Sleep Soft and Easy

Some days it's all about silk and lace but others it's all about cotton and comfort: enter La Cera. La Cera is famous for classic, white, cotton gowns that are cozy and timeless.

To the right is the Soft & Easy, and we think that's exactly what the nightgown is like to throw on: soft and easy. The La Cera Soft & Easy is a lightweight cotton with a mint rosebud pattern. This is a very traditional, feminine pattern with ruffles along the edge and flounce along the bottom. You'll also find a satin ribbon and bow down the neckline.

We also carry other La Cera patterns like the Pink Harmony long-sleeved ballet nightgown. This design features a scoop neck, pink detailing and flowers.

La Cera can be the perfect piece to keep you cozy on one of our wet, January days.

La Cera - The Breath of Cotton

Silk isn't the perfect fabric for all occasions and some of our customers just feel more comfortable in cotton. La Cera understands this and provides many cotton designs with comfort and style.

Cotton is the choice for many because it's so easy to wear and it's a naturally breathable fabric - perfect for those hot summer nights. And cotton drapes organically producing a fresh and sexy look.

We're carrying the white La Cera, seen right, as well as five other styles both with and without sleeves. Discover the serene comfort that cotton can offer in these Victorian looks.

BedHead in the Summer

Bedhead doesn't save itself just for the cooler weather, as anyone can attest after seeing my curls on an August morning. Luckily, BedHead pajamas improve the look substantially.

New BedHead pjs are in pink Carolina paisley and Tiffany blue fleur de lis voile (pattern seen right). The style of BedHead pajamas we're carrying has a t-shirt top and a stretch cap sleeve adorned with a slight ruffle at the top.

These spring colours are in 100% cotton in sizes small through large.

For something a little darker, there is the Midnight Etched Rose Classic Stretch pajama by BedHead. This features the unique combination of the mystery of midnight with the innocence of a white rose.

The Midnight Etched Rose is 95% cotton and 5% stretch material for extra comfort in every stretch and twist. This sophisticated pajama has an elastic waistband and is available in size small through extra-large.

And one thing we can absolutely guarantee is that BedHead pajamas wash and wear beautifully. They never pill and get softer every time you wash them. One pair will make BedHead something you look forward to for a long time to come.

LaCera - Cotton Comfort

Underwear absolutely matters and we relish in fine underthings, but sometimes comfy sleepwear is what you need under the covers and while cuddling on the couch.

LaCera is a line specializing in comfortable cotton but with pin tuck, ruffle and embroidery detailing that makes you feel beautiful and feminine.

To the right, is the Batiste, a 3/4 length gown with pin tucking through the bodice, side seam pockets and a flounce hem. Shell buttons and delicate embroidery are special extra details.

To the left is a breezy, more ornate nightgown with an ivy-floral pattern. Rosy pink and mint green paint the feminine print. Ruffles accent the neckline and sleeves. A more relaxed ripple finishes the gown at the bottom. The ivy-floral print is also available in pjs, which are also sleeveless.

The best part is LaCera isn't just comfortable the first time you put it on either, their secret is their machine-washable cotton gets softer every time you wash it.

LaCera adds feminine touches and sophistication to create a new traditional nightgown.

Secret Drawers Lingerie Top 10

As this is the new year we thought we'd take a look back at some of our favorite lingerie, loungewear and, of course, underwear items from 2010. Today we'll reveal numbers 10 - 6.

10.  Bedhead Pajamas - These are a top-of-the-line pajama that wash and wear beautifully a are a long-time favorite of ours. They are a finer cotton flannel than is normally found in pajamas.

Many were snapped up for Christmas, but if you weren't lucky to find a pair under your tree, stop by and try on a pair.

9.  The Empreinte Lingerie line - The Empreinte line keeps coming out with superior bras and matching underwear that make a full-figured woman look her very best. We wear it and we love it.

8.  The Unbelievabra - The Unbelievabra Ultimate by Shapeez is a unique foundation garment that is known for both slimming the torso and also removing bulges on the back with it's slimmer and bra built-in-one. And we absolutely had to have it on our list as even a chiropractor loves its benefits of reducing back pain.

7.  Plus-Size Camisoles by Hanky Panky - At Secret Drawers Lingerie we embrace any company that does justice to a plus-size figure, so we were excited to see the expected Hanky Panky style and quality available in plus size camisoles. In granite, white and black they go with almost any outfit.

6.  Fashion 78 from the Felina Conturelle Dessous line - OK, we admit, that's a mouthful, but the sophisticated beauty of this piece makes it worth it. The Fashion 78 from Felina does look extraordinary on the hanger, but the reason it makes our top 10 list is because of the superior way it compliments a woman's body all the way up to an H cup.

