On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Cosmetics & Beauty Supply, Lingerie [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph HillNeighborhood: Pacific Heights
"I passed this shop of intimate finery time and time again, occasionally dropping in to see the latest fabrics, styles and trends. I had…" read more »
Alla Prima carries the most fabulous things from France, Italy, Brazil, etc. all places that know how to make women look and feel beautiful. I am so glad that there are shops like this out there. As soon as I get some $$ together I am going in!!!
Guys - pay attention - this is a great place to shop for gifts!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Woah, I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet! What a gem!
I have been coming here for years (though not nearly as often as I would like). It makes me dream of what life would have been like if I weren't trying to save the world, and instead made gobs and gobs of money. If I did have a ton of dough, I think a good fourth of my paycheck would go to Alla Prima every month.
The lingerie ranges from the comfy/practical, to the "oh my God, how do you justify covering this up with clothing?" Yes, it is expensive, but every piece is worth it. And you have to admit there's something 50's style sexy about hand washing your lingerie and hanging it in the bathroom.
Oh yeah, and get sized when you go there. I had been wearing the wrong bra size for years, but not anymore! I'm so much more comfortable now, and I look skinnier to boot!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I've hated bra shopping for such a long time. Its kind of an obnoxious chore. When I was younger I would walk through the lingerie sections past mannequins with pretty bras that look only good & are supportive of smaller boobages only. I'd resigned myself to not think about lingerie as anything other than a necessity.
When I went to Paris almost 3 years ago, I thought I'd treat myself to a bra experience since I was in the country that coined the word. Because of the language barrier. I don't think I got the bra I was hoping for.
Flash forward many years later & I'm again in need of more breast support. I find Alla Prima. With high hopes I head out to North Beach.
Maggie is DIVINE! She paid complete attention to me. She closed the front door, didn't answer the phone & asked me questions to help me find the perfect fit. She even told me how to take care of it to get the most use out of my new bra.
I've thought about getting another one of her bras pretty much everyday since I've had this new one. It fits SO WELL! I'm spoiled now. Its so worth the money for something you wear everyday.
Also, I feel more petite. I used to think I was a 38D, which was incorrect. More like a 34G. I guess I do have a small frame with big boobs.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
in my quest to keep my bodacious ta tas from hitting the floor when i am a wrinkled old lady, i have been obsessed, OBSESSED mind you in how to prevent that since I grew my D cup in 8th grade. I have slept in a bra the majority of my life, because i don't want them to ever have a concept of what gravity is and how much it is an enemy of the state.
So, through the years I've searched for great bras. being a struggling college kid, my idea of 'great' was victoria's secret and spending $50 on a bra....i lived through that 'mindset' until i crept closer to my 30s then entered my 30s and realized if protection from gravity was what i wanted, it really wasn't what i was getting. The bras i had had loose bands, cups that were molded and made it feel like i was wearing a chastity belt around my chest and all together just crap.
i went to la perla at the boading of a 32b friend of mine. said it was a life changing experience, and in a way, it was. i was looked at (and treated like) pond scum because I made the mistake of mentioning the word 'support'... she immediately told me i was in the wrong store and they didn't have anything I was looking for. i argued with her for a while, told her i wasn't looking for a "lunch lady' type of support bra, but something pretty that holds the girl's up. don't think i am asking for much! so i left $200 poorer, with a ho hum basic black t-shirt bra that provided not so much support but was more bought to prove the point that they DID have something for me.
Quest continued as I realized I really had 1 good bra left in my repertoire..... i yelped my way to Alla Prima, sounded dreamy (especially the fitting part, as I go from 36D to 38C depending on what both Victoria's Secret AND La Perla said (please make mental note of this bad advice).
I went to Alla Prima yesterday, was immediately greeted by a super friendly gal, who fit me and helped pick out different bra to try on. Fitting- am a 34F... she pointed out how tight the band needed to be and how the front needs to hug the body. This small piece was the most amazing difference for me. Wearing a 36 or 38 (at the advice of VS and LP) width meant i was constantly tugging down the back of my bra strap, because the band was so loose my ta ta's were pulling them down in the front and winning the battle (damn ye, gravity!!)
34, snug as a bug, not budging no matter what i do or where i go, makes what's going on in the cup area that much less important. EGADS i feel like i just discovered the secret of the earth!
34 band... F cup... cup doesn't runneth over, cup fits fine. cup isn't a steel fortress of anti-gravity devices, but a normal, regular, material cup. and the girls were suspended in mid air. they were floating above the band in heavenly weightless heaven.
