Dark Valentine: how to wear latex lingerie and a discount code for you to try it.

With Valentine’s day getting closer I decided some new lingerie images were in order. I often find I need to shoot items several times to get the perfect shot or enough to showcase it properly so all of these items have been shot before but I was pleased to see them showcased from new angles.

s&s on rug

I’ve wanted to try shooting images from above using a bed or rugs as a backdrop for a while and decided on this large white one as it contrasts nicely with the black latex.

shakira rug

Shakira wears: choker harness bra, latexlace suspender belt, latexlace harness panties and latex stockings, all available on the website. Use EustL20 for 20% off at checkout.

stacey rug

 

  I’m wearing: Pastie harness bra, latexlace cincher harness, standard latex briefs and banded latex stockings. Again, use EustL20 for 20& off.

S&S standing

This is the time of year when a lot of people decide to try latex lingerie for the first time. They have often seen pictures of it and like the look of it but aren’t sure how to wear it themselves or if it would suite them.

In this post, I’m going to try and address some common worries people might have when thinking of purchasing latex underwear for the first time.

  1. Latex won’t look good on me/suit my figure.

Latex lingerie, like regular lingerie, comes in all shapes and sizes. If you’re not sure what style to go for, make your first purchase a similar style to your current favourite lingerie set. To change it up a bit, maybe try a different colour, trim or motif but keep the style quite similar to something you know and love.

Well-cut latex is very flattering. The different thicknesses give varying amounts of support but in general, it is slightly more sculpting than regular lingerie and tends to enhance curves in an attractive way. If you would like to know more about fit, take time to discuss designs and thicknesses with your designer so you can make an informed decision. Most also offer a made to measure service to ensure a perfect fit.

You don’t have to show a lot of skin in order to wear latex lingerie, especially if you are not purchasing it exclusively for the bedroom. A full outfit of a bra, high waisted briefs, suspender belt, stockings, gloves and a headpiece will cover a lot more flesh than a dress as well as offering more support to your figure. Such an outfit also offers versatility as each of the components can then also be used in different outfits

 

stacey rug standing

shakira rug standing

2. I’m scared I’ll ruin it!

It is always advisable to read up on latex care before starting your latex collection but I find that people are often surprised by how durable it is. I have previously written a post on latex care which you can read here.

Latex is stretchy and can take a bit of handling as long at the right method and dressing aid is used.

My main dressing tips would be to make sure you warm it up before you wear it, especially in the winter and to be careful not to put your nail through it, or snag it on any other pointy items.

When you take your latex off after a sweaty night, wash it!

Look into storage options and don’t be lazy. Like any luxury item, latex needs a bit of care. If you throw it on your bedroom floor after use, it probably won’t last that long.

p.s. If you have any damaged latex in need of repair, feel free to give me a message. I do reasonably priced repairs, alterations and can also make suggestions for garments usually considered “ruined beyond repair”.

3. Latex has to be paired with latex.

People often put off buying a latex item they love out of wear of not having anything to wear with it. They think that in order to buy whatever they have their eye on, they would have to first have a whole latex outfit to wear with it!

The truth is, latex looks great paired with other fabrics. Contrasting textures always add interest to an outfit and can also be used to enhance a silhouette by making some parts more prominent than others. For example, if you think that your thighs look large in proportion to the rest of your body, skin-tight and shiny latex stockings can give the appearance of more streamline legs, while a textured or decorated bra can draw attention to the bust and make it look fuller.

I have included some examples of latex being worn with items from my fabric lingerie line.

stacey half

4. Latex is strictly for people who practice BDSM.                                          

I don’t know how people can still believe this in 2016, but it would appear that they do.

Latex clothing now comes in any colour or style under the sun. I know I’ve focused on black for this set but feel free to check out my collection gallery to give you some examples.

You can order any of your wardrobe staples in latex, made to measure and customised to fit your needs.

It is not sold in dingy, downstairs sex shops but in beautifully lit and decorated boutiques, like any kind of luxury clothing.

Every celebrity owns a piece and it graces fashion week catwalks season after season.

Latex can even be integrated into your everyday wardrobe if you so wish and a post on how to achieve that will be coming soon.

Photography: Richard Ayres

models: Shakira and myself

Wardrobe: Eustratia

Concept, styling and makeup by me

BLOG SIGNATURE

Eustratia Lingerie

I don’t often feature shoots on here that I have not conceptualised myself, but I also seldom shoot in black and white, and thought these images were sufficiently different from anything I would normally post, to leave room for you to admire them and the lingerie, as well as whatever I decide to do with it next.

The set was shot as part of Alexander Bather’s “Night diary” exhibition last year and was arranged in collaboration with Vauhaus model agency, who also allowed their HQ to become the backdrop.

