Learning Lingerie: The Bottom Line

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 to take off the layers of hoopskirts and petticoats dictated by fashion norms. No longer do long underwear or stiff starched drawers play a part in the average person's wardrobe. Today we bask in the glory of microfiber, stretch lace, elastic and other wonders of the modern world. You can get your bottoms seamless, tagless and embellishment-less if you so choose.


But how do you choose? There are a myriad cuts to select from when it comes to picking up your most intimate of apparel. Consider this post a little knickers decoder to help you navigate the styles in our store!

• Thong - The thong was one of the first pieces of clothing worn by humans - believed to be mostly men. A thong bottom has a minimally covered back. The waistband and back structure usually consist of at least a 1" strap of fabric, giving more coverage than a g-string, but generally less than a tanga. Because of their backless structure, thongs, tangas and g-strings are ideal for wearing under slinkier cuts of clothing where a panty line might be seen. Lines like Hanky Panky have made the lace thong and tanga a wardrobe staple for many women.
• Tanga - Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with thong. Tanga usually implies a larger portion of fabric at the seat. Tangas are the midpoint in coverage between a thong and a cheekier cut boyshort. This is a great style for someone who wants the look of a thong but with a little more coverage. Because many tangas don't have elastic at the seat's bottom hem, they do a great job of eliminating panty lines.
• G-String - Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with thong. While the origins of the term g-string are not known, it's speculated that "g" may stand for groin, which was a taboo word at the g-string's inception. A g-string is exactly what it sounds like, a thong with the most minimal posterior coverage possible. The back portion can consist of as little as, well, strings, or have a small triangle of fabric at the center back.
• Bikini - Some of our French brands refer to this style as a slip and many people simply refer to it as a panty. From higher-waisted to daringly low cuts, this category of bottoms is probably the most expansive in terms of style. Modern bikini bottoms typically sit at about hip level and are fashioned entirely in lace or fabric. Often, the leg holes and waistband are elasticized. Bikinis are a comfortable staple with a lot of room for embellishment, and a decent amount of coverage for those of us who feel a bit more modest. While bikinis are great for wear in a day-to-day situation, they're known for creating the dreaded panty line, so they're not ideal for wear under slimmer fitting garments.
• Brief - In general, briefs offer more coverage than bikinis, but it's not uncommon to see the two terms used interchangeably. Briefs usually are cut higher on the waist and therefore have a retro feel to them. For that reason, many brands have brought briefs back after years of focusing on uber-low cuts. Hence, we've seen some very beautiful manifestations of this style in the past few years. Control brief styles are great for those who want a little bit of shaping.
• Boxer - While boxers are most associated with men's undergarments, we have to say that we love the comfort and cozy cut of a good pair of boxer shorts! This particular style is much roomier than a bikini, and offers about as much coverage as a brief. A true boxer short is more of a loungewear piece, but we've seen a few truly beautiful lingerie boxers now and then. Because this style is intended to be worn in a more casual setting, it's not advisable to wear a pair under clothing. The roomy fit will most definitely lead to excess bunching when paired with a slim pair of jeans!
• Boyshort - This term is sometimes used interchangeably with boxer, and it's no wonder, as the boyshort is simply a variation of the boxer style. Also referred to as tap pants, boyshorts are usually low-rise and can offer different amounts of coverage in the back. This style generally offers more posterior coverage than a bikini, but that's not always the case, as some boyshorts show more cheek than others! This style is another that helps to negate the panty line issue found with bikinis.

For each lingerie collection we receive, we get up to three different styles of bottoms. What's great about every cut listed above is that each has its own more casual incarnations, as well as fancier ones. No matter what your shape, your budget, your mood or your lingerie style, you're sure to find something you like, and as always, we're happy to help!

Big or Small, We've Got It All

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 unusual size in our neck of the woods, so just because you're a chesty or need an additional boost, it doesn't mean you're relegated to tee shirt bras or have to settle for something that pinches, puckers or bunches. Come take a look at what's in store - some of our favorite brands have ushered in some lovely spring collections. We're sure you won't be disappointed!

Prima Donna Twist White Night Balconnet (Mistral Blue), $117

Twist is Prima Donna's diffusion line. It has all the support and construction of a traditional Prima Donna bra at a lower cost. Twist's colors and cuts are youthful, flirtatious and fun, as evidenced by their newest addition to our store, the White Night collection. The beautiful balconnet cut is perky and uplifting and the microfiber cups are smooth and soft. The beautiful embroidery adds a touch of decadence to a bra that is sure to be your uber-supportive everyday go-to.

