SOL Lingerie

Designer Highlight: AUBADE

2012-02-03T06:45:00.001-07:00

"Women have power within, and Aubade wants to bring it out.

Their images are seductive; never demeaning.

Their intent is always to empower."

Aubade, pronounced "oh-bod," has two lovely meanings; a morning song, or a poem of lovers separating at dawn.

Aubade's "So Vintage" set. So perfect.

Aubade has been making stunning lingerie for 103 years. The company's ideals and entire mission are founded on the defining the Art of Love through lingerie. Along the way they have never forgotten fit, quality and purose.

View Aubade's 2012 Spring and Summer collections here.

In their words, "Seduction meets fit meets function."

Aubade was the first company to design a matching set about thirty years ago. Before then, bras and panties were considered separates. Do you see now why I hold them so dear?

Eighteen years ago, Aubade started their Lessons in Seduction series. For Aubade,the photograph is not just a photograph. Each one has a sentiment. A personality. They recognize that women have power within and they want to help bring that power out into the open.

Their images are seductive, but never demeaning. The intent is always to empower women. "From the outset this campaign has revered the female body, in a gallery of spirited postures to be read every which way; as a sage, seductress, confessor, friend and lover. The Aubade woman is empowerd from within; she cherishes, tantalizes, bewitches, listens and stirs up trouble when necessary - as captured in the famous photos brimming with intent, saucy winks, double-entendre and playful puns."

Aubade has even translated their Lessons in Seduction from print to video that I think you're going to love as much as I do. Sit back and enjoy their playful Lessons in Seduction video. It will make you smile, inspire you...give you some great ideas...

Why do we SOL Girls love Aubade? Well. To start with, they have the most beautiful models on the planet. But seriously, there is a magic behind an Aubade set. Women who wear it, love it. You feel incredibly sexy in Aubade. Just choosing it out of the drawer makes me tingle. There is simple power in it. The designers intentionally create a collection that gives something back to the woman who wears it. And something extra special to the person who sees her wearing it.

Aubade's "French Kiss." Aptly named.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner - many of us will choose our favorite Aubade to put on that day. Not necessarily for anyone else, just because of how it makes us feel.

xoxo,
Cindy

Inspiration in Italia

2012-02-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Italian countryside.

Buon giorno! I've just returnedfrom the final leg of our European vacation. Todd, Bella and I spent the last week in Italy.

Gelato in Pisa! Yum!

While Paris is unsurpassed when it comes tolingerie I love, my heart lies in Italy! As soon as we landed in Pisa I felt a lightening of myspirit!

Thank goodness Todd was there, it nearly fell over.

Did you know the originalinspiration for the store came from my time spent in Italy the year before Toddand I married?

Sole!

Five years after our trip, as I was dreaming about the interiordesign for the store, I was brought back to the gardens with elaboratefountains, the warm ocher colors of the buildings, and the zest for lifeItalians have.

Love those colors. Love that face.

The store was modeled after an Italian garden.

The fountain outside a train station. Beauty everywhere!

The floor at SOL was designed to look like astone path leading you into a secret world. The fountain, pillars and foliagewere to bring the garden inside.

View of Firenze. Can't you just imagine all the lovely hidden secret places here?

I have been told overthe years that coming into the store is pleasingly tranquil...and for some, it can beas special as spending time at a spa.That was my hope from the beginning!

Sunset from the Duomo of Florence Cathedral.

I wanted to bring a little bit of the magic of Italy into our everydayDenver lives. I am so happy tobe coming back to my Denver life after feeling renewed and inspired by myadventures in Pisa and Florence.

Michelangelo's David in bronze.

I believethat Galileo, Botticelli andMichelangelo were men of sheer genius. I feel fortunate that in a time of technology I had a chance to look back at amazingdiscoveries of the heavens and the arts.

A Virgo on Galileo's Star Calendar.

Beauty is all around us. We just need to look for it.

Ciao,

The JohnsonFamilia

Midnight in Paris

2012-01-27T12:22:00.003-07:00

Good night - it's midnight in Paris!

Woody Allen has always been the perfect match for Jeanie's movie tastes. For me, he hasn't always been spot on. That is, until recently. We watched Midnight in Paris before we left and I suddenly "got it." I've imagined so many of the scenes from the movie in moments this week.

This trip has taken my breath away - care to share some special moments with me?

The girls at a full run approaching the gates of Disneyland Paris.

Can you remember the magic of sheer and utter joy?

True Love! Princes and Princesses have nothing on sisters and cousins.


Their tails are made out of springs!

Bella: Go ahead, risk it! Ask for his autograph!
Elliot: Please, please Mr. Tigger, will you sign my autograph book?

An excellent life lesson - take risks...but do it politely!

Disneyland Celebrity Sighting!

Palais Royal - Family Sighting!

The girls rested and we were off to Saint Chapelle on Ile de la Cite. Breathtaking, and a terrific spot for an afternoon date with my husband.

Remarkable.

I want a room like this.

So cute in his beret.

Glad I choose boots over heels...

Back to Opera Garnier! Beautiful things are worth a second stop.

The detail is incredible.

Another family sighting! I love these people.

It's a small world after all!

Whether in Paris or Pisa (my last stop before we return to Denver) there is magic all around! It's been delightful sharing my week with you all. What an exquisite life.

xoxo,
Cindy

Tough Buying Decisions in Paris

2012-01-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

We. Are. Pooped. This trip to Paris has been as whirlwind just like all the others. It has been great giving the grand tour to our SOL Man, and we are looking forward to a little extra time at the end of this trip to enjoy ourselves.

We are not finished yet telling you about all our adventures in Paris, but we have a lot to write so they will come over the next few days.

Many thanks to our loyal Facebook followers, who have helped us for the past couple of days make some buying decisions! We've learned that polka dots trump paisley, and when given the option, you guys love stripes over solids any day.

So. Now we're faced with one of the toughest decision of the whole trip.

What to have for dessert.

Because when you're in Paris at the world's largest lingerie show and you're faced with having to choose between this....

and this....

there's only one real way to make the decision.

Order both.

Also today, our beautiful daughters arrived in the City of Lights. Though it was hard to see them through our exhausted, happy, dessert-filled tears of joy, there was truly never a more lovely sight in Paris than this.

Jeanie's mini-me and the world-traveler Bella - and the Eiffel Tower on a stick!

We are not leaving you yet - there is one or two more blogs left in us, but we are making sure they are spectacular.

xoxo,
Cindy

The SOL Man at Paris Lingerie Show

2012-01-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today, my wonderful brother-in-law and SOL Operations Director speaks up about his first trip to the amazing Paris Lingerie Show... take it away, SOL Man!
xoxo, Cindy

My first visit to the Salon International de la Lingerie (four football fields of every mans dream, beautiful women in lingerie) actually started in Ghent, Belgium. It is home to Van de Velde, the manufacturers of Prima Donna and Marie Jo.


As you can see, it is a place right out of the Middle Ages!

My hosts cold not have been more gracious. I have really been treated like royalty - from extraordinary meals with Belgian beer to introductions to many of our Canadian colleagues and tours of the city. But the most important tour I took was of the Van de Velde distribution center. As SOL's Operations Director, I now fully understand the level of detail and expertise that goes into EVERY product they make. It's actually hard to fathom how they can design, create and deliver such quality lingerie for $150 or less! I can assure you that my time with them means that your bras will get to you even more quickly now.

My dreams come true.

I am jaded - everyday, I am surrounded by beautiful lingerie and beautiful women. You would think that I wouldn't blink an eye at seeing a show like this...but this just upped the ante by 1000! Imagine four or five football fields covered with gorgeous lingerie AND stunning lingerie models.

As an example, here are two of the personable and lovely models from Marie Jo. Which bra do you like better? Go to our Facebook page and tell us which you'd want to see at SOL...and in your lingerie drawer.

Man, I love this job.

You can see I'm perfectly at home here at Salon International de la Lingerie. I'm headed out now to enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Maison Blanche with Cindy, Jeanie and Inge Van Hecke, the North American Sales Manager of Marie Jo and Prima Donna.

Today we had the opportunity to review all of Fall/Winter 2012. Now I know all the items that I will be getting over to the floor for you. It was also great to see where Cindy gets some of her creative inspiration for our ad campaigns. I can't wait to see what Cindy is plotting for the next one.

Until then, head over to Facebook where we'll be posting more of what we're seeing here in Paris!

Over and out,
Bruce, the SOL Man

Who's ready for Paris Tights?

2012-01-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

Hosiery continues to be hot this season, and it is just so easy to spice up a simple dress or skirt with a great pair of tights! Le Bourget is our favorite go-to Paris Tights designer and I'm so excited about what they have in store for us!

Harking back to my days as a textiles & designs major at CSU, I love looking at the trend books that companies pull together as the basis of where they are going with design for that season. Below is a snapshot of one of Le Bourget's collection inspirations, from colors to style to design.

One collection theme is Surreal Atmosphere and flower surroundings. Inspired by colors from Avatar (yes movies can influence fashion!)

Style inspiration came "folklore, travel atmosphere and floral prints" which is translated from these other runway designers:

And design inspiration was taken from "floral designs and carpet-like floral prints" translated from nature.

And Voila! After months of research on trends in colors and styles, and hours on design and development, all of that inspiration is translated to a pair of fabulous tights!

I already know exactly what dress I would wear these with!

Tomorrow brings Marie Jo and Prima Donna! I can't wait!

xoxo,

Cindy

Behold Aubade, Lise Charmel, and Andres Sarda

2012-01-21T13:02:00.004-07:00

Today my personal heaven was delivered before my eyes!

Aubade

Ourfirst stop of the day started with our sales representatives for Aubade. We were very lucky to have Barrie Hlatky andClaudia Driggs, present Fall Winter 2012 for us at SILS. Many thanks to both of them for traveling to Parisand showing us the line in the fantastic Aubade booth (with those very beautiful Aubademodels from the catalogs). Seeing thecollections with both of them is such joy. Aubade, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! I’m showing you mypersonal favorite and letting you know that there are a few more pictures onFacebook for you to vote on. Don't you just loveAubade as much as I do?

Behold, my Lise Charmel-loving SOL girls, a sweet surprise.

Lise Charmel!

After much wonder over the past few months,we have received amazing news today. This beauty (above) from Lise Charmel is coming your way – along withmany others. I don’t have an exact datebut it could certainly be sooner than later. Contact your SOL girl associate via email and she can provide you exactdetails.

Finishing off the day with Vincenc, our remarkable salesrepresentative, and the splendor of Andres Sarda was truly divine! It has certainly been a year of manymomentous anniversaries! Congratulations to Andres Sarda for celebrating their50^th year and many thanks for providing true inspiration to SOL!

With Vincenc

Here’s a sneak peak of Andre Sarda Fall/Winter 2012 favorites.It was tough to decide which ones will be coming home with me for my closet.

Andres Sarda

Our Operations Director (and sweet brother-in-law) BruceFreeman joined us today via a trip to Belgium to see the headquarters of Marie Jo and Prima Donna . Keep your eyes out for the SOL Man’s guest appearance on my blog in the nextfew days. What an amazing experience he has had. I can’t wait for him to share more aboutit.

Don’t forget to check out FB over the next few days and letme know your thoughts on all of my beautiful selections. Your opinion counts and you can join me inbeing a guest buyer for SOL :)

xoxo,

Cindy

Paris - Day 2, Part 2!

