Vamp up your look with some seriously sexy style courtesy vintage-inspired lingerie.

The pinup craze is nothing new, and what’s more, it’s not going anywhere. The look celebrates all things feminine, but that doesn’t mean shrinking violet. Nope.

This look is fierce and hot.

Vintage vamp is universally flattering, the styles work for all shapes and sizes of women.

We show you how to unleash your inner pinup girl so you can tease your self or your partner.

1. Cover Up to Be Coy

The vampy look is all about smoldering sex appeal, but that doesn’t mean showing a lot of skin.

This lingerie look features full-coverage bras and panties.

Those long-line bras and high-waisted panties help to enhance those dangerous curves, whittling the waist, shaping the bust, and cupping the rear.

Left: Go retro with full-coverage options that hint and the sexiness beneath, like this Satin Noir via Dollhouse Bettie.

 2. The Stocking Exchange

Forget modern thigh highs, for true vintage appeal, go for full-fashioned stockings. The feel is pure luxury and the look is simply stunning. With or without the seam up the back.

Why are these so sexy?

One male friend got positively misty eyed while reminiscing about the experience of feeling where stocking ended and skin began. It was a little naughty, like forbidden fruit, tantalizing, tempting, and right there.

Right: Fully-fashioned stockings and classic lingerie are undeniably sexy and stylish!  As if these Dana Glamour Stockings from Secrets in Lace isn’t proof enough.

3. Get Girdled

Who said shapewear can’t be sexy?

Classically styled girdles aren’t the flesh-toned spandex creations of today.

These lace-trimmed pieces will get motors running and eyes popping.

Designed to create an hourglass figure even when nature hasn’t provided, a gorgeous girdle is one way to show off your assets!

Left: Retro-inspired shapewear is anything but boring, and this All-in-One girdle from Girdle Bound demonstrates that shaping up, might just be a new phrase for your dirty talk.

4. Ruffle it Up

Put on your petticoat!

Whether you wear these pouffy slips under your dress, or as a layer in the bedroom, the look is ultimately feminine and flirty.

Flip your skirt and flash some leg. Twirl and let the flounces fly.

Modern crinolines are not scratchy or itchy, but they are marvelously fun and sexy!

Right: Layers of pouf add feminine charm and look amazing when you twirl! (Crinoline at Pinup Girl Clothing)

5. Accessories Matter

Go all out, grab a pair of your favorite heels, put on some red lipstick, and don’t forget lots of mascara.

Gloves and boa optional!

Sweep your hair into an easy updo and tuck in a floral pin, or add some victory curls, or soft, tumbling waves and you’ve got an irresistible look that will make you feel like a vamp.

Left: Vamp it up with long gloves, super sexy when you slowly peel them off! Take inspiration with these slithery long gloves from What Katie Did.

Your Tickle Me Pretty Online Vintage Resources

These aren’t the kind of pieces you find at the local mall’s lingerie shops. Though as the popularity grows, more and more lines are carrying vintage-inspired lingerie. These are tried and true resources that cater to pinup girls today.

• Secrets in Lace – for over 30 years, SIL has been providing women with high-quality retro-fashioned lingerie. They’re possibly the best source for top-notch fully-fashioned stockings.
• Pinup Girl Clothing – mostly focused on clothes, they have a small, carefully curated selection of retro-styled lingerie, mostly girdles, waist cinchers, and long-line bras.
• LucyB – vintage inspiration, modern sensibilities. You’ll find clothing, lingerie, and even swimsuits here, all with a retro style, but modern fit.
• Dollhouse Bettie – here you’ll find a wide selection of vintage-inspired lingerie as well as some actual vintage pieces. They’re also a fabulous resource for ideas (wedding style anyone?) and info on the history of lingerie and pinup.
• What Katie Did – classically styled vintage-inspired lingerie and shapewear to make you feel like a silver screen siren. Their selection is huge, and they are another great source for fully-fashioned stockings.
• Girdle Bound – if you love shapewear, this is the site to visit. They have a selection of new production as well as “new old” stock, and even custom dyed shapewear to choose from. They’ve also got extensive galleries to look through, and they’re a great resource for sizing information.

