Arguably, every woman takes refuge in one room in the house. This is a place where she can kick off her shoes, let her hair down and ultimately let go of the day that stood before her earlier that morning. If there was one interior room in the house where a woman can truly feel herself; it is the Bedroom. In the Victorian era and early 20th century, women of Europe sectioned off their private retreats, known as the Boudoir, for sitting and "to be sulky". Now, in modern times, most mother's would chide their daughter's if they ever "sulked" as children and could not imagine behaving that way as grown women.....but do these rules apply in her own bedroom?
Perhaps, Bonne Nuit, the fine lingerie retail store in the Historic Shoppes of Avondale, allows women to indulge in their sulkiness, if they may. Fresh into their new location from across the street, offering the finest undergarments, robes, candles, french milled soaps and more; Bonne Nuit (which means Good Night, in French) just may entice women to pamper themselves more often. Owner, Karen Johnston, along with her daughter who manages the store, Jennifer Perkins, promises to offer ladies an array of products in their store, but also rendering those items beyond your reach. "Just because you do not see something in the store, or it isn't in stock, does not mean we cannot order it for you," adds Ms. Caroline Steedley. Both Caroline along with Ms. Lawson Armes, both serve the store as Sales Associates for Bonne Nuit. With backgrounds and experience together in high-end retail and luxury products, the sales team (along with store mascot, Webster, the black labrador) is on the floor to greet, answer questions, invite customers to try on clothing and to take special orders.
This is no Victoria Secret, mind you. Bonne Nuit provides many fine lines of lingerie, brassieres and women undergarments which are carried in the store, including: Cosabella, Spanx, Hanky Panky, and Natori just to name a few. Some lines, the common woman may have never heard of. For instance in the Long Gown section, clothing from Southern-based Verena Designs, Inc, a High Point, NC company, create intricately sewn reproduction antique lace. Embroidered Thea pajamas and nightgowns are reminiscent of the Colonial era, with matching mother and daughter lounge sets. High quality cotton gowns as, Hanro, are soft as melted butter to the touch. If you aren't sure about sizing, step in to one of the dressing rooms. Behind the dupioni silk curtains, a small but cozy personal room awaits you with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a cushioned seated bench under the kindest soft lighting.
Throughout the store are small nooks of displays to pull you in for more opulence. Candles by LAFCO tantalize the senses for every room in the house (and for your second home on the Coast or in the Mountains). Danya Decker, Aquiesse and Agraria are also among patron favorites found in the store. Continue the sweet fragrances behind closed doors and in drawers with Irene Hirose sachets. A Voyager in style with travel accessories from the likes of Stephanie Johnson, Rowallan and Longchamp.
Benefiting from more square footage in their new location, Bonne Nuit now stocks some of the finest abundance of linens the market has to offer such as Peacock Alley, Traditions, Le Jacquard and Yves Delorme. Personalize your flat sheets, shams and pillowcases by customizing your monogram from Matouk. On display is a queen-sized, upholstered and nail-head bed demonstrating the beautiful duvet, sheet and coverlet options, which will interchange throughout the year. "We offer 200-500 thread-count stocked to sell," informs Ms. Lawson. Need new down inserts? Not to worry, Bonne Nuit sells DownTown lightweight comforters and inserts for your Euro, Standard and boudoir shams. Ask about the wool mattress pad for sale that stays cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter months.
After perusing through the pale blue interior walls and damask rooms of this delighful boutique; one may acknowledge that women today may not have the boudiors of ages past and each of our bedrooms come in all of different shapes, styles and sizes. Nevertheless, with schedules busier than ever and with little time to gratify our minds and souls to rest, a woman should deservingly take advantage of indulgent rarities. Ladies, take refuge. Bonne Nuit, sleep tight!
