A La Folie

Sidewalk Sale Tomorrow, Saturday September 10th!

2011-09-09T17:43:00.001-07:00

Pick up the lingerie or loungewear you've been craving at a fraction of the retail price at our Sidewalk Sale tomorrow, Saturday September 10th!Enjoy 20% off basics, which include Prima Donna staples like Deauville and Madison, as well as nursing bras and pieces by Huit and Natori.Indulge in 30% off sleepwear by PJ Harlow and select pieces by Pluto.Fashion collections are a sumptuous 40% off,

Our Online Shop is Live!

2011-08-27T13:03:00.001-07:00

Yes it's true, amis! A La Folie has a new home on the web where you can purchase your favorite lingerie pieces... without ever having to leave la maison! Check out the site here! We're well on our way to populating the store with some of your favorite pieces as well as new arrivals, so keep our store on your bookmarks tab!

A La Folie's Summer Sale This Friday to Sunday!

2011-08-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Been coveting something special at our store? Now's the time to pounce! That's right, chers amis! This weekend (Friday August 12 - Sunday August 14), A La Folie is having a spectacular summer sale featuring deep discounts on your favorite brands*! Enjoy 20% off basics, which include Prima Donna staples like Deauville and Madison, as well as nursing bras and pieces by Huit and Natori. Indulge

More Swim! Janine Robin Has Arrived!

2011-07-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Don't let the Bay Area fog fool you - summer is still in full swing and a virtual waterfall of swimwear has arrived in store, including an amazing selection of timeless suits from designer extraordinaire Janine Robin! While we've carried Janine Robin's lingerie for quite awhile, she actually found her start in swimwear so it follows that she knows her stuff when it comes to bringing out your

Sweet Swimwear from Huit

2011-07-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

We're so excited to have Huit swimwear back in store, and just in time for the warmer weather! For years, Huit's been our go-to swimwear brand - it's fun, flirtatious and functional. Boasting bright pops of color and details with attitude, Huit's bathing suits are in high demand. And our two newest collections are no exception.The Dangerous collection is perfect for the Bond girl in all of

Fourth of July Hours

2011-06-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

A La Folie will be open on July 4th!Join us at the store from 11am - 3pm before heading to your Independence Day festivities!

Get Into the Swing of Summer!

2011-06-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's finally feeling like summer in the Bay Area! I don't know about you, but I've spent my weekends lounging out in the park, coating my shoulders in sunshine and downing champagne and oysters with friends. Even though I've been donning my favorite summer dresses for quite some time now (albeit with leggings because of this year's extended winter chill), it's now official: It's finally time to

A La Folie is Still Open!

2011-06-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

To those of you who are inquiring, yes, A La Folie remains open! A note from Shelley:Bonjour!First let me assure everyone that A La Folie is not closing its doors. There has simply been a changing of the guard at A La Folie! For those of you who have not met me, my name is Shelley and I have been a partner with Nafissa for several years. Now that Nafissa has needed to step down and take care

What's New from Marie Jo

2011-06-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

We like to think of Marie Jo as the very fashion-forward sister of Prima Donna. Rocking sleek cuts, bright lace, sweet trims and personality to boot, Marie Jo continually surprises us with pieces that are not only beautiful, but are crafted to last. And right now we have quite the bumper crop of Marie Jo lingerie! Come sneak a peek at what's in store...Marie Jo's Avero Demi and BikiniThe Avero

A Summer Crop of Prima Donna

2011-05-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

We don't have to tell you that we absolutely adore Prima Donna. If you follow our blog, our affection is obvious. Our bra crush has only been intensified, though, with a bumper crop of new arrivals, perfect for summer!Prima Donna Twist's Coup De Foudre collection.Molded (top) in Ginger, $127 | Soft Cup (bottom) in Opal, $129.If your taste is for tee shirt bras, look no further. Prima Donna

Seeing Stars, All Because of Pluto

2011-05-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, Pluto (the one in space) lost its planet status. With that, a Facebook group was started called When I was your age, Pluto was a planet. The group gave everyone, even the youngest among us, a chance to feel old and nostalgic for the days of elementary school astronomy. These days, Pluto may not be a planet, but it IS a pretty amazing Belgian loungewear brand.Pluto Sofia Robe -

