A Last-Minute Little Something

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 tips and suggestions to help you out.


1. Forever New. Before you scoff at a gift of detergent, know this: nothing says you want her beautiful lacy things to last forever better than our favorite soap. Forever New is specially crafted for intimates and delicates, and is organic and biodegradable. A bottle of Forever New along with a gift of lingerie says you put in the extra effort to make sure you'll both enjoy her underthings for many years to come. At only $10, a 16 ounce bottle won't break the bank either.

2. Viv & Ingrid birthstone studs. These earrings are simple, uncomplicated, and undeniably lovely. No matter how specific her taste in jewelry, you can't go wrong with a pair of birthstone studs. Since we recieved them just over two weeks ago, they have been our hottest seller. At $15 a pair, they're going fast!

3. Zinke's Goodnight Lovely Eyemask. An elegant delight! Zinke's Goodnight Lovely eyemask is fashioned in a delicate silk satin with light padding within the eye pillow. It's a classic gift for just about anyone: friends, spouses, relatives. It screams luxury, so they'll never know it was only $30. Even better, it comes in a lovely little box, so all you need is a ribbon to seal the deal!

4. Panties! You don't have to buy a whole set to make an impact, especially when it comes to a stocking stuffer. We have an excellent range of styles, colors and prices to peruse. From cozy and colorful fleur't tangas at just $25, to cream-of-the-crop Millesia boyshorts at $170, we have something to suit every style and budget!

5. Cervin Hosiery. We've been singing the praises of Cervin ever since their dreamy hosiery arrived at our store, and now we have more styles than ever to choose from! From the oh-so-scandalous Pigalle and Lido styles, to utilitarian leggings and Micromodal tights, our shelves are overflowing. Our most recent shipment included fully-fashioned Couture Bicolore stockings with blue, red and gold backseams. Trust us, nothing rounds out a gift of lingerie better than a pair of seamed stockings! Cervin hosiery ranges in price from $22 to $48.

6. Viv & Ingrid Jeweled Bobby Pins. Viv & Ingrid's bobby pins are another home run. They're as lovely as any piece of jewelry and at just $35 a pair, they are a seamless melding of form and function. Jeweled bobby pins are the perfect gift because they're sure to go with any holiday outfit and their sparkle is oh-so-New-Years-Eve!

7. Garment Guardian. Our customers have been asking for lingerie bags for ages, and we finally can oblige... just in time for Christmas! The Garment Guardian is meant to assist in the careful care of your delicates when machine washing. Simple, yet indispensable, the Forever New Garment Guardian is only $8, the perfect price for that last minute gift!

If you're still scratching your head, stop by and say hi. We'd be happy to help you organize your special someone's perfect gift!

Our Favorite Holiday Cookie

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 reminiscent of a sugar cookie, or a Barbie doll accessory. The cups are fashioned out of a divine shimmery nude satin, with high-relief pinked edges and a cheeky trompe-l'oeil scoop band. Add to the delightful French aesthetics a one-piece construction with no seams (really!), and you have a dreamy treat of a bra!

Rosy's Sublime Balconnet

Our Sublime offerings also include satin and net boyshorts and thongs inspired by vintage girdle styling.

Rosy's Sublime Boxer

So don't worry about holding off on that last holiday cookie. Sublime guarantees a sweet treat with none of the guilt!

Holiday Hours

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 11am til 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Regular store hours are in place Sundays through Wednesdays, but the store will be open late on the 21st through the 23rd for all you last minute shoppers!

As if you needed yet another reason to visit Fourth Street during the holidays (besides the stunning evening light displays, Santa's cottage and that special winter je-ne-sais-quoi), Chocolatier Blue is giving away free cups of cider and hot chocolate to shoppers throughout December!

For more information about goings-on down on Fourth Street, check out the street's official website!

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

Sugar cookies, egg nog, cider and champagne cocktails aren't the only sweet treats popping up this holiday season! Join us in celebrating three sweet years of A La Folie on 4th Street, filled with lingerie, laughs and libation, not to mention mouth-watering underthings from quintessential French brand, Huit!

Let our Huit-swathed models give you holiday gift ideas, or sneak a peek at what's to come for Spring!

The party is from 11 am - 6 pm on Saturday, December 5th. Fashion shows are at 1 pm & 3 pm.

Satisfy your sweet tooth! For every $100 you spend, A La Folie will enter you for a chance to win a delicious Huit lingerie set!

Enjoy treats and music courtesy of DJ Cecil, and help us celebrate an anniversary that is truly S'Huit for us!

