Get Into the Swing of Summer!

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 break out our prettiest pieces, and lingerie is no exception! Lucky for us, new uber-feminine summer collections from Lejaby and Aubade have arrived in store and they're suitably summery. Take a peek!

Aubade's Fleurs de Pommiers collection in Scarlet

When I hear the name "Aubade", I immediately think of balconnet bras. Aubade has spent decades perfected the sexy picture frame cut which has been even further beautified by the brand's Fleurs de Pommier collection. Fleurs de Pommier features a lovely embroidered net whose floral motifs are truly eye popping. The Balconnet begs to have its butterfly detail straps peek out from under a sexy black tank - it's the perfect piece for warm summer nights. The Fleurs de Pommier Balconnet and Tanga (pictured) are $99 and $69 respectively. We also have the matching Boyshort in stock as well ($99).

Lejaby's Serenity collection in Blue

Lejaby's Serenity collection is a totally different take on summer - it's pretty, crisp, and well, serene! Serenity is not only gorgeous, but eco-friendly! The collection is made of 93% organically grown cotton, so it's fashion you can feel good about. The molded demi is a sexy yet versatile cut whose floral embroidery whispers of flower-filled fields and jaunts down the boardwalk. The Demi and Tanga (pictured) are $95 and $45 respectively. We also have the Briefs in stock ($49).

No matter what your style we have something in store to suit your summer taste. Come on by for a fitting - we'll have you sunning yourself in style in no time!

Learning Lingerie: A Discourse on the Demi

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 balconnet)

The word "demi" is French for "half". So a demi cup bra is literally a half cup bra, and the term doesn't necessarily describe cut. Many refer to a balconnet bra as a demi cup and in fact many balconnet bras are demi cups, but there exist fuller-cut versions as well as smaller-cut versions.

A demi is best suited to petite to average figures (about A - D cup), and sometimes have padding or molding, depending on the chosen style. Our bustier customers are always looking for the white whale: the ultimate demi cup suited just for them. In general companies who cater towards larger busted women will not make demis for the simple reason that they do not do enough work to support a prominent bust. Chestier girls who wear demis often find that they wear out faster because they have more work to do.

Nina Ricci is Blooming at A La Folie!

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), $214

How fitting, then, that a new season should bring a designer who's been at long last introduced back into the A La Folie fold, Nina Ricci! The brand has long been synonymous with elegant femininity, measured flirtation and a timelessness that's hard to duplicate. The Lettre d'Amour collection is the brand's love letter to lingerie, and it's easy to see why!

Nina Ricci Lettre d'Amour Demi & Thong (Blue), $212 & $130

Carefully crafted in a delicate crepe-like fabric and printed with the sweetest of floral patterns, Lettre d'Amour is a collection that simply screams spring! A sweet net scallop trim adds a knowing sassiness, and the silhouette is simple and clean. The collection features a padded balconnet and soft cup demi, as well as a thong, boxer and uber-sweet camisole that not only works for the bedroom, but paired with jeans for a night on the town as well.

Nina Ricci Lettre d'Amour Cami, $306

Come profess your love to lingerie (and to spring) by giving the Lettre d'Amour collection a whirl. We know you'll be glad you did!