97 and lingerie

This post is dedicated to my girlfriend, C, who I miss so, so much.  In the early 2000's, I sold cosmetics full-time at Macy's. I spent a decade with Clinique, Estee Lauder and such. I had two great gal pals on the floor, one with me at Clinique and one across the aisle at Lancome. C was my partner in crime at the upscale Lancome. She is beautiful plus has a French accent so she was perfect for selling their expensive line. We were known to get into mischief and our shennigans were not just relegated to the workplace. I loved hanging out in her dark, cool apartment that we called her mausoleum or cave. C was going through treatment for a serious illness so she was a trooper just making it to work everyday, a feat not appreciated by the corporate powers at Macy's. But she still managed to be fun, loving and adventurous.

Some of our adventures involved pilgrimages to wacky and interesting spots in Hollywood, FL and Dania Beach. We created our own myths, like the Dragon Man in Dania or the time capsule lingerie store called Melina's. I cannot claim Melina’s as "our discovery" because it has a cult like following in South Florida. But we happened on it by chance strolling along Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood Blvd is a trendy strip in Hollywood that features, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, clubs, etc. Mostly newer constructs. But located at the end of the strip is one landmark store that has been there over 75 years: Melina's Lingerie store. 

First off, you would never know that it was in business, despite the well maintained window displays. It was never open. Melina herself told a reporter that she made her own hours and if you wanted to catch her, best to visit the store at midnight. There is definitely an air of mystery to the business. 

The spacious store had several large window displays. The mannequins were all old time (a la 1950's) women in various stiff poses and wearing all sorts of racey lingerie: crotchless panties, pasties, garters, etc. I especially admired Melina's quirky accessories like this barbershop style straw hat on a scantily clad model.

Then there was the roulette type of luck you took trying to catch her open. But we persevered and were allowed entry one day. Inside, you quickly noticed that it was not a fully stocked lingerie store. Old school racks and mannequins displayed eclectic lingerie.  Not huge selection nor size range. Let's just say, she specialized in a niche clientele. 

But the thing that caught our attention right away was the fact that Melina had the store separated by a thick and heavy curtain drawn across the middle of the store. As we tried to venture a peek behind the curtain we were immediately scolded. In a gravely and menacing voice Melina commanded "There is nothing back there!".  She stopped us in our tracks. Now mind you, neither C nor I are meek kittens, but we obeyed. Under her scary stare, we withdrew, we looked at each other and let our imaginations run. Ultimately, we both concluded that there must be a chained up man behind those curtains. At the mercy of the stern, accented matron who ran this bizarre show.

This became our lore and we continued to embellish our fantasy. To this day, all either of us has to do is summon up a Garbo-esque throaty voice warning the other “there is nothing back there!” and we break into fits and giggles.

Melina's Lingerie store had such a presence that at 97 years old, she received the honor of the city naming her store a historic landmark! This made me very happy. Sadly, Melina closed her doors when she turned 100 years of age. Applause, applause, Melina, I tip my barber shop straw hat to you.

Now, I share this tale to amuse, but also to encourage everyone who feels less sexy because of whatever age is haunting you to be your own diva. I have enjoyed lingerie in many different stages in my life. Some subtle feminine pieces, others straight up fetish. Now a days I like a sensual, flirty sexy appeal. Comfort is more important, so no more tall heels or terribly uncomfortable outfits. As a curvey woman, I always liked corsets. This is a charcoal and ink self portrait of me as a siren in my black lace corset. We all need the pizazz of 97 year old Melina.