To lingerie in L.A. | Metromix Los Angeles

To lingerie in L.A.

Lady-of-the-evening-wear: from mild to wild, classy to sassy

By Julia Ford-Carther, Special to Metromix

January 21, 2008

To lingerie in L.A.
(Credit: Agent Provacateur)

Think about it. The concept of lingerie is inherently flawed: clothing that embraces a body for—one can only hope—less time than a boyfriend/lover/bed buddy does. But without the journey, the destination is...well...it's like going to Paris Las Vegas to see the Eiffel Tower. It may be faster and more economical, but you won't leave nearly as satisfied.

This Valentine’s Day, get creative. It doesn't matter if you're single or shacked up—every woman wants to feel her sexiest, naughtiest, sweetest or trashiest when in the bedroom. And whether you're buying a gift for that special someone or you’re just treating yourself to some much deserved time alone, you gotta know where to shop (not Paris Las Vegas). Here are some of the hippest places in L.A. that span the spectrum of lingerie—from mild to wild, classy to sassy.

Victoria's Secret - Beverly Center

Victoria's Secret - Beverly Center

8500 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 735, Los Angeles
310-657-2958

You just can’t go wrong with this world-famous collection of bras and panties, lingerie, and loungewear. Choose from an array of collections, including Body by Victoria, Very Sexy, Victoria’s Secret Pink, and VS Cotton signature sets, among others. Bright, fun colors and solid tailoring makes practicality sexy, giving every woman a boost. Find your favorite fit that hugs your body and brings out your best assets. Once you’ve found your Holy Grail bra and panty, stock up in multiple colors, prints and fabrics.

Frederick’s of Hollywood - Hollywood

6751 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
323-957-5953

Named after the guy who invented the push-up bra, Frederick’s may be best described as Victoria’s dirtier cousin. The store is best known for the Hollywood Exxtreme Cleavage bra, which ratchets up the sex factor with overflowing cleavage. Their Smooth Sensation satin bra is a firm and comfortable fit designed for ultra-low necklines. Choose a flashy color like Frederick’s Red and complete the set with matching garter and panty or thong. The Seduction line offers affordable see-through stretch lace teddies, ruched chemises, and fishnet and cutout bustiers that leave nothing to the imagination. Avoid wardrobe malfunctions with the store’s wide selection of inserts, flower-petal pasties, removable straps and specially shaped bras that can hide under any creative outfit.

Bittersweet Butterfly

1406 Micheltorena Ave., Los Angeles

Silverlake’s sexy secret houses some of the world’s most exclusive lingerie designers. Collections hail from Argentina, Paris, London, Rome, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and include stunning lingerie from Aubade, Chantal Thomass and Amy Jo Gladstone. There’s alluring hosiery by Falke and sexy men’s skivvies from Guillo for Men. Bernie Dexter for Lucy B is the ultimate in pin-up style; Carol Malony’s pieces are classic and sexy; and you’ll love the way Lavit fits. Breathtaking vintage Japanese kimonos add a touch of elegance to bedroom attire. Be sure to peruse the jewelry, candles, chocolates and perfumes on the shelves as well.

Trashy Lingerie

Trashy Lingerie

402 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles
310-652-4543

A nominal annual membership fee of $5 will grant you access to some of the trashiest, hottest and most creative lingerie, costumes and accessories around. This appropriately named L.A. institution has cultivated a following of both celebrity and layperson alike (Madonna gets all her performance corsets custom-made here). With endless racks to choose from, you’ll find something to bring out your trashy side. Beware: If you’re not a celebrity, you can expect less than A-list attention from the staff. But let’s be honest, you’re not really going for the customer service, are you?

Faire Frou Frou

13017a Ventura Blvd., Studio City
818-783-4970

The self-described Californian luxury lingerie boutique is the only place in the area where you can find the haute couture collections of Carine Gilson and hard-to-find French designer Vannina Vesperini. From delicate bridal corsetry to wild and brilliant bustiers by Deborah Lindquist, the range of intimate apparel will satisfy even the seasoned lingerie shopper. Update your classic style, or find a new look that will unleash the tantalizing temptress within.

