Corset VS Bustier
Although corsets and bustiers look similar to the untrained eye, they are completely different garments, designed and constructed very differently and with completely different purposes. An easy way to remember the difference between the two is a corset “cinches” while a bustier “boosts”.
A Memorable Trip To The Mexican Riviera – Part 1
Palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, blocks of shops, restaurants and nightspots ranging from laid-back bars to dance clubs were just some of the attractions I loved along the Mexican Riviera.
An Intimate Wedding in Venice, Italy
My bridal corset was a labor of love. My corset accentuated the hourglass figure and made me feel my most confident. I truly felt like the most beautiful bride in my corset.
10 Ways Corsets Help Boost Your Confidence
A corset can affect one’s positive self-image, confidence and interaction with others. When you feel confident you are unstoppable. I have found the following strategies work wonders when incorporating corsets into your everyday routine...
Rest In Peace
As Halloween creeps closer, there’s an undeniable excitement for all things mischievous, mysterious and dark. My creepy, one-of-a-kind corset is a thrilling addition to any spooky Halloween costume. Skulls have never been as slick and stylish as they bring out that punk nostalgia for those who have a taste for the darkness.
A Day at the Spa
Have you ever felt the need to take a “me day” to rejuvenate your spirit, release tension and simply unwind? I certainly have and decided to treat myself to a day of pure relaxation at the new Delamar Spa that opened less than a year ago in my neighboring town.
Charming Collinsville
Collinsville is a historic village in New England and located along the banks of the Farmington River in Connecticut. During the summer months this charming town is jam packed with cyclists enjoying the rail trails, boarding and kayaking on the river, live music and amazing farmer’s markets.
Marie Antoinette Goes To The Chanler At Cliff Walk
Marie Antoinette was all about extravagance and embracing her femininity through florals, damask, velvets, silk, flounces, ruffles, laces, frills, and all things fabulous.
Utilitarian Chic
In the blink of an eye fall is coming to an end and the winter season is fast approaching us. Before New England is covered in snow I decided to visit one of Connecticut’s most popular orchards. To my surprise, I made it just in time to walk through their corn maze before they sadly tear it down.
How to Wear Corsets in Real Life
I’m taking MY handmade, couture corsets to the street. I hope to inspire you to make corsets an essential part of your wardrobe. My blog will help crush any misconceptions about corsets and not only show how confident you will feel in them, but also show just how easy it is to wear them!
Ready, Set, Spring!
Now that winter is officially behind us and spring is here who else is looking to transition their wardrobe and add a little pop of color? For my casual-chic Friday night look I styled my Duchesse Corset
Frightening Fashion
Halloween is just around the corner and there's nothing more menacing then chains and skulls to get you in the mood for some frightening fashion!
The Brutal Truth About Corsets
Over the past few months I have been doing extensive research on ready-to-wear corsets. I’ve sampled known retailers for availability, customer service, and the knowledge or lack-there-of about corsets. Join me on a journey through one of the greatest fashion centers on earth
New England Farms
I wore this corset paired with green denim pants and tennis shoes for a very comfortable day at the farm. I love the versatility of this corset, the solid white can be remixed a bunch of ways. You may be seeing it again on me soon dressed up with a skirt and heels.
My Summer Adventures In Aruba – Part 2
Vacations are a much-needed, well-deserved break from life at work and at home. It is a time to unwind, to celebrate, to rejuvenate, to see new places and try new things. When we go on vacation, we want to relax. We want to drink cocktails and eat dessert. But nobody likes returning home to find...
Happy Blogiversary Champagne Corsets!
One year ago I launched a brand new blog called “How to Wear Corsets in Real Life.” It is very important for me to practice what I preach and to gain the trust and loyalty of my clients because the corset is probably the most controversial garment in the history of fashion!
That Thing About Corsetry
To some, it’s that thing you want to wear to relieve your back of stresses and strains. It’s that thing you want to put on and immediately feel sexy and sensual. It’s that thing you may have been admiring for months and feel that you simply can’t live without.
Correcting Bad Posture
When your posture is good, you are less likely to suffer from back pain. Wearing a corset helps with aching shoulders and neck and relaxes those muscles to avoid hunching or tensing. They help create a balanced upright posture, with your body weight evenly distributed from front to back, while keeping your abdomen pulled in to reduce the curvature in your
Straighten Up
Posture is one of the first criteria many people instinctively use to judge one another. How you hold yourself can be closely related to your emotions.
