Alla Prima Fine Lingerie
539 Hayes Street
(between Laguna St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 864-8180
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
30 reviews
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
"Beautiful things in a full price range from biatta panties (very reasonable) to Aubade bra & panty sets (more of an investment). It's…" read more »
60 Reviews for Alla Prima Fine Lingerie
Totally agree with the positive recs on this one. Went in just to check it out, left with 3 awesome purchases. I even found a Dolce and Gabbana bra in the sales section that fit me perfectly. I mean, like a glove. It was amazing. Great customer service, the sales ladies are so helpful. Definitely worth the price although I still wish the store wasn't so expensive.
Running around doing errands, all junked up on caffeine and "ToDo" lists, checking the time, checking the meter, changing the Ipod playlist, phone rings while in sprint-stride mode, multi-tasking, smelling food, looking at FLIGHT 101bag, when all of the sudden eeeeeverything goes into "slow-mo mode" and IT, phone cardinal sin, Freudian slip of the tongue happens: "BOOBS!!!!" The accidental, adolescent vocab-throw-back, but really I'm a feminist too, brought on by the excellent, tasteful, artful window display at Alla Prima startled both myself and the Charles Schwab broker, who on the other end, quizzically said, with a note of the distracted in his voice, "Excuse me Sir?" There's no recovery from that. "MOODS, I'm in a helluva moods yeah that's it!" Like I said, there's no "REWIND, WAIT A MINUTE" that can wipe that slate clean. Kudos to Alla Prima.
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Good: Fantastic in-store service - they will really go the extra mile for you before you buy.
Bad: Terrible, nearly non-existant return policy. Granted this is posted in the fitting rooms, but I found out the hard way that good bras are like shoes - you don't know how they'll feel on you until you wear them for awhile. After spending $75 on a bra that felt great in the store, I got it home and wore it for 2 hours and had horrendous red marks on both sides of my body where the lower band hit. When I brought it back to the store, the sales-lady said to me "you're stuck with it now!". Nice. Ok, next time, I'll go somewhere else.
That said, though, they spent a lot of time with me when I initially went in, retrieving several bras while I was in the fitting room so that I could compare. I also found out I've been wearing the wrong size bra. And even though this $75 bra is painful, I do believe it is the right size - it's just rubbing me the wrong way.
UPDATE: Bought several bras in my size (which is an odd one) at Nordstrom, all of which I can return for any reason. Why shop anywhere else?
BIG BOOBY ALERT PART DEUX:
i am staging a full on bra intervention on every single one of my girlfriends, as i was totally called out today while avoiding work and browsing at alla prima.
i was checking out all the hot merchandise when this gorgeous, faerie-like, willowy blonde came up to me and asked my bra size- i humored her with "oh you know 36-38 D, depending on the line..." which was met with a resounding"oh no you're not." now listen ladies, i am freaking 30 years old and have been wearing a bra since i was in the fourth grade. i am in TUNE with my boobies, i know when they are sad, or hungry or just want to go out and play and so i took this as a full on "bobby flay throw down titty challenge". "how does tiny faerie woman have any idea what size my tig 'ol bitties are??!" i also had been measured for the umpteenth time only a year or so ago, and i buy nice shit that mostly came here on a boat from either france or italy so really, how could i be wrong??? yet, this little sneaking voice was saying "you HAVE been yanking your straps on your old standby bras lately, and they bands are seeming looser and looser..." so i let beautiful, faerie woman (liza is her name) take me in the dressing room for a fitting. i think you know what happened, uh yeah i'm no longer a 36-38 D, i've now morphed into a 34-36 E. somehow, my middle got smaller and my boobs got bigger. finally, god has smiled upon me.
lets face it, our bodies change over time and so do our boobies. love yourself enough to stay on top of it and get measured at least once a year. i left with a beautiful "prima donna" set, in the most sexy shade of teal to complement my blonde hair and size E for "extra endowed" lovely rack.
(who's up for a UYE here? i'm signing ALL you bitches up!)
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I am double D disappointed. Not only did Alla Prima not have my size, but they seemed pretty uninterested in helping me. My bewbies are my friends- they help me out, I dress them up. When we couldn't find my larger cup size at all, I was pointed upstairs like a child told to go to her room, only it was a room full of very basic somewhat ugly if lacey full cup bras. Especially ugly considering the uh *cough* design was the 3-digit price tags, some of them beginning with the digit 3.
