Washington's Best... Intimate Apparel boutique:

Trousseau 306 Maple Avenue, Vienna VA, 22180

Hey ladies, now that the fervor and anticipation of the election is over it’s time to reassess your underwear drawer!  Yes, that’s right, it is officially Intimate Apparel Market Week.  In the hub cities of the fashion biz lanky models are strutting down the runway wearing next to nothing, touting the latest lingerie trends.  The Intimate Apparel Market has carved a viable niche for itself in the fashion industry and the buyers are there to get the scoop on what’s new and fabulous.  Designers from all over the world are unveiling their titillating creations to the fashion Kings and Queens.  Unfortunately for us commoners we are not privy to the goodies until they hit the stores.

In honor of Intimate Apparel Week, I decided to find a lingerie boutique in the Washington DC area, it wasn’t easy.  It seems the smaller shops are being swallowed up by the massive chain stores.  My research did however, lead me to a small treasure located in a strip mall right off of 123 in Vienna, Virginia.  Named Trousseau, it used to be a Bridal shop exclusively.

Trousseau means “connubial accoutrements” or “all that stuff you bring with you when you get married”.  They later expanded their inventory to include a full selection of intimate apparel.  They’ve recently physically expanded their store to accommodate their growing inventory and popularity.

As a Mom and Pop organization, they specialize in customer service.  As soon as I walked in I was able to see, hear and smell the difference between this shop and some of the larger chains.  I was not accosted by loud thumping music, thick wafting clouds of perfume and lighting that makes the merchandise indistinguishable.  Instead, I walked into a store that was elegantly displayed, well lit, and I could breathe freely.  The left side of the store houses the Bridal fashions including headpieces.  That side is silky white, the gentle light playing off the jewels fashioned on the head pieces.  On the right is an explosion of color, pattern and textures.

Each of the young sales associates offered to help me as I meandered through the store.  They were sincere in their desire to help and were not in the least bit pushy.  One thing the store prides itself on is bra fitting.  They say that 85% of us wear the wrong size. Who knew? The fittings are free and the ladies are well trained which is great becuase, let’s face it, these places can be very intimidating: We are all not Heidi Klum after all.  I believe these ladies could put anyone at ease.

I was very impressed by the fact that they do alterations. It’s like “Build a Bra”!  Now that’s customer service!  It’s especially helpful to women who have had their breasts surgically altered as a result of breast cancer.  They will build a bra to fit your needs, ladies.

Trash the Granny Panties and slip into something sexy.  They’ve got it all ranging from sultry to functional but, pretty.  They even have a thong that they proclaim is very COMFORTABLE!  I don’t know about that, but, I do know they have everything imaginable to stoke up some romance, from candles to paint-on chocolate.

For the guys they have “Michael’s Club”, A genius of an idea in which your lady can register her sizes, and a few of her favorite things.  All you have to do is pull it up, let the extremely helpful sales associates track down the goods and Voila!  You’re happy, she’s happy, and let’s face it, new lingerie adds heat to any relationship

This elegant and classy boutique has a dedicated clientele ranging in age from pre-teen (remember training bras?) to one client who’s in her eighties.  They come in all shapes and sizes and have all different needs.  The accommodating sales staff is there to help each one individually.  Go to their website www.trousseaultd.com, go to their store, you’ll be impressed.  They have a wide range of prices, styles and designers.  Remember, gift-giving is just around the corner!