I must have passed by this place a thousand times and never stepped in.
Why? It looks seriously intimidating, lingerie for millionaires. But seriously, some pieces are very affordable--- like a Mary Green (kind of posing as La Pearla) silk slip for 65. A complete, sophisticated look for 65 dollars?! You can't even find that at Victoria's Secret!
Well, I ended up spending 195 on a garter belt, bra, and matching g-string from their Aubade Bahia collection--- an oh-so-sexy brand from France. Everything was expertly picked out by Kate, a smart looking woman with a short bob and du jour eyewear. She wasn't overzealous but was always there when I needed her and made me feel really comfortable about shopping in such an exclusive (you have to be buzzed in) store.
I did my research online and Aubade is pretty established with errr... established prices. What I got from this store was really, a bargain. You really can't beat the selection here, there is nothing tacky--- everything is tasteful and very creative! Yes, this is the most I've ever spent on lingerie but I imagined I spent less than if I bought a ticket to France, rode around in a Taxi until I found the best lingerie store, asked a snobby sales woman, and then bought the lingerie there.
The owner/quasi-dominatrix of the house is seriously knowledgeable, and quite a wonderful character. Not only did is she all about fitting you for lingerie, but she's also genuinely interested in what's filling up those pieces of filigree asking questions to which nationality I was and what sign I was born under and nodded knowingly.
Pros: Ambience, Serivice, SELECTION!
more