OK I wear sort of an odd size, a smaller 32 band with a DD cup. I'm kind of like Little Big Woman. I still like the pretty demi-cut, show-some-cleavage, a little bewbie balcony, silk and chiffon bras. Like the ones downstairs. Finally I was shown a ho-hum fabric almost up to your neck plain grey-blue sheer bra. For 300 dollars. Then I was urged to buy a camisole that was a size too small. For 175 dollars.
My breasts asked me if we could leave. They were insulted. My nipples left first.
1 star for having some truly gorgeous lingerie and bras, even if not in my size.
1 star for the salespeople not really being mean, just untrained and obviously straight girls (totally unmoved by my rib ornaments)
1 star because much of their incredibly overpriced for the teeny size range and blah sales assistance lingerie (at least downstairs) is not just pretty, but has innovative and classic designs, lovely fabrics, and is sexy in that classy not too assy way that European lines can be.
I just want to be understood and clothed in fine lingerie. trot a mile with my cup size, Alla Prima. But first,
GROW A PAIR!
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This place always has the sexiest little lingerie pieces. I love lingerie that looks virginal with a slight naughty twist. They have everything from simple pieces to sexy, raunchy, dirty, come hither pieces(hahaa). I always leave the store feeling sexy.
I recently bought the sweetest little peachy pink ruffle panties and a matching bra. The sales people are so helpful, and always try to find pieces that flatter your body.
I would definitely recommend going here for a special piece of lingerie, or just something that will make you feel sexy and cute in your day to day life.
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Looking for serious retail therapy? look no further, there's a stunning $275 bra with your name on it.
I love this store. The lingerie is sensuous and beautiful. I only wish I could afford to shop here more often. It's hard to find gorgeous bras for big sizes, but they usually have a good selection. I've found that the selection wavers (especially for DD and E cups), so I recommend stopping by more than once before you give up on them, or ask them when they are getting new stock in. The staff is very helpful and provides personalized service.
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I love Alla Prima. I have to say, I think I prefer the North Beach shop experience just a bit more. There's something more personal, walking into that tiny space with just Magie's smiling face (at least, that's the way it was when I walked in).
The Hayes Valley location is much more spacious, brightly lit, and seems to have more items in stock. Magie actually sent me over there right after my first purchase with her because the Hayes store had more of my size in stock.
They've been good about following up and calling when my size comes in. They even held items for me so that I could have an hour to get down there and pick up my goodies!
Amazing products, great service, and they'll definitely see me again.
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Unreasonable return/exchange policy, especially when the manager admits you were improperly fitted!
I have been to this store and their north beach location several times. In fact, I was so excited after receiving my first "proper" fitting (going from a 34B to a 30-32C) I called up my girlfriends all giddy and got Alla Prima 2 hardcore new customers. One of my big boobied friends literally bought 5 bras. Fastforward to yesterday--I'm fitted with a bra I like. Take it home, cut off tags and wear around for half an hour. Notice molded cup on my smaller side (yes, not everyone's even steven, but it's never been a prob. before) is caving in and even visibly wrinkling under my sweater! Today I take it in, and lady's like "oh ya, can't believe so-and-so didn't notice this big air bubble, you were misfitted." I try on a bunch of other molded cups which don't make me happy, and the saleslady still refuses to give me a refund. "We have swimwear and panties." I tell her, I don't need swimwear and panties, and that when I pay $103 bucks I deserve something that fits perfectly, therefore I should get a refund. She said if SHE really couldn't find anything that worked for me, maybe she'd call the owner and advocate. SHE found 2 bras she said worked, no matter I didn't like them. Grrr. My advice--go here to try them on, then buy online--waaaay cheaper and more reasonable return policies.
For the first time in years, my bra fits. It makes an ammmaaazzing difference. I feel better, I look better, my posture is very much improved, and everything looks better on me now. Best of all, things in my size are actually cute and sexy instead of looking like some sort of weird orthopedic device.
Yes it can be expensive, but the price is so worth it. I got an every day t-shirt bra for $75, and a sexy bra for $150. Considering I've paid $50 for Victoria Secret bras that were basically pure crap, I have no problem with how much I paid.
They do get pretty up close and personal, but it resulted in a bra that fit right, so I'm fine with that. Other places measure you over you clothes and tell you a size - at Alla Prima a very nice young woman took me into the super big and comfy dressing room and measured me over my bra, and then brought down various bras they had in stock in my size, which she then proceeded to actually put on me herself, adjusting the band length and making sure everything fit properly. Yes I was naked in front of a complete stranger, but hey, I do it for my waxing and for the doctor, so why not for a bra that fits and makes me feel good?