In addition to finding the most amazing bras (and i can't say honestly whether they were top quality or whether it was just for the right size), they were not that crazy expensive. $70 - 100 dollars each for the ones I was looking for.... while not the sexiest of numbers, they weren't lunch lady bras, and i needed some basics anyway. I'll come back when they get more selection (apparently a popular size) and pick out something frivolous with my boyfriend's money :D
The woman who was helping me helped make sure each bra I tried on had the proper band, front and shoulder fit and adjusted each as needed. She checked on me over 15 times, which was great because I was serious about finding the right bra. she was more of a partner in success and never once tried to sell me anything. I sold myself by having the great selection and great fit on!
anyway, this place is great. it's great for those of us with large chests who want to find bras, and great fitting pretty bras. It's EXTREMELY amazing for you lovely ladies with C and under cups, because they have the entire front of the store dedicated to the most beautiful fancy things imaginable. yes, they carried they even carried the la perla bras that were so apparently not meant for me. now that I know i am a 34 F, i guess she might have been right (even if she didn't know it)
thank you alla prima. that's the best chunk of change I've spent in a LONG TIME!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
It is really the place to find the perfect bra.
But, did you know that they have beautiful, great-fitting bathing suits, even for a slightly big-on-the-bottom girl like yours truly? I thought that ERES will never land on my bod... But, lo and behold, I put on a hot pink two piece and it looked gorgeous! They also have great little cover ups (for those of us who need them, of course).
A little expensive. So, 4.5 stars
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Quick update: I bought a bra from Maggie in January. I walked in during the North Beach festival in June--she said hello to me, by name, within 15 seconds of my entrance! I love small businesses and I love Maggie!!!
-----------------------------------
I am in love. Forever, I have lusted over pretty bras. All the pretty bras the boy and I walk past in a department store while he says, "You should wear something like that!" And I'm thinking, "I'd love too--if only I could fit my damn boobs into 'em!!!" Meanwhile, I'm wearing an enormous monstrosity that makes me feel like an old lady--and hurts like hell!
I was watching a new show, "How to Look Good Naked," on Lifetime last week. I love Carson! I watched this woman on her journey to begin loving her body. And do you want to know the first place he took her? To get a proper bra fitting! I fell in love with the fitter they featured and had to find out where she was. Unfortunately, she's based on the East coast. She is, however, affiliated with boutiques around the country. Enter Alla Prima.
Magie answered the phone when I called and let me know that no appointment was necessary. I came in the next evening and she remembered my name. I told her a bit about what I was looking for, a few things that I definitely didn't want, and she led me to the dressing room. Moments later, she came in with a couple of options.
She was completely understanding of my hesitancy to strip in front of strangers. She stepped out and gave me my privacy while I tried on the first slice of heaven. Seriously, it felt amazing. When Magie came back in, we talked about a few points and she made a few mental notes.
As we talked, she made me feel so at ease. By the time she handed me the second one to try on, I was getting naked and talking at the same time. She is so professional and comfortable to be around!
That second choice was the magic answer to all of my lingerie desires. I had on a beautiful Prima Donna, lace and flowers and oh so pretty! I finally asked her what size I was wearing. A 34H. 34H?!?!?!? Even in my skinny days, I always put on a 36. And I'm FAR from skinny days these days. A 34?!?!
As other reviewers have said, she fits them tight. But they're supposed to be that way. If they fit on the ribcage, they can be Supported from underneath, instead of HANGING from your shoulders. Amazing!
This was the only bra in the whole store she had in my size though. While she left me to "admire" myself, she called the Hayes Valley store to check their inventory. They had exactly one as well. Fortunately, it was a more basic piece (same style, fewer frills) and came with a more affordable price tag. They put it on hold for me and, within the hour, I was the proud owner of two pretty bras. The boy was so happy when I came home!
The ultimate test? I've had it on for 16 hours today and I'm ok! I can't remember the last time I came home and the bra wasn't the first thing to be yanked off!!!! Thank you Magie! Thank you Alla Prima!!!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
Love this place! Buying bras has always been a painful task for me since I could never get the right fit, shape, & size! V's Secret may work for some girls, but not for me! I need special attention, and I certainly got great service from Alla Prima. My favorite salesperson is Maggie Crystal because she knows lingerie and can get you items that will fit perfectly and comfortably. Invest in a high-quality bra and you will see a difference! Maggie will help you find the right one, but I'm sure the other girls will too!