2012-01-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

I've told you all that at first I didn't love Paris. I think you can certainly see why I've changed my mind about that!

Our trip this year has provided Jeanie and me time to reminisce a bit about our past experiences here and the growth that our trips to Paris has helped SOL achieve.

Some highlights!

Circa 2004 - Our first trip. There are endless moments that took my breath away. Visiting Cadolle (stay tuned for our pictures to come of what they're offering this year!) and realizing everything...I mean EVERYTHING, in Paris is on SALE for the entire month of January.


Repato - Ballet slippers even on on SOLDE = SALE

Circa 2005 - I found Didier Ludot and realized that the list of Paris stores where I wold love to shop, but will never have the time, is extensive. And yet it doesn't matter because in Paris, window shopping is truly a worthwhile sport.

Didier Ludot Palais Royal. Didier Ludot sells vinage fine designer clothes and accessories. Swoon.

Circa 2006 - Jeanie, Janelle and I explored Paris armed with tips from my gorgeous mother-in-law who had been here on a girls' trip. Check out yesterday's post to read all about our first trip to a hammam.

Hammam Pacha

Circa 2007 - You cannot have enough champagne in Paris! It is everywhere and makes every little activity so much more...well...FRENCH! Watching the sun rise in Paris is a treat in and of itself, but doing it with friends and champagne AND still managing to get a lot of work done, that's just perfection. Much love to Janelle, Jocelyn, Jeanie and Amanda for one of my favorite trips to Paris ever.

France, Friends, Fun.

Circa 2008 - Mrs. Natori has kindly hosted us at her Paris flat on many occassions. This year was incredible in particular because we all gathered around her grand piano while she played and we sang. The apartment was incredible and filled with flowers, fun and amazing people. We met the Saks buyer from Dhubai, the Womens' Wear Daily Lingerie Editor Karen Monget, an amazing American lingerie designer named Alan Fisher...the list goes on and on.

Mrs. Natori poses with us. Such a kind and gracious woman. I am proud to call her a friend.

Circa 2009 - The splendor of Galeries Lafayette will always stay with me. Each SOL Girl back home enjoys a "Paris Treat" which we lovingly purchase at this most glorious 20,000 square foot lingerie department within a world-class department store. Shopping takes on a whole new meaning here!

The ceiling of Galeries Lafayette. Gorgeous!

Circa 2010 - Jeanie and I had our first moment alone in what seemed like years! we also got to stay beneath the Eiffel Tower and see tha sparkes up close! Never underestimate its beauty.

Breathtaking.

Circa 2011 - Dining out in Paris! You'd be hard pressed to find girls who enjoy delicious food and wine as much as we do. Dining out with our favorite colleagues makes it an even bigger pleasure. Three must visit eateries...

1. ANY sidewalk cafe. Seriously. Stop, take a moment, order a glass of wine and just look around and soak it all in before you have dinner.

2. Au Bonne Accueil - I've shared this with you all before - it sits right beneath the Eiffel Tower and the Sole is as indescribable as the service is impeccable.


An experience of a lifetime. Trust me.

3. Grocery stores, Patisserie, Charcuterie, and department stores are all home to incredibly ridiculously good snacks. Stock up on basic provisions at every turn so that you are never in Paris without something delicious to eat.


Just close your eyes and point. It's all delicious.

It's not all croissants and rich food - the fruit selection is remarkable.

Circa 2012 - Stay tuned! My absolute favorite moment starts today! We get to walk through these doors into my personal fairyland.

Entrance to Salon International de la Lingerie - can't wait to walk up the red carpet!

We will post later today about our exciting meetings with designers...check back or follow us on Facebook, we'll announce when we've updated there.

xoxo
Cindy

Day 2 in Paris!

2012-01-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

Jeanie and I planned a little extra time in to this trip to enjoy the city and revisit some of our favorite places - and I'm so glad we did!

So after meetings and enjoying the show (which was AWESOME, BTW) today we indulged in one of the best things about Paris...the hammam. Don't know what that is? I didn't either until a few years ago! It's a version of a Turkish steam bath that has been popular in Western Europe since the 1860s. Paris women know how to take care of their skin, and the hammam is an important ingredient!

Parisians hit the hammam to relax, rejuvenate...and just look beautiful.

My first visit was to a hammam 2006. Jeanie, Janelle and I were here and we set off for Montmarte, ready to explore a new neighborhood. We were armed with the best Paris tip ever, courtesy of my amazing mother-in-law. She is a classic beauty, adventurous and generous and always willing to explore. She told us if we did nothing else we simply MUST indulge ourselves with time at a hammam.

One of the spectacular locker rooms. A wee bit nicer than my neighborhood "Y."

We all fell in love with the steam and the gommage - an insane treatment that sloughed off all our dry Denver skin. Mostly, we loved experiencing the beauty of another culture.

I'm convinced that a few hours at the hammam erases years of stress and is the perfect cure for jet lag. Although I have been capable of spending more than six hours at the hammam in the past, Jeanie and I felt quite grateful to sneak in two hours today.

And -they even served a delicious cous cous dinner served in a Tagine afterwards.

If you get the chance to visit Paris - take it from me - visit a hammam! Today we were at Hammam Pacha. If Paris isn't in your near future, do what I do and visit David at Rejuv in Wash Park. He knows how to take care of Colorado skin and I always leave feeling beautiful!

Stay tuned for more updates. In my next blog I reminisce about our past trips to Paris. Tomorrow's update we'll report from meetings with Le Bourget, Aubade and Andres Sarda. PLUS? If you follow us on Facebook, you'll get to vote and help us choose what we carry from Le Bourget this year. FUN!

Off to bed! Au revoir!

xoxo,

Cindy

Paris...BonJour!

2012-01-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Paris was in 1990. I explored the City of Lights with my not-yet-husband, Todd. We had just graduated from college and were poor students on Eurorail passes.

Neither of us could speak French. It is no surprise we felt totally lost...and ended up shortening our stay in Paris and extending our stay in Italy.

Ten years ago when Jeanie suggested attending the largest Lingerie conference in the world and it turned out to be in Paris, I actually cringed.

But as it is with many things, my sister is always right! Not only did going change my view of Paris, it gave me sooooo much inspiration that now, I find myself actually needing to go there each year.

Here we are at DIA about to leave for this years trip. We are wearing matching coats borrowed from the deep closet of one of my favorite Aunts so that we can be stylish AND warm in Paris in January. The coats are heavy enough to walk on their own; we have even named them!

Wearing Le Foz, and Fozzy.

We rent an apartment when we go to Paris each year. (We highly recommend Paris Vacation Apartments). Renting an apartment is not only less expensive than a hotel when we go for that length of time, but it really allows us feel like we living as Parisians do. It is so nice to have a kitchen and be able to make snacks and meals on our own. And going to the market is a perfect opportunity for Jeanie to practice her French!

View of the Louvre from our apartment
I love having the opportunity to see something that inspires me every moment in Paris. The apartment we stay in looks out over a perfectly manicured garden with the Louvre as a back drop.

Me! Outside Le Opera

Every shop window we pass, be it a patisserie, clothing store...even a hardware store, is complete eye candy for me. I see something in every display that I bring home with me to incorporate into SOL displays and ad campaigns.

Main Hall

Today Jeanie and I got to be tourists instead of just working. I got to pick which tourist sites were on the plate de jour! I have always wanted to see an opera at Opera de Paris Garnier while in Paris but it is usually dark when we are here in January. Luckily they offer a tour of the Grand Hall even though we could not see the interior of the main theater. Seriously, it put Versailles to shame! We could hardly take in all the brilliantly painted ceilings, marble stair cases and gilded statues. I could easily imagine all the beautiful people that have graced the opera in magnificent clothing.

Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise

After the Opera we headed out to Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise which was very high on my list of things I have always wanted to see when we are here. Some of you might guess that I wanted to see the cemetery because The Doors lead singer Jim Morrison is buried here...but then you don't know Cindy Johnson very well.

Edith Piaf's grave

Inside the main hall

A day out and about makes me realize why Paris is so exciting and special to me. I love traditions and Paris is filled with them. Although the birthday of Paris has been debated, the architecture is from way back.

View from Opera onto Boulevard de 'Opera

I love the way everyone dresses beautifully here. No jeans. No sweat pants and sports jerseys. People take time to look put together. It's about owning a few well made and designed items. Not the cheapest item and lots of it! No wonder Paris has divine lingerie stores on every corner with all ages of women shopping in them. No Parisian woman in her right mind would think to wear a pair of Jockeys with a lovely bra. Everything is made to make women feel and look glamorous. That is the main inspiration I try to bring home to all of my SOL girls!

We are women and lets enjoy our chance to be glamorous! Now off to dinner with my lovely little sister... I'll check in again with you tomorrow!

Au revoir,
Cindy

Always Match! More than a mantra...a way of life!

2012-01-17T14:32:00.003-07:00

Confession: I am a Matcher. Every single day, without fail, I am wearing panties that match my bra. They could be a boy pant, a bikini, a thong, but they match. If you see a bra strap peeking out of my blouse...put money on the fact that you know what my panties are! It's the safest bet going.

In fact, I have not left the house without a matching bra and panty since I was sixteen years old...that's how firmly I believe in Matching! In fact, people who know me well even say Matching is my religion. You can read more about my history of matching here.

Lingerie is made in sets for a reason - because you feel more beautiful. You feel fantastic. You impress firemen if you're in an accident. (wink wink)

Consider your lingerie as you would an accessory. Black shoes = black purse. Gorgeous bra deserves gorgeous matching panty.

You wouldn't wear an evening dress with your ski jacket. You wouldn't wear one stiletto and one flip flop. Matching is good for your attitude, great for your soul...if you're not a "Matcher," try it! You'll love it!

Because I want to convert you all to my "religion," January is officially Matchy Matchy Month at SOL! (applause!)

So, if you bought a bra in 2011, come in now and get the matching panty for 25% off...hurry - January only!

Adorable, no? And she's ready for impromptu skinny dipping!

Even if you already have a matching panty, get the same or another style 25% off. Because I know you want to be a Matcher, too.

xoxo,

Cindy

PS - All the cute Matchy sets you see here are brand new and in stock at SOL! They're so hot they're not even on our website yet, but you can check them out on Facebook or in the store!

SOL is hiring!

2012-01-05T17:45:00.001-07:00

Here it is just days into 2012, and we are already busy as bees! The exciting news around here is that we are hiring for several positions! Think you want to be a SOL Girl or know someone who may want to be? Check out more details here!

Personally, I think everyone should be a SOL Girl! Here's why. Our customers! They make coming to work great. You've told us that shopping at SOL can be an emotional experience that improvesyour self-esteem and physical appearance and that our customer service and staff make you SMILE! That kind of feedback makes all of US smile. It really is the greatest feeling in the world to help make someone feel beautiful.

You don't have to love lingerie to apply, but you can be sure you'll love it after you start working here and building up your lingerie collection with our great discount!

Here's what we're looking for. Jeanie and I want people who will work hard, love their jobs and have fun too. It is important to us to provide health insurance and vacation time to our employees because working hard means needing to be healthy and rested, and that includes spending time with family. We want our employees to look at SOL as a career. Someplace they can like going to every day and feel like they are making a difference for others and for themselves. Because that's how we feel about it.

Don't need a job? Then please think about passing along this information to someone you think may be a fit. And thanks for still being a SOL Girl at heart.

