Happy Holidays from SOL!

We hope you're snuggled in with visions of sugar plums dancing in your heads - we know we are!

Have a very merry Christmas - we will be closed from December 25th through January 2nd so that our SOL Girls can spend some quiet downtime with their families during this special time of the year.

We'll see you bright and early (well, 10 am!) on January 3rd - and will be happy to honor your returns and exchanges then.

xoxo,

Cindy

He sees you when you're sleeping...

This time of year I cannot help but hum Christmas carols all day long. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is one of my favorites - I can remember being a little girl and squeezing my eyes shut as tight as I could so Santa would know I was sleeping...and, admittedly, I spent a lot of time worrying if I'd been nice enough - or too naughty.



 

The great thing about being a grown up is that being naughty is just as good as being nice! And SOL girls always have just the thing to wear no matter what list Santa has us on.

Feeling nice?  Check out these choices for opening presents...

 

Eberjey PJs - absolutely appropriate in front of the in-laws and super duper comfy too!



Eberjey Chemise - Fun and flirty and perfect for stocking-hanging - and loads of colors!

Munki Munki Jammies - in cotton and bamboo and silly prints like pie and sock monkeys!

Feeling naughty? We've got something to spice up Christmas Eve, too...

Aubade Abrazo Tango - Anything with "tango" in it sounds good to me. Spicy!

Eberjey Peek-a-Boo Chemise. Two words: Va. Voom.

Aubade La Muse Endormie - Lip-bitingly naughty. And it fits perfectly in his stocking.

Isn't it fun getting to be naughty...and nice?  

Only a few more shopping days until the big day - we've got a lot of great gifts under $100...until we see you again, if you hear someone singing Jingle Bells - it's ME!

xo,

Cindy

Jingle Bell Rock! - A Special Party Update from the SOL Girls.

Do you know what SOL girls dream about 364 nights a year? 

The SOL Holiday Party! It is seriously the best night of the year. We dress up in our finest Christmas cocktail attire, grab a date and spend a sparkly evening with the best girls in the world!

Jeanie, Cindy, Jocelyn and Lara get ready to par-tay.

This year, we began the night at Devil's Food - a fantastic boutique bakery and restaurant on South Gaylord in Denver.

Marie and Anna sparkle!

We played lots of fun games while mingling during cocktail hour...from Operation to SOL Trivia!

"Raise your hand if you know the answers to esoteric SOL Trivia!  Good thing it wasn't girls vs. boys.

Dinner was UN. BELIEVE. ABLE. We enjoyed a hand selected menu that left us practically breathless it was so special. And yummy!

Krista, Bruce and Jordy share an after dinner embrace. Either that or it was a victory hug after winning Operation.

Helen and Kendall ready themselves for the after-party...

To work off our dinner, we skipped down the street to MAX's Bar and Grill. Guess what was waiting for us? A Karaoke machine on the back patio! Can you say "best bosses in the world?" 

Kristen, Jeanie and Barb wait to sing "Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Gloria and Cindy wow'ed everyone with their interpretation of Stairway to Heaven.

Tracie, Jocelyn and Lindsey discussed what really constitutes "classic" rock. They decided "aw, who cares!"

Marketing mavens Lindsey and Janelle rocked the house. Just by standing there.

We sung our little hearts out, we raised the roof, we danced the night away. And then, we went home and tucked ourselves into bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads to the strains of our SOL girl voices. It was the perfect way to kick off our holiday season.

xoxo,

Santa's little helpers

The most wonderful time of the year.

Don't you just love the excitement December brings? Whether you celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or just the blessed end of a long year, the buzz is palpable. Twinkling lights, anticipation of warm moments with family - it's all perfect. And I gotta admit, I'm like a little kid when I see wrapped packages with beautiful bows and shiny paper! I love presents! Giving them or getting them - it doesn't matter.

My sisters and I in a photo from Christmas past. Can you see the visions of sugarplums and bra and panty sets dancing in my head?

