Try out a corset at Vamps boutique in York (From York Press)

Try out a corset at Vamps boutique in York

9:39am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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THERE’S nothing like sexy lingerie to get you in the mood for lurve. And few items are sexier than a corset.

With its luxurious fabric, boned panels and yards of lace, the corset doesn’t leave much to the imagination – particularly if you add a pair of suspenders.

But corsets aren’t only just for the bedroom – or Valentine’s Day. Pop stars such as Girls Aloud have led the trend in turning corsets into outerwear, perfect for clubbing or a ball.

Not convinced? We visited Vamps boutique in Walmgate, York, which sells a range of corsets, exquisitely hand-made by English firm Snobz.

Our models show how a simple corset can be worn in various ways – dressed up with a full skirt or worn casual with a pencil skirt or jeans, perfect for a night on the town.

The collection at Vamps features a range of designs in a variety of fabrics, including full corsets and waist clinchers, that fit around the ribs only. Prices start at £96 – much more than the cheaper alternatives, but as Vamps owner David Daniells says, these are the real deal.

“These are made of the finest materials, from silk and satin to leather and are stainless-steel boned,” says David. They keep their shape and should last for years, if cared for properly.

David understands that corsets aren’t for everybody, but he believes more women would wear them if they gave them a try.

“Lots of women have never worn a corset,” says David. “But we offer a chance for them to come down and be fitted and try one out – with no obligation to buy.”

Laura Bland, a fitter at Vamps, is a corset lover. She has four at home, including two waist clinchers that she wears over a vest top or T-shirt.

“I love corsets because they make me look super skinny,” says Laura. “If I wear mine really tight I can lose five inches off my waist.”

All the models agreed that wearing a corset made the most of their figures – and made them feel more feminine.

First-time corset wearer Suzannah Smith said: “I love it. I feel really elegant. It makes me feel like a lady. It’s really good for your posture and even gives me a cleavage!”

Marta Brzozowska warns that it is quite a shock when you are first laced into a corset. “It does feel tight, but then it settles.”

Stevie Croft loves to wear her corset over her clothes. “It’s more of a street or club look,” says Stevie, who has her distinctive style with blue hair and facial piercing. “Corsets add a different edge to your style. They can dress up an outfit successfully. Even if you wear one with a plain skirt, it adds something to it.”

Vamps assistant Vicki Dawson insists corsets are for women of all shapes and sizes. “Quite a lot of plus-size girls wear them,” she said. In fact, the more flesh on the body, the better the effect. “It gives you a proper hour glass shape,” says Vicki.

Getting the correct fit is important. Snobz corsets are tailored to suit your shape. Vamps stocks all sizes, so you can try a corset, then order it in the design and fabric of your choice. This allows for tweaks to be made or special trims added.

With a perfect fit, there should be a two-inch gap at the back after the corset is laced up – revealing a line of back “cleavage”. If you prefer, a fabric panel can be placed there instead.

David says the corset is uniquely versatile. “It can be worn as formal wear, or with jeans or as club wear.”

Laura adds: “It’s very fashionable to be wearing underwear as outerwear – just look at Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé.”

MAXINE GORDON tries a corset for size

MY first date with a corset didn’t go too well. “You’ve got it on upside down,” said Laura Bland, of Vamps boutique.

That might explain why my 32E chest looked as flat as a pancake when I was hoping for something more resembling Moll Flanders.

A quick shimmy in the changing rooms and we were the right way up. I clasped the front of the beautiful red velvet garment together and Laura began pulling on the long, black laces at my back.

As she tugged, I felt the life being squeezed out of me.

“When you get more used to it, you can go even tighter,” said Laura.

All laced up, I was pleasantly surprised. Everything looked in proportion and in the right location. My boobs were high and even with just enough flesh exposed to keep me this side of decent. There was a lovely curve through my waist and out to my hips.

I looked smaller, trimmer and – dare I say it – sexier.

Certainly, a corset does for bodily parts what other undies can’t.

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