Alla Prima changed my life. Seriously.
I'd been going around since I was 12 thinking I was a 36 or 34 B, and wishing my boobs did what they were supposed to inside my bras. I had recently gotten sized at Victoria's Secret as a 34C. VC did my fitting outside the waiting room, with my clothes on, so I was disappointed and skeptical about that size, too.
I thought Alla Prima had a cute storefront so I went in there one day, saw that they had really cute stuff, and noted that they were pricier than I could afford at that time.
So then it's a month later, and Valentine's Day's coming up, and since I can't wear a bra with the dress I bought, I decide I at least need a sexy matching pair of panties and some fishnets. So back to Alla Prima I go, money in my account.
The shoplady immediately asks me what she can help me with, and I show her the dress and tell her what I want. She leads me to the clearance rack, and OMG that pair of panties matches EXACTLY. And even on sale, it's $50, but it's fuckin' hot and who cares, right?
So the lady and I are talking, and she's like, "You really need a bra fitting, you're at least one size off." She takes me in the dressing room and before my shirt's even off, she's like, "I'll bet you're a 32D." And sure enough, she measures me, and she's right! This lady needs a statue built in her honor, I swear.
So I end up buying a $70 bra too. And $40 stay-up thigh-high fishnets, which never run and are worth every penny. And while I'm browsing in there I'm listening to the other customers, and dude. They keep your sizing information in their computer, and will make wishlists for you. During that visit two different guys came in to get something for their ladies, and she was able to help them get exactly what said ladies wanted. And that's awesome.
I'm just so happy to have bras that actually do what they're supposed to do, now, and make me look great doing it. Possibly even more than the high-quality products, you're paying for the amazing level of customer service and care.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
Went to this location after having been at the Hayes location. This store is definitely smaller in size comparatively. However, they have a nice selection of bras and had more in my size (larger than average) compared to the Hayes location. The employee here was also very nice and helpful. I won't comment on pricing because if you are needing something nice or if you have my problem which is a less-than-average bra size, you'll realize that price is not an issue to get what you need (although, it is painful on the wallet). BTW, they have Primadonna, Chantelle, and Countourelle just to name a few brands.
I mentioned the fitting rooms in the Hayes Street location were less than ideal. I MUCH preferred the fitting area at this store as it is more private.
I would definitely recommend either store, although I would probably in the future come to this location first.
Pricey lingerie is one of those things. Yes, it's expensive, but it feels like a justifiable purchase for a few reasons:
1). It makes you feel damn sexy - seriously, can you put a price on that? In our body-hating culture, feeling good about yourself is pretty special.
2). Alla Prima will give you a truly proper fitting. After some lousy experiences at some other shops, I was thrilled with Maggie's help. After explaining my tastes and preferences, she brought me a ton of things that I adored.
Be sure to check out the awesome swimming suits, too!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Beautiful selection and normal prices for the quality & brand lines they carry. They usually have a small and well organized (by color and style) sale section in the back, and a few more affordable but beautiful single pieces like panties without counter parts near the front.
There is a large bench style couch for your male accompaniments to read magazines that they'll find acceptable (my male shopping partner sat down and opened a men's mag immediately to an article on the new s4, that kept his mouth shut from complaining of his boredom for at least 12 minutes) and though the store is small I find it refreshingly not overwhelming because of it.
The staff, though, when I came in was preoccupied with someone in a dressing room (understandable) and barely said hello (not understandable). I felt like I was sized up as somebody who wouldn't be a customer when I walked in (this is a problem for them in the future, as I drop heinous amounts of cash on hot lingerie) and then ignored..Actually, I could have easily left with an armload of bras from this place, as the girl paid that little attention to me.
But, I'd still go back for something super hot when I'm craving something new and not just dropping by.
This is my favorite place to shop for high quality lingerie. They have my favorite brands, La Perla sets for special occasions and Cosobella EVERYTHING for everyday wear. The staff is knowledgeable about fitting and will help you find something to enhance your body. For those of you who are smaller on top, or those of you who are like me, small everywhere =( Alla Prima has a good selection that will leave you feeling sexier than ever.
The only think I would warn you of is that, like most boutique shops, you only get store credit for returns so make sure you love what you buy.
