We used to work in the same building, more or less, as the Journelle on Mercer Street, and to get home expeditiously (or, at least, get to the APC/Georgetown Cupcakes), we’d need to walk past Journelle. We swear to God, sometimes we’d just stare in the windows because everything was so, so pretty. But the reality was that when we needed new bras, we’d always end up going to Victoria’s Secret, even though we know it is the McDonald’s of underthings.

We had it in our mind that the actually really nice underwear at Journelle was too expensive to afford. Then, one very important day, we realized that we were completely wrong, and that while there are plenty of — let’s say, special occasion pieces — there are also plenty of things that are both (a) nicer and (b) cheaper than VS. It’s a win-win! We were a little sad for not having figured it out earlier. Maybe it’s because they (and their brands) spend so much less money on Gisele Bundchen.

Above: the Eberjay Theodora bralet, $49

This is quite small. Maison Close Villa Satine triangle bra, $64.90

This is a very V-Day sort of color. Stella McCartney Julia Tumbling bra, $85

This is more on the special-occasion end of things. Myla Rita Underwire Apex bra, $149

This has matching garters, which is a bonus. We’re seeing 2013 as a very pro-garters sort of year. Chantelle Eternelle demi bra, $105