In that spirit- we're making the holidays merry and bright at SOL! 

To make sure that you have all the time you need to shop, we'll be open on Sundays in December from 12 to 5. Sneak in and take care of all the special ladies in your life - from Hanky Panky stocking stuffers to a cashmere robe for mom - we have everything you need to show the girls in your life how much they're loved. It's also a great time to come in and pick out what you would like to see under the tree! We'll make a note to your file, so when Santa comes in, he'll get exactly the right thing. (Sorry Santa - but we really don't want a crock pot this year.)

How about a free gift for you? When you shop on Sundays, all purchases get a grab bag! You could find Forever New, a cute SOL luggage tag with 10% coupon, one of our sweet tote bags made from SOL billboards, Aubade goodies or even a Free $150 Gift Card! Shopping on Sundays rocks!

Would a $50 SOL gift card look good in your stocking? Well, when you spend $350 or more in December, that's exactly what you'll find, because we believe it's better to give AND receive! It's SOL's gift to you!

Want the chance to win $1000 Gift Card?  Shop at SOL during the month of December (or any store in Cherry Creek North) and sign up to win a $1000 gift card from Cherry Creek North!  You can spend it anywhere...but just think of all the bras and panties you could buy!!

We hope you're enjoying the spirit and fun of the season as much as we are! 

Love, Cindy

PS - Our Facebook friends get to hear about new products and give-aways before anyone else...click here to join them! 

PPS - Planning a winter getaway? We'll have swimwear in very soon!

Giving Thanks.

So often, the "thanks" part of Thanksgiving gets overlooked. We focus on turkey and gravy and pumpkin pie, football  and gas prices and airports. But it's a day to reflect and be grateful for all we have that makes our lives - not just our tummies - full.

When I list what I'm thankful for, my daughter and husband and sisters immediately come to mind - but then, right after, I am filled with such amazing gratitude for the family that SOL has created. The SOL Girls (and SOL Man) at the store are my family too, and I am blessed that they share the same passion for it that I do.

And, of course, the extended family for which I am so thankful is you. All the beautiful women we are so fortunate to know, the amazing ladies we've met - I get a lump in my throat thinking about it - the experiences over the years have been nothing short of fantastic.

This week, we posted a little note on Facebook - just asking you what YOU were thankful for - and you responded with answers "family and my Daisy bra" or "my kids and Prima Donna."

 It floors me to realize that what we're doing makes such a difference in your lives. And for that I am truly thankful.

The SOL Girls will all take Thursday off to be with loved ones so the store will be closed for the day. And, sure, there'll be gravy and football and pie. But there will also be a warmth in our hearts and a tremendous spirit of gratitude.

The store will open again Friday morning.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

OMG, we LOVE you guys!

This is seriously exciting and the best news EVER... 

we have extended the Customer Appreciation Sale! 

So now you can come in and ENJOY 20% OFF OF ANYTHING.

AND EVERYTHING

UNTIL NOVEMBER 20th.

Why?  Well - we realized that one week was just not enough! Even though we have all our SOL girls in full force during the Customer Appreciation Sale, we still noticed that the very people we appreciate so much (that's YOU) were having to wait too long for fittings. Our whole purpose of this sale is to show you how much we love you, and nobody loves waiting.

So, now mosey on in anytime from now until the 20th, and the discount applies. To everything. And the crowds will be a little smaller so you can enjoy yourself even more. It's a great time to come in and pick out something great for the ladies in your life - or to send in your loved one to get you exactly what you want this year...because no-one really wants to unwrap a Crock-Pot. 

To make your shopping even more fun - don't forget our Sale Survival Tips!

DO NOT PAY FOR PARKING.
Just don't! Because we do, sillies! Our kiosks have gone the way of the dodo bird, and you'll find "Smart Meters" in their place. And they need tokens....park the car, run in and get some from us! Every SOL girl's got a pocket o' tokens and we LOVE to share them!

THE WAIT LIST.

