Oh La La lingerie sale!

Well the rumours were true... Bellechasse is closing down.  I have such mixed emotions when I hear that a lingerie store is about to fold. In a way I'm really sad that: not only is there one less store I can shop at, but I feel the lingerie industry is dying here in Melbourne from lack of interest. On the other hand: I know they will have an amazing sale and perhaps a few newbies will purchase their first non basic lingerie set, because it's cheap. Bellechasse aren't announcing the closure on their email outs or Twitter feed but it is happening very soon. The For Lease sign is up for all to see...

I received notification on Friday announcing their Oh La La Sale. It offered 30% off everything online and instore. Or 50% off if you came instore with a friend. This discount included items that were already reduced. I couldn't wait! I headed down there on Saturday and went slightly mental... The front section of the store displays all the full price stock and the second room all the discounted stock. Signage is minimal displaying the extra 30% and 50% discounts and most of the customers in there had no idea there was a sale. I however was grabbing stock like a mad woman trying to save her belongings from a burning house. One hand loaded with lingerie while the other hand was using my mobile, talking to clients, letting them know what was available. I was frantic!

I started grabbing bargain after bargain. Did I need a crystal riding crop? Well no I don't need one but it was by Maison Close and it was all of $24! That will look great on display in my house. Did I need more stockings? Um, no I didn't. But they do wear out and these were only $5! I started making a pile on the counter as there was no way I could carry any more. I had people on the phone ordering other items as I walked around the store. One ID Sarrieri lace and Swarovski crystal bodysuit rrp $600 down to $175. SOLD! Two full length silk chiffon robes with feather trim. Done. One peach chiffon and black chantilly lace trim sleepwear set. Robe, chemise and g-string. On the counter. Three pairs of black fluffy high heel slippers! Ahh it went on and on.

The pile grew bigger and bigger and I searched harder and harder to find some hidden treasures. I couldn't get everything I wanted but thought I'd better grab the ones I thought would sell out first. The designer labels, the fun accessories, the best bargains. I would come back for the 'full priced' lingerie and photography books on my next visit.

The wonderful sales assistant helped me find sizes and prepare boxes for my goodies. "I hope you have a car to take all this home!" she said. Alas I didn't and I would be walking to the train station to ferry my bags home. All 6 of them... 

What I purchased for moi was my very first Marlies Dekkers set. It was reduced from $475 down to a mere $65! I had to fish around in a box out the back to find items in my size but it was well worth the effort. The 'Consuelo' set came in a push up style with a matching short and g/string in a charcoal grey colour. It was in a lovely satin fabric with a crystal detail on all the pieces. The Marlies Dekkers brand specialise in strap work on their basic smooth line cut. It's a pretty amazing label. I'm very excited to give this a go.

I also purchased some boudoir pieces that will probably only be used in photo shoots. The Fifi Feather Robe for $65 and the Maison Close crystal riding crop for $24. I found some matching pieces to sets I already had in the bargain bowls. All $5 a piece. Like the Made by Niki Slinkies bikini in Aqua to a set I just purchased online. My haul was pretty amazing. I still want more, but then again, I always do.... This is what I purchased on Saturday.

I was also lucky enough to be given the above black and gold set and the feather bra as a gift from my friends this weekend (I purchased the bottom and suspender myself to match). What a lucky girl I am! My friends know me far too well...

The sale continues instore and online and is DEFINITELY worth the visit. The sale includes books, toys, hosiery and lingerie. The address for those too lazy to click on the link is
1053 High Street Armadale Vic
 and the website is
www.bellechasse.com.au

All I can say is get in quick. Though I'm hoping there will be even further reductions closer to a confirmed closing date.
Want anything from Bellechasse? I'm heading there right now....