XO
Cindy

Holiday Traditions of the SOL Girls

2011-12-23T14:13:00.001-07:00

While I'm never one to turn away a present, I think we all agree that the real gift of this time of year is that we gather around the people we love and we're drawn to do the same things time and time again. Tradition. I live for it. We all do. It makes us feel like family. Like we're cherished. It helps us stay connected to the past and teach our little ones what to do in their futures.

This week, we asked all the SOL Girls what their favorite holiday traditions were. Not surprisingly, a lot had to do with food...but all of them had to do with family.

My personal tradition? Every Christmas, we have special SOL Christmas PJs made for all of us. My sister Nancy always gives my daughter and Jeanie's daughter matching PJs. So cute.

My sweet Bella on Christmas morning. She designed her silk top herself!

Adorable cousins in their matching PJs. They grow up so fast!

Now...for some of the SOL Girls' faves...

Tracie - "We have a Christmas Eve tradition. Every year we let our daughter Kendall open one gift. It's always something cozy and fun from SOL. After that, the whole family sits in front of the "electronic hearth" and watches A Christmas Story together."

"It's thuck!"

Krista - My family gets together on Christmas Eve for tamales and green chili! La Casita (a North Denver institution) makes more than 200,000 tamales for the holidays and you have to place your order almost a month in advance! For the last four Christmases, I have brought tamales in for the SOL family to enjoy as we work Christmas Eve helping people finish their shopping. I guess you could say my Christmas tradition is eating tamales at all three meals on Christmas Eve. iFeliz Navidad!

Yum.

Janelle: I'm 37 and while I've lived in Colorado for fifteen years, I've never missed a Christmas with my family in Long Island, NY. I even book the same United flight every year. Being together is the tradition.

"My lovely Mom a few years ago after opening her yellow box. She loved gifts from SOL."

Jordy: Growing up in Texas, my family would always go to church together on Christmas Eve. There would be a beautiful candlelight service and then we'd venture out for some delicious TexMex food! At home that evening, we would each open one gift from a family member (not Santa, of course). My sister and I would watch a Christmas movie and wait patiently for Santa to eat our cookies and milk and leave everything on our list. The next morning, we'd eat Sara Lee coffee cake and then take off for Waco to celebrate with relatives...and eat even more! Merry Christmas, y'all!

Amelie: My favorite holiday tradition, which I'm sure my mother completely made up on her own is "Bayfana - the New Year's Witch." She always left a little gift on New Year's Day. She wasn't as extravagant as Santa, but it was always something beautiful and sweet! Also, after we opened our presents on Christmas Day, we had to go outside and yell as loud as we could, "THANK YOU SANTA!" That was so much fun!

Merry Christmas from all of us at SOL. We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with the people you care about and making traditions. We'll be doing the same - so we'll close the store at 4pm on Christmas Eve and reopen in the New Year, on January 2nd.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo,

Cindy

It's the most wonderful time...of the year!

2011-12-10T10:03:00.009-07:00

I love this time of year as the excitement builds towards the holidays. Trees twinkle, houses sparkle, there’s a glow on everyone’s cheeks…and though it does get busy and hectic, I find myself humming Bing Crosby and Dean Martin tunes and gently shaking the gifts under the tree when no one is looking.

There’s a lot going on here at SOL to help get you in the spirit, too!

I sometimes call Christmas and Channukah “toaster holidays.” Because you usually open your gifts in front of the whole family from mother-in-law to children, it’d better be as safe as a toaster. But seriously? Who wants a toaster?

Natori Medallion Long Robe. Sumptuous and comes in a bunch of great colors.

That’s why you’ll find an amazing selection of fabulous robes, sleepwear, slippers, even stocking stuffers here that make perfectly appropriate and wonderful gifts to open in front of everyone.

My advice? Ask for a separate yellow box to open on Christmas Eve...in the bedroom!

Aubade Pin Up. It doesn't make toast, but he won't mind

By the way, we make it so easy on the guys who come in shopping for you. Tell him that we have your size, and probably your wish list. Tell him that we’ll wrap it for free. Tell him that we’re open Noon to 5 on Sundays in December and purchases Sundays get a free grab bag that will have an extra surprise he can put in your stocking.

And tell him that if he comes on Friday, December 16 between 1pm and 3pm? He can meet and listen to Irv & Joe from Mile High Sports Radio who will be here talking to shoppers and giving out sexy Aubade calendars. I have a feeling Todd will be calling in “sick” that afternoon!

You can cross off a lot of your gift list here, too.

Give the Natori Jersey collection and you'll get the most sincere thank you cards ever written.

Gorgeous and cozy robes for your mother-in-law, flowing caftans and pajamas for your sister and best friends, slippers for a neighbor, cute flannel Munki Munki jammies for your baby sitter and Paris Tights for the kids' teachers. It's all here!

Munki Munki nightshirt. Your babysitter will love it because it's perfect for texting.

Sweet sleepwear from Eberjey, a great gift for your favorite sister.

Sassy Paris Tights will help any educator get through the day.

And - we’ve got a great selection of gifts under $100. The best part? Purchases $350 and more get a $50 gift card, so you can make everyone happy and put a little something in your own stocking, too!

Jacques Levine Slippers. Decadently comfortable and warm.

Have a friend who needs “a lift?” Take her to lunch and bring her in for a bra fitting as her gift. With our Share the Love program, new SOL customers get $20 on their account and the referring customer (YOU) get $20 on your account! Everybody’s happy!

Do you follow us on Facebook? Well, you should! We have fun contests, show new product there before anyone else sees it and even have Facebook Only Sales. Tell your friends to “like” us, too, because on December 16^th we’ll be drawing a name from our Facebook friends to win a $250 Natori gift card. Natori and Josie by Natori sleepwear and loungewear are our favorites and the perfect holiday gift for your mom, your friends, yourself!

Merry merry merry!

Cindy

P.S. Remember that we reward our hard-working SOL Girls and ourselves with some family time after the holidays, so we are closed from December 25 until January 2.

On friends, fashion and feeling great.

2011-11-22T10:18:00.003-07:00

One thing Jeanie and I learned early on in business is that it's important to surround yourself with like-minded people who believe in your dream. One of those people we are fortunate to have met also happens to be the founder of one of our favorite sleepwear brands.

Her name is Josie Cruz Natori, but everyone calls her Mrs. Natori. She is the force behind the Josie and Natori brands, and although petite in stature, she is a major player in the world of fashion.

Mrs. Natori. If you look up "fabulous" in the dictionary, you'll see her picture.

Mrs. Natori has been our mentor and our friend since we started carrying her line years ago. When we were celebrating our 10th anniversary, it coincided with the 30th anniversary of Natori, and she was gracious enough to make a private appearance at SOL, bringing along several select pieces from her couture collection. I was in heaven.

The SOL Girls with Mrs. Natori. I'm wearing one of her couture pieces. I could live in it.

Mrs. Natori and I share a basic philosophy - that self indulgence is not a treat...it is a necessity!

We've also visited Mrs. Natori's home in Paris where she throws an amazing party every January during Fashion Week. I cannot tell you the depths of her hospitality. She is an elegant and warm woman that makes everyone feel very special and welcome. She always asks questions, wants to know what she can improve for us, but more importantly, she genuinely listens. Once you are invited into the world of Natori...you don't want to leave!

Recently, we were proud to have Mrs. Natori collaborate on a catalog with SOL. In it, you'll see the cozy caftans, sassy chemises and the sumptous lounge wear she is famous for.

Sleepwear really is an affordable luxury that we all deserve. Being comfortable doesn't mean putting on your guy's sweat pants. You can be cozy and comfortable and happy and look like the fabulous girl that you are!

I hope you all have an inspiring mentor and friend like we have in Mrs. Natori. And a I hope you'll try putting a little glamour in your day, and in your friends' days, too. Flattering loungewear from Josie or Natori make perfect holiday gifts for the women in your life. Click here for holiday gift ideas.

xoxo,
Cindy

Savvy Shoppers Share SOL Sale Secrets (say that 3 times fast!)

2011-10-26T12:08:00.001-06:00

I woke up to a Denver covered in a blanket of snow and could only think of one thing.

Yippee!

That means its almost time for my favorite sale of the year...The Customer Appreciation Sale! It's the time of the year when we get to say Thank You, Gracias, Merci, Grazie, Arigato...well, you get the idea! You know we love what we do, and you're all the reason we get to do it - so this is our way of showing it.

Now - some exciting news. Last year, we planned the sale to be a week (like we normally do) and then due to so many customer requests we ended up extending the sale to much fanfare. So this year, we decided to extend it in the first place. The new and improved Customer Appreciation Sale is now officially Ten. Days. Of. Awesome! Mark your calendars, girls.

2012 Customer Appreciation Sale

November 2nd - November 12th

- including Sunday, 11/6 -

So, what's the big deal? Two words. Every. Thing. That's right, everything is on sale! During the Customer Appreciation Sale, your entire purchase is 20% off. And it's on current, just-arrived gorgeous new merchandise.

This is YOUR sale. It's 20% OFF everything YOU want.

Our favorite Daisy bras. 20% off. (even the new Ruby Red Daisy!)

Fabulous Andres Sarda 20% OFF

Gorgeous Aubade 20% OFF

Cozy Natori Sleepwear - 20%

Versatile and adorable Paris Tights 20% off!

See where I'm going with this?

Never been to a SOL Customer Appreciation Sale? Want some advice from the pros? We thought you might. That's why we called a few of our veteran SOL Sistas and asked them their strategies and favorite parts of the big sale.

So here it is, SOL Sale Secrets from our Savvy SOL Shoppers...

Sarah: Go more than once! I always see things the second time that I can't believe I missed on my first visit.

Anne: Take a friend. My BFF recommends things that I wouldn't choose for myself, but turn out to be my favorites!

Kelsey: Maybe I'm a little OCD, but I always plan ahead! I cruise the website first, then go to the store a couple of days before the sale, and then I make a list! I also make a separate list for my husband - that way, I know I'll get exactly what I want for Christmas and he'll save 20%.

Marika: They always say this on their website, but it's true. I never pay for parking when I go to SOL! Besides having "the girls" taken care of, my car is too. Run in for a token, and you're set without worrying about parking tickets!

Jenn: Did you know you can place a phone order during the sale and still get your 20% off? I travel a lot for work and found this out last year. I just spent a few minutes on the phone with Anna, she packaged up everything I wanted and by the time I got home on the weekend, it was on my front porch. Like magic, I tell you.

My favorite Savvy SOL Sale Secrets? Our VIP Lounge! We have our favorite masseuse stop by on Saturdays to give customers (and us!) a little shoulder rub down. Who doesn't love that while they are shopping? And don't forget, keep an eye on our Facebook page for info during the sale!

xoxo,

Cindy

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Four - Part Two

2011-10-21T18:34:00.002-06:00

Well, it's the last day of my European Lingerie Tour. Bittersweet, because while I miss all the SOL Girls back home, I really could stay here in this beautiful place a long time.

You cannot visit Barcelona without seeing some of Antoni Gaudi's buildings. He is the defining architect of the city

The Sagrada Famila Basilica has been under construction for 129 years

Perhaps the most famous of Gaudi's works, it was consecrated by the Pope in 2010, it is set to be complete in 2018. It truly is indescribable and I suggest putting it on your must-see list!

