It's What's Underneath That Counts: Cora Harrington Talks All Things Lingerie.

Ah, lingerie. It's one of the most important parts of a woman's wardrobe. As well one of the most overlooked. Most women only pay attention to their undergarments when they plan on being with someone romantically, but in the pin-up community, it's often worn daily as a way to enhance your look. It's often even worn as outerwear. (It also gets you used to wearing it, so if you do end up in a romantic situation, so you don't appear to be a fish out of water. Remember, you're your sexist when you're comfortable and having fun. Not just simply wearing something to please someone else.)

I often get questions about lingerie, but since I don't have too much experience with it, I thought I'd ask someone who really knows their stuff: I spoke to Cora Harrington Better known as  "The Lingerie Addict.” She's A self-confessed Lingerie addict who's obsession has led her to be featured in numerous publications such as Forbes, The Wallstreet Journal, and Teen Vogue. She recently released her own book titled: "In Intimate Detail," A guide on how to choose, wear, and love Lingerie. For her input on the subject.

Q: How did you obtain such a passion for lingerie? And what does it mean to you?

A: “Like a lot of people, I'm fascinated by beautiful things, and my first introduction to lingerie was through a lovely bit of peacock feather embroidery I saw on a pair of thigh high stockings online. Almost immediately, I was fascinated and intrigued. I had no idea that kind of lingerie existed, and that fusion of the practical with the artistic l is what keeps me enthralled with lingerie.”

Q: You’ve modeled as a pinup girl before. How was the experience for you?

A: ”I don't think of myself as a "model." It's not my occupation, and pretty much any photoshoot you see me in is one I've paid for. Nor do I think of myself as a "pinup girl." But my earliest shoots were in the pinup style, and for me, they were an accessible way of experimenting with doing photo shoots and styling myself. Pinup has certain codes - in terms of attire, makeup, posing etc. - and if you're someone who is interested in exploring lingerie photoshoots but feels overwhelmed at the idea, they're a great way to get your feet wet, so to speak.”

Q: What’s been your experience with vintage style lingerie?

A: "Pinup or vintage-style lingerie was my introduction to the world of intimate apparel. Corsets, girdles, garter belts, stockings...that's how I learned about intimates and those were the first pieces I tried on and experimented with. Pinup style lingerie, even though it's not so much my personal style anymore, will always have a special place in my heart."

Cora's new book.

Q: How do you feel about there still being somewhat of a lack of Nude lingerie for women with darker skin tones?

A: "I think it's ridiculous. There's no reason for there to be such a lack of options in the year 2019."

Q: You mentioned in a past interview that Lingerie is not about sex for you. Could you elaborate a little more on that?

A: "I think of it the same way people think of high heeled shoes or red lipstick. Can they be sexual? Yes. Do they have to be? No. Lingerie is a category of fashion, and we can (and should!) also discuss it in ways that are relevant to the story of fashion or to history or to culture, which does not necessarily involve sex."

Q: Have women in the past (Bettie page for example) inspired your love for lingerie?

A: "I wouldn't point to Bettie Page as one of my personal inspirations for my love of lingerie. Rather, my inspiration is drawn from women of color like Miss Topsy, Joyce Bryant, and Josephine Baker."

Q: Your favorite era for lingerie is the ‘20s, why is that?

A: "It's such a pivotal decade for intimate apparel. Not only is that where our modern notions of lingerie really take hold (separate bras and knickers, no corsets, stockings that come above the knee, etc.), it's also the decade where we see some of the most beautiful sewing and finishing techniques."

Q: What brand/style of vintage style lingerie do you recommend the most for beginners?

A: "I believe loungewear is the perfect introduction to intimate apparel. Items like robes, slips, and caftans are a wonderful way to get familiar with the world of lingerie, and vintage versions of those items are both readily available and inexpensive."

Q: What’s your favorite piece of vintage style/inspired lingerie and why?

A: "Currently: the beach pajamas. But if you had asked me a few years ago, I'd have said the corselette."

Q: Any upcoming events/projects we can look forward to?

A: "Hopefully more book signing dates! You can keep up with what I'm doing on my blog."