Blast From The Past: “First underpants, then the world!!!”


“You know, I used to look at all the flaws in the world and I’d  think ‘if I could make one thing perfect…’ then I did: UNDERPANTS.” – Inspector 34

On Father’s day, I’ve been thinking about some of my favorite dads on TV shows and in movies over the years. I was a little Nickelodeon junkie back in the early nineties; and to this day Pete & Pete remains one of my all-time favorite shows. Their dad is without a doubt, one of my favorite TV dads. He’s an eccentic goofball, but at the end of every show you want him to give you a big hug.

dad

For those of you who are not familiar with the show… Here’s the basic premise: it’s about two red-headed, quirky brothers, both named Pete, who live in “Wellsville” – a lovely suburb in anywhere, USA.

At first it seems like Pete and Pete  have an ordinary suburban life, but throw in:

1) “mom’s metal plate,” a plate in their mother’s skull that can pick up radio stations and police signals 2) Petunia,a tattoo of a mermaid that little Pete has on his arm (note: it is never explained how a boy under the age of ten got such a tattoo, but that’s part of the beauty of the show) 3) Artie, a local superhero who wears clothes so tight he would never be allowed on a children’s network today and 4) occasional appearances by fellow Wellsville resident Iggy Pop

… and it’s not so ordinary anymore!!!

I put on an episode today called “Inspector 34″ – does anyone remember this fantastic storyline? Well, believe it or not it is all about, as the kids say, UNDERPANTS. And the importance of having perfectly crafted underpants. Little Pete notices that all the underpants he and his family have had his whole life come with a little tag that says:

inspector

Pete loves his perfect underpants: “Without binding, without chafing, in complete snugness, he finally understood… Inspector 34 was [his] guardian angel.” So he sets out to find Inspector 34, and, well, you have to watch to see what happens next to little Pete, his dad, and the rest of the family!

Watch Here!!!

This got me thinking… who inspects all the perfect “underpants” we have at Forty Winks? I’d like to meet whoever inspected these latest favorite pairs of mine!

Marlies Dekkers Undressed Cotton Brief

marlies-dekkers-cotton-brief-u11050-black-1

Josie Natori Cutie Girl Brief

josie-natori-cutie-girl-brief-853145-light-caribe-2

The Little Bra Company Charlotte Boyshort

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My underpants guardian angel may be out there somewhere! And yours too!!! Try some new pairs to find out ;)

Happy Father’s Day!!!

xoxo, Ari

 

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Summertime sexy: Maison Close

This just in…The Villa Des Lys collection from Maison Close.

These pieces are cut to flatter; soft, stretchy lace hugs curves in just the right way while subtle nips and tucks help to accentuate your assets.  These are gorgeous, sophisticated underpinnings for hot, hot summer nights.  Enjoy!

maison close collage Look for these pieces in store.  Coming soon to shopfortywinks.com

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Attention Lingerie Lovers: Come work with us!

lingerie jobs, forty winks is hiring, jobs in lingerie, bra fitting trainingWe’re looking for a dedicated, outgoing, and sensitive lady to join our team.  Experience in lingerie is great but it’s not necessary; we’ll fully train the right candidate.

We are looking for:

  • A candidate with maturity, patience, and a good, calm energy.
  • A candidate comfortable working intimately with customers during bra fittings.
  • A candidate that can provide outstanding customer service by identifying each customer’s needs while being sensitive and friendly.
  • Flexibility with hours.  Must be able to work Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Demonstrated ability to connect with customers and to build customer loyalty.
  • The ability to quickly learn what brands and sizes we carry.
  • A candidate who wants to grow with our company.
  • Must be able to work 15 to 20 hours per week.

If you think you are a good fit, please email your resume, your availability, and a little about yourself to info@shopfortywinks.com

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Keep it simple: Our favorite nude bras

Sure we’re big proponents of a robust lingerie collection, but during the fast paced summer months, sometimes it’s easier to keep it simple by finding a wear-with-anything            nude t-shirt bra.  Look for a snug band that won’t ride up (how annoying is that?!) and cups that lay smooth underneath tight tees.  Most of the bras shown below are convertible to racerback and/or halter styles giving you wearability options and more bang for your buck.

Questions about fit? Stop by for a bra fitting and we’ll help you get it just right.

Nude-tee-shirt-bras Top L to R:

 

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Three ways to rock that Marlies Dekkers bra

chambrey-marlies-dekkers-dame-de-paris-balcony-bra

 

Update your chambray with the peek-a-boo strap detailing of the Dame de Paris Balcony bra.  Black is the basic color, but we’ve still got a few of this special edition  pastel and lace lovely available here.

grey-marlies-dekkers-triangle-push-up-bra

 

Wear the Undressed Triangle bra with your deepest v-necks.  Never will a plain old t-shirt looked so…cool.  Get your own here.