Learning Lingerie: Leavers' Lace

2011-05-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

Before I plumb the depths of my bloggy brain for this post, I'll start with a simple question: Is good lace worth dying for?I spent this past weekend in Pennsylvania, attending the wedding of my amazing childhood friends. In the flurry of joy, libation and friendship, among the hand-rolled cigars, the 20-year whiskeys, the jubilant attendees and the crisp rush of taffeta, there was the bride. The

Learning Lingerie: Taking the Plunge

2011-04-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Now that we know all about Balconnets, Demi Cups and Full Cup bras, it's time to talk the ultimate in low cut: the plunge bra!Andres Sarda's Klein Non-Wire PlungeThe plunge bra does just what its name suggests by eliminating much of the center gore, making it perfect for use under low-cut clothing. What's really great about the plunge bra, though, is that it takes countless forms and works on a

Learning Lingerie: The Fabulous Full Cup

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Now that the demi has had it's day, let's talk full cup bras. It stands to reason that if a demi is exactly that, a half cup, that a full should be, well, fuller! That was easy!Full cup bras (whose cups encompass almost the entire, if not the entire, breast) are often associated with larger sizes, even though they're made in an impressive range, usually from B cup onwards. The correllation

Learning Lingerie: A Discourse on the Demi

2011-04-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

Going to a lingerie store and asking for a demi cup bra is much like walking into a grocery store and asking where the food is. That's not to say that a customer who requests a demi cup doesn't know what they're asking for -- it's just that a demi cup is a blanket term that does nothing more than describe the scope of coverage the bra offers.Nina Ricci's Lettre d'Amour demi (which is also a

Learning Lingerie: The Bra in Brief

2011-03-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

The first bra I ever had was, well... not very fun.If you keep up with our blog and know anything about Poupee Russe, you know I've got an uncontrollable obsession with all things pretty, lacy, colorful and embellished. That obsession didn't start at adulthood, so naturally when my mother took me to buy my first bra, it was an experience ripe with disappointment and shattered hopes. Plain cotton?

Learning Lingerie: The Bottom Line

2011-03-21T10:38:00.001-07:00

Call them what you like: panties, knickers, drawers, underpinnings... There's no doubt that a great pair of bottoms can make or break an outfit. We've come a long way from Victorian ladies, who sported open-crotch drawers under their massive skirts. While that sounds downright scandalous, the open drawers served a very useful purpose: the ability for the wearer to use the restroom without having

Learning Lingerie: Humble Beginnings

2011-03-13T16:05:00.001-07:00

When it comes to my personal lingerie stash, my basics are not basic and my simple everyday bottoms are anything but. Instead of plain white, I revel in pinks and reds. Instead of modesty, I covet peek-a-boo cuts. Cotton jersey is an endangered species in my lingerie drawer, and while that may not be the case for every woman, it's just fine with me.All that considered, it's hard to imagine a time

Big or Small, We've Got It All

2011-03-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Just as certain cuts of a similar dress will look vastly different on two separate body types, certain styles of underpinnings will cater differently to two varying shapes. We've fitted just about every body shape there is, so we know firsthand that a bra designed for an A cup will not do wonders for someone who has an E cup. The same logic applies in reverse as well.There is no such thing as an

A Pop of Papaya!

2011-03-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Did you hear that San Francisco actually got snow last week? Yes, amis, it's true! The city saw its first flurries since the 70's! With that news, we couldn't help but sink lower into our coziest pajamas. The weather has everyone feeling a little blue, but that doesn't mean tropical vacations can't be had right here on the home front.Selmark Noelia Molded Cup & Thong (Papaya), $97 & $42Here's

Nina Ricci is Blooming at A La Folie!

2011-02-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

Sure, spring doesn't officially start until March 20th, but at A La Folie, it has definitely sprung. We're surrounded by peachy pinks, soft blues and ivories - colors that both banish the winter chill and usher in the blossoming of a new season.Nina Ricci Lettre d'Amour Padded Balconnet (Rose), $214How fitting, then, that a new season should bring a designer who's been at long last introduced

A La Folie Hearts You!

