Heidi Rauch and Alyssa Weiss are the co-founders of Belabumbum known for sexy and sophisticated lingerie. Here is Heidi’s take on lingerie.

HM: Describe your boudoir style in one word.
BB: Wearable Vintage

HM: Favorite place to shop for lingerie?
BB: Intimissimi in Milan. It’s like the Benetton of lingerie. They make fun and affordable styles, and roll them out on an impressive production schedule.

HM: What are some new trends in lingerie?
BB: Shapewear, fit, and larger cup sizes are a big trend in the United States, right now.

HM: Who is your style icon?
BB: I have a real appreciation for the Marchesa Luisa Casati, the fabulous Italian eccentric, artist’s muse and patroness of the arts in early 20th century Europe. She was a real femme fatale who transformed everyday life into spectacle.

HM: What is the biggest mistake a woman can make when it comes to buying lingerie besides wearing a wrong sized bra?
BB: Make sure your bottoms are not too tight to avoid panty lines. Don’t hike them up too high!

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in lingerie designing?
BB: Use everything! It’ll help you meet your minimums, we use extra material for head bands, nursing bras, baby clothes, you name it.

BB: Make sure your styles are supportive and well sewn. There is a lot of cute, but flimsy, lingerie out there. Even in the boudoir, women want their lingerie to hold parts in place.

BB: Don’t always go for the neutral foundations. Consciously pick the colors you feel inspired to wear and remember throughout the day that you have fabulous jade green panties on, or let a bit of your cami peek through!