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The Undressed Leading Strings bra (slated to arrive in October; talk about a lesson in patience!) is the perfect Marlies Dekkers bra to wear when you’re feeling your most daring.  Maybe just with a skirt?!

How do you wear Marlies Dekkers?  Don’t have one of these amazing meant-to-be-seen bras yet?  Get em’ here!

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‘Tis the season: What to buy the bride

Over the past few weeks, many of our customers have visited the store in search of the perfect bridal shower gift… To make shopping easier, we, the Forty Winks shopgirls, usually ask the following questions:

  1. What is the bride-to-be’s style? Is she girly? Sleek and sexy? No-frills?
  2. How would you describe her figure? Curvy? Long and lanky? Petite all around? Big on top or bottom but nowhere else?
  3. What’s the shower going to be like? (i.e. will the bride be opening this gift in front of some close friends? or with her mother and great aunt?)
  4. How much do you want to spend?

The answers help us guide to customers what we hope will be the perfect gift. For those of you shopping online, or planning a trip to the store soon, here’s a guide to the best of Forty Winks’s shower gift options:

$25 and under:

Yes, it’s possible to get a cute shower gift for under $25!   Samantha Chang’s My Daily Thong  ($22) is a sexy, yet understated piece that can serve as an option for the bride to wear under her wedding gown in white… or after the wedding in black.

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Who it’s good for: any woman who likes thongs! Especially beautiful on petite women since it is so delicate. 

Want to pick up a little treat for a friend with a naughty streak? Forty Winks also carries Hanky Panky’s After Midnight line, which includes a super hot Open Crotch Low Rise Thong ($18) and an Open Crotch Cheeky Hipster ($28, shown below) which also has a partially open back… Peek-a-boo

Picture-017Who it’s good for: A very close friend who will put it to good use (or at least have a good laugh about it at the shower…) The thong will fit women sizes 2-6 and the boyshort can be purchased in sizes small (sizes 2-4), medium (sizes 6-8), or large (10-12). 

$50 and under

There is definitely wisdom to the advice “keep it simple” when it comes to shower gifts, especially when shopping for someone you don’t know very well. Lingerie choices are very intimate and it’s hard to predict what someone will like. But it would be nearly impossible not to like the Calvin Klein Essentials With Satin Trim Chemise ($42, shown below). It’s soft to the touch and incredibly comfortable. Its adjustable straps which can be worn as racerback or straight give the wearer the option of making it tight and sexy… or wearing it more loosely for sleeping on a hot night.

blogckchemiseWho it’s good for: just about anyone! Since it is not gathered, however, it can be slightly “unforgiving” in the tummy area. It looks great on women with evenly distributed weight. Is a great choice for a more conservative shower. 

Hanky Panky Bridal offers a cute gift option within this price range as well. The low rise bedazzled “Bride low rise thong” in light blue (something blue: check!) and/or “Mrs. low rise thong” ($28, black) are great gifts that the bride can comfortably  wear under her wedding dress or playfully after the wedding.

Hanky-Panky-Signature-Lace-Low-Rise-Thong-MRS-Black-4810T2-flatWho it’s good for: Women sizes 2-6 who like thongs and appreciate a li’l bit of bling. Sexy, but not too “out there” for a more conservative bridal shower. 

$75 and under

Though styles change by season, you can always count on us to have some Eberjey chemises at Forty Winks.  Made from the softest material we’ve laid our fingers on and with one design cuter than the next, we’re simply hooked. This month’s best picks for a bride are the Lady Godiva Chemise ($68, shown below), the Colette Chemise ($76), and the Esther Chemise ($82).

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Who it’s good for: Women with an A-D cup who will fit comfortably in a small (sizes 2-4), medium (sizes 6-8), or large (10-12). More appropriate for women whose style tends toward “girly.” Definitely a safe option for opening at any shower. 

$100 and under

The Cosabella Sweetie Bra ($52, shown below) is simply magical. The signature Cosabella lace is tight all around, so this bra hugs the bust and gives the right amount support to accentuate natural shape – all without underwire! This bra is a great gift choice because you do not need to know the recipient’s exact bra size – you just need to have a sense of their height and build.  The Sweetie bra fits up to a DD cup depending on the level of support needed, and a small is comparable to 32 band, Medium,=34 band, Large =36 band.  Pair it with an incredibly elegant Cosabella thong or a matching pair of Never Say Never Hottie Hotpants which cover just the right amount of butt to leave a little peeking out, cheeky style.

