Posts in What to Wear
Spotlight: Lotus Blooms
 

When Teal and I met up for a drink one day, we ended up chatting forever about everything we loved about our industries and learned we share identical views on empowering people and giving them the space and permission to express themselves confidently through education and self discovery. We got right down to business and I wanted her to see what a boudoir shoot is like first hand so you’ll see some imagers from her own session below, oh la la!

I’m excited to share with you her mission for Lotus Blooms and all about how you can not only find super cute lingerie for your shoot but explore all the educational resources she provides. Trust me, you’ll love them!

Teal Dye, Owner, Lotus Blooms Boutique, Alexandria, VA

Teal Dye, Owner, Lotus Blooms Boutique, Alexandria, VA

What inspired you to open Lotus blooms?

Lotus Blooms has blossomed over the years and I was lucky enough to be next in line to help bring it to it's current stage.  The store was founded by medical professionals whose experiences in the emergency room made them realize women needed a shop where they feel comfortable asking questions and learning about the safe use of sex toys. Since then we have stayed true to the educational foundations and Lotus Blooms has also continued to expand the resources that we provide the community.  The store still radiates a very feminine aesthetic in both our decor and offerings, but now also have as part of our mission, a commitment to being inclusive, welcoming, and empowering of all genders, bodies, and identities in the store.  Our corsets and lingerie span the size spectrum of XS-4X and celebrate all different body types and sizes. We just think there's so much beautiful diversity and complexity within bodies and sex, we want to help normalize and nurture it all!

What's unique about lotus blooms compared to other lingerie boutiques?

ah, see above? We're staffed by a team who is trained to educate people about bodies and anatomy, and how toys and apparel work with each of those.  Our team is an incredible wealth of knowledge; we have social workers, non-profit-ers, activists, academics, educators, counselors, doulas, you name it. If we don't know the answer to your question, we definitely know someone who does!  We strive to be a resource because we know how empowering it is to feel "normal" and we know how terrible our society is about telling us we are just that.

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What's your favorite corset/lingerie look? 

Personally, I love our Foxers lace boxer shorts. They are so easy to lounge around the house in, especially in the summer.   I'm not much of a performer, so I like the Foxers because I don't feel like I have to put on a show when I put these on.  They are comfy but flirty, and they are SO. EASY!  We very lovingly refer to them as lazy lingerie. That all said, they actually are awesome additions to a head-to-toe outfit too.  They wear really nicely under corsets and combined with thigh highs.  

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What is the most important factor when getting fitted for corsets?

When you come to Lotus Blooms to find a corset, its helpful to keep in mind that not every corset will fit every body, but we definitely have a corset FOR every body!  Lots of times we shop with an aesthetic goal in mind, "I want red, I want flowers, I want lace," etc. But because corsets highlight the body in incredible ways, the primary goal should be to find a well fitting corset. The additional characteristics of the corset should come second.  Also, its important to know that the measurements we have to take for corsets are almost useless for all other apparel sizing- it's not going to be the same sizing scale as a dress or jeans or even a bra band. Corsets are sized based on an equation that first considers the number of inches of your true waist. And because all our bodies are so different, its really important to try them on.  This is why we shy away from having people buy corsets for other people.  

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Do you have a "must have" lingerie piece or accessory that someone should have in their closet?

A teddy!  Teddies are really really popular right now and there are so many options for however you carry your curves. Even if the thought of a teddy conjures up memories of being a kid wearing an uncomfortable one-piece bathing suit with endless wedgies, I can prove you wrong. Depending on the cuts and patterns, different ones will work well with different bodies. It's just about trying a few on and trusting that a form fitting piece can be flattering.  I've converted many who were initially wary- trust me!

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How has your boudoir experience affected you or changed you?  

I tend to put and keep myself in the lazy lingerie category. (See my glowing review of Foxers- which are literally lace boxer shorts). Needless to say my default in both apparel and personality is understated and comfortable, confident but not prominent. So, doing a photo shoot in itself was out of my wheelhouse (what do you mean I have to shower and get dolled up?) Pair that with Julie's distinctly bold style of photography- Moody, dramatic lighting, erotic and suggestive poses, power stances.  It was (is) a whole different lens to see myself through. It was so cool to have her "point out" all of the really sexy parts of my body by capturing them so beautifully.  I had this realization that I can be both the lazy lingerie type AND sexy erotic type- they are both part of me!

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If you could tell your clients anything before their boudoir session, what would it be?

No boudoir photographer will ever zoom in on exactly the parts that you are self conscious of, so don't stress about that.  Like anymore, at all.  Find a piece of lingerie that fits you- both style wise and size wise, and don't think twice about your "problem areas."  Julie has this incredible capacity to highlight beauty, yes even yours; so trust her.  During your initial communicate to her about where you feel self conscious, and then actively push your concerns aside in your brain so you can have fun with the whole rest of the process- the shopping, the build up to the shoot, getting your hair and makeup done, the shoot itself, and the build up to and the reveal.  ALL of those parts of the experience should be fun, don't ruin it by stressing! 

Other advice- bring one piece of lingerie that's in your comfort zone and one that's a little bit outside, that way all your bases are covered.   

