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Alla Prima
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 pm - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
71 reviews for Alla Prima
Review Highlights
71 reviews in English
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Review from Cassie W.
Portland, OR
4/9/2012
I love Alla Prima! Before switching work locations I was in the neighborhood and would always peek my head in while walking past. The day I stepped in there for a fitting was a wonderful day. Nicole (if I remember her name correctly) was so attentive and helpful, and really paid attention to the correct fit of the bras and my desire for a great basic. She even gave me correct washing tips.
Although its pricey, it's worth it. Beautifully made lingerie makes all the difference. I will definitely be back for more pretty underthings. -
Review from Sahara G.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011
I only buy my lingerie from Alla Prima.
Maggie the owner, just like others before me have said, is wonderful.
At this location is Melissa. I adore this girl. She's smart, committed, and she always remembers me. She even remembers my bra size! Heck, I can't even remember! -
Review from Lynnet S.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
The owner Magie is wonderful!!! She is sweet and nice and actually helped me to find the perfect bra. Short, Tall, skinny, chunky, it does not matter! Magie will find you the right size bra. You will never go anywhere else once you go see Magie!
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Review from Lesley G.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
Part of my body was in need of a serious lift and after doing considerable research on Yelp I decided it was time to head to Alla Prima for a much need bra fitting. Everything I read about Maggie was dead on. As a former specialty retailer I know that this is one of the hardest sales to make (bathing suits are second). Maggie is a pro for many reasons. First she really cares about the client's experience. Secondly, if she doesn't already have an engineering and physics degree she should, at least for the female anatomy. Last but not least she understands she is building a relationship (something most retailers have forgotten) and she is there to solve the client's fit dilemma and start a long-term association. Going forward this is the only place I will shop for lingerie. Prices are in line with upscale retailers and it is worth every cent for a quality product and exceptional expertise. I also learned about proper care and laundering for the items I purchased. Definitely learned some new tricks that will extend the life of my new bras.
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Review from jessica b.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2010
I can honestly say that this store changed my life. I have always been frustrated to the point of tears shopping for undergarments. For a country so obsessed with big boobs, you'd think it'd be easier to get a well fitting bra for them!
The first time I went with a few friends just to check it out. Maggie, the owner gave me a fitting. I was like yeah yeah, i've been to victorias secret, no bras ever fit me. I'm a freak of nature. I was SO wrong. She not only explained to me how a bra should fit (which i apparently didn't know my entire life) and that I was off in band size and cup size. I went from a 36/38 to a 32. Holy crap.
Everything makes sense when you have the right size. I didn't care how much they were. I've gone back multiple times to pick up some new stuff. Now if only the rest of the stores started carrying these sizes.
This is also a great place for guys to go if they're looking for a gift. There is no chance they'll get something inappropriate, everything here is super classy. They will let her exchange it for something else if she doesn't like it (I did).
Best. Place. Ever.Listed in: North Beach Places
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Review from Jessica R.
Oakland, CA
3/26/2011
I had a great first visit to Alla Prima today, and am definitely a fan.
I got a great fitting from Catherine at the Grant St store -- I've been wearing 34B bras and it turns out I'm a 32D, who knew?
I came away with exactly what I needed: 2 well-fitting beige bras that look great under t-shirts: one is a plain jane everyday bra, the other has gorgeous lace & works under a particularly low-cut top.
Plus, while the bras weren't cheap ($62 for the plain-jane Chantelle & $110 for the fancier Marie Jo), I just checked on Bare Necessities and their price is exactly the same as Alla Prima's -- minus the all-important fitting help.
I was disappointed that they couldn't fix me up with a pretty-colored bra for everyday wear - Catherine said none of the ones they had (and they had a lot of gorgeous bras) were the right size & shape for me, and I trusted her. She also took my number & said she'd call if they got anything in.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Lauren C.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2009
Some girls get all the luck!
Some got it all the way around.
Some have a little bit of both.
Some babies got back!
Me?! I got it ALL up front.
My whole life, bra shopping has been an ordeal (okay, maybe not my WHOLE life, but since the early age of 12).
I was forced to scavenge through the "grandma section" of Macy's & Nordstrom's and would ALWAYS leave in a pissy mood! "Full-coverage" means turtleneck? I wasn't aware!
Until I walked into Alla Prima, that is.
And until I met the GODDESS of LINGERIE, Maggie!
One clasp?
Thin straps?
REALLY!?!
I will never, ever, ever, EVER go anywhere else!
Without Maggie, my world (and my lingerie drawer) would not be nearly as sexy!
p.s. if you can relate to my pain (back-pain, that is), you may want to read this fantastically funny and candid book by a friend who can definitely relate: http://tinyurl.com/c5zpbd -
Review from Natalia M.
Chesterfield, MO
9/10/2006
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. -
Review from ms.kiki g.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2008
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! -
Review from brittney g.
Manhattan, NY
2/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Walked in a 36D, left a 32DD. How you don't give that 5 stars, I have no idea.
But, for real, this place is a delight. My boyfriend took me here for a belated Valentine's Day splurge, and wow, how fancy! What I took home is certainly the softest, nicest, most luxurious underthings I have ever owned.
You'll get measured, then a helpful lady will pull everything in your size. They have dainty, gorgeous things in rare colors like gray and deep purple or stripes! The lighting in the dressing room makes you look like Heidi Klum, only shorter, and the delicate dainties are so irresistible it is hard not to take them all home.