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Who it’s good for: women who are a perky DD or smaller cup size and appreciate beautiful lace. This set is playful, elegant, and sexy – your choice of color and whether you match the bra with a thong or the hotpants will determine what sort of shower it is appropriate for. 

Did the bride send out her measurements? Then you can’t go wrong with the Forty Winks bestseller: the Natori Feathers Contour Bra ($68, shown below) paired with the Natori Feathers Girl Brief ($30) or Natori Feathers Thong ($26). Though this bra is also available in a nude color, black is a very classy choice for a shower gift or you can have fun with a fashion color, which change seasonally.

blogfeathersWho it’s good for: a bride who has a more pragmatic outlook toward lingerie and is looking for gifts she can “get good use out of.” This set is pretty enough to make a great gift while also very functional. Can be worn as an everyday bra and/or for special occasions. Available in band sizes 30-38 and cup sizes A-F(DDD).

$100 and Up

The Clo Intima Fortuna Racerback Chemise ($110) is an elegant piece with gorgeous detailing. Best thing about this chemise is that it’s flattering on a wide range of figures. Elastic in the lace bust gives some support, making this chemise a fantastic choice for women bigger on the top.  It is also flowy from the waist down, making it flattering for curvy women. This chemise has that classic bridal look, but the mostly open back and front slit make it simultaneously ultra sexy.

blogcloWho it’s good for: Women with larger cup sizes – from a C-F(DDD) and possibly even larger cup sizes depending on amount of support needed. Not too girly and not too sexy – a good choice for a woman with any style of dress. A lovely gift to open at any shower.  

What about the girl who has it all? She’s already a lingerie fiend and you’re supposed to choose a gift for her??? That’s where the Zinke Daisy Lace Jumper ($134) comes in. This all-over lace stunner is a backless one piece that ties at the neck and has elastic around the waist to section off cute little shorts that show off a little bit of butt and lots of leg. It can be worn over a bra and panties or on its own… However one wears it, the Daisy Lace Jumper is one of a kind – it combines cute and sexy to create an absolutely irresistible look.

blogzinkeWho it’s good for: the upper half of the jumper is rather long, so it tends to fit taller women (or shorter women with longer torsos) very well. Can fit over any bust size. Runs a tad small in the waist, so size up if the recipient is at the bigger end of a small, medium, or large. That being said, note that the tag with the size letter is easy to snip off, so if you give a large, she’ll never know!) Is particularly fun for a woman who likes to show off her back and legs. 

Happy shopping! And congrats to all you brides out there!!!

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How to wear the Lola Haze Embrace Me Teddy

Harvard educated and therefore a local for life, Laura aka the mastermind behind Lola Haze loves lingerie that’s built for day to night wear. Our first foray into the brand comes by way of one smoldering yet versatile bodysuit; it’s easy enough to wear during the day (yes, it snaps at the crotch) and still quick-change appropriate for sexytime.   Perfect.

Daytime: Layer the bodysuit under high-waisted black skinnies and top it off with a sheer black tank.

Who says lingerie is only for nighttime? Wear the Lola Haze Embrace Me Teddy during the day.

Lola Haze Teddy / Sheer Black Shirt / Gold Watch / Black Jeans / Black and Gold Clutch

Nighttime:  Rock a decidedly parred down look by donning a simple garter band and a pair of sky high heels.

Lola-Haze-Embrace-Me-Teddy

Lola Haze Embrace Me Teddy at Forty Winks/ Hopeless Leg Garter / Gold Sandals 

How would YOU wear this little lovely?  Let us know!

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Embrace the rain: Wear cute loungewear!

Whether you’re heading down to the Cape or staying put this weekend, chances are there will be a little bit of rain involved. No need to fret, look at this weekend as a chance to catch up on some reading, play games, try a new recipe or two, and get cozy in some seriously livable loungewear.

We know it’s hard to get out of bed when its rainy, so indulge yourself and just don’t. These key summer pieces will ensure that your rainy weekend will be as enjoyable as a sunny one.

Coffee-Skin-Terry-Robe

Skin Terry Wrap Jersey Robe, $172. Here.

Pop-Corn-Only-Hearts-So-Fine-with-Lace-Chemise

Only Hearts So Fine with Lace Chemise, $90. Here.

Board-Games-Eberjey-Gisele-Short-PJs

Eberjey Gisele Short PJ Set, $102. Here.