After reading the other reviews on Yelp, and being in desperate need of a new bra, I headed over to Alla Prima this afternoon to see what they could do for me. First off, I've been laboring under the impression that I was a 36C for years. Thanks to less than a minute in Maggie's care, I discovered that I was, in fact, a 32/34D. That means that I should be wearing a slightly loose 32D, or a slightly tight 34D, and Maggie knew which ones were which right off the rack. I walked out of that store wearing a bra that looks and feels like a million bucks, but was, in fact, only $88. A bit more expensive than your average department store bra, but considering the perfect fit, the versatile straps that don't slip, and my new outlook on bra shopping, I'm more than happy to pay the price and come back for more!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
So I thought I was a 36 B...turns out I'm a 32 D. The people at Victoria's Secret must have been on crack when they sized me. Luckily I had the most attentive, nicest, most wonderful sales girl ever fitting me and bringing me bras this time. She didn't try and stick me with anything pricey because saw that I was young, which is extremely relieving.
So after finding out this surprising bit of information I bought a simple nude bra with some pretty yet subtle detailing. I didn't mind the price tag since I'm supporting a wonderful local shop instead of the giant mall store that apparently knows nothing about a women's anatomy.
For a boost in spirits, and in the boobs, Alla Prima is the place to go. Sure, it's more expensive than a department store or Victoria Secret, but using the cost-per-wear model (price divided by number of times worn) it is a total bargain. Maggie is terrific, and will find a bra that truly fits you. She even has a panty named after her.
The experience is quite personal, meaning that you try one on, show Maggie, and she works with you from there. Not for the shy, but she's a cool woman who has seen many shapes and sizes and you come out feeling like a girly girl. Everything is where it should be, looking better than it ever has. Fabulous.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
The perfect place to find the perfect bra. I found 4 bras, two of which were on sale, and two strapless bras. I'm usually reluctant to go into small boutiques because I was under the impression that they would carry bras up to a C-Cup but no, a wide variety of bras for all shapes and sizes. Their swim wear looked cute-I have to go back!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (3)
Fabulous place!!! I usually save any bra shopping for what I'm with my mom but I thought, what the heck i need a strapless. So I asked for a strapless and expected to be pointed in the right direction. I got better. The owner stood up and asked my size, so I told her. Then she got out her measuring tape just to be sure I knew my own size. From there she pulled out a bunch of options until we found "the one". Oh and after I was given her blessing. They just have really nice stuff....stuff we saw in Europe. We know how seriously the Europeans take their under garments too, so it's legit!
I need to check out their Hayes Valley Store. Especially with swim season approaching.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
Ladies, please buy quality undergarments.
Why not? They feel good, make you look good and sexy too. I have friends that think it's unthinkable to spend "that much money" on bras and panties when there are cheaper things out there. (Cheaper in quality too, gals.)
When I put on my Chantelle bras(my fave) and they support and curvaceously shape and slim me, I look at your Girls and wish a better life for them. Why wouldn't you want them to look good? Invest, you wear bras everyday. (btw, my bras are about $70.)
Bare bones, all you need are 3 basic bras to keep in rotation. A few sexier bras if you desire. However, don't wear a bra two days in a row or you'll wear down the elastic and cups since they need to rest after being worn all day.
Staff here is superb and will assist you with finding basic or special things just for you. Grant store is not big but has enough. Hayes store is larger.
Ladies, please visit this store. You won't regret it and your Girls will thank you for it.
(To my friends, you know who you are: I will accompany you here whenever you're ready.)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I dont tink I've ever had such a comprehensive bra fitting session ever! The sales person was very attentive and even closed the main door when the bra fitting session started. She was extremely honest in determining whether or not a bra fitted me. She gave me lots of good advice and tips on what to watch out for. The bra that I ended up loving was by Andres Sarda and unfrotunately was way expensive. I'm still thinking about whether or not I should splurge but apparently, you get what you pay for.
Also, the most extensive range of hanky panky underwear ever.
Surprises: La Perla on the sale rack for $50!
I discovered the most gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana lingerie here. Since D&G is Italian sizing, my teeny boobs became a B cup. 5 stars for that!
Anyway, this little store is not to be overlooked when investing in some new lingerie. They carry some gorgeous stuff, and the staff couldn't be more helpful.
Bra shopping usually sucks. You stand half-naked in a tiny closet, wondering why on earth you're succumbing to the binding strap paradigm put forth as a requirement of female species in this society, while a snarky teenager throws fuchsia lace contraptions at you. Then, surrounded by images of she-women in weird poses wearing less than you but still looking shitloads better, you have to wonder whether you look too "pointy" or "droopy" to be appropriate for "work".
