At Secret Drawers Lingerie we sell robes in a waffle fabric. We also sell robes in a terry fabric. And now, with the addition of the Mansfield Waffle Terry-Lined Shawl, we have a robe that offers both.

Since Secret Drawers Lingerie opened, we have been carrying robes and over the years we have carried several lines. The line of robes we get asked about most though, is the Diamond Tea.

Diamond Tea robes seem to have been around forever and people are just getting around to replacing their first one because they last so long. And new in, we have Diamond Tea robes in a light seersucker fabric (see right) for summer. These are 100% cotton which is excellent for breathability.

We love Diamond Tea robes because they are timeless and Canadian-made. Diamond Teas are one design of robe that will be a staple in your closet for years to come. And these summer designs are perfectly packable and travel well.

We have both the traditional wrap and front-zip designs of these Diamond Tea robes in lavender and light green so come in and find out which style works for you.

Last time, we revealed numbers 10 through 6 of our 2010 top lingerie, lounge and underwear picks. Today we'll reveal our absolute top 5 lingerie items in our drawers from 2010.

Some of our most luxurious robes come from Bella Notte and Diamond Tea. These lines produce the most decadent fabrics and designs perfect to accent your silhouette right out of a candlelit bath.

Bella Notte

We have gorgeous new Bella Notte robes in a deep chocolate brown and a burgundy wine, a sample design is seen right. These robes are satin, with elastic and buttons at the waist, instead of the standard tie, ensuring the slippery fabric stays where you want it. Accidental openings are a thing of the past.

Diamond Tea

Our new Diamond Tea robes are velour in a long wrap design. These robes are cuddly and comforting and come in blue and turquoise with gold piping. Diamond Tea is designed with the discerning customer in mind.

Robes Are Perfect Christmas Gifts

Not sure what to get the glamorous woman in your life? Robes are a great choice because their sizing is forgiving and we defy anyone to try on one of these robes and not be swept away. They are comfort and old-world Hollywood decadence combined.

December marks the Walk the Windows contest in downtown Courtenay so it’s the perfect time to talk about E. M. Interior Design, the firm behind the window displays of Secret Drawers Lingerie.

Seen above: Chantelle bra with CASS body-shaper and a Diamond Tea robe.

“I make it (the window design) exude what we’re selling… my goal is to make it sensual, flirty, but not over the top or cheesy,” says McMillan, “I try hard to make it as classy as I can. It’s beautiful product; it’s a joy to be able to work with it. And every time my client is happy, I’m happy.”

“I really believe in their philosophy in dressing from the inside out, so I think about that all the time when I do the windows. It speaks loudly,” says McMillan.

Seen above: Prima Donna bra and panty, Chantelle bra and panty and Naked underwear for men.

“I use my imagination a lot in a time when the economy is a bit tricky. It’s important not to throw everything out and start over. I believe design should be affordable for everyone not just people with money.”

“Pulling all the elements together, the plan of the space, and the materials for the end product: it’s a passion; it’s a joy. Lighting, colour, everything we use… (I love) helping people see the vision and see how pleased they are with the end product, it’s the compliments when they’re thrilled with the job.”

“I like to let my work speak for itself.”

Every year downtown Courtenay celebrates the winter season with Moonlight Magic as part of Christmas Magic Weekend. We love this event because it gives families - and savvy shoppers - a chance to enjoy the heart of Courtenay as much as we do every day.

• The Cat's Pajama's - 30% off
• Selected robes - 50% off
• Lejaby bras - 20% off
• Other selected bras - 20% off

On Vancouver Island we experience a varied climate from crisp and sunny, to mild and wet and even cold and icy atop Mt. Washington. Luckily, whether you play in the snow, or escape the chill in front of a fire, we have winter pieces to keep you feeling cozy.

Thick and Cozy

A perennial favorite is Bedhead pajamas and we have been carrying them for years due to their comfort and universally popular designs. To the right is the Bedhead Jade Vienna design, in cotton, which has just arrived in-store.

For those looking to mix-and-match, Blush pajamas come in colourful, cotton tops and plaid, flannel bottoms, allowing you to create your own unique look.

And of course, look for new lines of robes from Diamond Tea and Bella Notte for the ultimate decadence right out of the shower, or lounging all day long.

If you're heading out into the weather, we recommend looking at Kim Allan Silks, offered in long-sleeved tops as well as long-johns (seen right). Kim Allan Silks not only keep you warm but they offer maximum breathability while wicking moisture away from your skin. Perfect for when you're working up a sweat skiing down the slopes, and when you're waiting for the lift to get back up again.

Nina Von C is another line to check out for those who prefer cotton keeping them warm.

This Winter

Now is the time we layer up, break out the pajamas, unfurl the robes and linger in them all Sunday afternoon. But come in soon to select your style because we warn you, we're not the only ones looking to be pampered this season.

Lingerie. A word not in widespread use until 1852, from the French, “things made of linen”. Lingerie was introduced into the English language as a euphemism for “scandalous under-linen”.

While most lingerie made today is no longer linen, we, at Secret Drawers Lingerie, like to think that a tiny bit of scandal remains.