A Wedding In The Park
Surrounded by flowers in full bloom, the leaves on the trees changing colors slightly, and the temperature perfectly so, I just attended my cousins wedding that happened to be one of the most magical weddings ever!
Champagne’s Snow Queen
Once upon a time in a faraway land, a princess is born with magical powers that give her the ability to create and manipulate ice and snow. She wears a couture-worthy corset consisting of thousands of tiny Swarovski crystals sewn by hand for the perfect touch of sparkle and vibrancy. The beautiful, beaded design and flattering, curve-conscious fit makes for
Are Corsets Meant to be Worn Over or Under Your Clothing?
This is probably one of the questions I get asked the most and my answer is always the same – whichever YOU prefer! It is definitely possible to wear a corset underneath your clothing while keeping your waist training routine a secret, but it can be a lot of fun to wear a corset as outerwear too!
Modern Romance
Classically confident and irresistibly sensual, this lipstick red plush velvet corset is all I need to make an entrance. My Je T’aime Corset is definitely a head-turning red-hot number with sparkly red Swarovski crystals strategically hand-placed on the hand-sewn lace appliqués for just the right sizzle.
5 Things Everyone Should Know About Corsets
Over the years I have gotten many questions about corsetry, why I wear corsets and what the hype is all about. Although there are many benefits of wearing a corset I have put together my top 5 things you should know before lacing up.
A Heavenly Corset
Since antiquity, religious beliefs and practices have inspired many of the world's greatest works of art. After visiting the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art...
Denim Done Right
I wanted to create a representation of a denim jacket and so I spiced it up with all the classic details including four functional pockets. The two flap pockets on the bust/chest area have a rectangular flap covering the opening of the pocket and are fastened with silver button closures.
Corset Myths and Perspective Truths
Historical clothing and costuming are subjects that are littered with misconceptions, fables, myths and lies. Foremost the garment that intrigues modern society the most is THE CORSET. Is the corset a symbol of sexuality and a painful instrument of torture to which women will go to great lengths to achieve the ideals of fashion? Are corsets the physically damaging tactical symbol of historical female oppression?
My Birthday At The Pierre Hotel, NYC
This year I celebrated my birthday at The Pierre, one of New York City’s most lavish Fifth Avenue hotels facing the iconic Central Park. The heart of the hotel is the grand oval space with the trademark wall mural, romantic atmosphere, and fairytale setting, known as the Rotunda Room.
My Birthday at The Plaza Hotel’s Rose Club
In celebration of my birthday in early June, I spent the evening at The Plaza Hotel’s Rose Club in New York City. The Plaza’s legendary nightclub overlooks the hotel’s stunning Fifth Avenue lobby and has an elegant ambiance that has hosted incredibly notable acts. The colored light fixtures, casting a dim, pink glow, drape the space in a subdued, romantic air.
How To Wear Fall’s Classic Pattern
This abstract print is so elegant and sophisticated that I decided to combine it with an exotic and enticing snakeskin vegan leather. I like how it gives the corset an edgy look while still making this outfit chic and glamorous.
How To Celebrate Halloween COVID-Style
Whether your home state has already canceled the traditional trick-or-treating, or restricted other activities such as costume parties and parades, you can still celebrate this fun Halloween night safely and with style.
LGBT
Our culture is finally beginning to respect and accept the Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender community. Just like every other minority in human history, the LGBT community has had to struggle against discrimination, intolerance and hatred. All the while this community has continued to make a tremendous contribution to style, entertainment, fashion, arts, culture, music and film... Read More.
Why Leopard Print Will Be Forever Chic
Season after season, trends come and go and sometimes come and go again, but there are some things that never go out of style - animal prints!
Corsets Are More Than A Fashion Trend
Over hundreds of years, the bodice, which was initially simply a waist cincher and support, evolved into the more complex boned garment known as the corset. The popularity of the corset began to take off in Renaissance Venice, where ladies of fashion, aided by heavy boning within their garments, strived for a straight conical torso, high neckline, and flat chest.
A Great Pairing
The end of summer when the days are sunny and best with white, and when the nights are cool and best with red! I am soaking up every last warm day before my favorite outside activities are closed for the season.
My Birthday in Quarantine
I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to YOU - my readers, subscribers, followers, and online friends.
Christmas in July
Leave it to me to bring a little Christmas throwback in the middle of summer because what can be better than thinking about Christmas in Paris, especially in July?
