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Do you remember the first time you tried on a bra? I remember it very well.
It was about 6th grade where suddenly wearing a bra was the ultimate sign of womanhood. Every colorful, glossy magazine pictured smiling girls with sub headlines like “How to Find Your Perfect Bra.” Eventually, one day I ran home from school teary-eyed because I had realized all of my friends had cute bras except for me. I embarrassingly told my mom that I needed a bra immediately because I wanted to feel like I was part of this new “club” that everyone had suddenly joined.
Off to Macy’s we went, and my world changed that day. I looked around to make sure I didn’t see anyone I knew from school, and I picked out a white floral print bra with a pink rose in the middle. As I tried on the bra in the fitting room, I remember feeling so feminine and grown up, finally feeling like the girls in the magazines. I was so happy and proudly wore the bra to school the next day.
While my love for bras and lingerie may have started as wanting to feel like I fit in, it quickly transformed into a powerful form of self-love. I realized that bras and lingerie weren’t only symbols of sex or fitting in, but they were symbols of pampering myself. I hope you all as readers can find that for yourselves, too.
So, as I’m sure you could imagine, my lingerie collection has grown quite a bit since my first trip to Macy’s in 6th grade. Vibrant colors, various materials, and unique designs fill my collection. From metallic pink lace to black latex, each piece gives me a powerful feeling of confidence once I put it on. My favorite part about lingerie is that it is so personal depending on the woman; you get to choose what makes YOU feel the most confident, feminine, and self-loved.
One of my favorite lingerie brands is Yandy. They have affordable, super cute bra and panty sets that make you feel sexy under your clothes. As an added plus, most of the styles are well-designed enough to be worn as bralettes and tops, as well as peek-a-boo tops under blazers and jackets. I also have a discount code with them if you’d like to get an extra 20% off, use code “arika20” at checkout.
I would wear this hot pink set under a pink or purple tank top or tee. It is underwired, so it has lots of support! If you want to wear something strapless or strappy, the cute demi cup and peek-a-boo lace will show just enough for a feminine touch. The bottoms are high-waisted, making it extra comfortable to wear all day or all night. It’s also cheeky, so it’s super flattering to enhance your curves! I love that the bright color really pops on any skin complexion, and it’s a fun, sexy set to have in your collection. The Yandy Drunk in Love Set $25.95.
This next set is a soft, black set with lace and metallic striped details. This one I would wear around the house as a bralette with some sweatpants or some shorts over. I would also wear the bralette and brief set as pajamas to sleep in. The set is very comfortable that you can totally sleep in this alone or at a sleepover while feeling super sexy! Don’t Sweat It Bra Set $33.95
This next set is a beautiful floral set with muted colors. I love that it’s sheer enough with beautiful details in the lace and the print while also having a sporty, casual vibe from the shape. The bralette is long enough to be a crop top, and the bottoms are cheeky but a full brief. Love this girly set. Wisteria Lane Bra Set $27.95
This next set is a gorgeous strappy floral set and cut-outs in all the right places! The floral print gives off a girl-next-door vibe, but the cut-outs keep it edgy, too. I love the high straps on the bra top because you can wear this with a blazer or top over it but showing the straps acts as an accessory! The bottoms are full briefs, but the side cut-outs make it sexier. I also love the lace cups with a bit of under bust being exposed. It’s a little risqué piece to add to your collection! Rosy Cheeks Bra Set $34.95
Rosy Cheeks Bra Set
I hope these sets get you inspired to start your self-love journey with lingerie! All of these pieces I have in my collection along with about 50 other sets. Let me know in the comments how you started liking lingerie! Do you have any questions or thoughts about lingerie? Let’s chat!
xoxo Arika
Photographed by my friend & photographer: @tiffanie.marie