This is why Alla Prima rocks: none of this happens there. First off, the proprietor, Magie, is mellow and chill, and she gets boobs. Seriously. She understands all the different breast types out there (i.e. almost no one is really a 36B), and what sort of bra and brand supports/feels/looks best on you. As for the selections in the shop, they're ones you'd actually wear every day and also avoid embarrassment when revealed. In other words, feminine yet not gaudy, super lacy, icky.
Altogether, it's not just a great place to buy gorgeous undies, it's also a really relaxing and mellow experience (which explains why I have a shopping addiction to this store).
PS: they can store your size and type in their computer so should you have any friends that want to buy a gift for you, they'll hook 'em up. ;-)
PPS: to the peeps saying that the bras are too tight, I used to be in that camp too (ask Magie- I gave her crap for a couple months about that). Thing is, they're supposed to be tight. That's how they get the bracing for the supporting. I'm glad that Magie reasoned with me to try it out for a bit because now, at the end of the day, not only are the straps not jacking all over my back because it's too loose, but my chest is much better supported and (ahem) perky.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Lynae S. is right-the owner, Maggie, needs a statue built in her honor. This store is AMAZING.
I hated bra shopping for years. I thought I was doomed to go through my whole life with straps slipping off my shoulders, backfat, and what I refer to as the "quadraboob" effect-you know when your titties don't fit in the cup all the way and your bewbies get squished out of the top, making it look like you have 4 tits. And unless you're trying to out-cool the three titted alien girl in "Total Recall", that's just no bueno.
So! My experience here was unlike any other-Maggie said "Let me size you" and she looked at me in a dressing room with just my bra on and said i was several sizes off:
"you're a 30E, not a 34C."
What!?!?! 30E? I din't know that F-ing size even existed. Amazing. So she picked out a bunch of bras for me to try on and would come check on me and tell me if the bra fit or not, since I (like most women) had no idea what size I am or how to shop for a bra.
Maggie is proffessional, personable, and incredibly nice. I bought 3 (two more practical, one sexy) bras, and they are fantastic. My boobies are thrilled too. They look fabulous, and I am no longer daunted when it comes to bra shopping, as long as I know I am going to Alla Prima.
On a side note, this is the ONLY place I know of that sells a 30E, which kinda blows. Finding a 32D was hard enough. Blast.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Quality over quantity. Now that I've been properly fitted and seen what a positive impact a well-fitted everyday bra makes to my overall silhouette, I will never go cheap again. A great selection of bras and amazing service make this a memorable shopping experience. And if you're looking to splurge on some sexy, fantasy-inspiring lingerie, this is a good place to do it!
Like almost every other woman, I was wearing the wrong size bra. Thank goodness I got that taken care of! Unfortunately, It turns out I wear a somewhat uncommon bra size (why do most stores sell nothing larger than a B cup in a 32 band size?)
I thought I looked ok when I went in, but I came out looking thinner, curvier, and *hot*. Seriously, I had heard about how much difference a good bra makes, but I didn't really get it until I saw for myself.
I tried on probably a dozen different styles. The salesgirl helping me was very knowledgeable about their stock, and probably brought me every style they had that might work for me. I bought two bras for a total cost of almost $200. One of them is really pretty and fancy. The other is plain beige, totally un-fancy, but makes a traffic-stopping silhouette under a tight sweater.
I had a wonderful experience, and will never go back to Victoria's Secret again.
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (2)
Cool (4)
Lots of props for Alla Prima. I went there with a friend this afternoon on a "lingerie run" during our lunch break and was quite impressed.
I told Maggie what size I thought I was, she chuckled and measured me "just to be sure". Well then, turns out I fall into the 90% of women who have the wrong size. With disbelief, I tried on the bra she brought me and low and behold they fit FABULOUSLY.
A bit more expensive than my normal undergarments, but by no means insane. I (heart) my new bra!
I, like so many others, didn't know my own bra size. They measured me and it turns out I'm a whole cup size larger than I thought I was. Now that I was properly measured, they had me try on the only strapless bra I have ever worn that actually works - no slipping, no acres of padding, just great design.
While prices in there can be steep and many of the bras are a little too impractical for me, it's the first place I go when I need a bra for a specific reason. And I have found that the expensive bra I get there is much more cost effective than the lower priced stuff at Victoria's Secret, etc.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
After discussing the importance of the proper fit of a bra with another Yelper the other night, I decided it was time I give Alla Prima a review.
