Alison Reviews: La Lilouche Ophelia Playsuit!

The start of our Scottish summer was promising: it was unusually warm and sunny! As always we were out in our droves and feeling continental, now cafes and pubs have realised the importance of providing outdoor seating. It was all very exciting. Until the rain began to lash down: relentless is probably the only way to describe it. But living in Edinburgh we’re used to it (as are the tourists) and we always have plan B up our sleeves – thank goodness for museums, art galleries, and lingerie!

Alison reviews the Ophelia Silk Playsuit

Get it at: La Lilouche and Etsy
Price: $175
Sizing: S – L
Colours: Black
The Verdict: Do I have to take it off?

One rainy morning a parcel arrived: it was packed with lingerie. A box of pretty things is a very good way to start the day and it’s even better when the pretty things look like they’ve been designed with you in mind! After pulling out each piece with an Ooh and an Aah, I came across the Ophelia Playsuit. Although I’m in possession of a teddy or two, I’ve never actually found a bodysuit I really want. This I wanted.

Liya Amar, a former senior designer for London-based High Street stores, is now a freelance designer and alongside it decided to come up with her own label, La Lilouche. Based in Tel-Aviv, Liya uses beautiful silks, Chantilly lace and Swarovski Crystals to enhance her stunning collections that encompass both contemporary design and boudoir elegance. It’s no wonder I fell in love with her lingerie!

Before I had the honour of actually trying the Playsuit, I had seen it in the images (above); the sheerness of the silk, the gorgeous back and delicate lace appealed more than anything I have seen for some time. While we like to harp on about the importance of images, it is of course the actual design and fabric that are the ultimate test; but somehow I could see this suit was going to be a winner. And it most certainly is.

I’m not sure I have ever come across a more flattering design: the roomy silk chiffon is incredibly forgiving. Even in the days before I had any right to complain about my tummy, I did – if only La Lilouche had entered my life way back! The gentle, silk tie that draws together the oh-so-sexy cut out back is divine, and performs beautifully whichever look you decide upon. The bottom or knicker part of the suit was the part that surprised me most: with my aforementioned tummy issues, I tend to go for a bigger knicker – unless I’m feeling very brave (or insanely chirpy); the playsuit’s knicker part stopped in a normally worrying place and yet succeeded in giving me the best shape I think I’ve ever seen. It was a true lingerie miracle moment!

I love lingerie and have never been the type to keep it for ‘special occasions’ or wait until I can share it with a significant other (though I do have some pretty understanding friends who don’t mind me parading new items in front of them). My Ophelia Playsuit has therefore had a lot of wear already and has stood the test of wear-wash-wear-wash. I absolutely adore it and I’m already hoping Liya will consider making the suit in a different colour – just so I can admire myself in another shade!