once again, I'm sure that usage of the word "real" is to signify 'something other than the idealized/homogenized version one sees in pornography, yet just as beautiful and desirable', as opposed to 'imaginary' or 'not as cool'.

But isn't that the point of having a youth? to waste/spend it with other people, having good/bad sex and learning how to recognize/reconcile it later on so you don't do it later — or worse, marry in spite of it?

Maybe, despite your good intentions — and your friends' interest— they simply cannot believe that anyone is interested in them, or they don't want to be set up for pity's sake.

Because it's unfortunately rare to see a positive story about a young woman of color being recognized for being smart and educated, especially in a STEM field.

agreed. Good for her — and her parents !

I wish I could find my beat-up copy of this to give to my daughter; I loved this book!

i would watch the hell out of this. Please add Richard Armitage to this roster of Bfs of the week.

please share! I spent my (size 16) 20s convinced I'd never have sex, and when I did, it would be because the guy had some kind of ...issue. Turns out I was right.

honestly, my husband doesn't either — so, yeah. You aren't alone. But to each his/her own. Some people find it a lot of fun!

Sooo when is this trend coming to America, then? 'Cause if I can pay an extra $30 or so for actual conversation at dinner, I'd get a subscription.

I hate to agree, but absolutely. This is clearly the kind of woman that LP (and AP too, to a certain extent) is looking to attract — at the exclusion of everyone else. Lingerie is no less immune (in fact it may be more so) to the philosophy of exclusion and aspiration as muse and marketing tool than any other clothing…

Same here. My husband actually *laughed* at me when I tried to wear something pretty for him. That was it for that little notion...

have you looked into independent designers? The Lingerie Addict has some really excellent links to independent lingerie designers, and some of them do bespoke work, too.

Yes, La Perla (and many boutique lingerie shops) only cater to a small range of sizes.

I love 'em, don't get me wrong, but I kinda wish they had more natural fabrics.

YES. Every time I go to the hanky panky website, I just sigh at the bralettes. So whimsical! So girly! So without metal wires and architectural purposing!

I've seen some absolutely wonderful Spock/Uhura fics (written by WoC, even!)The Leverage fandom has done some really cute Parker/Hardison work.

amen.

and it conveniently pre-sizes out the women over size 16...

I thought it was to show that there's no convenient time to need an abortion.