Champagne’s Holiday Style Guide
The Holidays are officially here! I have to admit, this really is my favorite time of the year from spending time with family, to the amazing Holiday and New Year’s Eve parties. However, it can also get very stressful. This is why I have put together a Holiday Style Guide.
Hoop Dreams
Hey, hoops fans: are you in the mood to play a little ball or cheer on your favorite team to victory from the sidelines? Whatever the case, you'll be perfectly stylish while paying homage to your favorite teams. If you’re a basketball fan or just interested in the latest fashion trends, you’ll want to check out the following looks I’m sporting.
Champagne’s Ultimate Superhero Guide to Halloween
If you could choose a superhero, who would it be? What superpower do you prefer to have? Today, I need about 8 different superpowers to get everything done that I’d like to, but for now I’ll settle for Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman!
An Intimate Night In
Does anyone else prefer staying in on Valentine’s Day rather than going out to some fancy restaurant where the tables are all way too close together and the prix fixed menus are all insanely priced? I decided to spend a lovely night at one of my favorite New York City hotels, The Plaza for a “pre-Valentine’s” date night.
Corsets & Cupcakes
One of the greatest things about waist training is portion control. So yes I can certainly eat all of my favorite foods (even cupcakes!) but in moderation. I rarely overeat when I wear my corset, which makes my energy levels stay very high.
My Stay at the Versace Mansion
The best-known property on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is the Villa Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Mansion. Notorious for its over-the-top style and the horrifying death that happened at its gates, the Versace Mansion holds so much history and was a fascinating and surreal experience for me. With its richly decorated walls, floors, ceilings, and windows
It’s A Maleficent Halloween
Featuring rich faux leather construction and velvet details, this corset is an easy layering piece for a stunningly spooky Halloween party ensemble and also versatile enough to style throughout the year for all of your parties and occasions.
Summer Horseback Riding
One of the things I loved most about growing up in New England was when my parents used to take my siblings and I horseback riding. These beautiful animals seemed enormous compared to my size and were a bit intimidating. Horseback riding is great exercise for your entire body but if you do not take appropriate precautions, you can be seriously injured while riding.
Introducing: The New Holiday Corset Dress
Before I close the chapter of this year and start setting new goals for next year, I’m taking the time to reflect on all of the things I’m truly grateful for and focusing on all the ways I can still make this holiday season meaningful.
A Designer’s Dream
Speaking to Antonia about our greatest passions including art, beauty, and creativity, the ABC’s as she calls it, I felt reawakened in every possible sense. And then the unimaginable happened
Feminine Meets Masculine
Textures, prints, masculine and feminine touches come together in earthy, autumnal colors for a look brimming with artisanal charm. This season’s catwalks schooled us in cool co-ed style. The lesson?
A Memorable Trip To The Mexican Riviera – Part 2
Playa del Carmen is a charming, funky, cosmopolitan, seaside town in the Riviera Maya with beautiful white sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a laid-back vibe. This romantic destination was a perfect backdrop for my rose-gold, floral embroidered corset and lace skirt.
Antiquing & Afternoon Tea
My vivid black and red cherry blossom printed corset is a bit dramatic and oh so romantic. A Japanese-inspired floral print covers a luminous satin background in a deep, luxurious tone. Incredibly smooth and lightweight, this sleek corset is perfect for my afternoon tea and stroll around this quaint town.
The Plaza Hotel & Fifth Avenue
Blush tones and feminine details are here to stay! Undoubtedly a statement piece, my corset breathes a sweet sense of playfulness while capturing my love of femininity and romance.
Game Day
I am kicking off 2019 in my winning game-day corset since Super Bowl LIII is less than one month away! Being that I’m from New England myself, I am showing off my Patriots pride in what I like to call my new “game-changing jersey” that has me feeling like a champ every time I lace up.
Why Buying Bespoke Is Worth The Investment
Custom made means you are able to bring out your individuality through the color, design, shape, fabric, trims and so much more. And the best part is that we fit your corset to highlight your best features
Experience The Holidays With Confidence
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! Ideally the holidays would be all about popping champagne and exchanging gifts while laughing with our friends. But the reality is that between family obligations, frantic shopping, wrapping up last minute work tasks and a calendar filled up with holiday soirees...
Wrap Yourself in Luxury
I kept the design of this corset simple and focused on the overall fit. I used a total of 30 bones, which is more than typical, to give it even more structure with a more enhanced hourglass fit.
Captain America
Marvel’s great red, white, and blue freedom fighter and evil smasher has captured the imagination, not only of Americans everywhere, but also of liberty lovers throughout the world. This colorful leader of Marvel’s mighty Avengers is known and admired as the one and only – Captain America!
