Contrary to the belief of some daring (and shall I just say it? tacky) factions of the female species, there are hard and fast rules governing lingerie. DO wear nude underwear beneath your favorite white jeans. DON'T wear a thong under a micro mini. DO wear a foam cup bra in cold weather. DON'T flash your headlights. Ever.
Melissa Files, owner of Pink Panties - which recently moved to a new location on State Street, a block east of the old one - has her own rules for lingerie, including a five-point system she uses to fit bras that's akin to the Pythagorean theorem. But when you read that up to 80% of all women wear the wrong bra size, well, it make sense to consult an expert.
Files is just that: An expert with an affinity for high-quality pieces that are downright sexy. "I love lingerie more than I love clothes," confesses the redhead. "I actually started selling lingerie out of a suitcase."
Underwear junkies will be thrilled with brands like Cosabella and Hanky Panky, whose stretch lace thong is part of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art's permanent costume collection. The bra lineup includes Wacoal (which, I was once told, is the Cadillac of bras), Calvin Klein and the hot new line from Elle Macpherson.
Try these on for size: from Cosabella, a pink mesh cap-sleeve chemise ($60) and matching boy short ($41); the so-called "invisible underwear" Commando thong ($22); a "Sugar Plunge" bra, in a gorgeous shade of pink, by Lejaby ($74); and an ultra-comfy beige lounge set by Honeydew, made of the modern fabric Modal ($56 for camisole and pant).