La Perla

433 North Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills
310-860-0561

Very few lingerie lines fit as well as this timeless designer's. You will exude pure elegance in classics from La Perla, La Perla Studio, La Perla Black Label and La Perla Glamour brands. The sex appeal is in the body-hugging design and feel of these well-crafted bras, panties and lingerie. Subtleties in tailoring and the exquisite details of each piece make you feel like a million bucks. But be prepared to pay the price for perfection.

Kiki De Montparnasse

Kiki De Montparnasse

8280 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
323-951-9545

This brand has perfected the art of temptation, with elegant pieces in sexy fabrics that expose just the right amount of skin. For the sophisticated seductress, check out the T-front bodysuit, the ruched magenta satin-frame bra with sequined pasties, or the tiered chiffon-and-lace-trimmed baby-doll top with matching bloomers. Browse their selection of “Instruments of Pleasure” (they can even make sex toys sound sophisticated!) for fun playthings that’ll put you in the mood. While shopping, be inspired by the romantic velvet dressing rooms and the soft glow of the indoor/outdoor fireplace.

Agent Provocateur

7961 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
323-653-0229

This British-born line knows boudoir glamour. The L.A. Story collection boasts the Nikita line in classic, sexy, luxurious green satin that makes me nostalgic for the '30s. The Talma set is made from a silk taffeta jacquard and is inspired by vintage pin-ups in deep navy with fuchsia spots and ribbon trim. The Marilyn features a cheeky cupless bra with plush oversized bows in bright turquoise silk satin. The store is as chic as it is sexy, with lacquered wood floors and gold-and-pink wallpaper. A hot-pink circular couch in the middle of the floor raises the question, “Shall we shag now or shall we shag later?” From classic to racy, everything here is sensual and will surely bring out your inner confidence.

Panty Raid

2378 1/2 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles
323-668-1888

The understated store in Silverlake offers a less intimidating shopping experience but showcases items that are no less intimate. Explore a mix of precious and flirty items from brands such as Cosabella, Free People and Huit. Adorable print PJs and even cuter plaid chemises would be perfect for that romantic Valentine’s winter-weekend getaway. Other brands include Hanky Panky, Eberjey, Felina, Mary Green, Hard Tail, C&C California and OnGossamer.

Only Hearts

1407 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
310-393-3088

The designer behind this French-country-inspired boutique hopes to inspire you to flaunt your underwear as outerwear. The original boutique in New York began as an homage to all things heart-shaped, from jewelry to intimates. Today, Helena Stuart’s designs are intimate apparel for the modern woman. Pieces are comfortable enough to be worn to bed and fashionable enough to be worn on the street. You can start by layering Only Hearts’ satin camisoles over their silk chemises.

Under G’s Lingerie

417-419 N. Bedford Dr., Beverly Hills
310-273-9333

This is the perfect one-stop shop to find both sexy and practical undergarments. Along with lacy lingerie and fashionable frocks, find basic items such as body-shapers, body suits, camisoles and hosiery. The boutique sells collections from the very affordable to the haute, including Eberjey, Elle MacPherson, Ritratti, Wolford, Le Mystere and Lise Charmel. Delve into the store’s extensive collection of Cosabella and you might find the perfect pair of panties. The wonderful staff will make you feel as comfortable shopping for lingerie as you’ll be wearing it.

Vionnet

158 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles
310-289-9202

Tucked away at the north end of famed Robertson Blvd., this intimate boutique has cultivated a celebrity cult following. The shop owners scour the fashion world for exclusive and inspirational pieces from a dizzying array of designers. The hand-sewn, feminine and undeniably sexy lingerie collection consists of Belabumbum, Eberjey, Araks and La Perla. Slip dresses pair nicely with layered necklaces and a cashmere cardigan, and cotton and lace tanks and tees can be worn to bed or to the bar. Slip into the vanity-style dressing rooms and the sales associates will help you put together a sultry outfit that will take you from date to dawn.

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