Lula Lu
at South Ellsworth Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 348-8858
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Fri 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
12 reviews
Palo Alto, CA
"I have a slight 'problem' with lingerie. I see it. I buy it. I wear it. I collect it. I've gone without other necessities so that my…" read more »
24 Reviews for Lula Lu
When you realize you'll never be a B cup and quite honestly aren't quite an A cup - well where do you go? In a world where everything is super sized there aren't many choices. Fortunately there is Lula Lu, a fabulous lingerie store that specializes and caters to petite figures. Not only can I find a bra that fits, I can also find ones that are pretty and sexy. It's a whole new world when you see that there are many more choices besides basic beige and white underwire. Also, Ellen the owner, is friendly and helpful. She is constantly bringing in new lines and has even created her own line of fabulously cute bras. They are definitely worth trying. You'll also find adorable PJ's, jewelry, gifts for the bride-to-be and other cool things from local designers.
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I actually went 8 years without buying a new bra because I couldn't find anything that fit (and the department store clerk actually laughed when she saw my small pointy "breasts"). Ugh! So while I'm still searching for a nice tailored shirt, I can recommend a GREAT lingerie store and website (check it out: www.lulalu.com) for the "petite" (flat) chested woman. They've got sizes I didn't even know existed.
I found Lula Lu online and later went to the store (drove an hour) and was so delighted to find a woman who not only didn't laugh at my tiny tits, but was supportive and encouraging and helped me find a bra that fits and is comfortable! Wow! It's truly a godsend.
Maybe if there were more Lula Lu's out there fewer women would succumb to the pressure to augment their chest. Small is beautiful!
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Finding a place like Lula Lu is like realizing what a void your life held only after you come across the thing that fills it. Not to wax too melodramatic or anything...
I love classy, I love elegant, and of course I dig sexy. Lula Lu caters to that, carrying what's clearly a thoughtfully selected (if spendy!!) array of lingerie I think I subconsciously despaired of ever finding, especially with regard to brassieres. And from the ultra-comfy Hanky Panky thongs, to Spanx bodyshapers I read about so often in fashion mags, to barely-there Cosabella thongs, there's enough in this little gem of a store to make me cry. Seriously. I know, it's sad. Anyway, the owner and her crew are super-helpful in fittings and selections, but also know when to back off and let you check things out for yourself.
To top it off, Lula Lu carries the daintiest earrings (and other jewelry) by the local Dragonfly Designs--tiny pearls and Swarovski crystal beads that catch the light in a way that comparable earrings from, say, Express or the Limited do not. For the record, I am *not* big on shopping--though I guess the content of this review may belie that--but I tend to drop a lot of $$$ when I come in here. I see it as an investment, though (or at least that's how I rationalize it to myself!).
The salesperson was very nice and knowledgeable. They had a good selection of bras. I wish they had a larger selection of pajamas. I enjoyed trying on the items because the dressing rooms were inviting and it felt private...like you were in your own home.
This is my kind of lingerie store- classy and beautiful jammies and underwear for petite women. The proprietor is friendly and helpful; she really wants to help you find something that will fit and make you feel good. There are expensive things but also some that are much more affordable. My favorite are the barely there bras, since I hate underwire. She also carries some local jewelry designers at the front of the store, very tempting!
After not finding anything fitting or appropriate for a bridal shower gift at Victoria's Secret, I was glad to discover this store through Yelp.
The lingerie is higher quality. The store has cuter selections. (BTW, the website does not show all of its inventory so make a point to stop in the store if you can.) The store owner knows what shows and wears well for petite women. Moreover, given the fact that she appreciates that not all women love pink, she offers great alternative colors to choose from.
Yay for a store that finally understands petite women have different needs!!
*PI's eyes gloss over*
*walks in calmly despite her excitement to find Lula*
*peruses the selection*
*cries a little inside*
It's all tiny!! Most of the bras were A, some even double, or triple A!!! Who has a chest that small??!!!!?! Well obviously deflated oompa loompas, but anyway, that's beside the point.... the point is:
How come there were so many lacy, pretty things, yet nothing suitable for PI?? ;(
You would think that some of the bras would be okay for me, but this shit was for, like, Skipper dolls. ARGGGH.
