuschia lace bustiers have no place.

It is out of this debilitating, self esteem crushing morning ritual that Dames and Broads was born. Doesn't every woman deserve to put on (and keep on) gorgeous, wearable lingerie everyday? Well maybe not every woman, but certainly I do.

So in January 2009, i am officially launching Dames and Broads for the inner femme fatale in all of us. Pretty underwear that you can actually wear under your clothes and still feel alluring. Did I mention the average woman will actually be able to afford it? It aint curing cancer but a contribution to society nonetheless...

I get by with a little help from my friends...

2008-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

American homes are worthless, banks are failing and the dollar is going to plummet once we authorize a bailout to fix the situation. Perfect time to start a business!!!! Alone. With no real entrepreneurial experience. With my life savings...

I must be out of my mind.

It did not start out this way. It started as a partnership. Two fabulous women against the world. Somehow it became two women against eachother. And then one woman.

They say the world will not end with a bang but with a whimper (they= T.S. Elliot, in case you were wondering). I catch myself a lot of nights whimpering. Scared out of my mind. but then I remember that I whimpered about a ton of things over the course of the last 3 decades. Everything turned out just fine, or became fine, or was not fine at all but life kept going anyway.

Mostly I bitch and moan to girlfriends and the occasional boyfriend. I am awed by their constant support and their blind as a bat faith in me and Dames and Broads.

But I wonder a lot about that other fabulous woman...

Can things return to their former glory? I sure hope so.

"Stock are rebounding today on the hopes of a bailout"

Fingers crossed.

Turning Thirty... and none the wiser

2008-09-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, I turned thirty. I looked forward to it like the second coming of Jesus, planned an expensive party, told everyone with a pulse, counted down like an inmate awaits release. You see, the twenties were not kind to me. I stumbled. I fell. I repeated mistake after mistake. But I always regarded it as a throw away decade. All the older women in my life (read Oprah and my mom) said they were a mess in their twenties and that things only got better in the thirties. And I so I believed, wished, and prayed for change. YES WE CAN.

Imagine my surprise when I awoke on August 26th, 2008, no wiser, thinner, or better groomed. So since I can detect no visible change, I have decided to tally exactly where I am in the process (that exact process being "the road to fabulousity").

In high school I recorded the below in my journal. Let's see where I am...

By 30, you should have:

One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. CHECK
A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. CHECK
Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. CHECK
A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. my suitcase is a little raggedy so I can't really claim this just yet.
A youth you’re content to move beyond. CHECK!!!
A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. CHECK
The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it. CHECK although in the last 10 days it has all dwindled to pennies. THANKS US HOUSING CRISIS!
An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you. CHECK
A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. hmmm how do you defined padded?
One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. CHECK
A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra. CHECK, CHECK and CHECK
Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. CHECK
The belief that you deserve it. CHECK
A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. I have a routine but am not close to actually following it
A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better. define "solid start", define "satisfying", define "relationship"... maybe we should just forget that one...

By 30, you should know:

How to fall in love without losing yourself. no clue
How you feel about having kids. want them, can't afford them but definitely want them
How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. have yet to do one of these successfully
When to try harder and when to walk away. again, no clue
How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next. what if you dont know what you want to happen next?
The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town. Jesus this is getting embarassing
How to live alone, even if you don’t like to. this I can do!
How to take control of your own birthday. LOL, nope
That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents. still fighting this pointless fight
That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over. i still struggle with this one
What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love. you think you know and then...
That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long. this, i know
Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally. YESSSS
Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault. only in the last year
Why they say life begins at 30. Please god let this be true

Not as bad as i thought, not as good as i would like. But I do have one thing I did not have before, the courage to start Dames and Broads...
M