An East Bay company’s top tips for making unmentionables mentionable.
Kelly Puleio Photography
You may fret over the idea of giving lingerie for Valentine’s Day, but Oakland-based Blackbird Underpinnings cofounders Julia Zolinsky and Marin Camille are here to help. The company offers silky, vintage-inspired undergarments, with a woman’s comfort and self-expression kept in mind. Here, the founders share a few of their tricks for navigating the lingerie store.
Bring a Spotter
“Go lingerie shopping with a close friend who knows [your significant other’s] personal style well,” says Camille. “He or she may suggest items you wouldn’t think of.”
Think Outside the Bedroom
“There’s so much fun to be had with shorts, camis, and chemises,” says Zolinsky. “These items can be worn as layering pieces.”
Stick With Neutrals
“When it comes to lingerie, I’m not a big color person,” says Camille. “Black and cream are both timeless and versatile.”
Ditch the Wires
“When buying a gift for someone, don’t choose something like an underwire bra, as these are difficult and complex to fit,” both Zolinsky and Camille advise. “Stick with soft, less-structured pieces.” blackbirdunderpinnings.com.