I found a few rare B and Cs, thank God... though none of them were as cute as the A cup bras, so they were a no-buy.
And I bought a few pairs of lacy boy shorts (they were cute!).
This is a great lingerie shop for all the miniature girls of the world.
Oh, and just so you know, apparently I'm blind and I missed the sign on the storefront that read:
LULA LU
PETITE LINGERIE
(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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Ellen is a doll. She is genuinely warm, friendly, and easy to talk to. I was so comfortable with her that she felt like a sister, helping me try on bras, seeing what fit and what didn't. I was not self-conscious at all.
When I first walked into the store, I must admit I was disappointed. It seemed small and like there wasn't much of a selection. As I began looking through what was there, however, I realized that Ellen had simply weeded out the junk you have to pick through in other stores and ordered the best. The materials were heavenly. I loved the way things felt.
After much fierce debate between my desires and my pocketbook, I put back a bra/panty set and a filmy nightgown and ended up with two tops that were both very sexy, flattering and well-made.
My only complaint: It's a bit too pricey for me. But for a special occasion, I would not hesitate to return. And her shop is so unique, especially catering to smaller-chested women, that it is worth seeing. A's and B's will be in heaven...of course it comes in your size! Everything comes in your size!
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Great if you're looking to spend a little extra on a little something sexy for yourself. ...or for your GIRLFRIEND (hint hint).
Everything is cute and wearable, except for the granny looking things in the back area, but hey, they need love too right?
This store makes me proud to be petite!
Too often, cute or sexy lingerie started at a 34B. Until I found this place, I thought I'd be relegated to the standard beige, white and black bras --just a step above the sweet training bras. You know those training bras -- the ones you wore when the guys in junior high chanted "You must, you must, you must increase your bust!"
I stopped in to buy one bra, but ended up leaving with a bag full of Mary Green, Wendy Glez and Honey Dew cami sets in addition to Wacoal petite bras (including a non-standard black vixen-ish number). Finding lingerie that fit well was easy.
Put your modesty aside as Ellen will come around to see how things are working out and bring around other pieces for you to try, so that you get the proper fit.
The cleavage challenged like to be sexy, too! Thank you, Ellen, for sourcing sexy for the petite set!
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in addition to the great lines she carries - she has also designed her own line that is fabulous. Warm atmosphere.
Ellen is awesome! All my bras were from Victoria's Secret or the Gap, and I decided it was time to step it up a notch and try some fancy department store bras. But the salespeople were always so busy or intimidating that I never got a fitting or much help and always walked away empty-handed. My everyday bras were getting really worn out, so I decided to try Lula Lu, and with Ellen's careful guidance (including informing me that I've been a B, not an A, all these years--at least in Lula Lu's brands) over an hour I found three awesome everyday bras! They were $45-65, so I only ended up taking home two (Wacoal and Bodas), but I have a feeling I'll be back for the third. I also got an adorable lacey cami on sale for $60.
I don't know why Bill A. thought there weren't any basic bras there; the ones i got were very basic--great for wearing either under a blouse to work or a sweater or t-shirt on the weekend.
And I'm 5'7" and a size 6 or 8, so I'm proof that Lula Lu is great for the not-so-petite ladies too!
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Wandered in after eating at HImawari for lunch and Ellen, the owner was really patient with me for the fitting. They also have a cute lingerie selection. I love their website so I can reorder if I'm not able to stop by the boutique. I will definitely go back!
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I pass by this place ALL the time when I'm going on my adventures for yummy San Mateo food. It has the cutest window display EVER, next to all the restaurants (kind of weird, kind of fun). It also has a nice selection for little folk like me!
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I had read about this place in the Chronicle. It intrigued me because they specialized in petite lingerie for petite women just like me! I'm 5'2 and 1/2 and have a 32 bust (if you wanna know) and it's often times more challenging to find my size.