I got a lot of personal attention, got all my needs met, and like others have mentioned, there was no pressure to buy anything. Very classy and helpful.
I came in wearing a Victoria Secret 38D (which they kindly threw away for me), and I left wearing a beautiful and comfortable Prima Donna 36F. I come home and I don't want to take it off. I love it, and so does my boyfriend. I recommend this place to everyone.
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Guess what? I am wearing the correct size bra! (now!)
Last week I wasn't. The difference is AMAZING. Everything looks good on breasts in the right bra. t-shirts, dressy shirts, sweaters, and the cool night air! :)
I was expecting great service and a beautiful selection of lingerie based on the reviews here, and happily I found both at Alla Prima. They focused so much time and attention on my Mom and I both! I never felt pressured to buy a thing either. But with the great fitting and beautiful bras that were personally fitted to my body - I did leave with three new bras.
The other huge bonus was the education they provide on the care. They encourage using eco-friendly soaps (not woolite) for hand washing the bras, and washing every two to three wears, as washing will improve the life of the bra by keeping the elastic healthy. Awesome!
Yes, these bras are priced higher than your bras at lower quality / mass market stores. But many of them are reasonable, and when you consider that a bra is something you wear every day and sets the foundation for your clothes, isn't it worth it?
You deserve to look and feel good!
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I hate clothes. I really really hate clothes. I will tolerate dresses because of the ease with which they can be removed. On the other hand, I love love love nightgowns. And underwear. And bras. Slutty, girly, classy...you name it, I've got it. Everything from the Agent Provocateur pasties and thong set to my favorite Laura Ashley granny nightgown.
I work a lot. Like A LOT. Like 60-70 hours a week. So by the time I get home, it is legitimately nightgown time. A girl in my position needs a large assortment to choose from. So it makes perfect sense that I now throw loads of my money at the sweet, helpful ladies at Alla Prima. I have had great times at Alla Prima. I have been felt up (sized), liquored up (ok, it was just a glass of champagne), and hussied up (decked out in fine lingerie that made even ME want to sleep with me).
The shop is a good size with great lighting, lots of space, and an incredible selection of bras, panties, nighties, and robes. I have never left disappointed, remorseful, or empty-handed. They will change your life with one swish of the measuring tape! And you will never be the same again.
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So I went into this store because I had been fitted not 4 months prior at a different store in a different city. My bras had fit okay at the beginning and were kind of annoying now as I would need to constantly readjust the straps and in general, it just was not fitting well. I was thinking that I just needed some new bras, so came here because I need specific hard to find sizes.
This store is large and spacious. I asked to try on some T-shirt bras in the size thought I was. One of the specialists asked if she could just re-size/fit me and I agreed. Turns out it was a good thing I did, because although my last fitting was close, it definitely was not correct. My new fitting was perfect. And they had some beautiful bras for me to try on. I still wanted/needed a T-shirt bar which they didn't have in my size, but when I asked them to check at their other location on Grant, Bingo! They had it there.
My only beef? The fitting areas are enclosed by curtains, fine. However, the way that it is set up, there are huge gaps between the two fitting areas, so you and some stranger can get intimate real fast. It is also slightly open t the rest of the store too. That, I didn't like so much.
You can read my review of the Grant location also, but in general, it is smaller in size but certainly not lacking in products. They actually had more selection for my size. I liked both locations and both had great employees, but for some reason, I preferred the Grant location; I think it was bit more intimate.
As soon as I got in the dressing room and tried on lovely undergarments i had chosen carefully, I imagined a pole and started moving my curvaceous body around slowly, taking sexy poses while singing:
"
This is why i'm hot
This is why i'm hot
This is why, this is why this is why i'm hot
"
This place makes me feel hot.
Even after I got out of the fitting rooms and had my sweats and oversized hoodie on.
This place still makes me feel hot.
And by making me feel hot, I mean making me feel like a strip of bacon frying over an open fire...
Like i'm seriously sizzling.
Oh Yeah.
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If you love classy pieces, great service and a wonderful fit- you will go here for you under- needs. Tasteful and elegant. They have great bathing suits as well. This is not a place for the normal undies shopper, but for those who really care "under there" this is the spot!
Have to agree with the inconsistent customer service. Beautiful pieces, but they're often out of my size and though I got on the "call list" over a year ago I've never gotten so much as a welcome email from them. The last time I was in there, midday during the week, we were all asked to leave so they could should a local TV segment/ad. Thanks, but they've always got the same bras in my size at Beauty & Attitude or A La Folie. Or on that internet thingy.