Tickle Me Pretty Tips & Tricks For Velcoming Your Vintage Vixen

• New v. Retro Stocking Sizing: Fully-fashioned stockings do not stretch the way modern hosier does, so be sure to check the sizing guidelines carefully.
• The Bullet Bra: Love the bullet bra look, but your boobs are rounded? You can get little cone-shaped inserts to fill out this classic, bombastic profile.
• New-Old Vintage Shopping: There are plenty of companies creating vintage-inspired lingerie and shapewear, and a handful selling “new old” stock, which just means actual vintage pieces that were never sold or used. These can be terrific finds, but always check sizing info carefully!
• Slow it Down to Speed it Up: When you take it all off, if you’ve got an audience, milk it for all its worth. Make a show of removing your stockings, rolling them down one at a time. Slowly undo each hook of that bra.
• That Sexy Girdle Bump: If you wear a girdle, yes, you’re going to have the “girdle bump” (that little bump created by the girdle’s garter hooks). Don’t worry about it. It’s part of the appeal of the vintage look, and it’s enough to get pulses racing in folks who know.

You’ve got some hot, steamy travel plans coming up.

Time away from it all in a great destination.

Whether you’re going with a partner or flying solo, you’re sure to want a toy or two along for fun. The trouble is, nothing on the TSA regulations explains sex toys, and you’ve heard some horror stories. Or, you’re self conscious.

“Hey, that’s an electric toothrbush! No really. It is!”

First, accept the fact that anything you pack, checked or carry on, is going through some form of screening and will be seen. Next, accept the idea that no matter how freaky you may be, these folks have seen freakier.

So, here it is, the no-holds barred, brutally honest truth about traveling with sex toys.

1. Size Matters | Sex Toy Size Packing Guide

Technically, there are no restrictions specifically for sex toys; however, most toys are judged under the existing rules for things like tools, power tools, and other odds and ends.

Anything that could be a weapon, is sharp and pointy, or could be used as a bludgeon should be checked as well.

So that Njoy Pure Wand we love so much? Pack it in the checked bag!

Tickle Me Pretty Tip: Tools over 7” long must be in checked baggage.

2. Pack it, And Bag it, and Mark it With an “ST”

Place all toys in plastic baggies.

That will keep them clean during transport, and you really don’t want even gloved hands all over your toys if you bag is inspected, right?

Tickle Me Pretty Tip: If you’ve got a toy that is even slightly obscure, consider labeling it with “sex toy”, “novelty toy”, or “personal massager.”

3. Things That Go Buzz While in Flight

Aside from size issues, there are no restrictions specifically prohibiting battery operated devices in your carry on.

Power tools are supposed to go in checked luggage, but I have successfully flown with a Magic Wand in my carry on.

And yes, the bag was inspected because the agent apparently thought it looked like a pipe bomb.

Tickle Me Pretty: Remove the batteries, and bag and label the toy. And then pack an extra pack of batteries just in case.

4. Don’t Get Sneaky With Insertables

Once again, size is the main issue.

Though I’d be hard pressed to figure out how to use a 9” silicone dildo as a weapon, it could conceivably fall into the “tools” category, and as such should go in your checked baggage.

Just to be safe, I always check anything exceptionally large, or toys made of hard materials like metal, glass, acrylic, or wood.

Tickle Me Pretty: Label it!

5. First Class Lube

If you don’t often use lube, you should be. And if you don’t like the mess, take advantage of daily hotel maid service.

Remember that lube is just like any other liquid substance.

Make sure the lube is in a container that holds 3.4 ounces or less and is sealed in a quart size zip bag.

Tickle Me Pretty Tip: Consider buying a cute travel lube. Takes up less space and you won’t mistake it for hand sanitizer.

6. Back up The Super Expensive Kinky Stuff

Floggers, and whips, and handcuffs, oh my! Oh the dilemma!

Do you pack them in carry on where they may be considered a weapon, or do you put them in checked baggage where theft is a possibility?

When it doubt, check the items.

Tickle Me Pretty Tip: Consider buying two versions of your favorite and most valued sex toys. In the event that they go “missing” while in travel, you will always have something at home waiting for you in anticipation.

7. Keep it Cheerful & Keep on Daydreaming

One simple rule, be honest.

If it happens, and it might.  Stay calm, roll your shoulders back,, smile and address the agent’s questions and answer honestly, “yes, that’s a dildo” or “yes, my bag contains some sex toys.” Remember, they have definitely seen worse.

And any discomfort you do end up feeling (if at all) will be forgotten once you move past security and start day dreaming about your sexy fun time later on.

Tickle Me Pretty Tip: Nervous about a bag check through security? Bag up your toys in see-through baggies, and label them. This might avoid the potential of the TSA agent removing your hot toy from your bag.

8. Banned Abroad

There are places on the planet that prohibit sex toys.

They are few and far between, but it’s always good to know before you go.

Though most will simply ask you to dispose of the toys, it’s an expensive mistake that could include serious legal trouble. Just do a quick internet search before you pack. And when it comes down to it, trust your gut. You probably already know the answer

Tickle Me Pretty Tip: Research the laws before you go-go. Some countries ban sex toys.