We want you to get every bit of attention you deserve - afterall, this is YOUR sale - and you're the reason we're extending it to the 20th. The first thing you should do (after asking for parking tokens) is get your name on the list! Our super fab hostess will get your name and mobile phone number and give you a call the minute a fitting room is open. Wait times always vary - but the experienced SOL shopper knows weekday wait times are often lots shorter.

BRING A FRIEND.

Because then, waiting is really visiting and a quick trip to CCN becomes Girls' Day Out!

This is the most important one...REMEMBER WE LOVE YOU.

We truly do appreciate each and every one of our loyal SOL customers. It's why we have this sale, it's why we get up in the morning. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

 

Two Four Six Eight...Who do we appreciate?

Guess what's coming up? Go ahead. I'll wait.

It's one of my most favorite sales of the year...the sale where we get to say thank you to all of our panty-loving customers by giving you 20% off of EVERYTHING in the store. 

It’s the Customer Appreciation Sale! 

Saturday, November 6th through Saturday November 13th

THIS. IS. YOUR. SALE.  Get 20% off anything YOU want. Stock up on basics...




Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate Daisy?

 

Get this season's hottest colors and styles...



Prima Donna Madison Blue. Perfect under sweaters!



And stock up on must-have Paris Tights!

They're awesome, no?

Make sure you have a cozy robe for those cold winter nights that are right around the corner...

Mmmmm. Cashmere. Do I have to get dressed?

Better yet, get your holiday gifts now and save! Use your Buddy Pass!  Share your coupon with a friend, daughter, your mom, your girlfriend or your co-workers. Show them how much you appreciate them while we appreciate you!

When you fly SOL Airlines, you'll enjoy not only First Class Shopping, but also our First Class Lounge. Have a snack, a refreshing beverage, even a therapeutic shoulder massage. 

And now...for the Sale Survival Tips:• Don’t pay for parking
Just don’t…Because WE DO! Every SOL Girl’s got a pocket full o’ tokens and we love to share them! Just ask…then, get yourself a three hour pass to fun and shopping - start at SOL, but then have fun all over Cherry Creek North.

· The Wait List 

We want each and every SOL girl to get the attention and service you deserve. Our fabulous hostess Maggie will assist you efficiently on Saturdays to pair you each with the next available fitter. Stop to see us first to get your name on the list and Maggie will call you as soon as a room is available. Wait times vary and are often shorter during the week.

• “Like” us on Facebook
Why? Because we tell our Facebook friends stuff we don’t tell everyone. Like sales and special deals and nifty stuff like that. It’s like being in a secret club with really nice, cool girls. We are the queens of the 5 minute contests. You could have SOL Bucks burning a hole in your pocket!  All through the sale, we’ll be posting on Facebook and Twitter and you’re going to want to be connected.  

• Going to be out of town?
First of all, bummer. Second of all – cheer up, SOL Girl! There is a SOL fitter available to help you shop the sale early over the phone.  We are super busy so if you leave a message we will call you back.  Just call 1-800-466-1356. 

Can't wait to see YOU at the Customer Appreciation Sale! After all, it is YOUR sale!

We love TIGHTS!

Paris Tights are here and we couldn't be more excited!  It's the perfect time of year for tights - the days are a little cooler, the nights a little more crisp...sweaters and skirts are de rigueur! 

We knew we wanted to add tights to SOL - so we searched the world for the best quality, style and selection...Paris Tights were exactly what we were looking for. They go great with boots, flats, heels, anything.

Click here to see all the great colors and styles that we have in stock.

Check out the SOL girls showing off their Paris Tights...

Cindy in Philosophy

Helen in Prague

Janelle in Hypnotic

Jordy in Opaque

Kendall in Oasis

Krista in Anna

Lara in Oasis

Tracie in Astana

Who's your favorite? I have to admit. I love them all! Yay Tights!

Happy Birthday to SOL!

This week we are 13! (That's over 90 in dog years...)

As we move through time it gets more and more fun to look back on the pics of SOL as a wee baby.  Look at the empty space SOL once was 13 years ago...compared to what it is today. 