Yes, it is expensive, and by expensive I mean when you first look at the prices you may wonder why you are in the store. And then you will question whether a simple bra could ever be worth that much. And then you try it on and it feels good. Not amazing, but good. But the value really comes when you're out one day and you have to stop and check out whether you even remembered to put on a bra that morning because it feels like you're going Drew Barrymore style. Not the "let the kids hang as low as they want to" style but rather the "oops, did I forget to wear a bra?" style. Because even though your guys look all nice and perky, it doesn't feel like you're wearing a bra. You're not constantly adjusting the damn thing and you don't have that bubble that pops out above the bra that looks really tacky when you're wearing a tight shirt.
So please, ladies, do yourselves a favor and go get fitted properly for a bra. Alla Prima isn't the only place to do it, but it's a pretty good option.
Oh, and bring your paycheck. You'll need it.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
The best place in SF for beautiful lingerie and expert help. Never pushy but very knowledgeable, Maggie makes shopping a really
personal and fun experience. Check out the La Perla t-shirts which finally were able to replace my ancient Helmut Lang t's in quality and fit.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I hate going bra shopping. In the past, I've gone to Macy's thinking that a bigger selection must mean that eventually something will fit me. It is always a terrible experience.
Here I learn that I am in the wrong size and I found something that was comfortable and functional.
I don't usually spend a lot of money on underthings, but this store makes you wanna go buck wild and bring out your inner Lady Marmelade!
If you're looking for some sexy, feminine, classy, upscale lingerie, this is the spot. They carry La Perla (oh so luxurious) and Cosabella thongs (my favorite) and swimwear too. The North Beach location is small but very charming and the salespeople are very nice. it's located right next to another cute boutique - OOMA. Five stars!!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Friendly, helpful staff. Beautiful lingerie - little on the expensive side. Great selection of Hanky Panky underwear - and if they don't have it at the North Beach or Hayes Valley store, they will order it for you.
Okay Ladies, time to eighty-six that Victoria's Secret habit and move on to something a bit more sophisticated!
I have been going to this charming little boutique for quite a while now (which so brings to mind similiar shops in Paris) and this is the place to be if you have an expensive lingerie fetish. True, the wares are pricey, with top of the line brands like, La Perla, Cossabella, Aubade and Hanro, but you will not find more beautiful frocks anywhere in the City. Walking in just to browse is a sensory overload; all the wonderful colors, styles and textures of bras, panties, thongs, dressing gowns, pajamas, you name it will send any girl who loves to shop into a frenzy!
Alla Prima also sells a line of toiletries; imported perfumes, French-milled soaps, etc. as well as hosiery. With locations in North Beach and Hayes Valley (and both shops are lovely) you can also expect stellar service and a knowledgeable staff.
So girls, when you are getting the twins out for the lads (after too many cocktails), or just want to get that special guys' knickers in a twist, please be sure to first pop by Alla Prima and flaunt the good stuff. He'll be most impressed!
Nothing but praise for alla prima in north beach. Excellent, excellent, excellent, customer service and a unique variety of beautiful lingerie that makes any girl feel like a million dollars. Once you find your actual size you'll be amazed at the difference. With fabulous, honest employees, you leave feeling confident that every item you tried on will look just as good and feel even better once you get home. Throughout your old bras, its time to go shopping.
"no way are you a 34," said maggie, one of the owners, even before my sentence had finished... and right she was! like so many others, i, too, had been mis-sized by some salesperson somewhere (probably victoria's secret!)... so head on over to alla prima quickly, and they will professionally and courteously right many years of wrongs!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
i have had friends go here and said there experience was not very pleasant. They constantly fit you in bras that are too tight, they are so restricting that i can't breathe, but they say "its looks good". I know how bras are supposed to fit and they definately are not supposed to be that tight, yet they insisted otherwise. They said its better to wear the bra on the very last hook (the one that is the loosest) so when it stretches out it will be okay... but who want to wear it like that, then it will just show fat rolls when your wearing a tight tee. It should fit me comfortably on middle hook!
my friends had been telling me about this place for months before i finally had a chance to go see & shop it for myself. all of the nice things they had to say about all prima turned out not only to be true, but all prima far exceeded my expectations!
bra shopping to state the obvious is quite an intimate experience. maggie, the owner, quickly made me feel at ease with her expertise in size fitting and bra recomendations. there was an abundant selection for me to chose from and though i had never been a fan of pricey lingerie, i ended up leaving there with 3 perfectly fitted, unique, beautiful yet practical bras. i am now officially a convert to the luxury of fine lingerie & alla prima.
276 reviews
301 reviews
217 reviews
8 reviews