Savvy SOL Shoppers: 20% OFF EVERYTHING you want

SOL’s Customer Appreciation Sale is FAST approaching! Don’t get me wrong – SOL appreciates its customers 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day but with this sale, we really get to show our SOL Girls (and their significant others!) how much we appreciate each of you.

2012 Customer Appreciation Sale

November 7th - November 17th

- including Sunday, November 11th from 10-6pm - 

Our BEST sale of the year has been extended to 11 days. Yes, 11. Why is it our best sale? EVERYTHING is 20% off. Everything. That's right, everything is on sale!  During our Customer Appreciation Sale, your entire purchase is 20% off. And you could save on current, just-arrived gorgeous new merchandise, too.  

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

Daisy bras: 20% off. Every style. Every color – Including the new Majestic Purple Daisy. Bananas, right?

Andres Sarda. Straight from Spain and utterly irresistible. 20% off.

Aubade: 20% off. It’s so new the girls are unpacking it as I type!

 Cozy-chic Natori sleepwear: 20% off.

 Even SOL’s famous Le Bourget Paris Tights: 20% off!

I could literally go on for pages.

Never been to a SOL Customer Appreciation Sale? Fear not!  I called a few of our professional SOL sale shoppers and asked them for some tips and tricks when it comes to shopping the big sale. 

So here they are: SOL Sale Secrets from our Savvy SOL Shoppers ...

Joy: Get on the waiting list! The wait is never super long but getting on the list for a fitter as soon as you get to SOL is a definite time saver. Even if I think I'm just going to pick up some PJs, I sign up just in case I find a little fancy fancy from Aubade!

Lauren: 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!

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

Katie: 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.  (want the number to call:  1-800-466-1356).

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

Haley: 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 hubby –

that way, I know I'll get exactly what I want for Christmas and he'll save 20%.

And don't forget: keep an eye on our Facebook page for contests, info, and more during the sale!

xoxo,

Cindy

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

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

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 tour through the historic streets, we came across their famous, must-see open air food 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 yet another incredible meal! we enjoyed a traditional Spanish dish of fish prepared and served in 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 the opportunity 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 for inviting us and planning such a memorable experience. It is rare to meet and talk to other women who understand bra 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

I cannot believe it's the last day of my trip. 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 candy store full of lace, gems and embroidery. Nuria Sarda is the designer for the brand and explained the steps 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 swimsuit pattern, 

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 same set 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

Guest Post from Paris!

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

Paris, je t'aime!

Live from Paris!

We are just leaving the Andres Sarda show and it feels like leaving Heaven! The show had a very retro cool Mad Men/Hitchcock type inspiration that was perfect for the occasion. Andres Sarda is based in Barcelona, and they just celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Monday. 

The company is a family business that originated making mantillas...those beautiful lace scarves women wore in Spain over up-do's. Here's a picture of Jackie Kennedy wearing one of their mantillas in the 1950s...

 Tres magnifique, non? 

So, when the mantilla went out of fashion, Mr. Sarda had the idea to start creating lingerie, and lucky for us all he did! He just turned 80 years old and still oversees much of the company. 


This is Vicki - she's their gorgeous model - we've seen the new lines on her for the past five years, she's fantastic!

Not sure if it's the beauty of Paris or the new Andres Sarda collections, but we're fairly breathless over it all...or maybe we need more champagne!  We're headed into the VIP Gold Lounge now!

The other special treat on this trip is one of our long time customers is in Paris too. 

Cindy started fitting Ananda when she was a teenager and much like Cindy, she fell in love with lingerie and the beauty and the magic of the laces and designs.  She ended up going to college for clothing design and has decided she would like to be a lingerie designer.  She is Paris making contacts and we met up with her so we could  introduce her to a few people in the industry.  You'll hear more from her and her experiences next week as she will be our Guest Blogger on Tuesday!

Miss you!

Love, Jeanie and Cindy

Purple visions of autumn. Already!

The talented team of SOL Girls had some company this week when our fabulous rep, Anna Ortiz, visited us from San Francisco. She brought with her a whole bunch of sneak previews of what we can expect for fall...and let me tell you, fall's going to be good. Really good.

Isn't she adorable?

We saw breath-taking new goodies from Marie Jo, Prima Donna and Andres Sarda...


Including this STUNNING orchid colored bra and panty set from Sarda. Ooooh. Divine. Purple, how I love thee. (Anyone else have a thing for Donny Osmond back in the day? Just me?)

Now the girls can't wait for autumn - and it's still spring! (Speaking of which, have you stopped in for your "Spring Blossom" Daisy bra yet? They're here and their little green and lavender Daisies are simply perfect!)