2011-01-25T19:25:00.001-08:00

Let your love show at our Valentine's Day event onSaturday February 5th from 12pm - 6pm!Whether you're searching for the perfect underpinning for the cherished woman in your life or simply looking to adorn yourself, we've got just what you need.Our friend and trusted rep Vanessa Binot will help you choose from some of our most coveted lines like Valery, Lise Charmel and A La Folie newcomer Mimi

Our January Sale Starts TODAY!

2011-01-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

Didn't get what you wanted this holiday season? Lucky for you, our January Sale is everything you've been dreaming about... at a fraction of the original price!That's right! Enjoy 25% off all merchandise* from January 14th to the 31st. Are you an Aubade fan? A Marie Jo devotee? A Hanky Panky lover? Snap up the pieces you've been coveting and scope out our newest offerings, all at an

Happy Holidays from A La Folie

2010-12-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

The holidays are well underway with Christmas just a week away, and it's beginning to feel more and more like winter on 4th Street. In case you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping, we have some exciting new arrivals to inspire some truly thoughtful giving!Aubade's Delicieuse collection features playful embroidery that adds a splash of sass to haltered bandeaus and beautiful bloomers. If

Give or Receive? Why Choose When You Can Do Both?

2010-12-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again: stockings are stuffed, gifts given and decadence and thoughtfulness coveted. If you haven't already started, there's no time like the present to draw up your holiday wish list. And while you're at it, why not tick off some items from your loved ones' lists too?It doesn't matter if she's your lover, sister, mother, aunt or daughter -- every woman wants to

A Fitting Event Featuring Prima Donna, Marie Jo, & Andres Sarda!

2010-11-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Lavish yourself in luxury!Join us on Saturday, November 20th from 12pm - 6pm for a bra fitting event to remember, featuring ravishing Fall samples from Prima Donna, Marie Jo, and our newest luxurious brand Andres Sarda.Peruse our lovely offerings while sipping champagne and nibbling sweets. Indulge in a relaxing hand massage courtesy of Aveda (2pm - 4pm). Let us and trusted rep Anna Ortiz fit

Celebrate Fall With New Arrivals from Jamie Joseph, Danielle Welmond, Wilt & Hanky Panky!

2010-10-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hanky Panky's Signature Lace ThongYou asked, we answered -- Hanky Panky has finally arrived! We're fully stocked in the line's signature thongs and bandeau bralette, with more styles arriving soon. Hanky Panky's soft lace makes it the perfectly perky underpinning for weathering fall's greyer days.Wilt's Long Sleeve Tee, Woven Pants and Hi-Lo SlipWilt's loungewear line has also just arrived,

An A La Folie Fitting Event!

2010-09-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

A nursing bra is the most important one you'll ever wear, and that's why it's vital to be fitted correctly.Join us on Saturday September 4th, from 12pm - 6pm for a fitting event like no other, where the focus is on a very special group of women: expectant moms! We know not all our customers are in the market for nursing bras, but spread the word to your friends and family. They'll thank you!Our

An A La Folie Fitting Event! via #constantcontact

2010-08-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

An A La Folie Fitting Event! via #constantcontact

The Italian Lesson

2010-08-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

There are few things as tedious as going to class... that is, unless you attend at A La Folie!Take your seats, class! We're going to work on our Italian vocabulary and today the focus is seduction. Remember to roll those those r's... Cominciamo!Love = amoreBeautiful = bellissimaKisses = baciRomance = romanzescoLover = amanteDusk = crepuscoloSilk = setaThe pinnacle of Italian lingerie =

The Newest from PJ Salvage

2010-08-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

The last time we had PJ Salvage in store, the sets flew out the door faster than we could blink. Needless to say we were missing the oh-so-cute pajama line almost the second we'd come to adore it.Pine no more, chers amis, for PJ Salvage is back once again and sweeter than ever! Our newest shipment (the Butterfly collection) features impossibly soft modal jersey printed with an ivory butterfly

Chic Fashion Week Preview with Charleston Pierce

2010-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

We love Charleston Pierce, but you knew that already! Aside from being an amazing producer, fashionisto, and humanitarian, he's just an all around good guy... which is why we're delighted to be part of his Chic Fashion Week Preview this year.Chic Fashion Week will be the place to check out the latest trends by San Francisco's newest and hottest designers, and it's all for a good cause. This

What's New and Exciting at A La Folie

2010-07-15T17:21:00.001-07:00

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

We're Open!

