Estelle Puleston

Allow me to introduce you to my most-worn bra set of the past twelve months: the Clara by Panache. The way the sheer floral motifs are surrounded by more opaque fabric, sometimes in a different colour, gives the impression of delicate appliqué work which makes this bra look rather more expensive than it actually is!

For the first time ever, Marks & Spencer has decided to shake things up and expand their online lingerie department in a big way through the introduction of eight guest brands, each one chosen to bring something different to M&S shoppers.

In an industry where brand after brand are claiming to ‘reinvent’ the bra simply by removing the underwires, it’s refreshing to come across a lingerie company actually doing something different. Tensengral has merged antique and modern technology to create a whole new type of lingerie fabric: “performance lace”.

Murmur works lingerie-inspired details into their designs in numerous ways, but by far my favourite is their use of shiny suspender grips as decorations. It’s a design feature I love whenever I see a brand using it, but Murmur really goes all out.

Ever since I first moved to Spain, I’ve regretted leaving my fluffy dressing gown behind. I guess I thought I wouldn’t need it but the reality of living here is that it’s not all sunshine, all the time. Stealing my husband’s hoodies was no longer cutting it, so this Christmas just gone, a cosy robe was top of my wishlist.

Handmade in Málaga, Spain by Bohemian Soul Lingerie, these pieces have some of the most fabric I’ve ever seen on a nightwear garment. Just metre upon metre of fluid lace, chiffon or cotton voile that drapes down to the ground and puddles around your feet.

There’s something particularly lovely about owning a garment that was made just for you, but we don’t all have the budget for bespoke lingerie. That’s where custom embroidery offers a nice alternative – it’s way cheaper than ordering something truly bespoke, but still feels more special than a purely off-the-rack item.

I love that even after almost a decade of blogging about lingerie, I am still discovering new styles to covet. One shape that I’ve been seeing rather often lately is this type of bandeau bra with underwires that are separated from the overlaid fabric, and visible through it.

The more unique or ultra-pretty pieces I add to my lingerie collection, the more I find myself trying to ‘sneak’ some of them into my outerwear. A strappy bra peeking out from under a top there, a slip worn as a summer dress there – there’s usually a way to slip a little lingerie in if you want to.

Marjolaine is a French luxury lingerie brand which is best known for its lavish use of appliqué, often featuring delicate floral lace stitched over a contrasting silk satin base. I love those pieces (how could I not?), but what I really adore are their slip designs that use super-sized embroidery appliqués.