Expensive? yes. Worth it? every single penny.
Great customer service too, very attentive.
This place is lovely and it smells so pretty too! The delicately made lingerie and extra special customer service will make any woman feel great about, well, being a woman. Although a bit on the pricey side for some items, you really get what you pay for -- comfort and elegance!
Fellas, this is a wonderful place to purchase something very special for the wonderful woman in your life. You get the works when you come here. They totally make you feel comfortable and feminine.
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So believe it or not, I went through 10 years of wearing the wrong bra size. That's where the fine ladies at Alla Prima come into the picture. It took someone telling me that I was doing my figure an injustice for me to realize that I desperately needed to change.
So from then on, I only buy from Alla Prima b/c,
1) Its easy, you receive genuine and attentive guidance
2) most stores don't carry such a great selection, in all size combinations
3) the quality of the bra you fill find here will last longer that those from any department store
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this place has the most beautiful, well-made lingerie in the city. the sales people are very helpful. apparently, only the french and the italians know how to make good lingerie and some of their nicer lines are sold here. The French complain about lots of things, but you will notice that they never complain about their underwear. I guess that's the only thing they have going for them besides psycholinguistic babble. Existential angst and prima lingerie. That would be a good name for a bad band.
This store? nice. Buy something sparkly and wear it under your work clothes. You'll feel better when the soul-sucking corporate meetings drag on and on.
http://www.youtube.com...
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These are the pros of San Francisco. Best merchandising, beautiful taste, elegant yet mildly racy. Alla Prima is one of La Perla's biggest accounts and probably the only place in the city where you will find the goods. They have a better La Perla selection than Saks. They also carry spinoff La Perla brands for the younger crowd, like Malizia, and Occhi Verdi. Those Italians know how to make them some underwear.
This is not merely a La Perla shop. The store carries Cosabella, Simone Perele, Aubade, and even Only Hearts. There is something for everyone here. Swimwear, tank tops, soaps.
Also, the owner is very nice, always willing to help you find something good. I once got a deep discount on something simply because she thought it would look great! Ok, maybe she merely wanted to unload the merchandise but salesmanship gets plus points in my book.
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About 15 years ago, back when I was skinny, the employees of a Victoria's Secret laughed at me for asking for a 32 DDD. For about the last 10 years I have resorted to buying bras in the wrong size because I couldn't find any in my size. And if it's not bad enough that my cup size is large enough to make bras hard to find, my boobs aren't the same shape as many other boobs, frequently resulting in bras that are baggy in the nipple and that my boobs pop out of the top of. The last time I got fitted for bras I had to argue with the sales person that "No, I am not a B cup. Do I look like a B cup? I am a D cup. Get me a D cup. If I try on a B cup do you promise to shut up and bring me a D cup afterwards?" (At least she was properly shagrinned when the B cup wouldn't even cover my nipples.) Bra shopping with me is an all day ordeal frequently involving trauma.
It's not just me. It's genetic. I got it from both sides of my family. I've heard rumors that my grandmothers at some point each owned a bra company just so they could have bras in their size, and me? My boobs are bigger than the boobs of either of them. Seriously, boobs are enough of an issue in my family that we have compared them. Oh and this one time, my grandmother went to get fitted by Olga herself under a "If there is no Olga bra in stock that fits you, Olga will buy another bra in your size" deal. Not only did Olga not have a bra in her size, nor did the store have a bra in her size, Olga took my grandmother's phone number, looked for a bra pattern in my grandmother's size and called my grandmother to say that she couldn't find one and thus could not specially make a bra for my grandmother. Boob issues. Major boob issues.
On to the review. I went into the store yesterday, trying to be hopeful based on the reviews of other large breasted women on Yelp, but I was really not holding my breath. I went into the dressing room with the main fitter and the apprentice fitter and the main fitter gave her some advice that that moron who fitted me before sure could have used. "You could measure around here but that is the most misleading measurement you can take. Just look at them and try to figure out what size they would be, then if the bra in that size doesn't fit, adjust the size as appropriate."
Oh my god, some common sense!
It took a couple of tries but we eventually found my bra size, 40H. The amazing thing is that we found that to be my size by trying on a 40H. They had them in stock! And they weren't gross grandma bras either! I bought every bra that fit me. OK, there were only three and I need a white bra, a black bra, and a sexy bra, so now own the minimum stock of bras that fit me!