2010-07-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

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

Christine Vancouver: Bringing Old Hollywood to the Boudoir

2010-07-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ingrid BergmanEveryone 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 $370Christine Vancouver Long Pink/Almond

All Hail Queen Zinke!

2010-07-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-07-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

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

A Summer Jewelry Story

2010-06-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

When I was four, my father returned from a business trip with a beautiful pair of tiny 24k gold heart stud earrings. It was at that moment that my parents decided it was time for me to bridge the gap between innocent tot and traumatized headcase: it was time to get my ears pierced.In My Girl 2 (yes, I watched and loved it), Vada Sultenfuss refers to ear piercing as "a barbaric custom" -- at four

Exciting News at A La Folie!

2010-06-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Nos belles, we have THE most exciting news! We wish we could call each of you up to spill it, but we won't let the cat out of the bag just yet...Rest assured, there are big plans underway for A La Folie, plans that involve new faces, impeccable style, and (of course) magnificent lingerie. Can you guess what's in store?

A Parade of Swimwear, No Matter What Your Shape!

2010-05-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mes belles, Mother nature is still taunting us! Just when we think the rain is about over and the sun has begun to peek out from behind the clouds, the dreariness returns to barrage us for a few days. For now, our feet must remain in galoshes while the sweet summer sandals collect dust in the closet. And we don't like it one bit!But we've come up with a solution. Let's all head to St. Tropez!

This Sunday: Celebrate the 15th Annual Jazz on 4th Festival with Massive Savings!

2010-05-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

There's no better time to dance, tap your toes and shop than this Sunday!For one day only, enjoy massive savings store-wide as we celebrate the annual Jazz on Fourth Festival and Fundraiser! Take in the music with free shows by BHS Jazz Combo & Ensemble, Jazz Mafia, Zakiya Hooker and Fito Reinoso while you check out what 4th Street has to offer!Enjoy 20% off store-wide at A La Folie*,

Pajama Mama!

2010-05-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if your mom's anything like mine, she loves comfortable pajamas, and is a sucker for feminine colors. Good thing for both our mothers that we stock PJ Harlow!PJ Harlow's Jolie Satin Pant, Charlie Racerback Tank and Josie Hooded Robe in BlushThe line marries sensible cuts with feminine styling to create pajama pieces that are at once fun, sexy and versatile.

Four Ways to Impress Mom this Mother's Day!

2010-05-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

We've told you before that good things come in threes, remember?It should follow, then, that even better things come in fours! Like a dollar's four quarters, the Beatles, The Fantastic Four and the Spice Girls (that's right, I went there!), and now four fleur't panties or bralettes for the price of three!This Mother's Day, give Mom something extra special! fleur't panties and bralettes make the

Celebrate Spring at the 4th Street Sidewalk Sale!

2010-04-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for a special Mother's Day gift? There's no better time to shop than this Saturday!For one day only, enjoy massive savings store-wide as we participate in the 4th Street Spring Sidewalk Sale! Check out what 4th Street has to offer as various vendors celebrate spring with amazing deals!Enjoy 30% off store-wide at A La Folie*, including our newest collection from Simone Perele and Huit

Lejaby Is Looking Hot at 80 Years Old!

2010-04-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

There's no denying that 80 is the new awesome -- Just ask Betty White! The saucy octogenarian has redefined what it means to age gracefully, proving that sass and style don't fade away as you get on in years. But TV stars aren't the only ones looking great at 80 -- Lejaby is looking lovelier than ever. The luxurious French lingerie company is celebrating eight decades of decadence with an

A Smooth Operator For Petites!

2010-03-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

So often, customers stop by A La Folie, meekly meander to the counter and quietly say "Your window says you sell hard-to-find sizes. Can you help me?" I'm always amazed that so many women perceive themselves to be a difficult size. It's true that bigger and smaller bras are harder to come by, but that doesn't mean they don't exist! We don't bat an eye at a 38 or 40 band size, a 32A or a 44G.

Say "Bonjour!" to Spring!

2010-03-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

All of us at A La Folie have just about had it with the rain.We don't want to jinx anything, but it looks like it may finally be gone! Yes, the flowers are blooming and it's now safe to wander 4th Street without an umbrella stashed in your purse. The galoshes can once again be stowed in the back of the closet (behind the sky-high straw platforms and itsy-bitsy summer sandals) and anti-frizz

A Prima Donna & Marie Jo Bra Fitting Event!

