Thursday, July 15, 2010

What's New and Exciting at A La Folie

As if a new location wasn't enough to get you excited, here are a few drool-worthy bits to check out at A La Folie!

Huit Swim has finally arrived! Yes, our favorite summery swim brand has made its way to our walls, and we're in love with all the offerings, from bright and sunny bikini separates to sultry one-pieces. Huit's swimwear is not only adorable, but it stands the test of time, both in style and construction. You'll have these pieces for seasons to come! Hurry by, because they're going fast! Prices range from $45 - $89 for bikini separates, $125 - $138 for bikini sets and $130 - $149 for one-pieces.


One of our all-time hottest sellers, Marie Jo's Avero Multi-Strap Bra, has been restocked in Cognac! We have sizes 32A - 36E, and additional colors are, as always, available for special order. If you haven't tried this gem of a bra yet, swing by. This convertible bra will have you... well... converted in no time! The Multi-Strap retails for $115.


Not enough for you? Keep your eyes peeled on our blog and our mailing list for more exciting things to come! You won't be disappointed! To get on our mailing list, shoot me an email at stephanie (at) visitalafolie.com

We're Open!

The chandeliers have been hung, our lovely mannequins are decked out, a beautiful bouquet of bras lines our sumptuously shaded walls, and we are finally home!

Like what you see? We sure do!

Yes, chers amis, we are open once again, this time at our beautiful new location at 1844 Fourth Street, only a hop, skip and a jump away from our old space, with oh-so-much more to offer. Not only will we carry more merchandise than ever, but we're debuting some exciting new jewelry, and now boast four big beautiful dressing rooms and a mini lounge! We're more fun, more sultry and more lovely than ever!

While we're very proud of how far we've come, we still have a little work to do, so pardon our appearance as we put the finishing touches on our little nest.

Stop by to say bonjour and share in our excitement!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Christine Vancouver: Bringing Old Hollywood to the Boudoir

Ingrid Bergman

Everyone at A La Folie knows that I'm a nut for 1940's fashion. From blouson-backed dresses to mid-calf pencil skirts to seamed stockings, there is something undeniably feminine about apparel from eras gone by, and it's always a treat to find designers that are able to reclaim a bit of old world glamour.

Christine Vancouver Long Printed Robe $370

Christine Vancouver Long Pink/Almond Gown $335

Enter Christine Vancouver, an iconic line of silk charmeuse loungewear befitting the most discerning of nostalgia-obsessed starlets. From lace-busted long gowns to luxurious printed robes, Christine Vancouver has it all. These bias-cut wonders are as true to Deco fashion as is possible, and fit a variety of body types, from lithe ladies to curvaceous cuties. And just because Christine Vancouver's pieces are considered loungewear, it doesn't mean they can't be worn out and about -- the slinky gowns are sexy, yet restrained in the best possible way, making them a great ode to 1930's fashion when worn outside the bedroom.


Christine Vancouver Lace Cup Silver/Lilac Chemise $180, Coordinating Short Robe $260, Coordinating Long Robe $360


Our edited selection has been steadily snatched up by fashionistas and doting husbands alike, but in case you need more incentive to begin coveting Christine Vancouver pieces, know this: there is no feeling quite like swanning around one's apartment in silk charmeuse (I should know). Release your inner Ingrid Bergman and make your dramatic entrance. You deserve it, kid!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

All Hail Queen Zinke!

Zinke's Tea Party Jumper (Floral Print) $170, Zinke's Summer Fling Bralette (Tangerine) $80

Even though we pride ourselves on carrying the finest European lingerie, I have to admit that one of my favorite lines at A La Folie is Zinke, an impossibly precious collection of lingerie from Tulsa, OK. The company's namesake comes from its designers, sisters Jessie Zinke and Arin Robinson. Arin also runs a successful production and event planning business under the Zinke umbrella. It's a partnership that works out perfectly. The brains behind Zinke regularly churn out beautiful inspiration "boards" on their Zinke Design blog, put together to-die-for events, and, of course, design sweetly sexy lingerie with an edge.

Zinke's Daydream Chemise (Floral Print) $184, Zinke's Summer Fling Bralette (Violet) $80

Zinke's pieces are perfect for any lingerie connoisseur, in that they're beautiful on their own, but they're also entirely layerable. Undeniably bright colors like tangerine and violet and sweet details (petersham straps and shiny metal fastenings) only serve to enhance the fashion-forwardness of their pieces, and that's an asset we can really appreciate at A La Folie. We've had girlie girls and sporty ones alike running home with the ultra-sexy Zinke romper more times than we can count! Zinke's pieces make great gifts, which works out pretty well for the Zinke girls, given the multitude of weddings they plan! Brides from all around are drooling over all our new Zinke pieces, and we're sure you will be too! My favorite addition is the new Summer Fling bra and panty set, in a luxurious stretch satin. The bra has a retro edge with seamed cups and contrast straps. The panty features a center back seam for sassy shaping.

Zinke's Summer Fling Bralette & Panty (Tangerine) $80 and $69

Swing by and see what's new in store from Zinke -- we're sure you won't be disappointed. With sweet pieces like these, you'll be enjoying summer in style!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Our Big News: A La Folie is Spreading its Wings!

We know you've been holding your breath since we told you about the exciting things to come at A La Folie... well, the wait is over!

As with all things in the forest, A La Folie is changing once again!

Our plumage is beautifully hued, we're fully grown and it has become time for our A La Folie hatchling to fly to its final home, a beautiful bigger nest. But no need to worry, chers amis, as it is only a branch away! That's right: A La Folie is moving only down the lane to 1844 4th Street, where our lovely nest will once again brim with beautiful lingerie, wonderful parties and good friends.


We are also excited to welcome a new member to the A La Folie flock, Shelley Grubb, a dear friend, lingerie addict and Nafissa's new business partner. Shelley brings years of business experience to our establishment, and we are very happy to have her as part of our petite famille! Shelley is one of our behind-the-scenes mavens, but that doesn't mean you won't see her helping with fittings or working the register. Be sure to say hello!

Rest assured, regardless of these big changes, A La Folie is still the lovely lingerie boutique you know and love. A new nest and a new member of the flock will only enrich your experience at our store. For now we are arranging the last twigs on our lovely nest. We look forward to chirping and twittering with you once again in our new home on July 16th, after we've taken a few days to close our doors and transition. We may reopen earlier, so keep your eyes peeled for a celebratory email, and of course you're free to call us to check in too! 510.845.1616

A bientot!