Next time find out our absolute favorite top 5 items of the year. The best underwear that matters is yet to come...

Diamond Tea Robes - Wrap or Zip One Up

Diamond Tea Gown Inc. designs and manufactures an exclusive line of fine quality ladies robes and loungewear. The company is family owned and operated, and has been in business for sixty years. All Diamond Tea's styles are manufactured in Canada.

We have often mentioned Diamond Tea robes as some of the superior options in luxury robes, but we rarely have pictures that do their designs justice. Today though, we have some images to tantalize your holiday gift-giving desires.

We have three designs of Diamond Tea robes available. The first design has a zippered front. This front is preferred by some of our clients as it provides full, cozy coverage without the concern of accidental openings. This piece is 90% polyester and 10% spandex so it bends, flexes and never restricts movement. You can find this robe in navy, pewter and, perfect for Christmas, cranberry.

The second is a wrap design made of 75% cotton and 25% polyester. The exquisite fabric has a light shimmer and is accented with contrasting cording. This piece comes in teal, royal blue and plum.

The final style is designed with the traditional bathrobe in mind. It is a wrap design in 100% cotton, plain-loop terry. This warming basic is available in white, willow, seabreeze and vanilla.

Each of these elegant pieces are designed to be your favorite thing to wear, but you have to see and feel these garments in person to truly understand why Diamond Tea was awarded the D.I.V.A. Fashion Award Intimate Apparel / Sleepwear Designer of the year.

Give one of these under the tree this year and watch how it's what she's wearing while tearing open the gifts next year.

Mary Green Cami and Chemise Impressive Quality and Price

We wanted to make sure and feature these new Mary Green items today or they will fly out of the store completely before we have a chance to tell you about them. New items in for Christmas include a cami, machting undies and a chemise.

Long Cami and Matching Undies

This camisole is tone-on-tone iris blue, and long enough to flatter a range of body types. It's a cotton-spandex mix so it breathes and stretches as you move and bend. The straps are adjustable and the lace detailing is designed to accent your curves.

The accompanying underwear echos the wave found in the cami and is also in matching tone-on-tone blue iris. This is Mary Green's best-selling, hip-hugging, boy pant design. While they are low-wasted, they are not so low that you're uncomfortable or self-conscious. The scalloped edges are an extra fun detail.

Olya Printed Burnout Satin Chemise

This chemise is perfect for both flirty style and comfort. Like other Mary Green designs, the fabric is cut on the bias for a superior fit and fabric fall. It has lace detailing along the edges and up the sexy slit, as seen right. The straps are also adjustable so the garment lays where you want it.

Mary Green for Christmas

We love bringing in Mary Green pieces because they offer great value for money; that's proving to make them very popular Christmas gifts. Make sure you hurry in if you're looking for one of these pieces before your choice of sizing is no longer available.

Mary Green, affordable underwear that matters.

Keep Cozy and Feel Pampered All Winter Long

On Vancouver Island we experience a varied climate from crisp and sunny, to mild and wet and even cold and icy atop Mt. Washington. Luckily, whether you play in the snow, or escape the chill in front of a fire, we have winter pieces to keep you feeling cozy.

Thick and Cozy

A perennial favorite is Bedhead pajamas and we have been carrying them for years due to their comfort and universally popular designs. To the right is the Bedhead Jade Vienna design, in cotton, which has just arrived in-store.

For those looking to mix-and-match, Blush pajamas come in colourful, cotton tops and plaid, flannel bottoms, allowing you to create your own unique look.

And of course, look for new lines of robes from Diamond Tea and Bella Notte for the ultimate decadence right out of the shower, or lounging all day long.

Nina Von C - The C Stands For Cotton Cami Comfort

Our clients are always looking for the perfect, soft, comfortable cami to slip underneath a suit jacket or cardigan. Luckily for them, Nina Von C has been slipping underneath outfits for years.

Fine Cotton by Nina Von C

The sleeveless, square-neckline cami is part of the Fine Cotton line by Nina Von C makes, seen right. There is a substantial band of lace along the top and up the wide straps - perfect to see hints of beneath a conservative sweater. This cami is available in black and white. The matching maxi-brief is also available with coordinating wide-banded lace.

The Fine Cotton line is made from superfine knitted fabric of Swiss yarn for the highest performance. The hem is flat-finished and the arm and neck edges are made of a very, soft, fine satin. This fabric is designed to stay white after washing.

Daily By Nina Von C

For women looking for a soft, thin basic, Nina Von C makes their Daily line, seen left. This line is made from 100% super-combed, 20-gauge cotton. The fabric is designed for superior performance and longevity.

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we have brought in Nina Von C for years because the versatility and comfort are unmatched. Drop by and feel the fabric for yourself. We think you'll want one under almost any neckline.

