V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Mar 25, 2017

Need To Know: A Secret Between Friends

need-to-know-ritz-paris-vogue-vicki-archer -2


This is on a need to know basis.

And I think you need to know.


It can be our little secret; the only bad part is I have to come clean with you first.

 

David Terry, my friend, if you are reading, stop now and close down this page, it’s not for you.



Last week after much putting off, delaying and avoiding I went underwear shopping. Nightmare.

It is the one kind of shopping I detest, even more than swimming costumes and that is making a big statement. Normally I save my dignity and shop for all that lives beneath in Paris. Eccentric I know, to co-ordinate a trip to Paris around underwear, but I do because it’s a whole new world there. Underwear shopping in Paris is almost pleasant; the assistance and the choice is outstanding.


The underwear drawer could not wait for Paris; it needed immediate attention.


I subscribe to the underwear-is-just-as-important school of thought. I grew up worrying about what was underneath as much as what was on the outside. Wrapped up pretty is very important to the way we feel, not to mention adding a certain allure to the private side of our life. Whatever body shape is on show it only looks better with good underwear. We can’t change the excess or the lack of but we can make the most and show ourselves in the best possible light.


Apart from the pretty lace, silk and frills there is a certain amount of practical underwear required. This is where I reveal my new found secret.


Shape wear is legendary, a game changer and I am never going without it.

The art to wearing shape wear is to select when it is on show and when it is not. I am very happy to flash the lace and showcase the pretty, but when I am in the firm and flatter I am best left to my own devices. There is nothing wrong with guarding a little mystery.


The need to know is this.

I found the most amazing hold-in-everything, smooth-it-all-out and knock-off-about-4-kilos-while-you-are-at-it pants. Two different styles that are super comfortable and make me look better and my clothes hang beautifully. The only downside is I don’t think I will ever want to take them off. I liked them so much I went back two days later and bought an extra pair.


I know it would be better to say goodbye to the kilos and never need to wear such things but I’m living in the real world and so, whatever it takes. Right?


  • These new “friends” of mine have made me very happy, not to mention comfortable. I have tried others like them before but we haven’t got on nearly as well.


Too much information? xv



Need To Know: A Secret Between Friends

**wacoal beyond naked seamless brief  ||  wacoal body base smoothing shorts 



image, the ritz paris by mikael jansson for vogue, july 2016

Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Fashion