Spring in Full Bloom
Enter the season in full bloom in our Multicolor Tropical Floral Lace Champagne Corset. A must-have for the spring and summer season, my vibrant corset is cheerfully bursting with color.
Reflections
The Reflections collection epitomizes bespoke craftsmanship with a standout presence, ensuring each corset uniquely reflects the woman wearing it.
My Summer Adventures in Aruba – Part 1
With stunning blonde beaches, wind-sculpted desert landscapes and miles of azure waters I understand why Aruba is called One Happy Island. My Strut Corset paired with my white pants resembles where the pristine white sands meets the turquoise sea.
CT Startup Creates Custom Corsets
I have always worked toward owning, designing, and running my own couture fashion design business. In addition to expanding my art and educating women...
Golden Glamour
I lined the entire corset with 100% horsehair fabric to help add stability and body. I finished both the top neckline and bottom hemline with a soft gold, silk duchesse satin fabric, which I also used for the inside lining. I just love the way this silky fabric...
Enchantment Under the Sea
I spent an afternoon at the aquarium and was able to get close to the most beautiful animals in the sea. With habitats featuring bluefish, loggerhead sea turtles, sand tiger sharks, river otters, jellyfish and cownose rays just to name a few; I explored the beauty of underwater worlds that house thousands of colorful fish and exotic marine animals.
3 Ways to Develop Your Own Personal Style
I am here to help you develop and revamp your own personal style by introducing corsets into your rotation of clothes. Follow along for my top 3 tips.
Everyday
More and more women are embracing the idea that the corset does not have to be a piece of formal attire in our modern wardrobe. Some designs are best worn to a cocktail party, but many frames and styles (even some that you might have previously thought of as far too fancy) are perfectly appropriate with a pair of jeans or a skirt, or over your blouse with your business casual... Read More.
Corsets Gone Wild In Central Park
Animal prints are both timeless and ever-evolving and always the winning print for its “goes-with-anything” wear-ability. These eye-catching prints may not be straight from the safari, but they’re certainly fresh off the runway due to their abstract designs and colorations.
The #1 Hack to Feeling More Confident
Body language affects how others perceive us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. We express power through our bodies. Our bodies change our minds and our minds change our behavior, therefore our behavior changes our outcomes. Our posture deeply impacts both our mental and physical wellness.
Introducing… The Blazet
Rather, here’s an idea for the conference room or cocktail hour: The Blazet. It’s a new kind of power dressing for a new kind of metropolis!
Love, Kisses, and Valentine Wishes
Whether you’re single or taken, if you have a special Valentine’s Day date, or if you’re planning a Galentine’s soirée, chances are you’re still looking for that Valentine-worthy ensemble. Don’t worry, I have the perfect solution for you.
A Dark Romance
The back of this Day of the Dead corset is made with a gold, metallic thread woven into the navy denim fabric to bring out the blue in the front design.
Style In A Cinch!
Do you like to draw attention to your curves but still unsure about wearing a corset? Or perhaps you want to spice up your casual looks for an ensemble that turns heads? Then I recommend cinching your waist with these sexy, statement-making underbust corsets.
A Fairytale Wedding
The bridal gown is one of the most important dresses a woman will wear and as a designer, creating the dress of someone’s dreams is both an honor and a privilege. My bridal corset designs are timeless with a modern twist, incredibly romantic, and a true extension and representation of my design aesthetics.
Costume
From stage and theatre to Halloween and costume parties and from ren faire to television and cinema, corsets play a huge role in costume. Because they are intrinsic to our fashion history as well as representative of important elements in various livery styles, a well-made corset is a representative and beautiful center-piece in many great costumes... Read More.
Where To Wear A Corset
You'll be beaming with confidence as you turn heads with a custom Champagne Corset at your next event. A wedding, party, gala, awards, cosplay and anime conventions are perfect events to show off your hour glass figure.
Super Star Style
I can’t believe we’re at the start of a new year once again! Over the past few weeks I have really reflected on how much Champagne Corsets & Designs has matured and how it’s growing into the business I’ve always dreamed it would be.
