RI Beauty Expert: Providence Icon – Mrs. Robinson’s Fine Lingerie

RI Beauty Expert: Providence Icon – Mrs. Robinson’s Fine Lingerie

Visiting Mrs. Robinson’s Fine Lingerie is like stepping inside a pretty jewel box. Proprietress Melanie Elman is not Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Robinson is not THAT Mrs. Robinson – the name remained long after the first owner stopped peddling her fine linens and lingerie door-to-door. Elman bought the business from Mrs. Robinson thirty years ago and in old-world style, graciously retained the name for her beautiful store-front. 

The Big Fit

Fortunately, Elman is an expert fitter and an honest saleswoman. If it doesn’t fit, you will hear about it. She believes a poorly fitting bra makes for a very long day. Fitting is an art born of years and years of experience and understanding of the business and Elman has you covered – including figuratively. After sizing, the next step is determining what kind of lingerie you want to possess you. 

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Ooh-la-la

There’s no reason to go to France anymore because the finest French lines such as La Perla and Simone Perele, are right here. If I caught you mid-croissant, you will have to see this finery for yourself. French bras and panties are carefully stitched and made to last. And since Frenchwomen take their undies very seriously, the lines are creative and anything but run-of-the-mill.

Lace and Color

The aforementioned Simone Perele now comes in exquisite soft lace. Petal soft. Not long ago, laces itched madly but the French know how to make gorgeous and comfortable bras. Look for it in this season’s latest new color – fresh-as-spring aqua. But don’t stop there: basic beige, cappuccino (a deeper beige), and ivory are mainstays for the shy. Mrs. Robinson’s stocks colors enough for every taste and need. 

Frill Seekers

If you’re used to getting your free panty with purchase at the mall, you may feel that a stand-alone shop won’t have the daring looks you want. Not so – Mrs. Robinson’s carries Hanky Panky and Cosabella thongs and boy-shorts. If you like pleasure rather than practicality and the frillier the better, you’ll find black lace as fine as ensnaring spider’s webs. Although a purveyor of the basics, there is plenty to satisfy your pleasure principles.

Cotton Candy

Mrs. Robinson’s carries Hanro of Switzerland cotton pajamas and nightgowns. Butter-soft and in sweet tooth colors, this line is the epitome of comfort. Elegant and lightweight, it reinvents the essence of relaxation. Fine workmanship and natural fabrics meet together for pure indulgence. 

Bridal Needs

Mrs. Robinson’s is one of the last bastions of the peignoir set. These ethereal nighties with matching robes are sought after by today’s bride even as her grandmother’s set lies fallow on eBay. Today’s bride wants new styles and colors for elegant lounging on honeymoon terraces as well as for the bedroom. Mrs. Robinson’s also carries the bustier, a flattering aid for strapless wedding gowns that will keep you from shoring up your dress during the ceremony. Look for handmade garters too and charming matching handkerchiefs for the bride, mother-of-the-bride, and grandmother-of-the-bride. 

Special Order Don’t Upset Us

Elman offers meticulous customer service and has a website for browsing. She will ship anywhere and even deliver in certain circumstances. If a bra is not readily available in a particular size, she will special order it and happily – the business is a labor of love for her and it shows. Her customers re-order even after moving because of well-honed old fashioned customer service. You will even get a tutorial on care and washing if you ask. 

Well-chosen lingerie has the power to transform its wearer into a goddess because it is the quintessence of femininity. Somehow Mrs. Robinson’s Fine Lingerie understand that.  190 Wayland Ave. Providence

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.