The Perfect Valentine's Gift for Him, Naked

Did you know that it's 3 days until Valentine's Day? It's true. Are you planning on something? Are you planning on making it special? Are you planning on making it hot? We can help.

Getting Naked, helps a lot.

Seen right, is the Naked boxer brief. This pair of men's underwear is made of the finest in Italian microfiber. Men go Naked, and they never go back.

These boxer briefs feature an invisible waistband and seamless, flat-lock stitching for no-rub comfort. These underwear are Bluesign certified - one of the highest environmental standards in the textile industry.

And don't forget about yourself either. Pick up a three-pack of Hanky Panky thongs in this adorable heart shape and save! You'll want to do this right now, because, as we mentioned, as of February 15th, the prices of Hanky Panky are going to increase.

We at Secret Drawers Lingerie hope that all your Valentine's Days match the tone of your underwear.

Best Lingerie Must-Haves for the Holiday

Last week we reminded you that Christmas was only 3 weeks away, and this week we have to decrease that number further. Yes, you now have only 15 shopping days until Christmas. So, Secret Drawers Lingerie is here to help. Today we present the holiday must-haves in the lingerie world (and check out our Best Gifts for Curvy Women as well).

1. Chemises by Mary Green

Mary Green makes must-have items all year long but at this time of year it's clear how perfect they are to pop into someone's stocking. Often 100% silk, these lace-adorned pieces will certainly put the fa, la, la into your holiday this season.

2. Spanx

Don't let Hollywood's little secret slip by, instead, wiggle into a pair of Spanx to minimize the tummy, back, bottom and even upper leg. It's what all the stars are wearing on the red carpet and it's what you should be wearing to your holiday fêtes as well for a smooth, sleek silhouette.

3. Pajamas and Robes

These two are perennial favorites at this time of year so shop now to get the sizing and selection you want. We've got several lines of robes including Canadian-made Diamond Tea and we carry several lines of pajamas (in both flannel and cotton) including BedHead. These are the perfect thing to wear Christmas morning.

4. Hanky Panky

The colours and varieties of Hanky Panky are endless but in addition to the thong, low-rise thong, retro thong and chemise, we are also carrying the perfect sleepwear set in a red that will brightly accentuate any Christmas tree. Also check out the Enchantment pieces, including a bralette that is perfect for the smaller-bosomed woman.

5. Silk Underthings

If you're headed up to the ski slope, a must-have for you is insulation, and nothing wicks away moisture while keeping you cozy like 100% silk. We've got silk long johns, tops, camisoles and vests.

6. A Man on the List? Get Him Naked

Naked is not just any underwear for men. These are underwear that use the finest Italian microfiber, an invisible waistband, flat-lock stitching and seamless construction for the ultimate in comfort. Naked is also eco-friendly and ethically made in Canada, which should warm your heart on these colder days.

Not Sure of her Size?

No problem. If she's been in before we probably have a client card started for her that lists what she has purchased and the size. We're happy to help you figure out the rest from there.

Can't Decide?

No problem, Secret Drawers Lingerie gift certificates are the ones that will make her eyes light up Christmas morning.

Want Another Reason to Get Him Naked?

Some of you may not know it but Secret Drawers Lingerie carries a line of underwear just for men. This line of underwear is called Naked.

Naked is designed with a fit that makes him feel like he's wearing nothing at all with only the finest Italian fabrics. And better yet, now every Naked purchase supports Project World Citizen. Project World Citizen is a charity the CEO of Naked underwear, Joel Primus, started to help build computer labs in Ghana.

And if you needed another reason to get Naked, consider this: Every Naked factory is also Blue Sign Certified, one of the highest universal environmental standards in the textile industry. So getting Naked is also the environmental choice.

So drop by and get him Naked today.

To the Groom: Get Naked

We know every man looks good in a well-tailored tux, and the flower in the groom’s lapel matches the bouquet perfectly. It is disappointing though, to see his undergarments chosen with so little thought. Men can look great and be comfortable both in, and out of, their wedding duds.

Men’s underwear design has come a long way since bulky, white cotton and generic elastic. A popular choice of modern materials is now microfiber, with Italian microfiber being of the highest quality. Microfiber hugs the body – no bunches under that tux – and is completely breathable for air circulation on the skin. Look for seamless designs with good stretch that feel like wearing nothing at all.