Back in those early days it was just Jeanie and me and one employee who opened the doors...now we have 15 fabulous employees who make SOL what it is today.

A few exciting things have happened in 2010 to mark our transition into being a wise teenager... 

We revamped our website, remodeled our office space, redesigned our bra closet and a million other little details that show how we are growing up. 

But there wouldn't even be a birthday if it wasn't for our great customers. Thank you to each and every one of you who have shopped with us over the years and continue to make us your bra fitting destination. I gotta admit, it makes me a little verklempt.

 

Here are the candles...ready, set…blow!

An easy way to provide "support" to The Gathering Place!

In 2005, I learned about The Gathering Place - Denver's only drop-in daytime center for women and children experiencing homelessness or poverty. I took a box of 200 bras in to them...and was told they would be gone by the end of the day. SOL's Bra Drive was born.

Now we collect gently worn bras all year long from our customers, and, once a month, our wonderful SOL girls donate their time to provide the same quality, caring fittings for the women of the shelter that our customers receive. 

I'm honored and humbled to share with you that, because of you and your bra donations - more than 3500 bras have been distributed to date. (That's more than 7000 boobs, if you're counting!)


While we happily collect bras all year long - October marks our big drive. All month long we strive to collect even more bras and we encourage you to please bring in those you just don't wear anymore, or that you love and want to share with someone else! 

Besides making a big difference in someone's life - we've added a little incentive for you to come in and donate in October. Everyone who donates a gently used bra will be entered to win 3 new bra and panty sets for themselves! 

 - It's this simple -

1. Drop off your gently used bras at SOL in October.

2. Register to win 3 new sets - total value up to $600.

3. Watch Facebook on November 1st to see if you're the winner! 

Did we mention you'll have more room in your lingerie drawer? Did we mention someone very deserving will have one less thing on their mind because of YOU? Did we mention you're the best customers in the world? 

Because you are.

Fashion, Fall and Fun!

Each season brings new and exciting changes in the fashion world, and lingerie is no exception. This fall, we're seeing deep, bold colors to match the season...like this

Elixir - Absynthe

and this...

Lise Charmel Desir Intense in Black Topaz

and gracious...this

Lise Charmel Melodie in Cobalt

Finally - this. I may need a breather.

Aubude - La Dame De Flanders in Blueberry

Whew. But that's not all. Besides the COLOR, the trend this season is prints. Retro prints, little prints, big prints, tone-on-tone prints, animal prints...rich neutrals with gorgeous pops of color, Everywhere. I. Look.

See for yourself, people.

We've got cute retro florals...

Marie Jo Masha in Pagoda Blue

We've got PLAID.

Prima Donna Justin in Scottish Blue

 We've got swoopy tone-on-tone ladylike loveliness.

Prima Donna Twist - Claire de Lune

It really is a season of change, is it not? One of my favorite parts of my busy life is getting to attend fashion shows and see these trends coming down the pike. Of course, you've probably seen some of the crazy things at fashion shows... things like this:

Interesting accessory. And hey - love the socks.

Or this...

Ummm. What?

So my job is distilling down the outrageous things designers put on the runway and determining the elements that will actually make it through all the fashion filters - real people like you - and make it to the streets of Denver. 

Generally, what I see in Paris hits us a year or even two later - and it takes intuition, years of experience, and really knowing SOL customers to understand what you'll love! 

Which means, I promise, I'll never advise you to wear a flower wreath on your face. (But that purple lace....? Yummy!)

Check out the website for even more Fall Trends and find your favorite! See you at SOL!

Happy Birthday to Me. And Aunt Dot.

Today is my birthday...another year flown by!

Although every birthday is a milestone in its own way there are some that you willingly let slide by without too much fanfare. But - there are birthdays you should genuinely celebrate - especially if its a celebration of a beautiful life well lived.

One of my favorite people, Janelle's Aunt Dot, celebrated one of those milestones this week. She turned 85, and Janelle took her to the Plaza Hotel in New York City for tea.