These frilly things are not cheap. I tried on a bra and panty set that cost almost $300. Yowza. What I left with cost significantly less. But, my, is it beautiful.
This part is important if someone is buying you these treats: Alla Prima, unlike other boutiques, allows your man partner to come in and check out the goods in the dressing room. Try (on with eyes) before he buys, and all that.
Top notch customer service, unbelievably pretty merchandise, all meant to make you feel like the sexy goddess you are. -
Review from Melissa Q.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2008
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!!!
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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!!!!! -
Review from Tanya C.
Sausalito, CA
11/10/2008
I had not known happiness came in a bra until I walked into Alla Prima! Maggie took the time to close the store and get me fitted. Long had I suffered thinking I was a 34DD, but the bras would stretch and sag and need to be tightened in soon after purchase. Turns out I'm a 32G. 32G...think about that. where do you find that size? In a shop like this of course!!!
The lingere is beautiful, and I have 6 beautiful bras, including an amazing sports bra. AHHHH...to go to the gym and not have my tits knock me out on the treadmill!
the fit is spectacular, and they hold up to an 18 hour day without me realizing they are even on. My back pain has dissapeared and my girlfriend loves undressing me again...no more granny bras!
Thank you Alla Prima....you are my hero! -
Review from Lynae Z.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2007
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. -
Review from Erica G.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2006
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. -
Review from Rebekah K.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2008
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. -
Review from Jill K.
Rockville, MD
9/4/2007
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! -
Review from Kirsten V.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2007
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. -
Review from Jessica B.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2008
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! -
Review from Michelle E.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2007
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. -
Review from michelle s.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/19/2008
Wonderful lingerie boutique in San Francisco. Magie is absolutely lovely and has extensive knowledge of unmentionables and breast health.
Picked up a few new goodies from Simone Perele and La Perla!Listed in: A Day in the Life of Moi
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/22/2007
Ladies, please buy quality undergarments.
Why not? They feel good, make you look good and sexy too.… Read more »
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Review from Berna T.
5/4/2006
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!!Listed in: Wearing My Scrilla
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Review from cyn k.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2007
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. -
Review from Jocelyn A.
Albany, CA
12/5/2006
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.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Rachel G.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2010
This store is the Rolls Royce (or insert other ostentatiously expensive make of car here) of lingerie with service to match!
They have jaw-droppingly beautiful underthings and sophisticated swimwear. Maggie was so very attentive (and pleasant to talk to!) in terms of making sure I had the correct sizes, and in visiting the store, like many other Yelpers, learned that I was wearing the incorrect bra size.
Ladies, treat yourself and pay Alla Prima a visit. Not only will you be happy, but so will your significant other (::wink, wink::) -
Review from sarah k.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2008
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!!! -
Review from Tiff ..
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2008
Beautiful place with friendly service, but my petite itty-bitties had few options at Alla Prima.
The lady wanted me to buy a not-quite-perfect bra, claiming it was the best fit I could get and La Perla didn't make bras with extra "help" or in smaller sizes. I realized she told me wrong info when I spotted that bra she said didn't exist somewhere else. -
Review from Kristen B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/17/2009
Just came here to buy my third bra in the past year.. This time I brought my mom and her friend. My mom wound up buying 4 or 5 bras for herself (sorry, I didn't get a proper count). Her friend received a proper fitting, and happily left with two new bras.
As long as I live in San Francisco I will continue buying my lingerie here!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/6/2007
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… Read more »
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Review from Kathleen D.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2007
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. -
Review from Megan S.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2009
Beautiful stuff and Maggie makes shopping a pleasure.
Large sale selection with great stuff (at least when I was there...) -
Review from Jeska D.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2007
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! -
Review from Caroline C.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2007
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. -
Review from Janet B.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2007
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. -
Review from Sophie D.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2007
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. -
Review from A L.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2008
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. -
Review from Holly B.
Oakland, CA
4/12/2009
Always wanted to check this place out, and now that I need fancy finery for myself, it seems as though this place is out of my range. Literally. They had 2 very nice and very granny plain underwires that fit me like a dream, the saleslady was subtly avoiding all my interest in anything interesting. If I find a fancy black lace to deck out that simple beige bra, then why yes I'll be back~ pms breasts demand decent coverage! If not well I'll keep wrapping up like a mummy in ace bandage... not a major difference in support {just dignity}.
Put pretty things in the window and don't be surprised when the smallchested wander in with hope in their eyes... just don't forget to hang a little disclaimer detailing that no, they aren't for you. -
Review from Candace W.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2005
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! -
Review from joanna s.
Mountain View, CA
7/18/2007
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! -
Review from Fonz Z.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2009
Love their stuff and love their customer service. I'll reserve five stars for a bigger selection for the smaller ladies. (I do think Maggie tries to carry as much as they can in small sizes).
As always, what I say to shoe stores and lingerie stores remains the same:
"Please carry as many size 5 shoes and 30A bras as possible...
I promise I will buy them : )" -
Review from Pamela B.
San Francisco, CA
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Review from Peggy B.
Laramie, WY
3/25/2011
I agree with all the girls... this shop can restore a soul. To those of you who are concerned about the price, I'd like to remind you... that you are worth it.