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Social media

Where can someone find you or services?

Website: www.lotusblooms.com

FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/Lotus.BloomsVA/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotus.blooms/

Email: info@lotusblooms.com


 
Outfit Styling for Your Boudoir Session | Virginia Boudoir Photography
 

Boudoir photo shoots can be very up-close and personal, so it’s important to hire a photographer you trust to get you looking and feeling your best. It’s equally as important to find a place that will expertly fit you into lingerie for your photos.

The Washington, DC lingerie store, LeBustiere Boutique, is among the best in the business. Because the stylists there insist there is no one “correct” style formula they adhere to (other than to help clients look and feel their sexiest), I’ve asked each stylist for their best boudoir tips. Here are their answers:

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Marcha:

My go-to look for boudoir styling is classic hollywood glamour. I love the traditional bra and panty sets with garters, but my favorite thing to give women is a classic chemise  that hits mid-thigh. I think it’s so sexy to some skin - but not too much! Sheer, lace chemises are prefect for a classy and sophisticated style.

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Rachel:

I’m a fan of high-waist panties with attached garter straps! It’s such an easy look that photographs well for someone who isn’t comfortable with using a separate garter belt. I like to pair interesting stockings with this look - our fishnet thigh-high tights and nude stockings with a red seam are my favorite go-tos. The high-waist panty is flattering way to hide the midsection while looking long and lean.

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Stephanie:

It’s always my goal to have every one of my clients walk out with a unique look - I challenge myself to never style two women the same way. I love to give each woman options that are versatile and interchangeable. My favorite look, though, is very simple: a cut-out panty with pearls or beads in the back. Interesting panties paired with a simple bed sheet or t shirt is the recipe for a perfect glamour shot!

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Tamra:

Anything colorful and different is what I gravitate toward when styling someone for a boudoir shoot. My favorite piece right now is this thick red garter belt with detachable gold handcuffs and a matching open bra and panty set. It’s gorgeous and unlike anything I’ve seen in any other store  - so hot! The accessories can be a really fun thing to use when taking photos.

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Jehan:

I love pushing our clients out of their comfort zones and putting them in something strappy for one of their looks. The items we carry are very high-quality so they never look too risque - they just add the right amount of “wow” to the pictures.   With strappy details, it all depends on where the lines hit the body; curvier women typically look best with some extra straps around the chest, and slender women look great with extra straps around the waist and thigh.

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Colleen:

To me, it’s all about how our clients feel about themselves. I can tell when a woman feels self-conscious about something I’ve given her to try on, and when she feels radiant and confident. Before I style, I make sure to size carefully and I always ask what the client loves about her body and build from there. Instead of focusing on what she doesn’t like, I focus on what she loves about herself! Confidence and proper fit is everything.

To summarize, the talented stylists at LeBustiere Boutique recommend these 5 tips:

  1. Go with what you feel great in

  2. Use strappy pieces to draw attention up toward the chest or down toward the waist

  3. Try high-waisted panties with attached garter straps as an alternative to garter belts

  4. Less is more; a delicate, detailed panty with a sheet or t-shirt is very sexy

  5. Don’t be afraid of color and accessories

Interested in keeping in touch with Le Bustiere?

Website: www.lebustiere.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebustiere/

Email: info@lebustiere.com

 

Thinking of your own boudoir session? Drop me a line!

 
Top 3 boudoir outfits | Washington DC Boudoir Photography
 

Planning for your boudoir session is different for everyone. Some breeze through it and have their outfits all picked out and if you’re like me, had a challenging time picking out some lingerie options. So I totally get it, this part can be a little stressful.

I've photographed hundreds of women throughout the years and when it comes to choosing outfit options, there are 2 things you must keep in mind: make sure it fits properly and feel amazing in it. 

So I've seen a lot of different outfits come through the studio, and I thought I would list the top 3 type of outfits for boudoir sessions.

1. Bra and panty set - This is the most common type, and I mean, for obvious reasons, right?! There are all kinds of types out there, so be sure to find a a bra that fits properly and you can pair with it's matching panty. Or if you're like me and need a little more coverage in the tummy area, look to pair it with some high waisted shape wear. SPANX is a great option for that.

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2. One piece Teddy – You can ask anyone who’s ever had their boudoir shoot with me and they will totally say that one piece teddies are my FAVORITE. Even though they tend to be more like one piece bathing suits, I really love how you feel just as sexy. And confident because it covers more than a traditional bra and panty set. And the biggest plus: they look great on any body type.

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3. Just the White Sheet - Yup, nothing but the sheet. This is more of an implied nude. Most will wear just undies and no top and we use the white sheet to cover up. More often times than not, most will opt to go nude for this set. Why is this so popular? Becasue you don't have to shop for another outfit and more importantly all the focus is on you without any distraction of lace, buckes and straps! It's a very classic boudoir look.

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There you have it! Some ideas and inspirations for your boudoir shoot planning! You can also visit my pinterest page for more ideas and inspirations here pinterest.com/Julie_socher or check out my Instagram for past sessions Instagram.com/boudoirbyjuliesocher

Get in Touch!