What to Get?

Briefs aren’t the only option in terms of style. Another popular choice is the boxer brief which is more modern than either the boxer or the brief. A boxer brief has the same waistline as a brief but with added coverage on the hip. A quality product will lay flat on the skin and not ride up. Also available are waistband-free designs for a smooth look and added comfort at the waist.

Get Naked

A long list of attributes to looks for, to be sure, but one company out of Vancouver has gotten it all right: Naked Boxer Brief Clothing. Joel Primus, a filmmaker and model, was inspired to create this new line of men’s underwear after a visit to South America.

After a year of product development, including sourcing of Italian microfiber not then seen in Canada, Naked was born. Sleek and stylish, these underwear are designed to make men feel, well, naked. The Naked brief, or boxer brief, are comfortable everyday wear, but as they come in black or white, they fit the style of a wedding tux perfectly.

Naked underwear can be found at Secret Drawers Lingerie on 5th street in downtown Courtenay. Be sure to get Naked on your wedding night.

Dragons Should Have Gotten Naked

If you've been in our store recently, you might have noticed Naked, the new boxer briefs for men, on our shelves.

Those of you who are fans of the Dragon's Den on CBC may remember the Naked Boxer Brief Clothing Company from September 2009. Back then, the Dragon venture capitalists decided not to invest in Naked, but if 2010 is any indication, they might be regretting that decision.

Naked ended up raising more money than they asked for from the Dragons and went on to start manufacturing their seamless Italian microfiber underwear in Vancouver, BC.

Recently the Dragon's Den caught up with Naked at their Canada launch party in Toronto.

Toronto, Canada Launch Party at Gotstyle - September 29, 2010

Joel Primus, president, CEO and founder of Naked had this to say about life since the Dragon's Den:

... after the Den, when I flew home, I was working a sewage pumping job, now I’m living the high-fashion life, it’s fantastic. We’re going to hit a million gross sales this year.

... now we have six products already out there and 12 more coming down the pipeline and we’re in stores across Canada.

And Secret Drawers Lingerie is proud to be one of them.

We have to echo Primus's thoughts when he added, "Dragons, you missed your chance to get Naked."

Drop by; you don't want to miss yours.

Secret Drawers Lingerie Top 10 - part 2

Last time, we revealed numbers 10 through 6 of our 2010 top lingerie, lounge and underwear picks. Today we'll reveal our absolute top 5 lingerie items in our drawers from 2010.

5.  Daring Fashion Hosiery By Trasparenze - These are not your average leg wear. These are the kind of pantyhose and stockings you wear when you want to make a serious statement entering a room.

We can't help but love Trasparenze's thigh-high stay-ups and pantyhose that masquerade as a garter belt with stockings. When we're feeling extra sassy, these are the pieces to which we turn.

4.  The Elixir Cassiopée by Lejaby - This piece has to make our list simply due to its beautiful, high-fashion look. The Elixir Cassiopée by Lejaby reminds us that sometimes basic black or a neutral just isn't enough for a lingerie drawer.

We also love that the Elixir line produces the Cassiopée up to an H cup. The larger bosom needs these type of gorgeous options.

3.  New Cuts of Hanky Panky Underwear - We have said again and again that we love our Hanky Panky thongs and that they are the most comfortable thong in the world. However, some of our clients simply prefer a little more coverage. It's OK, we understand. That's why making our list are the Signature Lace Bikini, boyshort and V-kini underwear designs by Hanky Panky.

2.  Naked Underwear for Men - We couldn't complete a top-ten list without including an option for our male clientele.We love The Naked underwear's seamless, fitted underwear with no constricting waistline. It's made of a superior Italian micro fiber that will make your man say goodbye to cotton for good. Frankly, these underwear make us and our men equally happy.

1.  Diamond Tea and Bella Notte Robes - We admit, we couldn't decide between Diamond Tea and Bella Notte, two lines of superior robes. On the one hand, the Diamond Tea robes are made in Canada and have options to wrap, zip, shimmer and stretch. On the other hand, Bella Notte robes are a celebratory satin with a unique design of a button and elastic at the waistline.