Barcelona is an very livable city; bike friendly, easy to walk around, mild Mediterranean weather. On our tourthrough the historic streets, we came across their famous, must-see open airfood market called Mercat de la Boqueria. It is the largest outdoor food market in all of Europe and the sights, sounds and smells of it are unbelievable. I wish I could bring back bags and bags of all the lovely fruits and vegetables I saw.


September/October is mushroom season in Barcelona! So many kinds!

En route to our goodbye dinner we strolled through Roman ruins from 300 AD.

Can you even imagine the things that have happened here?

We arrived at the stylish Boca Grande where we had yetanother incredible meal! we enjoyed a traditional Spanish dish of fish prepared and servedin sea salt...extremely tender and delicious!

That just looks like rice. It's sea salt! So yummy.

Is it really our last night?

It was a lovely, drawn out dinner where I had theopportunity to catch up with Vicenc,who has been at Andres Sarda for eighteen years. He's been our account rep since 2005. I also met Carlos Mira, the Marketing Director for the company. It's official. Our SOL Man Bruce isn't the only man in the lingerie industry!


Seriously, how cute are they?

We don't wanna go home!

The late night gathering was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip! I want to say thank you to Inge forinviting us and planning such a memorable experience. It is rare to meet and talk to other women who understandbra fitting the way we do.

I really learned from all of you. Zee, Savannah, Judy, Eva, Jamie, Marla,Pam, Janet, Viktoria, Colleen, Susan and Kristy…. Thank you for all the laughter! I’m still amazed at how well we all clicked. Until next time!

And thank you to all who have followed my adventures.

xoxo,

Janelle

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Four, Part One

2011-10-21T09:53:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe it's the last day of mytrip. Say it isn't so! I could explore here for months and not see everything I want to.

So. Barcelona! So beautiful. We arrived late and scooted off to a late dinner of tapas at El Chiringuito del Vela. It was the perfect welcome to Barcelona. The view of the beach and skyline was incredible. The paella...bigger than our heads and divine.

The beach spread out before us and I made a note to come back here when I could stay and stay. And stay! And I can also whole-heartedly recommend the Hotel Actual - a lovely,modern hotel perfectly situated in the historic center on Passeig de Gràcias.

Back to the business of lingerie - Barcelona is the home of Andres Sarda, a Spanish line SOL has been carrying for many years...almost as long as the Daisy Bra line from Marie Jo! The next day was all about discovering more about them.

A tour of the Andres Sarda design center was like being in a candystore full of lace, gems and embroidery. Nuria Sarda is the designer for the brand and explained thesteps she goes through to design her beautiful lingerie and swim wear. (My favorite!)

She was captivating. So inspired and passionate.

She described everything, from choosing fabric for lingerie...or a swimsuitpattern,

To choosing the lace

To the jeweled accessory!

I'll take them all, please.

All the products are made right there - in the center of beautiful Barcelona!

It's truly a work of art - planned by artisans, made by craftspeople, in one of the most lovely places in the world.

And finally, the finished piece! Did you notice that this is the sameset that the Quality Control person was checking in Schellebelle? We have come full circle!

It's been a long day. I'm off to take a little siesta (when in Spain do what the Spanish do..) and will report back about our last night later!

xoxo

Janelle

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Three

2011-10-20T10:06:00.001-06:00

The tour of Belgian culture continues and I truly am smitten. What a charming and lovely place, such the perfect mix of old and new.

Today, we were about an hour from Ghent and took adetour to Brugge. Brugge is a classic old world city that is actually a World Heritage Site due to its streetpattern - which originates back to medieval times. (!) For an American, this is almost hard to fathom. Do we have any streets in Denver more than 100 years old? Imagine 1,000!

The city’sarchitecture is nothing less than fantastic. The city was spared from any bombings during the World Wars, and thus its architecture is completely original. In fact, it has not been attacked since the middle ages. Some of you may be familiar with it from Colin Farrell’sdark comedy a few years back called “En Brugge.” Of course, no one was thrown off thetop of the Bell Tower on our trip. Well. That I know of.

Can you see me poking my head out of a window up there, all Rupunzel-style? Well, except I have short hair.

If you go to Belgium you simply MUST experience their famous chocolate, and chocolate andalso...their chocolate! There are fifty-five chocolate shops inthis small town alone!

Must. Eat. It. All.

Godiva is the most well known but alas, there ismuch more to the chocolate world than that. Here I am getting up the nerve for the Sake flavored piece. Tasty. The Wasabi flavored piece?? Let's just say I prefer my wasabi with my sushi, when I'm expecting to have my mouth go on fire.

Any chocolate is a good chocolate.

I also saw bacon, fried onion and pepper flavored chocolates. They werecreated by a Michelin-starred chocolatiere called The Chocolate Line.

To wash down all this chocolate?

My favorite beer? Cold.

Beer. Stella Artois may be one of their most well known Belgian beers in the States, but Belgiumhas more than 400 breweries. We visited a bar well-known fortheir huge selection of beers. When Pam asked if they had a blonde - or light colored beer our waitress responded, "Yes! 110 kinds!"

Travel is all about the adventure - getting out of your routine, seeing things you would never see at home. And I gotta tell you, this is something I never thought I'd see. Anywhere. I can't even explain it, really. Here. Take a look.

A woman's urinal. Yep. That's what it is.

And with that? We're off to Barcelona.

More tomorrow!
-Janelle

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Two

2011-10-19T07:17:00.002-06:00

It seems like a big theme on this trip will be food. As someone who usually eats lunch at her desk and dinner while leaning on the kitchen counter...I am not complaining.

Today we were joined by Dirk De Vos, International Sales Manager from Van de Velde. He is the only man in our group of fifteen women.

He seems fairly comfortable with the male-female ratios, doesn't he?

We spent some time walking the lovely streets of Ghent where we saw a lot of beautiful lingerie!

This window features the new Marie Jo and Andres Sarda. Ruby Daisy alert!

Then we loaded onto a bus and took a short ride from Ghent to Schellebelle, where Van de Velde's design center, manufacturing facility, quality control center and shipping warehouse are located. We got to meet a lot of their staff - so warm and welcoming.

I have to say, it is really exciting seeing the very first steps in the design process for something that ultimately becomes a bra, and possibly one that is one of your favorites.

Who says bras need to be black, nude or white? Look at all these glorious colors!

Then, how does it fit?

They really do check and test every.single.piece. of EVERYTHING (fabric, lace, hardware) before it ships. Check out the attention to detail!

She was concentrating so intently she didn't even realize I took her picture.

And then...time to eat! Yay!

We headed back to the center of historic Ghent to the Ghent River Hotel.

Located right on the canal, it has a lovely dock where you can take evening boat tours of the city.

Is it really so hard to believe that a boat and canal offer afantastic backdrop for sharing bra fitting tips and ideas?

Some of the very helpful Van de Velde customer service reps joined us. So fun.

Tomorrow? Off to Brugge, Belgium...famous for Godiva chocolate...Mmmmm.

xoxo,

Janelle

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day One

2011-10-18T12:24:00.000-06:00

Toto, we're not in Colorado anymore.

Lingerieis a European invention, and as such, most quality lingerie is still designed and manufactured there. Which means, for me to properly do my job at SOL (which for those who don't know me, is Marketing Director) ...sometimes Cindy has to twist my arm and force me to go to Europe.

Yes, I know. Poor me. (Squeal!) But I'm taking YOU all along with me! I'll be blogging for the next 4 days, reporting back all that I've learned and experienced.

First stop...Belgium!

Van de Velde is a Belgian company that designs some of ourmost popular brands. They’ve invited brafitters from six of their top stores in North America to Ghent, Belgium and onthen to Barcelona, Spain. We'll get to meet their staff, tour their design centers, do somesightseeing and…most importantly...meet each other to exchange ideas andenthusiasm about bra fitting.

Have I mentioned yet how much I really love my job?

That's me in the red glasses - just after we arrived.

Inge van Hecke (front right) is their fabulous Director ofNorth America and our welcoming guide. Hi Inge!The women represent stores from Vancouver, Toronto, SouthCarolina, Connecticut and, of course, SOL!


Look how hard we are all working! Okay, maybe this was taken during a break.

We dined at the Belga Queen and I shockeda few of my colleagues by ordering steak tartare. It was a good idea, as it just happens to be a Belgian specialty.

Beautiful, no? I love artful presentation almost as much as food!

See that little thimble in the middle of the meat? It held a tiny serving of a special Belgian gin called “jenever."

Read more about it here... but suffice it to say, YUM.

Ghent is a picturesque medieval city, with cobblestonestreets and fantastic architecture.

We learned, though, that the weather is usually gray and rainy, in fact, it rained all summer. Fortunately for Ghent, we North Americans brought along some beautiful Denver blue skies with us and our first day was their warmest October day in NINETY YEARS. Yes, NINETY. We are kind of their heroes now.

See, they even had Guards for us!

The outdoor cafes were packed, canals were full ofboats and happy people lined the canals and streets, soaking up the sun.

You are welcome, Ghent. Anytime.

As in many parts of Europe with small streets, the main mode of transportation in Ghent is the bicycle. People of all ages and sizes ride around on bikes of alltypes... but they're mostly older single speed models.


I love his bell!

And a little rain can’t stop you! Tie on your scarf and you are ready to go!

She just pulled out a scarf and kept pedaling!

Even thepublic art encouraged a bimodal lifestyle. So cool. I love Belgium!

Jet lag kicking in, time for bed. I can't wait for tomorrow. We're going to tour the Van de Velde factory, see more sights, and eat more heavenly food.

xoxo,

Janelle

Happy Anniversary to SOL.

2011-10-12T15:09:00.000-06:00

On a bright fall day in October, 1997, my sister Jeanie and I held hands and stood in front of 248 Detroit Street. We looked up at the freshly installed moniker on the building. We looked at each other. I squeezed her hand. "This is it, sister," I said. "This is it, sister" she answered.

After weeks of preparation of the space, after months of planning over coffee, margaritas and countless cartons of Chinese food, after years and years of dreaming. This was it.

We turned the key and SOL Store of Lingerie was officially open. Wouldn't it be fun to say there was a line of people waiting with us like on a Sidewalk Sale day? It would, but it wouldn't be true. That first day, we had a total of four customers. Four. I could tell you everything about each of them. And we're very proud to say we still see two of them quite often. Thank you Nancy Mitzner and Patty Soffer! As our longest standing customers, you are the original SOL Girls.

Opening Day with our one employee. Seems like yesterday.

That first year, if you wanted a Daisy bra, you could choose Navy...or Navy. We sold 150 of them. We've had 14 fashion colors since then - and in the first nine months of this year alone, more than 3500 have made their way from our fitting rooms to your wardrobes.

We've had amazing trips to Las Vegas, New York, Paris. (Oh, Paris.) We've had the thrill of seeing our first billboard go up, our first ad in a magazine, our first invitation to be on the Today Show. We've met so many absolutely lovely women in Denver and around the world.

Building the plan for SOL was a lot like getting ready to have a baby. You hope, you plan, you dream. You build a nest and you wait. Finally the day comes, and you step into a new and exciting set of adventures. There's no looking back. Your baby enters the world with all your wishes and work supporting it.

SOL is older than my daughter, older than Jeanie's daughter. It is our first child, and we're so happy that's it's a thriving teen now because of hard work and a true and honest love of what we do. Because of the dedication of loyal SOL employees. And of course, because of your support.