How I ended up here: My husband and I are currently shopping for bedroom furniture, and decided to trek down to Scandinavian Designs' showroom in San Mateo(Very disappointing by the way. If you're looking for cheap furniture made cheaply, this is the place. It's like the 30s-something version of Ikea or a slight upgrade from Ikea. As I always say, you get what you pay for.) So, while looking for parking for Scandinavian Designs, I saw Lula Lu's store front and we decided to check it out.
First of all the store is tiny and very cute. It feels more like a San Francisco/Union Street boutique, than something on 3rd Street in San Mateo. They have very cute lingerie. Some of it not very functional, very lacy, very wire-y. I guess it's the kind of lingerie that's meant to be taken off. Maybe I'm just a low maintenance girl, but I like the more functional comfortable stuff. And they do have that stuff there too! I unfortunately didn't try anything on or buy anything but the saleswoman seemed very eager to help me. Good customer service, I like that.
Their prices are average, from 20-50 dollars for bras. They have underpants too(I hate saying "panties"). They have accessories and hosiery. They also have nighties(I hate that word too).
Overall, very cute. Next time I need a bra, I'll head down there, because they will for sure have my size!
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Let's put it this way. I'm a girl who balks at your run-of-the-mill lingerie, and I loved this cozy boutique that I know will **always have my size!** I'm not exactly petite, being 5'6 with a 36 bust (I think I have an ample rib cage, not bust) but this place works for me too! Yay for them thinking I'm petite!
Okay, now the dish:
Not only does Lula Lu sell the cutest in lingerie, bras, undies, and robes, they carry ladylike and incredibly warming finger-less gloves, jewelry fashioned by local artists, and even candles to warm your bedroom!
I think the most intimidating part is simply stepping in a girlie lingerie shop on the bustling Third Street. But once you do, you have a hard time leaving. I sure did. I love Eberjey!
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the lingerie is adorable, petite, and pricey! they also have delicious candles, and cute jewelry. the owner, ellen, was friendly, helpful, and totally non-pretentious. i will totally come back when the need rises!
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Flat chested girls, look no further!!!! I've been to Victoria's Secret with no success and Macy's is generally a zoo! Ellen really understands a petite woman, she was so awesome and so patient with me. She made me feel so comfortable and brought in TONS of bras for me to try. I only came in for the basics (this time), but next time I'll def come for more of the racier stuff!
Super adorbale lingerie shop. Snappy polka dots and pastels from Eberjey, comfy basics from Wacoal and LZ, sexy sets from Simone Perele, and push-ups from French Kiss and Princesse Tam Tam. The boutique also has an exquisite collection of matching undies, cozy pajamas by Arianne Rachel and Samantha Chang, and loungewear by Loveletters. lulalu.com).
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I love love love this place oh so very much!
Imagine my frustration as I go in and out of different lingerie stores, not finding a thing that fits right...or that is not heavily padded for a tiny girl like me.
And then I find Lula Lu...where I know for sure that I can walk in and walk out with a bag of goodies in half an hour, and not have to spend any more time going to other stores and trying on bras that do not fit.
I love how they carry sexy lacy bras in my size and assembles that make my bf's jaw drop.
I am breaking up with Victoria's Secret. You rarely met my needs anyway, and I've found something 100x better for me =)
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What an absolutely GORGEOUS little lingerie shop. Of course, they sell sleepwear besides the lingerie, but it is superb in the sense that this is the kind of boutique you would normally find in Europe, but hardly anywhere in and around the United States. Perfect shopping for girlfriends, fiancees, bridal showers or simply, to treat yourself to something super special!
DISCLAIMER: 5 star rating only applies if you are a petite. This store sells lacy underthings that are size P ONLY.
I went in. Very very cute. I would have to do the Nicole Richie routine to fit into anything here. But hey, if you are a tiny person you'll love it.
Hoorah for the small busted lingerie toting sexpots of the world!
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this store is a revelation! the owner, ellen, spent about an hour with me - measuring, fitting and advising me on a bra. i walked out with 3 bras, ranging in price from $25 to $50 that all fit perfectly. she now has me programmed in her computer and i will be able to call or use their website to re-order whenever I need new bras.
I would encourage any petite girl to head right down to San Mateo to find your dream bra!
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