The Biggest Secret To Hiding Trouble Areas
Many people seem to have something about her or his body they would wish to hide, to cover, or at least camouflage by drawing the attention away from that area. People with a larger upper body or even slimmer figures can fall victim to the bunching and bulging of flesh around the underarms.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris
While I was in Paris, I visited the Musée Yves Saint Laurent. Within this 450 square foot chic museum, I explored YSL’s permanent fashion collections, the actual salon rooms in which clients were received for fittings, rooms filled with prototypes, the studio in which thousands of garments were brought to life
New York Renaissance Faire
Over hundreds of years, the bodice, which was initially simply a waist cincher and support, evolved into the more complex boned garment known as the corset. The popularity of the corset began to take off in Renaissance Venice, where ladies of fashion, aided by heavy boning within their garments, strived for a straight conical torso, high neckline, and flat chest.
A Perfectly Paired Corset
I was so excited when I found a beautiful, luxury, brocade fabric with a navy blue and gold, floral design...
Bring Champagne Corsets Wherever You Go
Nayani has been modeling for Champagne Corsets for many years and when I found out that she’d be moving to Florida, I wanted to thank her for all of her hard work by gifting her a custom corset.
Will Your Corset Protect You From COVID-19?
The wellbeing of our community is paramount and as we adjust to this new normal and settle in while we practice social distancing.
How To Choose The Right Fabric For Your Corset
Choosing the perfect fabric for your custom-made corset can be tough in a world where there seem to be endless options. But let’s start with some tips before diving into the break down of the top fabrics used for corsetry.
Opposites Attract
I hand glued individual silver Swarovski crystals in groups of 5 per goose feather to add a bit of shine and separation to the feathers. Lastly, I hand sewed a beautiful, vintage brooch below the bust area separating the beading from the feathers...
A Stroll Through Central Park
One of the most recognizable locations in Central Park and New York City is the Bethesda Fountain with the famous 8-foot-tall bronze Angel of the Waters statue atop thanks to the many films and TV shows it appears in.
Queen of Hearts
It’s no surprise as to why we’re seeing so many love hearts outside of Valentine’s Day as the rising popularity of heart prints has something to do with people turning to fashion as a fun and whimsical escape. My high-fashion corset is made with a reversible, designer fabric from Alice + Olivia that is ready to make your heart jump. The face of this fabric contains white hearts atop a black backdrop and the backside contains black hearts atop a white backdrop.
Burlesque
Burlesque, cabaret and vaudeville, these performance arts have been a part of our lives for centuries and continue to entertain us through comedy, song, dance, striptease and costume. We love the way these cheeky variety shows know how to show an audience a good time.
We love the performances but our favorite part of it all… is the costumes...Read More.
Welcome Warm Weather
This time of year is tricky when getting dressed. The weather in New England is so unpredictable I don’t know whether to wear my winter coat and boots or floral printed kimonos and wedges. One thing for sure is that I have the corset you need to transition your wardrobe into spring.
For Men
The corset has more uses than you might think. Not just for women, fashion, art and style, not just for costumes and portrayal, the corset has health benefits, that are valuable to men as well as women, as well as the most basic of features: slimming. Men have been using corsets for as long as, or longer than women, and while they might see the garment differently than we do, it... Read More.
Flamenco Ferocity
Expressing myself to the world through my personal style is what being a Fashion Designer means to me. Designing is about creating a fantasy, a certain silhouette, color and mood of who I want to be. My designs are a reflection of who I am and it’s a way I interact with other people who share my passion for style and high quality craftsmanship.
Experiencing Sedona, Arizona In Champagne Corsets Style
I layered it with a faux leather jacket to keep me warm when the sun went down. All I needed now was a pair of cowgirl boots to add a touch of Southwest fashion to my ensemble. Lucky for me, when I landed in Sedona, my first stop was at Victorian Cowgirl, an iconic boutique that has served the locals for 20 years.
How To Prepare for a Successful Photoshoot
I always have a story in mind when creating each corset. Photoshoots allow me to bring this vision to life. To prepare, I create a storyboard, moodboard, or vision board, with inspirational pictures that really help to identify the theme and mood for the day.
What Inspires You?
This corset was made with a beautiful gray and pink embroidered floral lace over a gray satin fabric. The inside lining is light pink, silk duchesse satin, and both the front of the collar and back...
Kick Back & Enjoy the Show
Don’t you just love tilting back, kicking up your feet and sinking into the premium comfort of power recliners while watching your favorite movies on the big screen? I know I do! Going to the theaters is so much fun, especially now that most theaters also offer a dine-in experience.
Entrepreneur Shares Updates About Her CT-Based Corset Business
My design studio has moved! We are now located in Prospect, CT, where we meet with our clients by appointment...