Keeping it Real

For those of you who haven't yet heard of "Miss Representation" please watch the film. I watched it with my sisters and was completely blown away by the way the media treats women and how this in turn affects how men treat women and how women and girls treat one another. I honestly didn't realize what a terrible state things are in; it was such an eye opener.

Miss Rep and I Am That Girl have gotten together this weekend to lead the "Keep It Real Challenge" aiming to increase awareness on the importance of real beauty and to encourage publications to use REAL instead of retouched images of models. Part of they way you can participate in the challenge is by writing a blog post so I thought I would share how PERT is doing her part! Even if it is small, I'd prefer to play a small part in making a difference rather than be a big part of the problem!

At the shop I try not to display any images if I can help it. You will rarely see catalougues, posters, banners or window displays specifically advertising the lingerie I carry in the store. My sales reps always want to send me press kits full of this material because this is how the brands are helping me to generate sales of their product and I always say no, no and no. First of all, I don't want to waste the paper, and secondly, who wants to shop for lingerie (especially lingerie!) surrounded by giant posters of women they don't look like or identify with? These press images are almost always gorgeous but since it is the lingerie they are trying to draw attention to I'd much rather let it speak for itself. Wether or not a delicate lace is shown on the body or on it's own, one cannot deny the detail, craftsmanship and wonder of this fabric. Women don't need pictures trying to convince us to buy into this apparent sexy lifestyle that comes with having fancy underthings. How we feel in the lingerie we wear should be dictated by how it fits and the experience we have while shopping for it; not by posters reminding us that air, gel and water are going to give us breasts worthy of a pair of angel wings. Does lingerie even exist in Heaven?

Real beauty is just that. Real. So at Pert you get to gawk at the real stuff, try it on if you want and dance around on our pink floor. There will always be something that makes you feel and that feeling could be anything. It could be weary, timid, doubtful, uncertain, curious, interested, surprised, excited, strong, tenacious, impulsive, bold, playful, free or comfortable. All of which are beautiful and triggered not by anything fabricated, but by the fabrics alone.

This is how we are keeping it real at PERT.

Join in the "Keep It Real" challenge here.

Favourite Thing: Amulette Lingerie

Amulette Lingerie -tie bralette and ruffled panty

Alright girls! Wedding season is finally upon us! So this week our favourite thing comes from Amulette, appropriately from the lines' Fiance collection. As you might have already guessed, it doesn't take much for a ruffled bra and panty set with big satin bows to make it onto our list of favourite things, but this one gets better still.

Amulette comes to us from designer Johanna Isaac, whos "soul" purpose was to create a collection that refelcted "her desire of bringing the magic of fairy tales and love stories to the real world." Her designs are exquisite, using a lot of cottons and laces together which is rare in a lingerie collection. I like to think of it as the perfect marriage (pun intended) of natural beauty and feminine embellishments. An amulette, which means "charm of love" comes with each piece of lingerie. This "little gift," as quoted from the website, is meant as "a lucky charm which defeats unhappiness and brings desire stimulating eternal love." This bra and panty set is defintely one of PERT's must haves for a honeymoon suitcase. I am super head over heels for this collection and just like an amulette I hope to always keep love close to me. Isn't it just terribly romantic? Here's to love, laughter and happily ever after. For extra oooing and ahhhing visit Amulette online here.

Love Buy

Now that the sun is out it's time to shop for our summer wardrobes! Oh what fun! A frequent piece of advice women are given when shopping is "if you don't love it, don't buy it." I am a shopaholic in denial and frequently make all sorts of ridiculous impulse purchases. I have a very difficult time realizing that just because something is "all the rage" or "on sale" doesn't mean I have to have it. I am getting better, slowly, maybe.

This got me thinking, when it comes to underwear shopping, do women follow this advice? As far as lingerie goes, North America is way behind. Europe is really where it's at. Women there dress to the nines both inside and out. But over here it's all about function. Which is important yes, but who really wants to wear a plain beige bra all the time? Women often use the excuse that no one sees their underwear or they're single so, what's the point? I like to think of  this as the non-pert way to go about shopping for your underwear. For instance, a red bra will disappear under white. I know what you're thinking. It does not. But it does. That's fashion and function right there. And since they say it's better to leave some things to the imagination, it's a really good feeling knowing you are in fact walking around wearing the stuff that usually only shows up in thought bubbles. I realize I am completely biased when it comes to all of this. Last time I organized my top drawer(s) I counted something like 45+ bras. But, only 3 of those are beige. Winning! So, next time you're out shopping for a new bra, ask yourself if YOU really love it. I hope you leave with something kinda wonderful.

xox

trep

Happy International Women's Day

via Pinterest

It's International Women's Day today! Remember, there was a time when women couldn't vote. I know things have changed but, what was up with that?! Thank goodness for the advancements we have made in equal rights for women around the world. Today is all about celebrating that and looking ahead as we continue to create a shimmering future for all women and girls! In many cities, today is a holiday celebrated much like Mother's Day where men shower the women they love with flowers and small gifts. Hmm...interesting. Although women continue to face struggles regarding equal pay, representation and violence it is wonderful that we are free to make our own choices and celebrate what it is we can bring to this world. Together, there really isn't anything we can't do. 

xox

trep

via Pinterest

Favourite Thing: Sexy Period Undies

Ok. So you know when you're supposed to be getting your period any day now but you're not exactly sure because mother nature operates on her own amazingly precise schedule? And when you have this thing you have to go to and you wanted to wear that skirt, it would be really nice if she co-operated for once so you had some peace of mind and could plan your outfit accordingly.
Well girls, might I introduce you to Sexy Period, our favourite thing at PERT this week. Their undies solve this problem. They provide that extra "crap, what if I get my period?" cushion to your busy, on-the-go, oh ya, no problem, I can make that call, right before I pick those up, and get to that meeting to give the all important presentation, meet you for coffee, go to yoga, followed by a much needed nail appointment, walking the dog, then there's that charity event and late dinner with the adorable boy from last months conference. Phew. Yes. These undies will get you through it all. I know. Amazeballs. And, to top it all off, they don't look like the terribly unfortunate granny panties you keep hidden in the back of your dresser drawer for times like these. They come in four lovely styles: thong, cheeky, bikini and hipster. All are made with their signature breathable leak resistent fabric. They definitely won't cramp your style. I don't know about you, but this sounds pretty sexy. Period.

We cannot say enough good things about Sexy Period underwear. Come visit us at PERT and try on a pair as soon as you can! Also, check out this cute little video and their fab website here.