Check out more rainy day loungewear here and have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

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The Cyclist’s Guide to Lingerie!

biking gear

As soon as the spring warmth entered the air, I went straight down to my basement to reunite with my beloved bike. From mid-April to late October I primarily commute to school and work by bike. I may bike everywhere, but I’m not about to wear sports bras every day, nor will I tolerate underwear that bunches and makes me spend the rest of the day regretting having biked in the first place!

bike boston

Image courtesy of www.bostoncoasters.com

As my one year anniversary of working at Forty Winks approaches, I’ve tried many different bras and undies for bike rides. I now happily give you the inside scoop on cyclist friendly lingerie:

BRAS

LeMystere Whisper Bra (available in store or by phone order in nude or black)

lemystere

This bra is supportive both in its wide, snug band and slightly stretchy cups. From the moment you put it on in the morning, it will not budge! And this bra magically achieves all this while being totally comfortable for all-day wear. Beyond support, what makes the Whisper Bra ideal for biking is that the material it’s made out of dries very quickly. So you need not worry about wearing a damp bra for the rest of the day after biking in this beauty!

(Image courtesy of www.lemystere.com)

Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris Balcony Bra 

marlies 3

The Marlies Dekkers Dame de Paris Balcony Bra is without a doubt the most functional and one of the sexiest bras I own. Like the LeMystere Whisper Bra, its band is wide which gives it a sporty kind of feel. Generally speaking, molded cups are more prone to remaining a little sweaty after a morning bike ride, but the material of this bra wicks away sweat more than other molded bras I own. It’s very comfortable to wear during and after rides. And this is not only a bra that’s comfy to bike in, it’s one that’s meant to be shown off!

UNDIES

Dear Kate (nude “leading lady” bikini and lavender thong available in store or by phone order)

dear kate

Dear Kates are the answer to every problem you’ve ever had with your underwear. I kid you not. Every pair is made out of three layers: two which absorb and wick and an outermost layer that absorbs leaks.  Dear Kates are designed with all sorts of concerns you might have “down there” in mind, particularly during your period or pregnancy. They are equally fabulous for cycling (and workouts) because they wick away moisture and don’t allow any sweat to seep through to your clothes, so you’re ready to go as soon as you step off your bike. The first thought I had when I wore a pair was: “where have you been all my life???”

(Image courtesy of www.dearkates.com)

Knock Out! Smart Panties (lacey brief, panty, and thong available  in tiger Lily in store or by phone order in “Tiger Lily” (pictured below) , panty also available in white)

knock out

We started carrying Knock Out Smart Panties at Forty Winks last summer, and they’ve been a huge hit since. Perfect for feeling sexy in cotton while staying dry and comfy after a commute by bike. As the tag explains, Knock Out! Panties have a special gusset that is made of breathable cotton with wick/dry fibers, and odor-absorbing molecules. The elastic band keeps the underwear in place without digging. The lace is gorgeous and almost feels like silk!

(Image courtesy of www.knockoutpanties.com)

STAYING FRESH

The Laundress Delicates Spray 

laundress

Simply a MUST HAVE for all cyclists. I used to feel burdened in the summer by all the handwashing I had to do after I placed one sweaty post-bike ride bra after another in my handwashing basket. The beauty of the Laundress Delicate Spray is that it not only makes your bras smell clean with its very subtle but fresh-smelling scent. It also actually cleans your bras because it contains an antibacterial ingredient. And best of all, as with all Laundress products, it is entirely allergen-free and biodegradable.

Happy riding!

XO,

Ari

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There’s a new kid in my underwear drawer

You know those times when you hit on a piece of clothing that’s truly going to become your new favorite (hello J. Crew Minnie Pant)?    Yeah, well that happened to me last night.  Having realized that my underwear drawer was depleted from an embarrassingly long absence from the laundromat,  I grabbed a pair of Calvin Klein’s Seamless Bikini bottoms from work (PERK!) before heading home for the evening.

After my nightly shower and the lotion fest that followed, I slipped into these lovelies and my mind was blown.  I had expected GOOD but these were GREAT.   The material is amazing (primarily nylon and spandex) and there’s nary a bit of bulging skin in sight.  Perhaps the best part is that these undies simply do NOT move, meaning you won’t be digging at them throughout the day.

I’m very much a convert.  And I do realize that I’m talking about underwear here and that my enthusiasm may be considered a tad dramatic, but I want you all to experience these bikinis too.  They. are. great.  XOXO

underwear, calvin klein, seamless classic bikini, comfortable underwear, panties, no dig,

$12 at Forty Winks

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