Some of you may remember, I released several bras with my Vanguard collection last year. I initially intended them to be worn more as tops but soon decided it would be better to make bottoms to go with them, so they can also be worn as lingerie, in a set.

I didn’t have much time to design before the shoot so I made two out of three styles on the day. Hazel had already ordered a set from me and had requested something that matched the bra with lots of straps, which I think I delivered. Lia wanted to wear a high waisted brief so just used the same fabrics and details as the bra and created something in that style. For the third set, I decided to make a thong for variety, without knowing who the model would be at the time.

I was quite pleased with how the came out for a first attempt, though I have now made adjustments and changed some of the details. I look forward to showing you the final versions in a photoshoot at some point soon. 9Q4A5214

9Q4A5239-2

DSCF5742

DSCF5820

DSCF5825

DSCF5742

DSCF5763

DSCF6001DSCF5929DSCF5978DSCF5891

DSCF5934

DSCF6042

 

Images by Alexander Bather

Models Lia, Laura and Hazel 

mua Demi Skinner

Lingerie by Eustratia

If you like what you see, you can get 20% off with code: EUSTL20, perfect for a Valentine’s day treat 😉

Eustratia winter collection part 1

Sometimes as an independent brand, it’s difficult to produce enough garments for a new collection all in one go. I always struggle to find the balance between making enough money to stay afloat, preserving my artistic integrity and learning new skills, all of which I consider integral parts of running my business. This means that sometimes, I have to prioritise things that break up the flow of creativity and not create as many new items as I planned.

This happened during the creation of my winter collection and I decided to photograph and share what I had and add to it at a later date, instead of risking it looking rushed or producing items I didn’t love.

I was initially afraid there weren’t enough similar items for it to seem like a collection but ater looking at the images, I think the mood comes across, despite the fact that it is incomplete.

4w

55w

27w

50w

36w

1w

2w

13w

3w

Images by Toria Brightside

Models: Myself and Jessica @Vauhaus

Featuring the beautiful Tara

Some of the items have already been listed on my website, where you can also get 20% off or about another hour with the code: ENDOFYEAR20

Eustratia Halloween Favourites and SALE!

Every year, I notice it’s coming up to Halloween on about the 10th of October and decide to schedule an appropriate photoshoot and a “top picks” collage from designs for Eustratia.

This year, I decided to be a bit more pro-active and post my selections early. This gives you guys more time to think about your outfit and also coincides with the mini SALE I’ve just put on for the remainder of the week! (but obviously you’d have to make up your mind quick for that, end midnight on Saturday GMT).

I’m not really into items that I see as tacky, or anything that is specific to a particular character, though I do love dressing up. I prefer to choose items that can make an impressive addition to a costume, but are versatile and can also be used in other situations.

eustratia halloween favourites

Here we have a few examples of items I have incorporated into past costumes but continue to come in useful today.

The Elizabethan Ruff

The latexlace mask

The bunny hood, bunny mask fascinator and bunny ear fascinator

The antler headband

The miniruff trim collar

and the kitty ears.

These are just some easy options I picked to save you looking through the whole website, if you have some spare time though, there are plenty more wonders in the sale section. Harnesses of any type are also a great choice in my opinion. They give a distinctive “tough” look that can also be toned down enough to wear every day, with the right outfit.

If you have something extra special planned and nothing on the site will quite do, I’m always happy to take on custom commissions and I will offer 20% off those until Saturday. That includes crowns, horns and hair covered, sculptured head pieces that you may have noticed in some of my work.

To give you some inspiration, here are some of my costumes from previous years that I’ve been photographed in:

148838_502110675364_619630364_7532209_3472591_n

Dark

395742_10150593659410365_971684925_n

Jamie Mahon-5418a

299394_190410681026072_2018649_n

248114_354044057996066_1739569179_n

399942_262946613772478_15487553_n

547308_341800835887055_332125466_n

A few of these are a bit old now, but I hope you enjoy looking at them all the same.

BLOG SIGNATURE

 

Monochrome dreams

monochrome dreams 1

 

monochrome dreams 2

 

monochrome dreams 3

 

monochrome dreams 5

 

 

In the past, I probably never would have thought that pairing a t-shirt with a pleated chiffon maxi skirt was a good idea but recently I’ve been updating the categories I mentally assign clothing to.

I wanted a comfortable but striking outfit to attend a friend’s birthday drinks and this was definitely a hit.

The wedge trainers perfectly marry the contrasting elements and the accessories add the right amount of edge.

t-shirt: Topshop

skirt: similar here

trainers: Nike

harness: No:Wear

necklace: Eustratia

earrings: Richard Ayres

Images shot by Richard Ayres photography

BLOG SIGNATURE