Monthly Archives: December 2010

Have you ever  found  yourself in some random shop on Charles Street, staring blankly at a set of miniature salt and pepper shakers trying desperately to remember if that’s what you gave your BFF last year?

Do you agonize over what to give your grandmother who has everything but always expects (and deservedly so) a thoughtful, well planned gift?

Isn’t there anything for your love other than a Banana Republic crew neck?

And will you forgo guilt and buy yourself something lovely (and yet practical)  this holiday season?

Because I too experience the panic that December brings, I’ve compiled a list of items from the racks of Forty Winks  that will help make your holiday shopping a whole lot easier.

Voluspa Frosted Pinecone  candle

I’m bringing these to my Mom and my Grammy.  They’ll love the light pine scent (no overwhelming tree smell here) and they love me for bringing them a candle that looks classier than the Yankee Candles they’re used to getting at the mall in Bangor Maine.  No offense Mainiacs…you know I love you best.  3-wick tin for $20, glass jar for $32

Toute la Nuit Three Panty set

Silk in the front and see through silk gauze in the back, these panties are perfect for your best buds.   Here at Forty Winks in solids, polka dots, and animal prints (rwarrrr).  Easy peasy, three pairs for $66.  Your girls will love you forever.

Daftbird tee shirts and sweats

Versatile and comfy, these lounge pieces are perfect for the people that are never going to get actual lingerie from you, e.g. your  little sister or your brother’s girlfriend.     Prices range from $56-$98 depending on style and color.

Hanky Panky After Midnight Nude Illusion Tie bralet and Open Gusset panties

Put a little pow into your lingerie drawer with this set from the Hanky Panky After Midnight collection.   We all do it up around the holidays and your special someone will appreciate that this kind of sexy isn’t so subtle.   It sure as heck beats another crew neck sweater.

Elle Macpherson Cloud Swing Bra and Boyshort in Navy (with cranberry accents)

The perfect combination of everyday practicality and straight up pretty, this EMI set is an item you don’t have to feel bad about buying.  It’s both a need and a want and let’s face it, those don’t come along often.  Bra $68, Boyshort $32  (also available on www.shopfortywinks.com)

Remember we’re always here to help!  Happy shopping from Forty Winks!

Twice a year, Mer and I attend the Curve Lingerie show  in NYC.  While we do all our major buying for Forty Winks during these three days, we  also use this time to eat our faces off at New York restaurants while gabbing up a storm with our fellow boutique owning friends.  Aside from the mind numbing order writing thing, it’s a pretty darn good time.

This past August, both of us were thrilled with the fact that there seemed to be a  ton of new lines representing at Curve.  And I’m not talking about new basic bra designers or yet another line of shapewear (yawn), I’m talking about sexy, edgy lines that are bringing lingerie to the forefront of fashion.

One such line was Zinke…and boy did we fall hard for Zinke.

Alas, being in our first year of business and having to keep in mind our budget, we initially passed on writing orders with these ladies.  But those little silk numbers with their bad-ass hardware, truly haunted our dreams.  And really, what else were we going to do but give into our lingerie lust and write an order?

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of opening our first box from the lovely Zinke.   When Mer arrived at the store a few minutes later, I wasted no time before jumping into a fitting room, stripping down to my skivvies, and trying on every piece in the box.  Ummmm the “Dear Eleanora” chemise looked bangin’ on me while the Twilight bralet and ruched back panty was seriously MADE for Meredith (she jumped in after me).

Twilight Bra and Panty in Slate.  Bra $78, panty $68

Dear Eleanora Chemise $158 (show above in the alternate color…we have it in black and it rocks)

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zinke to Forty Winks.  The designers are two super sweet sisters with enviable brains (and hair). They stuck by us for a long time before we wrote an order and we appreciate their consistent enthusiasm for our growing boutique.  Love, love, love these gals.

And here’s a bit of insider information.  We’re having a Zinke trunk show in January. You’ll be able to meet these amazing ladies and to shop their full collection with a glass of champagne in your hand.  Tell all your friends because it’s going to be quite the party.

Ahhh, this is a good life.   xoxo.