From behind the pink curtain came an exclamation with each change of attire. In response to the teal silk unitard: “Oh my God." Then came the purple slip and, “I feel like a girl.” Next: black corset-top with garter straps and little pink bows, which brought out a loud “I look sexy!” I couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction when I heard her say, “I love lingerie!” She settled on the corset top and we moved on to our next stop.

I wanted to make sure that Gina tried on true French lingerie, so we headed over to Russian Hill’s Les Cents Culottes , abounding in intricately embroidered Simon Perele bras, lacy Aubade nightgowns, and pretty printed Princesse Tam-Tam panties. When we walked in, we were greeted only by the flutter of tissue paper as the girl behind the counter made a pile of Prince - piece by purple piece. Gina ogled the price tags. She tried on a slim-fitting lace and net dress, but the underwire squished her breasts into an awkward, almost square shape.

“I was so uncomfortable in there,” Gina said the second we stepped outside. “That was exactly what I think of when I think of lingerie shopping. I didn’t feel like I could ask the attendant any questions, because she would think I was stupid for not knowing how the straps worked. Maybe if I felt more comfortable I would have spent more time looking for something that worked for me, but I was just overwhelmed and intimidated.”

Not wanting to leave her lingerie experience on that note, we skipped up to Bella Cose, a lovely little boutique that carries a solid selection of well-priced lingerie. Gina, much more at home now, immediately started grabbing all the slips and panties that caught her eye. She whipped through several, including a cheetah print number with a death-defyingly deep neckline and a midnight black satin set, stopping when she slid into a pink lace and gossamer silk slip by San Francisco designer Mary Green.

A much-needed post-shopping sushi feast gave us time to discuss the day. “I’m not used to feeling sexy in this way,” Gina gushed. “I feel it when I put on my heels and miniskirts, but wearing lingerie is a whole different level of sexiness.” Then we navigated the tricky business of when to wear the slipdress and when it was time to break out the corset top. We decided the latter was to be reserved for later on into a relationship to reinvigorate attractiveness and appeal, pulling her out of sweats and no makeup mode.

If you, like Gina, have never purchased lingerie before, I suggest going somewhere like Bella Cose, that sells other clothes as well. That way you can simply add a sexy slip or even a corset top to an armful of shirts, dresses, and pants before going into the fitting room. Think about lingerie just like any other piece of clothing you would buy: How does it fit? How does it feel? Is it flattering? Do you feel attractive in it? Is it well-made? Will it work with the situation you intend to use it in?

Just as you might buy that one decadent investment gown to wear for a special event, certain lingerie pieces are sumptuous assets for certain evening occasions. And you don’t need to have the date marked on your calendar to start shopping. I bought the most beautiful dress I own a full year before I wore it anywhere. I spent three days tracking the gorgeous green silk crepe gown down, got it altered to fit perfectly, and then let it rest on the hanger for a long while until it debuted next summer at a wedding on Cape Cod.

So when you find that piece of lingerie that makes you feel incredibly sexy, don’t pass it up. Get it, then let it simmer in your dresser. When the moment comes, you’ll have what you need right at your fingertips. And there is always the possibility that once you have lingerie, the occasion to wear it will be create itself.

Now, my roommate Gina has dates lined up for the rest of the week. Hopefully one of them will be lucky enough to benefit from the silky, lacy, strappy fruits of our labor.

Dollhouse Bettie
1641 Haight, SF
(415) 252-7399
www.dollhousebettie.com

Belle Cose
2036 Polk, SF
(415) 474-3494