It Happened to Me!

I’ve responded to TSA questions with a simple, “that’s my vibrator” and gotten no more than a shrug before moving on.

The Magic Wand incident? I felt sorry for the agent inspecting my bag.

The Wand was in a bag with rope, a suspension ring, and a wide variety of other sex toys and tools.

When he opened the bag, the first thing he saw was a bright red, inflatable dildo.

After he closed the bag, he looked at me and my husband and asked if we were vendors at the big convention. Without missing a beat, my husband’s response was, “Nope, performers.”

Sex and pleasure are entirely about what YOU want—no one else has to experience your orgasms for you, or live your unfulfilled sex life!

Unfortunately, a culture of deep-rooted sexual repression has ingrained a sense of shame in the pleasure department, especially for women. Here are a few suggestions (and fun products on the market to try) that aim to throw off this irrational stigma, while also encouraging you to be your sexy self! Take that, Cosmo.

1. Lingerie For the Modern Day – All the Way

Not into girly-girl lingerie? Not interested in finding out what Victoria’s secret is? Ditch the frills for something just as sexy.

While lacy garters and satin bustiers are the go-to boudoir get-up, if it’s not your style, you won’t feel sexy at all. Just as with any emotion, if you don’t feel it, you won’t look it, either. The Betty Boop look is outdated anyway. Opt for something modern that will make you feel comfortable in your own skin and flatter your figure.

The L’Agent line by Agent Provocateur line has a lot of sleek & sexy designs for the petite frame, including sheer, non-padded balcony bras that lift and accentuate without all the artificiality of a push-up bra.

The Clementina lingerie Set 

Freya Lingerie has lots of options for the fuller-chested woman that don’t look like you raided Grandma’s or Pamela Andersen’s panty drawer.

The Rosie lingerie Set 

2. Strap-on Sex and Prostate Play

One aspect of kinky sex that the mainstream hasn’t quite harnessed yet is the immensely satisfying—and highly intimate—acts of strap-on sex and prostate play.

While strap-ons are a staple in lesbian sex, many men are now learning of the pleasures of a hot woman wearing a synthetic dong. Anal play in hetero sex is at once very taboo and an incredible turn-on. You can introduce your man to an experience he’s probably never had before (with prior consent, of course) by using your fingers (a how-to post on doing this right to come!), but here are a few toys that will be sure to titillate once he’s graduated to enjoying prostate stimulation.

One great investment is the Njoy Pure Plug, made of high-quality stainless steel with a finger handle that makes it easy to manipulate his sensitive “p-spot”.

The Njoy Pure Plug

For the more experienced guy, you can take anal fun to the next level with the Tantus Feeldoe. Crafted of the best silicone, this is a strapless strap-on with innovative two-way stimulation: the egg-shaped end fits perfectly in the vagina with a built-in bullet vibrator, giving you stimulation while also strengthening your Kegel muscles. The dildo for him comes in many different sizes; the Slim for the beginner all the way up to the Stout for the guy who wants maximum fullness. They even have the Realdoe that looks surprisingly, uh, real.

The Tantus Feeldoe Slim 

3. Feel the Burn – Wax on, Sex Off

There are countless horror stories of couples trying their best to ignite their love life with the well-known sensual use of candle wax, only to be burned, turned off, and left with a huge mess to clean up.

While skilled use of regular candles can be very sexy, it’s not the best option if you and your lover are new to kink (unless you identify as sadomasochists; then by all means, wax on!).

If you’re looking to light up your play time, The Earthly Body Suntouched 3-in-1 Candle is your best bet. They are 100% natural soy-based candles that are also moisturizing hemp massage oils. They come in a variety of aphrodisiacal aromas, like Nag Champa, Dreamsicle, and Naked in the Woods (my personal favorite). They get scintillatingly warm, but not scalding. After the fun is over, just rub in the excess oil and let your skin drink it up.

The Earthly Body Suntouched 3-in-1 Candle

If you’re hellbent on using regular candles, always use WHITE candles. Dark colored candles retain more heat longer, and they are likely to burn your partner even when used right. Always start at least 3 feet above the skin and turn the candle to let it drip slowly, and lower it as your lover becomes more comfortable with the sensation. Put down an old sheet or towel as there will be a mess and even white candles may stain.

Highly recommended are the tall white candles used in catholic mass for maximum control and pourability. The length of the candle is good for making sure you don’t burn your fingers (or drop the candle on your partner!) It might be a bit sacrilegious, but the taboo can be thrilling too!

Stay tuned for more (actually sexy) ways to turn up the heat!

How are you sexing it up?