Shop-We-Like: Betsy LaBelle

I ought to be ashamed of myself, but my underwear drawer is chaos. Primark pants are tangled up with odd socks and balled up tights - not very becoming of a young lady. I should take a leaf out of Betsy LaBelle’s book. Walking into this gorgeous lingerie shop on Byres Road is like stepping into a fantasy bedroom. The shop feels romantic and nostalgic, with floral flocked wallpaper, vintage furniture and Marlene Dietrich LPs on the record player. Vintage embroidered handkerchiefs peek out of drawers and strings of pearls are looped beside lacy gloves and silky slips.

Shop owner Hayley MacLellan wanted to create a lingerie store that would offer something different to what is available on the high street. The store has an intimate atmosphere and offers high quality, sensual lingerie without the sleazy undertones of, oh say, Ann Summers.

Hayley has selected labels with a vintage feel, including ranges from What Katie Did, Kiss Me Deadly and Bien Fee Pour Toi and the store caters to every taste. The ‘Harlow’ range from What Katie Did evokes retro glamour and silver screen sirens with bullet bras and suspender belts cut from vintage patterns in peach silk. For femme fatales there is also a selection of seamed stockings as well as girdles and corsets, which can be ordered in your size.

French label Bien Fee Pour Toi uses beautiful detailing and fabrics to create dreamy and romantic pieces; like their candy pink and white polka dot bras and pants from their ‘Smoking’ range, which also features sheer camisoles with scalloped edging.

There are also some vintage nightgowns from the 1940s to the 1970s and snug little vintage bed jackets. Fans of ladylike glamour will be spoiled for choice with the selection of little trinkets such as brooches and handkerchiefs, as well as vintage gloves and petticoats and sweet little glass vanity sets for your dressing table.

Shopping for luxury lingerie could bankrupt a girl. Betsy LaBelle, however, is modestly priced. Bras cost between £20-£55, and brooches and strings of faux-pearls cost as little as £8. Hayley also offers a bra-fitting service, as well as expert advice on all the stock. Really, what more could a girl ask for?