They are both so impressive and indulgent the only thing we could do is put these robes at a tie for the number one spot.

Disagree with us? Do you think there's a must-have item that we missed? Let us know. We're always open to hearing your thoughts.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Are you feeling a little strapped for time with only four days before Christmas? Well not to worry, we have a few ideas that will fill your stockings in a breeze.

1. Hanky Panky - these thongs are known as the most comfortable thongs in the world for a reason. They come in a 3-pack gift box or select one in a colour or pattern that is just for her. Paired with a camisole or alone, these one-size thongs will make any stocking more full of cheer.

2. Get some Cozy Toes - these are the ultimate solution to cold feet and they keep those ankles warm too. Choose from several colours of Cozy Toes with or without a non-skid sole.

3. Wrap up a Cashmere scarf from Scotland - these scarves are new for us this year and have proven to be very popular. They keep a neck warm without any of the scratchiness sometimes associated with woolen scarves. There are multiple colours to choose from and they are only $32.

4. Get Naked for the man in your life - if you're stumped for something that he'll love wearing and you'll love seeing, try some Naked underwear in a long or a short brief. These underwear are made in Vancouver in a superior Italian microfibre. One touch makes it obvious why these have become popular with men and women alike.

And of course, if you can't decide which gift is just right, a gift certificate is always a good option. We sell them in any denomination and they're guaranteed to bring good cheer into the New Year.

Meet Estar McMillan – The Woman Behind the Window

December marks the Walk the Windows contest in downtown Courtenay so it’s the perfect time to talk about E. M. Interior Design, the firm behind the window displays of Secret Drawers Lingerie.

Seen above: Chantelle bra with CASS body-shaper and a Diamond Tea robe.

Estar McMillan is the woman behind E. M. Interior Design and we always look forward to seeing her monthly vignettes. She shows a deft hand in creating seasonal displays featuring our products in sophisticated and fun ways. We sat down with McMillan to learn more about her design ideals.

“I make it (the window design) exude what we’re selling… my goal is to make it sensual, flirty, but not over the top or cheesy,” says McMillan, “I try hard to make it as classy as I can. It’s beautiful product; it’s a joy to be able to work with it. And every time my client is happy, I’m happy.”

McMillan started working with us about a year ago and immediately she was a natural fit.

“I really believe in their philosophy in dressing from the inside out, so I think about that all the time when I do the windows. It speaks loudly,” says McMillan.

Seen above: Prima Donna bra and panty, Chantelle bra and panty and Naked underwear for men.

The stunning window designs show our lingerie in its most desirous light. Her creative talent really shines; and maybe most creative of all is her ability to reuse, repurpose and even create some of the stunning elements seen in our windows. This season’s five-foot high snowflakes are her latest creation.

“I use my imagination a lot in a time when the economy is a bit tricky. It’s important not to throw everything out and start over. I believe design should be affordable for everyone not just people with money.”

And it seems that McMillan is as happy working with us as we are working with her,

“Pulling all the elements together, the plan of the space, and the materials for the end product: it’s a passion; it’s a joy. Lighting, colour, everything we use… (I love) helping people see the vision and see how pleased they are with the end product, it’s the compliments when they’re thrilled with the job.”

And while her designs are always topics of conversation for both us and our clients, we’ll give McMillan and her designs the last words,

“I like to let my work speak for itself.”

You can contact E. M. Interior Design at emid1027@shaw.ca.

[Remember, voting for your favorite window display enters you to win a $1000 downtown shopping spree other other great prizes. Come by and vote today.]

Some Brief Fun

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we provide sophisticated surroundings complimented by personal customer service. We create an air of respect and acceptance when you walk through our door.

But every now and then we're reminded that underwear, lingerie and nudity doesn't need to be taken quite so seriously.

Get Naked

This cheeky line of men's underwear is Canadian made with Italian fabrics and the company, Naked Boxer Brief Clothing, obviously relishes in the near nakedness of their male models.

In addition to provocative images, this company also boasts seamless designs and from the feedback we get, is one of the most comfortable undergarments available for men. In-store you can get Naked in a brief or a long-legged boxer.

And yes, as the company says, we are compelled to ask, "Are you going Naked™ tonight?"