2010-03-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

Join us on Saturday, March 20th from 11am to 6pm for A La Folie's famous bra fitting event, featuring new collections from Prima Donna and Marie Jo, as well as jewelry from Flint by Irena Kudlicki! Round out your spring and summer wardrobe with luscious jewelry and impeccably-fitted must-have bras with the perfect combination of luxury, style and construction.Sip champagne and nibble on

What's New?

2010-03-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like catching up with old friends, and mes belles, we have so much to fill you in on! At A La Folie, there's something new in store for you, no matter what your style and size! The arrival of spring brings us lots of blue and lots of beauty. Here are a few of our favorite pieces!Lejaby La Garconne in Royal BlueLejaby La Garconne (Royal Blue) - The menswear-inspired holiday

We Can't Stop Babbling about Babel!

2010-03-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

We may associate the Tower of Babel with a confusion of languages, but one thing's for sure: Prima Donna's new Babel collection is beautiful in a way that every language can understand!The Babel Luxury Balconnet, Thong and Suspender Belt in Precious BlackThis highly-anticipated beauty is now A La Folie's most coveted bra, with a sumptuous high-relief lace, tiny bows and a strap corsage with

Charleston Pierce Has Done It Again!

2010-03-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Huit's Effrontee collection (left), PJ Harlow's Charlie tank and Mike boxer (center) and Huit's Malicieuse collection (right).We were honored to have A La Folie's lovely lingerie featured at Charleston Pierce's Baby Be Mine fashion show to benefit Haiti. Charleston Pierce really is a jack of many trades, master of all -- promoter, model and all-around good guy, Charleston puts events together

Charleston Pierce Presents....

2010-02-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

We're pleased to announce that A La Folie's lovely lingerie will be gracing the runway at Charleston Pierce Presents Baby Be Mine Black and Red Ball on February 11th at Temple SF!Be sure to check out details and buy tickets here! Baby Be Mine benefits victims of the Haitian Earthquake, and all donations made during the event will be matched.What's better than starting off your Valentine's Day

The Good Thing About Rain...

2010-01-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

...is the rainbow that follows!Escape the wet winter chill and step into A La Folie! Now's the best time to check out our newest lovely offerings from fleur't. Our latest shipment included a lovely array of their much-coveted Top Drawer boy shorts in every color of the rainbow, including some oh-so-sweet prints! At just $35 a pop, they're the perfect pick-me-up for the rainy days ahead.

New Year's Sale -- 20% Off at A La Folie!

2010-01-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the New Yearwith 20% off Storewide!January 7th - 22nd Start 2010 off on a good 'foundation' by stocking up on new lingerie!January is the perfect time to get re-fitted, so take advantage of our New Year's Sale from the 7th to the 22nd! Enjoy 20% off storewide* and the best part is yet to come...

A Last-Minute Little Something

2009-12-22T10:42:00.001-08:00

Just because there are only a few days left 'til Christmas, it doesn't mean your gift has to reach eager hands incomplete. No matter how big or extravagant your present, there's no denying that the best touches are the ones that come from the heart, often at the last minute!If you're still befuddled about just what to throw in her Christmas stocking at the 11th hour, never fear! We've got a few

Our Favorite Holiday Cookie

2009-12-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

We A La Folie girls LOVE sweets. If you've attended any of our lingerie events, you know we have a soft spot for all things sugary: macrons, Jordan Almonds, champagne cocktails splashed with rose syrup...And ever since our first shipment from Rosy arrived, we've found something equally sweet, equally drool-worthy with none of the calorie count. Meet Sublime: a lovely molded balconnet bra

Holiday Hours

2009-12-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

It may not be a white Christmas here in California, but it certainly feels like it should be! At just 40 degrees Fahrenheit, Fourth Street is teeming with bundled up patrons sporting scarves, gloves and hats. But never fear! A La Folie has the heater on full blast, so come on in and join us and all of Fourth Street for extended holiday hours!Throughout December, A La Folie will be open from

Oh-So-S'Huit to Celebrate With You!

2009-12-01T16:38:00.000-08:00