Before the 30s bombshell or the 40s pinup the original "It" girl was the ingenue silent film star Clara Bow. Her bee-stung lips, bouncing bob of curls and carefree attitude caused quite a stir at the box office and she became Hollywood's first sex symbol in the early 20s. Bow's flippant ways defined flapper sexuality as something playful and slightly aggressive, the prankster girl next door with a dash of indecency.

The original "It" girl, the lovely Clara Bow.
The erotic photos of the time exhibit the flapper as a sweet tease and make for some of the finest vintage boudoir photos.

Marlene Dietrich is not so innocent in a cami-knicker and stockings.
If you want to channel your own inner 20s "It" girl all you need are pin curls, red lips and a cheeky cami-knicker set. The cami-knicker was a flapper staple. Worn under the girdle garters of the era, it was a loose fitting undergarment designed to hang lightly over the female form. Instead of accenting an hourglass physique it created a boxy, boyish silhouette, in classic flapper form.

Clara Bow wears a cami-knicker in the 1928 movie Ladies of the Mob.
Today the garments are a perfect lounging outfit, just the ensemble you need for taking in your Sunday morning coffee and newspaper. Often made from silk, the styles are feather light, adorned with feminine trims and make for a delicately romantic pajama or play suit.
We just listed two gorgeous 20s cami-knickers on the site, each with its own vintage charms. The first, a pristine step-in style, has exquisite knife pleats and stunning lace inserts. The luscious peach silk is in perfect condition and features a darling rosette, you'd be hard pressed to find another like this.

The second is made from exotic celadon hued Habotai silk. The classic design has a ribbon tied waist and a hidden button closure crotch, meaning it looks like a slip when standing but has the high kicking benefits of a closed bottom knicker.

Both pieces are special new old stock finds, having never been worn they are in mint condition and are sure to bring out the flapper in any gal.