What is Better Than Cotton for Breathability?

When people think of silk they often think of shiny, restrictive, stretch-free fabrics, but with Kim Allan Silks nothing could be further from the truth. Kim Allan Silks produces comfortable, ultra-breathable, nonrestrictive, sensible, everyday, silk garments.

Kim Allan Silks are a woven silk with long fibres allowing for stretching and flexing with your body. It remains smooth against the body making it perfect for sleeping uniquely keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The Top Five Reasons People Love Kim Allan Silk

1. These silks are perfect for travel. You can toss them into your luggage and rest-assured they will still look great at your destination. They are also easy to hand-wash with shampoo in your Parisian hotel room's petite sink, and they dry in a snap.
2. Silk is perfect for the hot flashes and night sweats of menopause. Silk breathes better than other fabrics and wicks away fabric keeping you dry and sound asleep.
3. Silk is gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The garments are so light and delicate they are preferred for conditions like post-radiation.
4. Used under clothing, the silk provides warmth without bulk.
5. No fabric has all the amazing properties of silk: absorbency, comfort, strength and weightlessness. And Kim Allan Silks takes these attributes and transforms them into sensible silks for every body.

Secret Drawers Lingerie has carried Kim Allan Silks for years and they continue to remain popular thanks to their timeless designs and versatility. We carry a loungewear collection including pieces like a chemise and a long gown in 70/30 Silk/Cotton blend. This blend retains the properties of silk but creates a more opaque garment that can be worn at home or out to a summer dinner al fresco.

We also carry the 100% silk line which includes french and full cut underwear, long and short shirts, a camisole with adjustable straps, and more. This season, look for colours like red pepper (seen right) and eggplant.

By devoting the last 13 years to creating luxurious undergarments, Kim Allan proves that underwear matters.

Nanso: Beachwear, Loungewear, Sleepwear, Everywhere

Nanso is a line of relaxed loungewear from Finland that customers young and old have come to love. It feels impeccably smooth and luxurious on, stretching and flowing with your every move, so people are shocked when they find out it's actually fifty percent, or more, wood cellulose. Nanso chooses ash wood or eucalyptus cellulose because these materials are renewable and, combined with a unique spinning technique, produce a product that feels great and maintains its shape wash after wash.

Nanso is serious about environmental responsibility using materials that require fewer chemical treatments and only Fairtrade Cotton.

Of course, these aren't the things that most of our clients notice. Most noticeable are the bold geometric patterns, the true colours, and, of course, the comfort. These are the perfect pieces to take as a cover-up to the beach, to pack for a cruise, or to keep the breezes at bay on a cool summer's night. I'm always finding new ways to wear mine.


Image credits: Nanso Canada

Envie de Cotton: The Comfort of Jeans Comes to Your Underwear Drawer

This week marks the delivery of a new Lejaby design: the Envie de Cotton. I suspect this is soon to be a favorite of many.

This bra has the unique feature of being mostly cotton, as the name suggests. In Secret Drawers Lingerie's history of 14 years, this is only our fourth bra that has been mostly cotton. Most manufacturers won't make cotton bras because cotton is less forgiving than more modern materials and so requires more skill and care.

But the people at Lejaby don't shy away from more challenging designs. Lejaby makes some of the most exquisite pieces we've ever seen, and this one is no exception. The Envie de Cotton mimics the blue jean in its appearance and it's accented with button details. It's a full-cup bra, meaning that it offers full support, and has coordinating panties or thong available.

Blue jeans are the comfortable, second skin that most of us rely on for weekend comfort. With this bra and panties set, that comfort can be with you everyday.

BedHead Can Be a Great Look

Our summer BedHead pajamas are here in fun, new patterns including sunflowers, peacocks, an Asian theme and even pure white and tan stripes for those seeking a classic look. Their 100% fine cotton sateen fabric is cool enough for warm summer nights but soft enough to make you want to cuddle up with a good book. BedHead pajamas are proudly 100% made in North America.

The budding nature found in spring and summer was the obvious inspiration for many of these new designs, including the green peacock feather set seen to the right. Rich blues and greens work with a multitude of skin types and evoke images of colorful summer fields.

BedHead's unconventional black-and-white sunflower pajamas, seen left, might not scream the gold and green found in nature, but this unusual design adds a fun sophistication to your nighttime wardrobe. These too are make in 100% fine cotton sateen.

Secret Drawers Lingerie is still carrying the flannel Eiffel Tower design in the night shirt and pajama as well, for those looking for something a little warmer or with international flair.

Vashti and I are going to spend our lazy summer Sundays in one of these beautiful patterns and keep a look out for the fall collection: it's still a surprise!