The Lingerie Lounge opened in the Gaslamp Quarter last month and is celebrating its grand opening. Alicia O’Sullivan is the local owner and has a sister store in Mammoth Lake that is run by her mother, Marlene Rheault. The merchandise includes lingerie, swimwear, beach cover-ups and little dresses. Alicia said that the décor of this intimate space is shabby chic. This feminine boutique is filled with chandeliers and crystals along with some aspects of vintage. She said that she wanted to keep that vintage look because the building was built in 1889. At different times it was a brothel, an orphanage and a hospital. Alicia said that the most popular items are bridal lingerie and gift items for bridal showers. She said that the trend right now is the pin-up girl looks with polka dots and waist cinchers. Purples and eggplant colors are very popular, but black lingerie is always the bomb for her customers. Another unique item is sleepwear that can be worn to the grocery store and not just the bedroom. “I am sending lingerie off for a Playboy photo shoot for the Playmate of the Year,” Alicia said. “This is the biggest issue next to the holiday issue. If they use my lingerie for the cover, it will be a tremendous boost and great exposure for my business.” Stay tuned to find out the results! “The lingerie business is hugely-competitive and Victoria’s Secret is my biggest competition,” she said. “They are too commercial for my taste so I sell new brands to my customers that have good quality and lower price points. The Lingerie Lounge is located at 431 “J” St., or you can shop online at www.shoplingerielounge.com.