Earlier this month we posted a note on Facebook. It said "Happy Anniversary to SOL, it's been 14 years since we opened the door to our dream." And that is exactly true.

Happy anniversary to SOL. Thank you, sister.

xoxo,

Cindy

Ladies in Red. Delicious, yummy ruby red.

2011-09-22T14:33:00.001-06:00

The new Daisy is here and it has us seeing red...ruby red!

Have you tried the new sweetheart style yet?

If you keep an eye on fashion trends, you know that red is all the rage this fall...from jackets and purses to shoes and boots, the trend is hot, hot, hot. Even the best dressed celebs at the Emmy Awards recently draped themselves in the color.

It only makes sense that a cute red Daisy strap should peek out!

Get a little oomph with the push up style

We have all five Daisy styles in stock: plunge, sweetheart, non-contour, strapless and push up - don't forget your matching panty...and of course there's a coordinating Hanky Panky, too.

The great thing about red is it looks good on every skin tone - really! And it just feels sexy. Red is hot. Even if you're wearing a boring suit, if you know that underneath it all you're draped in red? Instant attitude, SOL Sistas. You'll be queen of that staff meeting.

I love red because it brightens up winter, too. With snow just around the corner, I'm looking forward to cozy sweaters and hot chocolate, with the warmth of my ruby red Daisy.

They're online and in the store - if you know your size, we'll wrap it up before you get here!

Love,
Cindy

FNO in NYC

2011-09-09T09:34:00.001-06:00

Lindsey and I are in NY to experience NYC's Fashion's Night Out. An international shopping event started by Anna Wintour and American Vogue in 2009 to help bring awareness to the fashion industry, it is in its 3rd year with now over 250 cities participating in the US. We traveled with Cherry Creek North BID ladies Kristi and Kristin who were hatching up plans for a Cherry Creek North FNO extravaganza in 2012. Lindsey and I are here to be inspired and get our creative juices flowing to see what fun things we can dream up for a SOL FNO event for next year.

What a night! Lindsey, Kristi, Kristen and I hit the pavement in Soho right at 6pm with the goal of seeing as many shops and events as possible.

There were over 900 participating Fashion's Night Out locations all over Manhattan with over 200 right in Soho. That is where we concentrated our efforts and we were not disappointed!

We walked right into a group of ladies dressed up with shoes on their heads...yes, those are shoes on their heads

Music was key: most shops had DJs spinning some tunes

Rockin' DJ at Betsy Johnson

There was even Karaoke - "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was a theme for the night!

Live models graced windows all over town

You could get your hair and make-up done...

Or how about being the model for a t-shirt cutting?

People could enjoy Net-A-Porter's Virtual Window Display and when they scanned an item with a phone or ipad, they had a chance to win it...

One of our favorites was the "Flipping Fun" flip book - dance for 7 seconds in front of the camera voila - a flip book with all your moves was in your hands 10 minutes later!

And it wouldn't be NY without a few celebrity sightings....


Diane von Furstenburg spritzing customers with her new perfume at her Soho store

Heidi Klum was showing her new line at the QVC fashion show


Anna Wintour was signing September Issues of Vogue

And of course great people watching and street fashion!

Thanks Fashion's Night Out for a great time! We are looking forward to bringing it back to Cherry Creek North next year!

We hope you enjoyed reading!
Janelle & Lindsey

Fashion's Night Out - We Want In!

2011-09-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of FNO? It started off as an after-hours shopping event to kick off New York's Fashion Week. Now, just three years after its inception, 250 American cities participate along with cities around the globe from Manhattan to Milan...Atlanta to Australia.

Guess who wants to bring it to Cherry Creek North next year?
(Hint: Look to your right.)

This year, it's on September 8th and our very own Marketing divas Janelle and Lindsey are headed to the Big Apple with some of our Cherry Creek North neighbors to check it out and so we can partake with our own fabulous event for FNO in 2012.

Gives me goosebumps.

Also? I'm kinda jealous I'm not going with them. So, I've asked them to blog from FNO while they're there so we can all go along. Look for their full report next Thursday the 8th.

Can't wait!

xoxo,
Cindy

PS - Are you a "Gleek?" Check out this video about Fashion's Night Out by some of the Glee cast members! So fun.

Party Report: The SOL Speakeasy!

2011-08-31T17:33:00.002-06:00

Oh my gosh you guys.

This party?

Off.

The.

Hook.

Except for since it was a 1920s Speakeasy theme, we'll say...

"The cat's pajamas!"

Seriously, so fun. We laughed, we told stories, we sipped moonshine, we met friends old and new. We saw AMAZING dancers and officially welcomed the new campaign! If you were there - you know how much fun we had - and you got to watch the "making of" video.

But if you weren't there... you can watch it now - right here.

Now, enjoy the rest of the party...

SOL models Tiffany and Adam Vartanyan greet guests and set the tone for Speakeasy fun!

Happy party goers with yellow bags and Tiffany.

The man behind all the beautiful women! Introducing Sedrique - he's the incredible makeup artist who has helped us with the past FOUR campaigns. A magician and a gentleman. Oh, and me! Channeling my inner flapper. I love gloves!

Checking out the video...a few minutes later...huge applause!

Okay, seriously? The dancers were nothing short of amazing. Such control, such rhythm...
such cool shoes....

See what I mean? How does she DO that???

Here's Tiffany with photographers extraordinaire Jody and Zack Zorn and our
fabulous hair stylist Matthew Morris and his husband.

This might be my Christmas card. Our marketing guru, Janelle, my lovely sister and business partner Jeanie, the uber-talented and beautiful Tiffany, me and Sedrique. I love my job.

Lara, Janelle, me and Jordy. We might dress like this everyday.

And finally... my favorite picture of the night...

He bought it.

Thanks everyone! Here's to a great new year for SOL!

xoxo,

Cindy

Stop by our Speakeasy Ad Campaign Launch Party!

2011-08-23T13:45:00.000-06:00

You're invited to our Speakeasy launch party tomorrow! (Wednesday the 24th 5-8pm)! Come meet me and the SOL models, have a little "moonshine" and watch the premiere of our Photo Shoot Behind the Scenes Video. Plus we've hired some dancers to show off their Charleston and Lindy moves. As I'm planning my finger waves and Tiffany's flapper costume, I can't help but think how fun it would have been to get all dolled up in 1920s!

And you are invited to shop the new fall styles, too. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Morgan Adams Foundation for Pediatric Oncology Research.

Campaign Launch Party

Wednesday, August 24th

5pm - 8pm

SOL Speakeasy - 248 Detroit

Plus - Everyone who attends gets a SOL luggage tag and is entered to win a $500 SOL Shopping Spree. It'll be the bee's knees!

Hope to see you there!

xoxo,

Cindy

Behind the All Aboard Campaign - Let's have a Party!

2011-08-12T15:22:00.003-06:00

Several years ago we decided to do a new ad campaign every year. I love the freshness it gives to the SOL brand, the change it makes to feel of the store and the creative outlet it provides not only for me, but for all of the SOL Girls! I came up with "Destination SOL" several years ago, so after our Road Trip campaign, and then our SOL Air campaign, trains seemed the obvious next choice.

The glam! The glitz! I love it.

What I especially love about the train idea is that train travel was - and still can be - such a glamorous style of travel. Choosing the 1920’s lent itself perfectly as the era of luxury train travel, but I have to say I also just personally love the style of that era. And in the 1920's, a new kind of woman emerged. She smoke, drank, danced, drove cars and voted. She cut her hair, wore make-up and went to petting parties. She was giddy, spunky and took risks. She was a flapper! Jamie, our dark haired model, conveyed this look perfectly.

"We don't care if you see our straps!"

Our blonde SOL Girl, Tiffany, is modeled after the glamorous movie stars of the era - Greta Garbo, Louise Brooks, Gloria Swanson and Clara Bow.

"I want to be alone. In a silk caftan from SOL."

The other exciting part of this campaign is that I was finally able to photograph and showcase our loungewear and sleepwear! Bra fitting will always our focus, but we do have so many lovely items of sleepwear in the store that we haven’t had the opportunity to photograph and show customers. The 1920’s era lends itself to showing how these beautiful pieces can be worn.

My very modern sentiment is also that wearing beautiful loungewear (just a like perfect fitting bra) makes a woman feel better about herself and more confidant. The first thing I do when I get home from work is take off my bra (yes, even I do that!) and put on a caftan or silk robe. Not only is it super comfortable, I feel beautiful in it. Sure, I’m just making dinner or tidying up the house, but there's nothing wrong with adding little glamour to every day tasks.

This is exactly how I FEEL when I'm wearing my caftans, even if it is not exactly how I look :)

I’m not saying that the entire fashion world took my idea, BUT, the 1920’s theme is on mark with current fashion trends. Upcoming fashion has hints of 1920’s inspiration and for you movie buffs out there… a remake of the Great Gatsby with Leonardo DiCaprio and Carrie Mulligan is being released next year. Start planning your Daisy Buchanan Halloween costume now!

"Leonardo Di-who?

To formally release the new campaign to the world, we're having a Speakeasy launch party! Come meet me and the SOL models, have a little "moonshine" and watch the premiere of our Photo Shoot Behind the Scenes Video. You can shop the new fall styles, too. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Morgan Adams Foundation for Pediatric Oncology Research.

Campaign Launch Party

Wednesday, August 24th

5pm - 8pm

SOL Speakeasy - 248 Detroit

Plus - Everyone who attends gets a SOL luggage tag and is entered to win a $500 SOL Shopping Spree. It'll be the bee's knees!

Thanks so much to all of you for your support - you make my job So. Much. Fun.

xoxo,

Cindy

NYC - the last hurrah...

2011-08-05T17:11:00.001-06:00

I gotta be honest. I am pooped. But I had an amazing week here in the Big Apple with Jeanie and Jocelyn! We saw sooo many great things that I cannot wait to bring you guys in the Spring! Beautiful, sexy, luxurious perfect things.

And we also saw...

Cute girls in flirty skirts drinking beer. Just like home.

Maxi skirt with lace tank and gladiator sandals. Love.

Adorable, no? I love her little parasol. We girls try so hard.

And then, there's the guys. Who no matter what age, just throw on a golf shirt,
chinos and a baseball cap!

Unless, of course, they can't find their golf shirt.
Which, in this instance, is totally forgivable.

Jeanie and Jocelyn have returned home to their sweet families, but instead of jetting off to see mine, I've asked them to come meet me here! Team Johnson is taking the city by storm...and I must say Mr. Johnson is looking quite Soho. He's apparently been reading some Sartorialist himself, because in just 24 hours here, he's purchased mustard colored jeans, black leather Chuckie T's, and even...wait for it...rolled his skinny jeans. Not bad for a boy from Boulder.

I gotta admit, Bella, Todd and I look pretty hip. We're celebrating by heading out to Harlem for some incredible jazz at Birdland.

Thanks to everyone for joining me on this trip! See you back home soon!

xoxo,

Cindy

New York City and Natori. Fabulous combination!

2011-08-04T16:56:00.003-06:00

Today we found our way to the Natori showroom - which is always a fantastic meeting for us. The folks there are gracious hosts for the six or more hours it takes for us to see and feel all the new collections. We are extremely lucky to have the lovely Danielle Zamudio as our rep. She guides us through the lines and makes our decisions easy and fun. I really cannot wait for spring of 2012 so you can see them all, too!
As the four of us spoke with Mrs. Natori, I realized that I need to call out to all you SOL girls in Denver. You may think that only famous, globe-trotting actresses with many children and Brad Pitt for a husband should wear things like the glamorous couture caftan by Natori, but you're wrong, ladies!