On my way out of the dressing room, they showed me some bathing suits with *gasp!* underwire bras in them. I didn't even know those existed but oh my god do I need one!
But what is really great is that they have a system in their computer so they can call me when they get new stock in my size and when new bathing suits with underwire come in. I don't even have to take my chances and hope that if I go there, they will have new stock. I can just wait for them to call me and rush over there.
Granted, some of the bras that I got were a bit expensive and the least expensive bra that I got was about $75 but it fits me and that is a small price to pay to have a bra that is comfortable, supportive, and not ugly, especially at my hard to find size.
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With a new Beau(not my dog) comes a new need for pretties. They have some pretty hot little numbers in here. What really get me is that they stock pretty, sexy bras for my HUGE boobs. Yes!!!! No more industrial strength, hold you in bras.
I tried this really sexy yet simple black satin one. Definitely channeling Marilyn Monroe Ala Some Like It Hot! The staff was super helpful, making sure I had the right fit. I loved so many things, but if I were to purchase everything I liked I would definitely be broke. I hope he likes!
*************
I wish I could give them One extra star!
I found a GORGEOUS Bra and panty set in my size on sale! Plus a amazing La Perla g string.
The sales help is Divine.
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This is still the best place for us girls who want to look good all the way down in all kinds of situations. Great service - honest, knowlegeable, funny, real. I tried out some other places but they were either too fluffy, over the top, or slutty. (Don't even talk to me about VS or department stores...). By the way, those other places will sell you stuff whether it looks good or not. These ladies will let you walk out the door empty-handed. Or, they'll call you when they have your size or stuff they think might work for you.
Lovely setting, and persuasive service. The bra, however, lasted only three months, following their explicit instructions for the upkeep and care. I'll stick with Nordstrom.
Expensive, but a step above most of the stuff at Victoria's Secret. Plus, they're a local business.
P.S. I don't wear lingerie.
Alright, I'm on a lingerie buying spree these days. I've had a dry spell and I am now back with a vengeance. And there is no way in hell I will put anything from that mass produced Victoria's Secret place on my physique.
Having read the Yelp reviews I ventured out to Alla Prima. I discovered a lovely selection of beautiful European lingerie lines including La Perla, Eres and Andres Sarda. The sales assistants assured a perfect (and exquisite) fit for the gorgeous pieces I selected, and of course I was sold on the luxurious feel. My only regret? I couldn't afford to buy it all. Your only regret? You won't be able to see me in my new purchases - that special privilege is reserved for someone else. ;-)
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The wonderful staff at Alla Prima have opened my eyes to my true bra size.
Being rather blessed with breasts that do not allow me to job in place for more then five minutes, I have a hard time finding anything in what I THOUGHT was my size in anything remotely sexy. My mom would mail me 38 DDD bras from new jersey department stores that looked like they served some sort of medical purpose. I had doomed myself to a lifetime of unsexy.
My first trip to Alla Prima another buxom friend and I were measured and tried on bras in the two dressing rooms next to each other. The sales ladies brought us different bras in our real sizes and we spent an hour opening the curtain between our two rooms squealing at the pretty. Yeah, pretty. Pretty and comfortable.
I am a girl who lives to run home from work to take off my bra. 8 hours of something digging into your skin, you would too. Who'd a thunk it I was a 36 H? I mean, really? I had no idea anything went above an F.
This place is not for the faint of wallet though. I was, at first, ashamed that I had paid $175 for a bra. But if you knew what my breasts looked like in them, you'd understand.
If you're a particular size and fond of a particular brand, the store will contact you if they receive new items in your size.
32 F.
Posture corrected.
Im no longer bent over, Kwazimoto style, with all kinds of wires poking me at odd angles.
Its worth the extra benjamins and its as good a store for the straight up utilitarian consumer as it is for those who like their lingerie all lacy and elegant. I suppose the latter could be considered utilitarian too...Since Im standing up straight now and all the blood is rushing to my head, my words arent as exact as Id like them but my boobs are right where I want them.
Thanks Alla Prima.
Alla Prima certainly has a great variety of beautiful European lingerie, you're bound to find the perfect bra. Getting fitted was actually the best thing to do, esp when you find out that these amazing bras exist. Allison (sp? is she still there?) was really cool, and picked out some great things for me. I like that they're not eager to force things on you. Sure it's pricey (though Simone Perele was pretty reasonable), but these will last a long time. Say bye-bye to Victoria's Secret... this is a treasure chest! (crap, totally unintended!)
