WELCOME TO FASHION AS A 2ND LANGUAGE: ARE YOU FLUENT?

FA2L is for anyone who cares about beautiful things–clothing, shoes, accessories, home furnishings–and the interconnected tribes of those who make, sell, market and desire them. If something speaks to you, buy it now or hold your peace: there are links in each story, so the item you want is just a click away. I'd like to hear from you, too: please view my profile, use the email button and send me your comments.MG

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

ARAKS Will Dress You Up From the Inside Out

When shopping for lingerie, women are faced with unfortunate extremes: comfortable-but-dowdy or sex-kitten-silly. A happy medium (underwear that's practical and feminine) often seems to be hanging on a rack somewhere just out of reach. For years, FA2L recommended Cosabella, a favorite of supermodels and fashion editors–and we're still fans–but now there's another option: Araks. It's designed by a woman, Araks Yeramyan, who adds pretty details (shirred seams, silk panels and eyelet trim) to soft cotton bras, hip briefs, camisoles and tap pants. These could be the underpinnings of a brand-new year.