Prima Donna Twist White Night Thong (Mistral Blue), $44

The White Night collection also features a coordinating thong and boxer. Both feature the bra's lovely embroidery and make a gorgeous eye-catching set.

Little Bra Company Mercedes Padded Bra & Thong (Blush), $87 & $29

For those among you who want a little extra boost, there's The Little Bra Company. Their motto "Good things DO come in small packages!" is spot on. Every bra they make has been a massive hit with our more petite clientele, and it's no wonder. A LBC bra is specifically designed for girls who need a little oomph and no other aspect (not construction, style or durability) is sacrificed. Their newest collection, the Mercedes, is a perfect springtime addition to our store.

Little Bra Company Mercedes Thong (Blush), $29

The Mercedes bra features padded seamed cups and a stretch lace that's silky soft. The coordinating thong has a sweet corset detail on the back - a reminder that the little things really do matter!

Long story short, chers amis, big or small, we've got it all! Come visit us and bring some brights to your underwear wardrobe!

A Pop of Papaya!

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 & $42

Here's what I'm proposing: crank up the thermostat, break out the blender and pina colada mix, and pop your favorite 60's beach movie in your DVD player. Why not pick up Selmark's new Noelia collection while you're at it? It's the perfect distraction from the grey days, and the ideal vacation we've all been yearning for!

Selmark Noelia Brief (Papaya), $57

The Noelia collection is basic by design, fancy by embellishment! It features Selmark's coveted molded cup bra, whose embroidery is low relief so you can wear it easily under thinner tops. The collection also boasts a sweetly embroidered brief and thong. The rich papaya color looks great on everyone, so don't be shy about letting a bra strap peek out from underneath a black tank.

Come check out this anticipated new arrival before it's all gone! And if you do decide to wear it around your toasty house, tropical drink in hand, you might want to throw on some cozy wool socks for good measure. Don't worry. We won't tell anyone!

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!

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

Hanky Panky's Signature Lace Thong

You 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 Slip

Wilt's loungewear line has also just arrived, featuring sumptuous fashion-forward basics in airy-light cotton. From knit pants and A-line tees to woven button-downs, shorts and slips, Wilt has it all. Don't be decieved by the line's loungey sensibility! Wilt isn't just for the boudoir -- the line's layering pieces are perfect for wearing out and about.

Jamie Joseph's Cocktail Rings

It's been awhile, but Jamie Joseph's to-die-for jewelry is finally back in stock, just in time for the holidays! We're proud to say that this is our most impressive range of jewelry ever. From signature cocktail rings in White Drusy, Amethyst, Lemon Quartz and countless other stones to candy-colored earrings and sterling pendant necklaces, Jamie Joseph's pieces epitomize luxury. They are effortless, timeless and undeniably decadent.

Danielle Welmond's Jewelry

We're also introducing jewelry from Danielle Welmond, whose necklaces, bracelets and earrings are the perfect pair with our lovely lingerie. Danielle Welmond's pieces are lace-inspired in the best sense, displaying meticulous tatting and beading details with focal stones in Quartz, Peruvian Calcite, Chalcedony, Ruby and many others.

Also be sure to sneak a peek at exciting new pieces from Andres Sarda, Valery, PJ Salvage, Huit and Rosapois! We're positively teeming with gorgeous new loungewear, lingerie and intimates.

So stock up, chers amis! Cozy basics from Hanky Panky and Wilt, along with timeless jewelry from Jamie Joseph and Danielle Welmond make holiday gifts that any fashionista can appreciate!

The Italian Lesson

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 = amore
Beautiful = bellissima
Kisses = baci
Romance = romanzesco
Lover = amante
Dusk = crepuscolo
Silk = seta
The pinnacle of Italian lingerie = Ritratti

Si, friends, we are delighted to offer Ritratti once again! Ever since we sold out of our last collection, we've had customers begging us to bring it back. Ask and ye shall receive!

Ruby Ritratti Demi $288, Ruby Ritratti Thong $95

This new shipment includes a lovely sheer demi cup bra, fashioned out of ruby red netting, with rich warm brown three-dimensional embroidery. The demi also features satin straps and underwire sheaths, as well as a beautiful red bow to finish off the package -- sealed with a kiss, if you will!


Add to the lovely bra its coordinating thong, and you're in for a real treat. The thong features the same embroidery as the bra, and maintains the uber-soft satin details.

Ritratti is truly the cream of the crop when it comes to Italian lingerie. No details are overlooked -- it's the kind of set that will have you singing its praises per sempre!