First time in here today. 5 Star Service. But if you're really modest and don't feel comfortable being somewhat naked in front of others, you won't get the 5 star experience and lingerie that you deserve. The sales people really know their stuff and know how to fit you, so don't be shy. You won't be sorry.
And, if you're someone who doesn't really get into lingerie.....I insist you reconsider. I have heard friends say things like, "t's under my clothes and noone sees it, so who cares?" Ugh! It doesn't matter! Just knowing what's underneath that button down shirt and pencil skirt, makes you feel like a sexy tigress. Trust me. Splurge on yourself.
Minus one star for not having some really different pieces. Kind of lacks in variety....Proving that nothing competes with Agent Provocateur....
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Simone Perele bra in black: $78.00
Matching Simone Perele black string thong: $29.00
FINALLY finding a bra that fits: PRICELESS
After all the hype citing that anywhere between 70% and 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size and being constantly annoyed by straps that fall off my shoulders, I went to Alla Prima. Malay immediately ushered me into the dressing room and quickly understood that I, too, had been wildly mis-measured by Victoria's Secret (pure evil that place!) They wrongly told me I was a 34B (a lie I believed for YEARS); I discovered today that in properly fitting lingerie I am actually a 32D. Shocking, let me tell you (well, to everyone except my last boyfriend who seemed not one bit surprised when I mentioned this discovery.)
Truly, this breakthrough was revelatory if still a little hard to believe. The only bad thing is I'm now going to have to toss out every other bra I own and start all over.
Attention women of San Francisco: If you think you might be wearing the wrong bra size, RUN, don't walk, to Alla Prima. It just might change your life!
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I'm a beliver..I wandered in baited by an amazing corset and garter set..and left 200.00 poorer but with amazing lingerie that was *gasp* the right size..
I will get all my unmentionables here for now on.
Very courteous service and beautiful lingerie.
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This is the only time I've let someone touch my boob without buying me dinner first. The girls know their stuff, and you'll find that you're probably wearing the wrong size bra if you let them manhandle your goods for a minute. I love their selection of luxury lingerie, especially the bras, which are the best I've ever worn. The only problem is the pricing...yikes! Alla Prima is the place for special occasion, drop-them-to-their-knees kinda lingerie.
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blaaaaaah
and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
not sure why someone on yelp directed me here to Arianne. this place had none.
Wow, this store changed my breast harnessing life forever. I found it on yelp and headed over to check it out. I told them what bra size I was and they didn't believe me and they remeasured me and told me my actual size. Wow, everything fits great now. Now I frickin' hate Victoria's Secret for letting me waste money on bras that don't fit after measuring me incorrectly. So, at Alla Prima I found out my actual size doesn't really exist (I'm pretty tiny around) but they could get close and they chose some great stuff. Elle Macpherson is my new favorite brand. I tried other brands that fit wonderfully and were gorgeous but I'd need a sugar daddy to buy for me. My only complaint is that their stock was kind of low and the selection didn't seem huge. I ended up going to Nordstrom later which also carries Elle and finding my size and also buying some regulars like Calvin Klein too.
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I tried to keep it a secret, but I can't. I must mention the unmentionable(s). And it's right here - at Alla Prima. This is exactly the kind of lingerie shop that should be at every mall - a real place with a real selection and a staff that cares (read: not scary) and who wouldn't let you walk out the shop wearing the wrong size. Some items are expensive, but some also aren't (give it a chance and look for items that fit within your price range).
I simply have to give props to a shop that seems to care about its customers, and, more than that - seem to know what they are doing, what they carry, and how to help people who walk in.
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They have beautiful lingerie. Very pricey but you get what you pay for. Hit and miss on the customer service though. Hard to find parking but well worth the trip.
It was certainly difficult, yet amusing, to act nonchalant as the lovely and buxom Rapunzel-haired shopgirl entered my dressing room, with no warning, to assist my fittings and...chat - while I was topless, no less. Beautiful and expensive things, but I personally plan on growing an ass (climbing stairs? eating bacon? no success, what's the secret) before dropping the dough.
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I usually hyperventilate at the thought of buying bras (and then cut off the size tag as soon as I get home!), but this place sounded so great that I decided to go over and get a bra fitting to find out what my actual size was (SCARY, very SCARY!). The woman who helped me was fantastic, and made it the most pleasant lingere experience I've ever had. Well, ok, it was the only pleasant experience I've ever had in