You deserve to feel just as glam as those Hollywood types! Stop wearing those cut off sweats to bed. Put your guy's boxers back in his drawer. Throw that old t-shirt in the garage and use it to wash your car.

Vow to yourself that you're going to sleep in something slinky, sumptuous and sexy. Even if you wake up with bed-head, you're going to have a great day after sleeping in Natori. You really will be surprised what a change it will make in your lifestyle. Do it for yourself.

I do!

xo,
Cindy

We love our job. Seriously. LOVE it.

2011-08-03T11:26:00.005-06:00

Not only do we spend our days helping all of you look bee-yu-tiful, we get to go on trips like this one and see all our colleagues and associates in the industry. And really? They're more like friends. Buying trips like we're on now are filled with great food, fashion and parties, and they're really like reunions of all the amazing people we've met over the years.

Thanks to Chantelle for hosting a lovely reception in their gorgeous, newly remodeled showroom, just for Specialty Stores. Hsin-Yi always takes great care of us. It was a super fun time, meeting new people and reconnecting with dear friends.

One of our favorites, since we met my very first time in Paris eight years ago, is Danny Koch. Danny owns the Town Shoppe, a New York institution that has been open since 1888. We got to sit down and chat with him and his uber-fabulous wife Nicole. We shared business ideas and family photos...swapping phones back and forth to see their gorgeous twin daughters, and showing off our sweet Bella and Elliot to them. Perfect way to spend an evening. We also connected with two amazing Canadian stores that are sassy and savvy. Liliana from Toronto and Diane from Vancouver are new friends destined to become old friends.

Next we were off to meet Jocelyn at the event hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers and Natori. It was all-out NYC - a rooftop party with a spectacular view of the Hudson. Salsa music, champagne, good friends and fashion...our personal HEAVEN!

The night was topped off by a dinner at Macelleria with Danielle, our hardworking Natori rep. The restaurant was cool and welcoming. The company? Divine.

We could go home right now perfectly pleased and happy - but there's still more to do! We're headed to the show to bring you some sneak peeks of Spring and Summer 2012. Stay tuned, my loves!

xoxo,
Cindy & Jeanie

PS - We've been inspired by all the street fashion since we got here and are channeling one of our favorite blogs, The Sartorialist.(sar·to·ri·al: of or pertaining to clothing or style or manner of dress: sartorial splendor. We'll be uploading pics over the next few days. I can't wait for you to see them!

Italian and Coffee and Sushi. Oh MY. The Food Post!

2011-08-02T15:58:00.003-06:00

Have we told you lately how much we love this town? This trip to NYC is as wonderful as we'd hoped! We've been busy hitting all our old favorite eateries - and finding lots of new ones that I'm sure we'll see again and again, too. We are always getting asked what are our favorite restaurants in NY so we opted to dedicate this entire post just to that!

First up - Pastis! One of our favorite little French Bistros in the meatpacking district. And check out the Abercrombie billboard in the background. Wowza.

Our next must go-to is Ninth Street Espresso. If you're looking for a barista with just the right amount of sass and the perfect cappucino, this is your place! We may or may not have been here more than once this trip...they have an outrageous selection of sandwiches, nibbles, and fresh yummy treats too.

You can't be in a meatpacking district without having a steak - and Macelleria is our pick for best Italian style steakhouse. It's owned by a father and daughter...and you know how we love family-owned businesses! It's got the feel of an old time butcher shop...and the flavors are divine.

Malatesta Trattoria is another fave...unpretentious and authentic Italian in a seriously cozy atmosphere. It's like having dinner at your mom's. If your mom was an amazing Italian chef!

And a new addition we just found... Niko in Soho. Sushi and miso soup like we've never tasted before. Dashi made in-house with a tiny bit of lemon zest, mushrooms of every shape, size and flavor...Fresh and sashimi that was simply unreal, and scallops we'll dream about until we return again. Which will be soon - we've already made plans to have dinner there this week! For the curious, Niko means smile in Japanese. And that's exactly what we did there. A lot.

Stay tuned - the work has started and we have lots of lingerie parties and meetings to tell you about (enough for TWO posts tomorrow!) ... Natori, Chantelle, the Council of Fashion Designers...

Love,

Cindy and Jeanie

We're here!

2011-08-01T16:29:00.001-06:00

We made it! I'm in my second favorite city* in the world with my favorite traveling companion...New York with my sister and business partner, the lovely JP.

Oh how I love New York! I get butterflies every time I see it from the air!

Welcome to La Guardia! Don't fall off the runway unless you wanna get wet.

Lovely sister and me in a cab. We waited for-everrrrr. Where is everyone going?

Our first stop - the flower market. It's our tradition to fill our hotel room with gorgeous flowers! Check out these azaleas! Most people would be surprised to know that NY is one of the best places in the world to get cut flowers...and garden tomatoes! My husband Todd loves fresh NY tomatoes. (Hi Todd!)

After we drop off our luggage and flowers...BRUNCH! This is AUGUST, our favorite spot in our little neighborhood. Today we're craving Alasatian Eggs, bacon, creme fraiche and onions - cooked in a wood fired oven. Divine.

Appointments and meetings tomorrow...but right now we're soaking up the sights and smells of this wonderful city...from the rooftop pool at the Gansevoort. As you may imagine, it is the favorite part of our hotel!

More tomorrow!
Love, Cindy

*Anyone care to guess my first favorite city? It's the Panty Capitol of the World, of course! Paris!

Off we go...

2011-07-30T10:29:00.003-06:00

We’ve caught our breath after another exhilarating and crazy Sidewalk Sale and we're headed for our next adventure.

Jeanie, Jocelyn and I are packing our bags with fabulous shoes and cool summer dresses and taking off New York City! If you've not been to the Big Apple in August, I can assure you it is two things. Hot. And. Humid.

But...it is also inspiring! There is nothing like getting out of your own backyard to renew yourself.

We’re attending CURVE NY at the Javits Center and will be checking out all the new trends and collections for next spring - I can't wait!

For me, though, buying trips are more than just seeing the next season’s collections. Whether we're in NYC or Paris, just walking the streets of these cities offers no end of visual inspiration. I can actually feel the creative energy that comes from the sights on practically on every corner. It could be an outfit I see someone wearing, a window display, a pair of shoes, a billboard, a fabulous meal…I never know when I’m going to have my socks knocked off by something super cool.

And this trip, I'm going to capture these creative moments and share them with you, because everyone can use a little inspiration!

Keep an eye on the blog and our Facebook page. I’ll be snapping pics to post of whatever beautiful, creative, or unique, person, place or thing we come across strikes my fancy.

Now to get Bella to sit on this suitcase so it will close...

Love,

Cindy

Wow. Just wow.

2011-07-25T15:59:00.003-06:00

One gigantic tent.
Four days of crazy.
Twenty-two helpful SOL girls and fitters.
Four thousand Hanky Panky's.
Hundreds of fun and friendly customers.

Thanks to you all for another amazing Sidewalk Sale. We are tired and happy and grateful and love all of you! And now, we're taking...

Two days off. :-)

The store will be closed Monday and Tuesday. We'll be back bright eyed and ready to rock on Wednesday morning!

xoxo,
Cindy

The most fun you'll have on a sidewalk.

2011-07-22T15:53:00.006-06:00

It's Sidewalk Sale time again!

Now, read that like Oprah is saying it... Sidewaaaaalk Saaaaaaaale!

Me and my favorite things in the world...
beautiful sale bras making their way to the Sidewalk Sale!

We. Love. It.

Because we get to see so many of you - having so much fun! Digging through bins, finding treasures, unexpected surprises, running into friends doing exactly the same thing! It's crazy non-stop madness and we look forward to it all year long.

And it's right now, July 21st through Sunday, July 24.

Here's our favorite SOL SWS Survival Tips...learn them. Know them. Tell your friends.

#1 - Check out the website! Most of the things you'll find at the sale are posted there on our SALE page.

#2 - Don't pay for parking no matter how much you want to. Because every one of us is carrying around a pocket full of tokens for the meters and we LOVE to share them. Just ask.

#3 - If you'll need a fitting room, put your name on the list as soon as you get here. The wait times vary, but this way, you'll have a room when you're ready.

#4 - When it gets hot shopping at other CCN stores, come back and visit us. We'll have the misters running the whole time and we love it when you stop by to cool off.

#5 - "Like" SOL on Facebook for fun contests during the Sale, and win SOL Bucks!

#6 - Be thorough. Look in every box, on every table. Look under the tables! You're not going to believe how much stuff is here!

#7 - Come back! The best selection is early in the sale...but the discounts get bigger as the sale goes on! Saturday is an additional 20% off the sale price and Sunday is...are you ready? 35% OFF the lowest sale price! And since there's so much to see, you'll find something new every time. It just makes good sense to show up everyday.

We can't wait to see YOU this year!

xoxo,

Cindy

It's almost that time of year....

2011-07-08T12:08:00.000-06:00

What's better than the Sidewalk Sale?

Um, NOTHING. It's like Christmas and and New Year's and the 4th of July all wrapped up in to four super busy, super fun, crazy awesome days of getting to see all of you get all kinds of lovelies at serious discounts.

I. Love. It. We all do! Setting up the tent, sorting the bras, firing up the misters and dumping hundreds of Hanky Pankies into bins. Yay!

It's right around the corner - July 20 to 24!

We're hard at work getting ready. What can you do?

• Start by keeping an eye out on the new SALE section of the website!

• Call your BFFs and tell them to block off some time on their calendar. Shopping's more fun with friends!

• Uh oh. You're out of town during the sale? Just call us. Out of town shoppers can place phone orders now through the the 24th. We promise not to tease you about poor planning.

• Come in. Snoop around. Make your plan.

• Most important? "Like" SOL-Store of Lingerie on Facebook. We'll have fun tips, contests and great finds posted there throughout the month!

Can't wait to see you at this year's big SWS - it's always a blast!

Love,

Cindy

Happy and Safe Independence Day!

2011-06-30T14:15:00.001-06:00

The 4th of July weekend is an exciting time around here - we love the fun of picnics and fireworks with our friends and family. But besides that, we also get to enjoy a few days off for one of the country's most fabulous art festivals - The Cherry Creek Arts Festival, right here in our own front yard!

The festival has been happening the first weekend in July for decades. And it's fantastic - original art, music, great food and drinks...definitely a must-see. We'll be closed Friday July 1 - Monday July 4 to enjoy it.

When we come back - get ready for a month of fun at the store! We'll have all kinds of Facebook only specials and contests - so if you're not a "friend" of SOL on Facebook, this would be a great time to do it! Plus, the Sidewalk Sale is right around the corner, July 21-23.

Enjoy your weekend - we'll see you next week!

Love and rockets,

Cindy

Cindy's Summer Wardrobe Secrets

2011-06-17T15:17:00.015-06:00

I could not be more excited that summer is finally here...last winter sure dragged on, didn't it? I love this season of bare legs, kicky skirts, shoulder and back-baring tops... but sometimes after you get the perfect summer top or dress home, it's hard to get it looking just right, isn't it?

Actually - it's not hard at all - if you know my secrets! I'm going to let you in on my favorite fashion fixes to make looking fabulous this summer a breeze...the best part? They'll all fit in your purse!