I visited the newly remodeled Plaza just last year with Jeannie and Janelle after one of my Today Show appearances. It is nothing short of stunning - and walking into the majestic lobby with its crystal chandeliers, plush carpeting and grand decor takes your breath away and harks back to times long ago.

I've known Aunt Dot for almost 15 years and she is a real character. Independent. Sassy. Has an opinion on everything. I love hearing her stories of when she worked in NYC in the late 40s.

Aunt Dot and Janelle toasted to 85 with tea (and a martini!)...which is exactly how I hope to do it in about 45 years.

To Aunt Dot and all those other Virgos out there - Happy Birthday!

Looking back on a great summer...

As all the kiddos go back to school, our thoughts turn to autumn - even though the thermometer isn't quite cooperating! Dreaming of falling leaves, football games and cooler temperatures (please!) has us all waxing poetic about our summer vacations - which, although just a few weeks ago - seem like a lifetime away!
 For your reading pleasure - here's a few quick "What I did on my summer vacation" reports from some of the SOL gang.
 First up, Janelle - our Marketing Director.
 

I had hoped to go camping this summer, as it has been several years since I've been. I did two wonderful trips in the backcountry; one to the Never Summer Range (west of Rocky Mountain National Park) and one in Yosemite.  Both trips were amazing and they left me both exhausted - we hiked 20 miles with packs over 3 days for both - and exhilarated! The scenery was some of the prettiest I've ever seen. 

Janelle leaves her heels behind and explores Yosemite

And now we travel south with Jordy, fitter extraordinaire!

I feel very lucky that my summer vacation can be taken in my hometown: the beautiful and "weird" Austin, Texas. I went home in June and spent many days on the lake and walking around the city that I love. We went to my favorite restaurant on the lake twice, called Hula Hut. It is Tex-Mex to the core with a Hawaiian twist joint with a huge dock with fans so it is slightly tolerable to sit outside. If you haven't experienced Tex Mex yet, I would make a trip just to do that. Maudie's Milagro and Matt's El Rancho are two other choices that will leave you more than satisfied and wanting to head back to the South just for a meal. Austin is full of unbelievable food and fantastic live music entertainment every night (6th street night life is always a must). One restaurant that has both of these is the original Salt Lick (pictured). It is a little bit south of Austin but well worth the drive. BYOB, BBQ, and music---what more could a girl ask for?

Jordy relaxin' Tejas-style...

Next to the land of jazz and creole with Krista, Extreme Fitter...

To celebrate Howard and my joint birthday, we took 5 days in New Orleans to visit friends and spend some time in the Garden district. We rode the trolley and enjoyed the warm spring air. We walked down to the water and enjoyed some fabulous beignets. Five days of relaxing southern style. (I was particularly excited about the wonderful world of "go cups".)

Krista celebrates her birthday in NOLA...wait. Where's her go-cup?

Next, we hear from Bruce, the one and only SOL Man:

I spent 8 days on the South Fork of the Flathead River in The Bob Marshall Wilderness. “The Bob” is located below Glacier National Park in northwest Montana and is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48. Along with my brother-in-law Todd and his Uncle Mark, we rode 28 miles on horseback to the headwaters of the river, led by a guide who packed in our provisions and raft on 4 mules. When we finally arrived at the river after 8 hours, I’ve never been so happy to be finished with anything in my life!

We spent 7 incredible days fly-fishing for wild Cutthroat trout who willingly came up for dry flies by the hundreds.  The river was clear and clean, the days were warm, the nights were cool and full of stars. It was an “Adventure of a Lifetime”…I think I’ll do it again next year ;-).  

Just one of many wild Cuthroat Trout Bruce spent some time with this summer

And me? Although some of my best days of the summer were spent right here in the store, everyone knows that my little slice of heaven is near Buena Vista, Colorado, where I can really and truly relax with my family.  I hope you had a wonderful summer - and are looking forward to fall as much as I am!

My husband Todd and I on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista.