10.25.2007

Lingerie Stores Directory

Agent Provocateur
133 Mercer St., nr. Prince St.; 212-965-0229; agentprovocateur.com

This pink-and-black boudoir is a must-stop when picking up undergarments for your wedding day or honeymoon. Frilly corsets are the specialty (from $216), but AP also has some darling panties with satin ties at the waist, as well as tons of matching sets.

Azaleas
223 E. 10th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-253-5484; azaleasnyc.com

This neighborhood store is a treasure trove of all things white and frilly, from bridal thongs and lace thigh-highs to corsets and bustiers, which run up to size 38D. There's also a selection of panties with messages, like the rote-but-giddy pair that says just married. Don't forget the all-important camisole sets for the honeymoon (from $60).

Bonne Nuit
30 Lincoln Plaza, nr. 63rd St. (various locations); 212-489-9730; bonnenuitlingerie.com

These bright, unpretentious, sweet-smelling shops are packed with pretty, feminine underthings and sleepwear: fluffy robes from companies like Under Construction and Frou Frou, and peignoir sets by Jonquil, as well as lovely, modest bras and panties ($30-$150) from makers like Lise Charmel and La Perla that are perfectly in keeping with the spirit of a big white gown.

Bra Smyth
905 Madison Ave., nr. 73rd St.; 212-772-9400; brasmyth.com

This Upper East Side favorite carries mostly French labels, but the friendly, unpretentious staff welcomes all and is happy to help brides-to-be make sense of the store's racks of corsets from high-end companies like Le Mystère and Chantelle (from $110). Lots of slinky, lacy panties too.

Catriona MacKechnie
400 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-242-3200; catrionamackechnie.com

Lauded for its wide selection of luxurious undergarments crafted by European designers such as Guia la Bruna, Damaris, Christian Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana, this stylish meatpacking-district lingerie shop is the perfect place to pick up unique unmentionables. For brides-to-be, Catriona MacKechnie also offers one-of-a-kind items, custom-made knickers, and private shopping hours with lingerie experts.

Eres
621 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St.(various locations); 212-223-3550; eresparis.com

This intimate Parisian boutique is a gem for lovers of luxe, elegant underthings. They offer a soft-boned corset (from $435) as well as gorgeous sheer bodysuits with built-in thongs or boy-cut shorts ($263-$325). Brides going the simpler route will love the exquisite bras, most of which come in whisper-weight, ultraromantic cuts and fabrics (from $175).

Girly NYC
441 E. 9 St. nr. First Ave.; 212-535-5366

There are many words to describe the lingerie in this boutique-fun, flirty, even girlie-but basic is not one of them. You'll find a colorful selection of ruffled bikinis, lacy bras, and other wedding essentials, like stockings. Lingerie addicts will love the funky prints and fine laces from Princess Tam Tam ($38-$75) and Mary Green's silky camisoles and bottoms ($18-$64).

Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Ave., nr. 56th St.; 212-247-1100; limitedbrands.com

In the disco era, Henri Bendel was the epicenter of modish New York. These days, the shop stays cool with sexy undergarments from more than 30 vendors, including the Henri Bendel New York private-label collection. Designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, John Galliano, and Cavalli mix with lesser-known names such as I.D. Sarrieri, Little Joe by Gail Elliott, and University (from $40).

Kiki de Montparnasse
79 Greene St., nr. Spring St.; 212-965-8150; kikidm.com

This luxury-intimates and bath company can outfit you for your wedding night, the honeymoon, and any day thereafter. They offer a trademark tuxedo panty (their best seller for $165) as well as a lacy cat eye mask ($125) and elbow-length button gloves ($395). Kiki de Montparnasse has something for brides from the mild to the wild. After the honeymoon, invest in Kiki's whimsical sleep and fuck pillows ($240 for the set).

Laina Jane
45 Christopher St., nr. Waverly Pl.(various locations); 212-807-8077; lainajane.com

These friendly boutiques attract women looking for basic bras, as well as downtown hipsters and starlets (Liv Tyler is a fan) who want sexy, glamorous things to wear under-or as-party clothes. The stores offer a seamless corset (from $69) that's an inexpensive option for brides whose dresses-or bodies-don't require serious whaleboning for support; lacy numbers from Cosabella (from $80) won't work under white silk, but they'll certainly heat up the honeymoon.

La Perla
803 Madison Ave., nr. 67th St.; 212-570-0050; laperla.com

You may associate this legendary Italian lingerie store with sexy, lacy black underthings, but big-name wedding designers like Vera Wang and Yumi Katsura swear by it for the corsets, which they use in their fittings. They come in a range of styles ($200-$400)-and, of course, there are pretty panties to match.

La Petite Coquette
51 University Pl., nr. 10th St.; 212-473-2478; thelittleflirt.com

The girlie-girl's favorite lingerie shop carries corsets, bras, and panties in mesh, lace, silk-satin brocade, and microfiber, plus all sorts of pretty garments from high-end designers for your wedding day. Styles can be altered to fit, which you may be interested in after a session with master fitter Rebecca Apsan (check out her obsessive The Lingerie Handbook if you need further proof). Corsets are $59 to $800.

Le Corset by Selima
80 Thompson St., nr. Spring St.; 212-334-4936; selimaoptique.com

Fashion insiders adore designer-owner Selima Salaun's funky, fabulous selection of lingerie. It's hard to resist the lace bustiers (not to mention the colorful underwear and slips), but those won't really do as underpinnings. For your wedding, check out the more functional silk Victorian corset, which is custom-made in about four weeks (from $450).

Linda's Lingerie
462 W. Broadway, nr. Prince St.; 212-777-8677

Formerly known as Bodyhints, this source for high-end underwear (which claims as its motto "Love Hurts, Your Bra Shouldn't") has sexy, comfy underpinnings from top makers like Le Mystère and On Gossamer to keep you sleek underneath your gown. You can snatch up pretty bra-and-panty sets (from $26), but be prepared to drop at least $60 to $320 on corsets and bustiers.

Lingerie & Company
1217 Third Ave., nr. 70th St.; 212-737-7700

This neighborhood shop stocks ready-to-wear smooth, strapless corsets from Le Mystère ($98) that will please brides who want to avoid the hassle of having something custom-made. There's also a fine selection of other underpinnings, from basic stockings to very lacy white panties. Treat yourself to a lace-trimmed silk chemise by Andres ($138).

Lingerie on Lex
831 Lexington Ave., nr. 63rd St.; 212-755-3312

Heaven for corset aficionadas, this local favorite is packed with styles that range from simple lace numbers for as little as $50 to ornate jacquard-silk concoctions for $400.

Livi's Lingerie
1456 Third Ave., nr. 83rd St.; 212-879-2050

Whether you're looking for a practical bra from Olga or Warner's, or a racier style for your honeymoon, Livi's seasoned lingerie-sizing experts will make sure you find the perfect fit. Especially popular with brides are the lacy bustiers; they're great under gowns. Livi's also has quality bridal garters ($20) and a sizable hosiery selection. Lingerie is $50 to $100.

Macy's
151 W. 34th St., at Broadway, sixth fl.; 212-695-4400; macys.com

Count on its jumbo lingerie department for plenty of basics-bras, panties, girdles, and nighties in every conceivable combination of Lycra and lace (many are less than $40). All the usual American brands are represented, from Warner's to Ralph and Calvin.

Malia Mills
199 Mulberry St., nr. Spring St.(various locations); 212-625-2311; maliamills.com

Anyone can look glamorous in this downtown darling's swimsuits, but brides come for the subtle-yet-sophisticated bridal and bridesmaids' underwear; post-wedding-night offerings include a bikini with Swarovski crystals that spell out just married (ready-made, $118; custom-made, $260).

Mixona
262 Mott St., nr. Houston; 646-613-0100; mixona.com

With its voluptuous supply of corsets, bustiers, and other trendy lingerie-plus a list of designers that reads like a who's who of European fashion elite-Mixona is one of the most comprehensive lingerie vendors in New York. Its outgoing staff eagerly directs brides-to-be toward the impressive array of silk and satin pieces from brands like Cosabella ($18-$110) and Eres ($120-$300), as well as their own private label. Other favorites include panties from Hanky Panky ($18) and La Perla ($150). The Nolita showroom also contains four racks of sale merchandise at 30 to 70 percent off.

Only Hearts
386 Columbus Ave., nr. 78th St.; 212-724-5608; onlyhearts.com

This welcoming shop is a veritable mecca of wedding accoutrement, be it a silk Helen Sanchez peignoir for the mother-of-the-bride ($286) or a lacy Delicious bralette for the honeymoon ($45). Besides the shop's eponymous line, you'll also find tastefully sexy gear from Christine, Vera Wang, and Alberta Ferretti. Other favorites include Classy Bride cotton separates with crystal rhinestones that spell out wifey or bride to be. They'll also place special orders upon request.

Orchard Corset Discount
157 Orchard St., nr. Stanton St.; 212-674-0786; orchardcorset.com

This shop carries a full range of sizes (the owner can guess just about anyone's measurements simply by looking). Women come here for customized satin or lace corsets by Goddess, Wacoal, Crêpe-Suzette, and Carnival ($35-$55) or whalebone Edwardian-style lace-ups ($50-$70).

Patricia Field
302 Bowery, nr. Bleeker (various locations); 212-966-4066; patriciafield.com

Want something a little funky under your sweet white dress? The Sex and the City mastermind's edgy fashion house offers ready-to-wear girdles and corsets galore ($60-$340). Wedding options range from conservative (à la Cosabella) to sexy (satin garter belts with pockets and crystal chains).

Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave., at 49th St., tenth fl.; 212-753-4000; saksfifthavenue.com

If you need a fuss-free bra and a plain cotton thong for the big day, but you also want some fancy stuff for romantic interludes, this is your store. Natori and Chantelle hang alongside Donna Karan and La Perla, and cheerful salespeople will help you find a little of everything to try on (from $30).

37=1
37 Crosby St., nr. Broome St.; 212-226-0067

Korean-born designer Jean Yu understands a woman's body well: Her lovely lingerie is fashioned out of whisper-weight chiffon, charmeuse, and the like, with ribbons and seams instead of elastic to ensure a comfortable fit. Especially luxe are her made-to-measure sets (from $770).

Town Shop
2273 Broadway, nr. 82nd St.; 212-724-8160; townshop.com

Since opening in 1888, the Town Shop has become the premier location for all types of lingerie. It carries an enormous selection of bustiers in sizes A to FF, from Le Mystère, Felina, and more, and the shop provides free alterations. Don't miss the marabou-feather high-heeled slippers ($40) or the very intimate thong in black, pink, white, or blue with your future husband's name embroidered where he can't miss it ($28; any name can be ordered; if not in stock, allow about one week).

Vera Wang Lingerie
991 Madison Ave., nr. 76th St.; 212-628-3400; verawang.com

The queen of all things bridal now designs loungewear and intimates for the big day and beyond. You'll find delicate camisoles, nightgowns, and undies-the seamless boy-short panties are a best bet-but you'll have to head elsewhere for corsets and bras. A vanilla charmeuse nightgown with sheer tulle bodice and grosgrain tie is $155.

Victoria's Secret
1328 Broadway, nr. Sixth Ave. (various locations); 800-888-8200; victoriassecret.com

Although it no longer has a large selection of corsets, Victoria's Secret is still the perfect place to stock up on pretty wedding and honeymoon lingerie. Lacy panties, slips, and garters are $12 to $98.

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