First up. There are times when you want your straps to show (cute tank, cute Daisy bra) and there are times when you don't. Racer back tanks. Dresses with dramatic shoulder cutouts. The Embrace Bra Strap Solution is the answer. No special bra required. Wear your favorite supportive bra and simply extend the straps out a bit, weave the Embrace through the straps, and voila! Instant comfy racer back bra. I keep a couple of these in my purse...I've been known to hand them to strangers who are struggling, tucking straps in over and over!

Secret Two. Braza Flash Tape. The easy-peasy dispenser makes solving all kinds of fashion disasters quick and simple. Rip off the amount you need to close up gaping blouses, droopy necklines, even temporarily fix a hem. After you start using it, you'll find all kinds of uses for it.

Secret Three. Bring it ups, I love you! Ideal for backless tops or dresses or plunging necklines when you really cannot wear a bra at all, strapless or otherwise. These nifty little lifts adhere right to your skin and put those girls back where they used to be, before time and children and gravity took their toll. I never go on vacation without them and rumor has it this is how celebs get their red carpet glamour on.

And finally, my fourth secret to a flawless summer wardrobe. Top Hat Nipple Covers. They're adhesive, but ouchless and totally reusable. Look fabulous and conceal nipples - with or without a bra.

There you have it. My secrets to a summer without "wardrobe malfunctions." My last summer secret? The recipe for perfect sangria. But I'm not sharing that with anyone. ;-)

Love,
Cindy

Why do SOL Girls love Prima Donna?

2011-05-10T14:32:00.006-06:00

In the words of SOL Girl Anna: "Prima Donna changed my life. Tears came to my eyes during my very first fitting. The quality of these bras cannot be touched and they fit me like a glove. Prima Donna gives me the confidence I've always searched for. I'd struggled with my large size my entire life, until Prima Donna entered my world. It feels like the bras were specifically designed for my physique and I couldn't feel more beautiful."

Cindy says, "Prima Donna is unique due to their fit, comfort and beauty. We have tried loads of different lines for the big boob gals. Nothing compares!"

"Where do I even start?," says fitter Jordy. "SOL loves Prima Donna because of its unmatched quality and support combined with beautiful lace patterns and colors. Prima Donna fits me better than anything else and I will be forever spoiled because of this brand. I never knew how phenomenal my clothes could look until my first Prima Donna, and I will never go back--nor will our customers. Putting those bras on my customers is just as enjoyable for me as it is for them. THANK YOU, Prima Donna, for everything! "

According to Kendall:
"Prima Donna is always such a transformative brand to put on people. You look at a gal when she walks in and you know immediately, "I am going to change your world today." The bras are consistently of the highest quality, impeccably designed and constructed, and stunningly beautiful. Prima Donna makes my job so easy and rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing a women stand up straighter not only because she is getting unparalleled support, but also because she feels a renewed sense of beauty and confidence."

Lara says, "I love to sell Prima Donna because it fits so great that each and every girl who wears it feels like it was made especially for her. I love to wear it for how unbelievably comfortable they are and how pretty I feel in them!"

And in the words of Krista:
"Prima Donna bras are beautiful and functional...who knew my everyday bra could be so gorgeous!!! I love the classic colors and styles that fit a curvy figure like mine."

To see Prima Donna's Spring/Summer collection click here.

We love our Moms!

2011-04-26T11:10:00.004-06:00

Growing up, I probably didn't appreciate everything that my mom did for me and my three sisters. Now that I'm a mom, too...I can't fathom how she kept it all together. I'm certain there were days she'd have preferred to pack her bags and head for a few weeks at a spa - but she was always there for us.

Aren't moms great that way? "It's the hardest job you'll ever love," is true, though. No one is more dedicated, committed or a bigger influence on most of us than our dear Mommies. If you're like me, you have all kinds of Moms in your life - Mom, Stepmom, Grandmom, Mom-in-law, Second Mom... Mother's Day is the perfect time to tell all those unbelievable women in your life just how important they are to you.

What Mom doesn't deserve to be cute, comfy and loved on Mother's Day? And, of course, we have the perfect way to make sure that happens!

(how cute were Janelle's and Lindsey's Mom back in the day when they were new Moms? - I would totally love to rock pigtails like that!)

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th, so from now until May 7th (we're not open that Sunday, so plan ahead) we will give YOU a free gift when you get a gift for your Mom - or Moms!

Spend $200, and you get a $50 gift card for a future purchase. Spend $400, you get a $100 gift card for a future purchase. (Gift cards cannot be used the day of purchase.) Check out some of our cozy choices here...

Come in and celebrate the Moms in your life...and treat yourself at the same time!

Here's to Moms!

xo, Cindy

Aubade Zurich Runway Show - featuring vintage and current collections

2011-04-25T09:39:00.000-06:00

Défilé Aubade Zurich Fashion Days 5 Nov 2011 from Aubade

Take a little break from your day to enjoy the Aubade's runway show featuring 50 years of lingerie and vintage collections as well the stunning styles of this year's collections.

Save the planet. And look really good doing it.

2011-04-21T10:46:00.001-06:00

Have you seen our super cool tote bags? They're not only good-lookin' and handy, they've got a secret past. They are each made from one of our store banners or billboards. We didn't want all those big beautiful pictures of our SOL girl, making her way across the state in her adorable SOL lingerie, ending up in a landfill, so we create fabulous bags from them. Westword magazine even gave us a "Best of" award for our efforts!

To celebrate, every purchase at SOL on Earth Day receives a free bag! It's a $27 value - and you're going to look great carrying it around town to do all your shopping. Plus, you'll know you're doing your part to make the earth a little greener - and a little more beautiful!

Just mention this blog, Facebook or Twitter posts about it, and you'll be rocking the recycled SOL billboard bag.

What? You're not a Facebook or Twitter follower yet? No better time than the present!

PS - The new Cosmic Blue Daisy is here - and it's super cute!

Why do SOL Girls love Marie Jo?

2011-04-07T15:31:00.002-06:00

In the words of SOL Girl Helen: When I think of Marie Jo, the same attributes always come to mind: classic, comfortable, and superior quality. Above all, it makes women feel feminine and beautiful.

In Kendall’s words: “I love Marie Jo because they are wicked comfortable, smooth, and always super cute. Their bras always have really intricate, luxurious, or fun details that they put in discrete places so they won't show under my thinner, lighter tops. They use flattering colors that are in trend with fashions for the season, so they always match with my new wardrobe selections.”

Anna: Marie Jo astounds me every season with the fashionable color selections and the attention to detail on the lace. The Marie Jo lace push-up cup is genius and looks phenomenal on any body type.

Lara : I love wearing and selling Marie Jo’s because the colors are very fun and they are always comfortable to wear!

Jordy: I love putting Marie Jo on my customers for the simple fact that it is by far the most consistent brand we have. The fit is always flawless, and the look is always elegant and so feminine. Once the size is nailed down, the customer has so many phenomenal options that will all be perfect for her. And let's be real here, all I needed to say was "Daisy," and I could have been done :)

And last but not least...

Why I love Marie Jo by Cindy Johnson

Daisies are yellow,

Dots are mellow

Lace is lovely in all colors!

Enough of my attempt to be poetic.

They ship on time, fit great and Colorado Sol girls love them!

Spring forward!

2011-03-24T13:27:00.000-06:00

I've always lived in Colorado, so to me, spring break is a delightful end to the monotony that winter can become. As a kid, it was a week to ski with no jacket on, or "lay out" for the start of a summer tan...as a college girl it was a chance to blow off steam before end of year finals - on a beach if we were lucky. Now, it's a time to let my daughter relax and be a kid, make summer plans, play games and read books together...whether that's on a beach or in the mountains makes no difference!

This year, we'll be headed to Buena Vista with Jeanie and her family and I can hardly wait for giggly nights in cute PJs with movies and big bowls of popcorn.

The other SOL girls have their get-aways planned, too!

Lara just got back from a week in Vegas where she wow'ed the Strip no doubt with those incredible eyelashes and vast array of Paris Tights. Girlfriend can seriously rock the tights. She won't say how she did at the Blackjack table, but we did notice she's been brown-bagging it all week.

Kendall spent some time with friends in Steamboat, skiing, dining and generally forgetting the world exists while she pretended to be a celebrity in very oversized sunglasses and a different Lise Charmel set each day under her ski clothes.

Janelle has returned from a whirlwind trip to Miami where she says she used all of her Spring Break "Essentials" - Aubade swimsuit, Bring-it-ups, and double-sided tape. (But not all at once.) Needless to say, we are anxiously awaiting the photo documentation of some of the items...here she is with some of the other pretty peeps of Miami making a splash in her Aubade one-piece. Lucky us the paparazzi caught this shot!

I love hearing about other people's get-aways, don't you? So...for the next few days, we'll be asking you to share your favorite vacation photo with us on Facebook...on March 31st, we'll pick a winner to get a $100 SOL credit.

In the meantime - have fun planning your spring celebration - be sure to stop by for your essentials!

xo, Cindy

Back to Basics Sale Survival Tips!

2011-03-06T14:03:00.001-07:00

Want to be a savvy SOL shopper? Well good for you – read on to learn how! We’ve changed things up a bit for our Back to Basics Sale to make things easier on all of us!

Our 15% OFF Back to Basics Sale
15% OFF favorite basics and brand new spring collections
PLUS...we have fall collections marked down even lower AND you still get the 15% off mark-downs!

Use your Buddy Pass! Share your coupon with a friend, daughter, your mom, your girlfriend or your co-workers.

And now...for the Sale Survival Tips

THE DATES – we’ve added extra days to our sale so that there is plenty of time for everyone to shop. The sale starts on a WEDNESDAY. And the big news…drumroll please… is that we are OPEN ON SUNDAY MARCH 6th from 10-6, too!

PARKING - Don't pay for it. Just don’t! Because WE DO! The new smart parking meters have been installed which are AWESOME but every SOL Girl’s got a pocket full o’ tokens and we love to share them!

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

BECOME A FACEBOOK FAN - Why? Because we tell our FB friends stuff we don't tell everyone. Like FB only sales and special give-aways and nifty stuff like that. It's like being in a secret club with really nice cool girls. We're the queen of 5 minute contests...where you win SOL Bucks! Plus, throughout the sale, we'll post on Facebook and Twitter...you're going to want to be connected.

GOING TO BE OUT OF TOWN? First of all...we hope it's to somewhere warm! Secondly - don't fret, SOL Girl! We'll have fitters available on the phone to help you shop the sale early. If we're super busy, leave a message, and we'll be sure to call you back. Call 800-466-1356!

Can't wait to see YOU at our Back to Basics Sale!

On the road again...

2011-02-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

There are many catch phrases about Las Vegas..."What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." "Vegas Baby!" "Viva Las Vegas..."

But for SOL, Vegas is all about buying sleepwear for fall and winter! We love zipping into this crazy city and inundating ourselves with the beautiful offerings from Natori and Eberjey.

Danielle, our amazing sales representative for Natori, always guides us in the right direction and graciously helps us think through 6 months of purchases.

The colors and patterns this fall are...in a word...SPLENDIFEROUS! (Is that a word?)

Beautiful inside and out, she makes working fun!

Check out the detail on this one. Can't wait to get it in!

After seeing it all and touching and feeling everything, we spend several hours locked up in the towers of the Venetian working out the entire sleepwear plan for fall and winter. A daunting task, but more strategic than any card game!

