I amusedly came across this “v” string from Victoria’s Secret last night, which depicts the phrase “wish you were here” (obviously on the front). That’s cute and saucy, huh? I love a good naughty symbolic panty!

If you get a kick out of the pair, you can purchase from victoriassecret.com for $5 for $25.

The African Well Fund, a small non-profit raising money to build wells in Africa (you’ll never know all the needs around the world, huh?) has an auction going for celebrity-type shwag. They’re offering on eBay an audience gift bag from Stacy London’s new show, Fashionably Late.

The auction text gives the best rundown of the goodie contents:

Gift bag and assorted items from taping of the first episode of Stacy London’s new show - Fashionably Late with Stacy London The show was taped Oct. 15th in NYC and it will air on Nov. 23 on TLC All audience members received the gift bag after the taping. All items with the gift bag are new and unopened. Items: Gal Pal - Garment Deodorant Remover, Hollywood Fashion tape - the stars’ secret apparel and body tape, Strap Tamers - bra strap concealers, YogaToes - flexible treat for fabulous feet, Ice Rocks - Spring Water Ice Cubes, Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated moonstone ring (retail value $80), Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated amethyst ring (retail value $80), Shubi 1 piece fully-lined drawstring shoe bag 100% of proceeds benefiting clean water and sanitation projects in Africa!

100% of the proceeds will go to the charity, and I’ve not added an affiliate link to this post.

Again, Fashionably Late, Stacy London’s new talk show (which was only previously previewed [oy the alliteration], and not canceled after one episode as was considered by fans, will air (BLACK) Friday November 23rd at 10 p.m. on TLC.

What a great holiday gift idea for a best gal pal or relative; these are great products and your gift will keep on giving to others in her name! Not only are these products some of the best and most necessary for modern woman and fabulistas, but it goes to a charitable cause for those who need so much less than hiding bra straps and removing deodorant marks from tops! The auction ends on Nov. 18th. Oh and you’re bidding against moi, so good luck to all!

I learned the news tonight about Liz Claiborne passing on after battling cancer. The woman worked hard through sickness and aging on her self-named clothing brand. This is a loss I felt just a little more sharply since all day I wore a swimsuit by her (shown right). It was an unbearably hot day and I even wore the very stylish and flattering swim top out to an ice cream dinner. I kept thinking of all the things I have and have bought for others by her brand. The swimwear of course, that bag I could never sell … even my mother’s wallet, which is perfect with tons of card slots. All so affordable, Claiborne brought a big name to many people at a great price. And let’s not forget her company sells pretty much the only stylish petite wear I know of!

Liz Claiborne, I mourne your too-soon departure, and I celebrate your gift to my fashion world.

Love your skirt, leggings and boots, but fear it might be getting a bit chilly for them? You might get some more life out of leggings that are actually thermal underwear for the winter.

Jockey makes some great ones, and they really do work as leggings. They come in full leg length, which is great for these upcoming months in your snow boots. The different styles each come in their own variety of colors, and plenty are still available!

There’s free return shipping and if you order by December 21st with Next Day, you’ll get ‘em for Christmas!

I typically am not impressed by swimsuits with designer labels—what’s the high-price point? But this feminine bikini with bow-like knots and ruching (see zoom picture on Net-a-Porter) by Tomas Maier, called Captiva, truly captivates me. I even love the black; classic, flattering (especially its halter option) and would offset my fair Summer skin just right.

I would love to buy this bikini if I had the right body … and if I were rich, because this designer swimsuit is $365. Hey, if I were wealthy enough, I’d buy it now anyway. I don’t really feel I need to someday have the perfect flat stomach, but this could be a nice incentive.

I should be fair to all body types, and some people really have the runway model’s body: tall, skinny, no chest. The swimsuit style I posted last week has a similar, bikini style for this very person. It is perfect for this body type, and pretty much that type alone.

Flatter specifications:

– It is a bikini, so your stomach should be flat.
– The top is striped, and the bottom is solid, so it would be best to wear this if you are tall, because breaking up the pattern/color saturation strips the body in pieces. (There is no real benefit to this, as looking tall is not a negative.)
– The diagonal striping on the bust will add width to the chest, this is alright for many, but really great for small chests.
– The shape of the top is even better for medium-small chests, as cleavage will look good in this (and bandeau tops are the best for flat chests).
– The striping under the bust will add a little bit of width.
– The belt will widen the hips, helping to curve out the super skinny, and works well with the strip under the chest.

The ultimate in 2006 trendy swimwear is this nautical blouson 2-piece by Liz Claiborne. If you want cool and cover from the sun, this tankini hides every spot of the belly. It has tummy control, but I don’t think it’s just for the plus-sized. Sure, it may not be for the very young, but this suit looks nice. With navy stripes, an embroidered anchor and braided straps to mimic a boat’s rope, this suit is the perfect trend (especially for that last year of having a tummy, I wish it to all). But being in a beach theme, it certainly can outlast a craze.

It’s too bad that there aren’t stripes on the bottom piece to elongate a shorter body—the break-up breaks up the line and flow of a form. I just love those diagonal stripes, they’re so flattering. Overall, it’s a stylish suit that appeals better than most designed to cover and hide, something one would want to be seen in. That’s great!