Best Lingerie Boutiques In The East Bay

East Bay women may be pleased to know that they can see a lingerie specialist without a trip to the city. If there's a special occasion, a cocktail dress, an LBD or a bridal gown that needs just the right undergarments, that's one reason to seek advice from a lingerie expert. If you're tugging at straps and displaying unwanted VPL (visible panty line), that's another reason you might consider visiting a lingerie boutique. And if it's time for a properly done, professional fitting, you can find the personal attention you want from a small independent business owner.

With a loyal customer base stretching from San Francisco to Sacramento, this intimate apparel boutique has been doing business on this block for more than 20 years. According to both customer testimonials and the store's owner, personal and discreet service is the cornerstone of the business. The shop carries lingerie, hosiery, lotions, costumes, games, toys, novelty items and also performs proper bra fittings. There's a right size for everyone with garments ranging from small to 4X and bras up to 52J. Perhaps you and your friends have a bachelorette party coming up? This is the place where they will find just the right gift.

With a couple dozen brands in store that you will not likely find in department stores, this curated collection is perfect for anyone wanting great fitting and top quality undergarments that look good and last. New customers are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an expert bra fitting session, for which the $25 fee is applied to the first bra purchase. If it is plunging, backless or strapless, bring your evening dress or bridal gown along to ensure a perfect and seamless silhouette. While you're there, browse camisoles, garters, panties, sleepwear, loungewear, perfume, accessories and more gorgeous bits and pieces that make a woman feel special.

It's really important to know that mastectomy and post-surgical requirements are expertly considered to at Marzel's. Breast cancer survivors find a range of options, colors, plus-size bras, sports bras, lightweight prostheses, everyday garments, lingerie and swimwear to address a whole host of needs. Clients receive personal attention in a comfortable fitting room from compassionate specialists who deliver top service. A further helpful suggestion from the ladies at Marzel's is that you talk to them about your insurance coverage as well. Get back in the swing of things with caring assistance from these kind folks.

Are you the spur-of-the-moment type? No appointment is necessary for an expert fitting in this shop that carries sizes 32A through 42G. Helping women to put together their best appearance with comfort, locally-owned Beauty & Attitude has lived up to its name since first opening its doors in 2005. Top-end brand names such as Chantelle, Hanro, Natori and Wacoal are in the lineup along with standards such as DKNY, Calvin Klein, Elle McPherson, Hanky Panky, Spanx and NuBra to address all kinds of garment-enhancing needs. No matter what you plan to wear, it will look better because you thought about what goes underneath.

Laurie JM Farr is a freelance writer covering all things in her adopted San Francisco. A dedicated urbanite, she's a transplanted New Yorker by way of a couple of decades in London as a hotel sales and marketing manager. Follow her work on @ReferencePlease, USA Today, Yahoo! and on Examiner.com.