A La Folie is located at 1816 Fourth Street between Hearst Avenue and Delaware Street (click here for Google map) in Berkeley. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-Lejaby!

Think it's a little early for a holiday-related post? Think again!


One of my favorite blogs, The Consumerist, routinely covers a phenomenon called "Christmas Creep", in which retailers (mostly big box) break out the tinsel, Christmas tunes and animatronic Santa Clauses months and months before the big day. Instead of sweltering in the summer sun, you can swing over to your favorite air conditioned mega mart for mega deals on ornaments, candy canes and Christmas lights... in August! So trust me, I'm not taking it that far when I post about the perfect holiday gift in mid-November... and this one can't wait.

We just received our first shipment from one of our favorite va-va-voom lines, Lejaby, and it's definitely something worth caroling about. As a line, Lejaby expertly bridges fun and function. Their bras are absolute masterpieces, with the little details that lingerie aficionados drool over. The collection is called La Garconne (the French word "garcon" means "boy") and uses elements of men's fashion, like pinstripes and clean lines, to give a refined flair to a truly beautiful lingerie that exhibits just a hint of cheekiness.

The La Garconne balconnet bra makes the ideal gift for the holidays, even if it's just for yourself! The sleek molded cups are covered with a deliciously smooth satin stripe tulle and Chantilly-style lace. Even sweeter, the whole package is finished off with a delicate bow embellished with crystals.

Lejaby's La Garconne balconnet

Mes belles, pair the La Garconne balconnet with either the boxer or Brazilian brief and there's no doubt that you'll be the perfect holiday treat!

The Garconne Boxer is sweet and sassy.

Be cheeky with the La Garconne Brazilian Brief!

In addition to the La Garconne balconnets and bottoms, from the same collection we also received a lovely cami with built-in bra-like support. It's a dream, just modest enough to wear under a blazer with jeans, and just sassy enough to move the holiday party back to your place!

So deck your halls with with La Garconne this holiday season, or gift it to someone you love. It's a present that will turn heads, and that NEVER goes out of style!

(Plus, the icing on your Christmas cookie: For every Lejaby purchase you make, you'll get a free Lejaby lingerie bag! Make sure to ask for it at the register!)

One, Two, FREE! Featuring fleur't Loungewear and Benefit Cosmetics!

Triple creme cheese, The Three Musketeers, three wishes...
There's no denying that good things come in threes!
And at A La Folie, voila three more things to be excited about...

1. Beauty consultations with Benefit Cosmetics expert, Amanda!
2. Treats, sweets, tunes, good times!
3. The ultimate deal: Buy two of our delightful fleur't boy shorts and get the third pair free, plus enjoy discounts on our lovely lingerie storewide!

Join us on Saturday, November 7th from 11am - 6pm
for a day of beauty, fun and unbelievable bargains.

Call us to make an appointment with Amanda.
Beauty consultation fee is $30, applicable to your cosmetics purchase.
Receive a gift with a three item purchase of Benefit Cosmetics products.

See you there!

Jenna Leigh is the Lovely New Girl on the Block

As a girl with a lot up top, I can say that there are lots of reasons to embrace a bigger chest. Today, I will do nothing of the sort, because this post concerns girls A - D: my new archenemies. You want an explanation for my hostility, you say? You ladies have all the luck, as evidenced by our newest arrival: sumptuous offerings from Jenna Leigh.

While I love everything at A La Folie, there have been a few shining stars that have caught my eye. These bras are works of art, truly lovely specimens that turn people like me green with envy.

Jenna Leigh's Elle Balconnet and Hipster

Take, for example, the Elle balconnet. Truly well-constructed longline bras really only come by once in a blue moon and this specimen fits the bill. It's built in sturdy satin and powermesh with a lovely chiffon trim. The band is fully boned and the bra operates as either a regular balconnet, criss-cross or strapless. The Elle collection also features a hipster brief that is to die for!

Jenna Leigh's Notting Hill Camisole and Thong

In the mood for something a little less structured? Jenna Leigh's Notting Hill line is the perfect combination of sassiness and comfort. Each piece in the line (including a bralette, camisole, thong and boyshort) is made from an impossibly soft modal/milk cotton rib knit, with a lovely flourish of ashy purple lace. The Notting Hill collection makes a perfect gift for that special someone, or just a special treat for yourself.

Jenna Leigh's pieces are a must-see, and when matched with a sexy pair of Cervin stockings... the sensual possibilities are endless!