With our work all done, we broke for a delightful bite at Bouchon with Mariela, the co-owner of Eberjey. Thomas Keller sure knows restaurants and we have thoroughly enjoyed this one of his.

We'll be back to the comfort of Denver soon...with visions of glittery Elvises and beautiful sleepwear to remember our trip by.

Love, Cindy & Jeanie

My ideal date...just in time for Valentine's Day

2011-02-05T08:48:00.001-07:00

My thoughts this time of year turn to big red hearts and romance and vases spilling over with red roses. I can't help it, there is just something about a box of chocolates and a sweet card that gets me to dreaming.

The girls in the store and I were talking about the perfect date...and, amazingly, we all had really different ideas about what would be the ideal romantic experience. (No wonder men look so confused - we certainly don't make it easy on them!)

My ideal date? Well, I'm a woman who likes lists and organization - so here it is, step by step.

Step One - Send me a cute note telling me that you're whisking me away. Give me some hints so I'll know what to pack! I need just the right romantic lingerie, bra and matching panty, and oh yeah, clothes.
Step Two - Surprise me with a fabulous dinner and a lovely place to stay. (With a hot tub, please!)
Step Three - Turn off your cellphone and take mine away from me, too.
Step Four - Look into my eyes and provide charming and witty conversation that's just about us. Not work. Not other people. Make me feel like we're the only two people in the world.

That's not so difficult is it? Just four easy steps to win my heart. You know what? That's exactly the four steps Mr. Johnson took all those years ago when he asked me to be his bride. It must've worked!

Like I said, though, everyone's idea of a perfect date is different - and I want to know yours! Check in with us next week on Facebook, we'll be sharing more of the SOL girls' favorite romantic ideas and Valentines Days of the past. We'd love you to be a part of it.

Now, if you excuse me, I need to write a cute note to my husband, telling him I'm whisking him away.

Love, Cindy

Aubade - Lessons of Seduction Video

2011-01-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

For the Love of Aubade

2011-01-27T10:45:00.003-07:00

In the words of the SOL Girls:

Cindy: "Aubade is the greatest because is accentuates female sensuality in a way the women enjoy wearing and men can appreciate!"

Kirsten: "Aubade makes every American girl feel a little bit French!"

Krista: "Aubades are my flirty, sexy bras. Whenever I wear something like my La Dame de Flanders it is an opportunity to step out of my box and wink at the world, even if the world doesn't know it and my bra is safely hidden under my black t-shirt."

Jordy: "The very first lace bra that I tried on was the red Asako demi bra (and matching boy short). I had worn beige molded bras my entire life (not cute ones), so the moment I put that on, I knew exactly why SOL and their fantastic vendors existed: to make women feel beautiful, supported, and completely sexy underneath their every day wardrobe. Thank you, Aubade, for the stunning pieces you create and the passion behind the products that brighten up my life--I am forever changed and immensely grateful!"

Kendall: "Of course my Aubade bras make my little girls all roundy and feminine, but their matching panties are irresistible! I will often get a collection, simply because the panty is so fantastic. An Aubade set really makes it hard to put clothes on in the morning!"

Tracie: "I love Aubade because it beautiful and comfortable. I always think of being in Paris when I'm wearing an Aubade set."

Helen: "I feel empowered when wearing Aubade. I know it is made with a woman in mind who is confident, independent and beautiful, inside and out."

Jocelyn: "The Aubade Geisha in green was the first set I bought when I started working at SOL six and a half years ago. Aubade is always beautiful and there is such attention to detail – why have a simple strap when you can have a grosgrain strap with a hand cut bow? Season after season they have the most beautiful embroideries, laces and color combinations. They are sexy and playful, while providing great support and shape."

Janelle: "First Date? Aubade. Important business meeting? Aubade. I choose it whenever a boost of self-assuredness can help."

The last Pain au Chocolat....till next year!

2011-01-26T11:34:00.002-07:00

Our last day was quintessentially Parisian: A Pain au Chocolat from Angelina (a delicious stop for hot cocoa and lucky for us, one of our closest bakeries to our apartment), meandering through the right bank, paying homage to Hermes, Chanel, Laduree and a quick pass by the Hotel Crillion. (Bella requested an image of the balcony where Hannah Montana woke up to Paris). And then we continued our meander along the Seine.

We found an 8pm concert at Theatre des Champs Elysees the night prior and agreed to give up a delicious dinner for a taste of culture. After grabbing our tickets we agreed that a quick pre theatre cocktail was in order. How perfectly serendipitous that Plaza Athenne was right next door.

A lovely glass of rose champagne, delicious bar snacks and a kind bartender who was happy to take our photo.

It turned out to be a perfect choice. We watched Lise de la Salle, a 22 year old wonder, beautifully move her fingers for 2 ½ hours straight to a rapt audience mixed with every type of person possible. After 4 incredible encores, the audience was finally satiated and went home.

Nearly home! Looking forward to bringing all the love of Paris back to each of you.

Love, Cindy & Jeanie

Guest Post from Paris!

2011-01-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

Hi there, fellow SOL lovers!

My name is Ananda De Martini and I'm a Product Development student at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. However, first, I am a SOL customer!

I remember vividly being 14 years old and already having a big chest. Can you imagine at that age - you already feel awkward - and then I prematurely developed? My mother took me bra shopping at the mall and there were only "Granny Bras" available for in my size. I started crying hysterically; I was absolutely humiliated!

Then, someone recommended SOL. Cindy became my fairy bra mother! When I first met her I was still in tears... but she guided me into a SOL fitting room and I was in heaven from that moment on. She brought me the most beautiful bras I had ever seen...in my size, but appropriate and pretty and fun for a 14 year old.

My Fairy Bramother and me.

Thus began my love of lingerie. I like to say I grew up with SOL. The SOL Girls were there for every big moment of my teenage life. First Date. Dances. Prom. Graduation.

After high school I could not imagine doing anything besides pursuing an education and career in fashion and design so that I might someday get to surround myself with lingerie. I moved to Los Angeles to follow my dream, but I am always in touch with Cindy - I know she shares my love of beautiful things that make you feel fantastic.

Recently, while visiting home, she told me about her upcoming Paris trip and Le Salon International de la Lingerie that she'd be attending. When she suggested I go too I jumped at the chance!

Cindy and I see the new Aubade line for fall. Best. Day. Ever.

The trip has been the opportunity of a lifetime and quite the eye opener! First, it is huge. As in two pavilions full of lingerie huge! It is overwhelmingly exciting to see all the different exhibitors. Some of the brands that stand out with innovative design are Andres Sarda and Aubade. They both have exquisite collections that I cannot wait to get my hands on!

I find it easy to be inspired here with so many creative people as well as people who have a true passion for the art of lingerie. Although I've met many wonderful people, one of my favorite experiences was getting to see a bra being made. Did you know it takes 45 separate pieces to create ONE bra? Fascinating.

The expert craftmanship that goes into a Lise Charmel bra.

This expo has been a wonderful experience and a great introduction into the lingerie industry. I can only hope to attend every year. Thank you for reading. I've enjoyed guest blogging for SOL!

Au revoir,

Ananda

Inspiration on every corner...

2011-01-24T11:57:00.002-07:00

Incredible day! We started with Lise Charmel. Nicolas and George are always gracious hosts, New York or Paris! We were reminded of just how gorgeous Spring Lise Charmel looks but, the fun of Summer is just minutes away. Pictures of the collections weren’t allowed, but suffice it to say, the laces, as always, are magnificent! We were able to photograph an exhibit in their booth: 2 of the seamstresses who construct samples were at the show demonstrating their craft – sewing together the 42-58 pieces that make up a Lise Charmel bra. Galloons of lace and the inspiration for the collections are shown as well.

What is a galloon you ask? It is the width of lace before a pattern is cut from it to become a part of a bra.

We zipped off to Le Bourget to bring a quintessential slice of Paris back to Denver. Great News All! More Paris tights on the way and incredibly sexy stockings for Valentine’s Day and beyond!

For instance – Ooh La La!!!

Our perennially favorite stop – spending time with Van de Velde, our Belgian friends that bring the Daisy to our doorstep – oh and all the other incredible items from Marie Jo, Prima Donna, L’Aventure and Twist. Innovations and supreme colors and laces abound! Sneak peek for FW2011 –

but don’t despair, the Daisy in royal blue will grace SOL’s doorstep soon enough! Thank you to Dirk and Inge for a fantastic afternoon and providing Ananda with great opportunities for an inside understanding of Van de Velde’s design world.

There are still many of the Van de Velde family actively involved in the business, including Prima Donna brand manager Elsbeth Van de Velde. Family businesses rule! – We are reminded of just how much fun they can be when we get to spend 3 days working together – the sisters in Paris ahhhh.

A busy, congested ride on the Metro delivered us to a sublime dinner at La Societe in St Germain des Pres with Inge Van Hecke, US country manager for Van de Velde. Lovely conversation, exquisite cuisine (fois gras, oysters, escargot, steak tartarte and perfect wine and coffee!) and off to bed we go but not without some Django Reinhardt on Itunes – if you are in the mood for a Paris moment:

Step One
Download Nuages (by Django Reinhardt)
Step Two
Pour a glass of red wine
Step Three
Snuggle up in some divine SOL silk and a Cashmere Robe (we unintentionally happened to bring matching silk gowns . . . and robes too) and you’ll channel a bit of our moment – don’t forget your slippers :)

Sleep tight!

SOL Lingerie

Designer Highlight: AUBADE

Inspiration in Italia

Midnight in Paris

More from Paris - Guest post from Jocelyn

Tough Buying Decisions in Paris

The SOL Man at Paris Lingerie Show

Who's ready for Paris Tights?

Behold Aubade, Lise Charmel, and Andres Sarda

Paris - Day 2, Part 2!

Day 2 in Paris!

Paris...BonJour!

Always Match! More than a mantra...a way of life!

SOL is hiring!

Holiday Traditions of the SOL Girls

It's the most wonderful time...of the year!

On friends, fashion and feeling great.

Savvy Shoppers Share SOL Sale Secrets (say that 3 times fast!)

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Four - Part Two

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Four, Part One

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Three

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day Two

Janelle's European Lingerie Tour - Day One

Happy Anniversary to SOL.

Ladies in Red. Delicious, yummy ruby red.

FNO in NYC

Fashion's Night Out - We Want In!

Party Report: The SOL Speakeasy!

Stop by our Speakeasy Ad Campaign Launch Party!

Behind the All Aboard Campaign - Let's have a Party!

NYC - the last hurrah...

New York City and Natori. Fabulous combination!

We love our job. Seriously. LOVE it.

Italian and Coffee and Sushi. Oh MY. The Food Post!

We're here!

Off we go...

Wow. Just wow.

The most fun you'll have on a sidewalk.

It's almost that time of year....

Happy and Safe Independence Day!

Cindy's Summer Wardrobe Secrets

Why do SOL Girls love Prima Donna?

We love our Moms!

Aubade Zurich Runway Show - featuring vintage and current collections

Save the planet. And look really good doing it.

Why do SOL Girls love Marie Jo?

Spring forward!

Back to Basics Sale Survival Tips!

On the road again...

My ideal date...just in time for Valentine's Day

Aubade - Lessons of Seduction Video

For the Love of Aubade

The last Pain au Chocolat....till next year!

Guest Post from Paris!

Inspiration on every corner...