Come Hither

Nancy Rose is a swell place to prepare for Valentine's Day evening.

THE SHOP: Nancy Rose, 2716 S. Glenstone Ave., Brentwood Center, Springfield, 417-889-1370. (Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: Take one step inside Nancy Rose and you’ll feel the calmness and serenity of a plush bedroom (or maybe I should say “boudoir” in this case). Display beds say “come hither” with piles of silk pillows, luxurious down bedding and satiny sheets. The idea here is pure indulgence and no skimping.

KEY PEOPLE: Carla Drysdale has owned Nancy Rose for six years. Her background in interior design allows her to expand the personal services the store is known for. Interior designers Gina McMurtrey and Kirsten Dickens offer more than just bedroom and bath design services. Their expertise can transform any room of the house into luxurious get-away.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: It’s no doubt Valentine’s Day is considered the sexiest holiday of the year, and Nancy Rose can help you create a romantic retreat right in your own home. I started in the front of the store, admiring the plush bedding. Scandia Down, known for its exquisite down bedding, creates a Couples Comforter designed to end the battle of the temperatures. Couples choose the weight that’s most comfortable for them, creating the perfect sleep experience. A king-sized comforter runs between $475 and $675, but is designed to last a lifetime. Of course investing in the ultimate comforter means encasing it in a luxurious duvet. I loved the simple Egyptian cotton sateen duvet by Schlossberg Switzerland for $585. Although it’s expensive, it’s deliciously soft and silky, plus it’s machine-washable and easy to care for.

But before jumping into bed on Valentine’s Day night, why not start the evening with an indulgent bath. Lady Primrose makes some of the most beautifully packaged bath products I’ve ever seen. Lotions, bath oils and powders all come packaged in cut-glass containers with rhinestone accents. Try the powder shaker for $38 or the bath oil for $32. Both will look gorgeous sitting on your dressing table, plus the powder can be sprinkled on the sheets creating sweet-smelling dreams. Need the ultimate in indulgent gifts for your sweetie? How about a mink powder puff for $83? I didn’t know whether to use it or just pet it, but it felt wonderful. Another fave fragrance of mine is by Izabella. Its signature scent is soft, clean and slightly floral. With all lotions containing shea
butter and vitamins C and E, even the driest skin can feel soft and smooth, a necessity for this occasion.

Once bathtime is over, you’ll want to slip into something comfortable, but sexy too. Nancy Rose has some of the prettiest lingerie I’ve seen, and it’s all soft, comfortable and luxurious like the rest of the store. For a touch of old Hollywood glamour, check out the long gowns by Flora Nikrooz. I adored an $85 cream gown of stretch cotton and lace with a slight train in the back. This piece is designed to hug a woman’s curves and look sexy without being sleazy. Trust me, guys, she’ll actually want to wear this one. If you’re looking for something a little more sassy, the panty and cami set by NK Romance is the way to go. Made of soft, stretchy lace, this violet-colored set will get things started. At $65, it’s an inexpensive investment, and I’m willing to bet she’ll wear it again and again.

For the more practical woman who still likes to look good, check out the washable satin and velvet pieces by Bella Notte. These hand-dyed pieces have a shabby-chic feel to them and are designed to be worn around the house. I personally loved a coffee-colored pant and wrap-top set for $228. Pieces can be special-ordered in sizes and colors not found in the store. However, custom orders do take about eight weeks, so plan ahead.

Naturally, parading around in skimpy lingerie can get a bit chilly, so wrap up in a cashmere robe by Pür Cashmere for $315. Or make it even cozier by investing in a cashmere blanket. The store has a wide selection ranging in price from $1,500 to $4,000.

417 VERDICT: Regardless of your budget, Nancy Rose has indulgent items to make this Valentine’s Day the sexiest, most romantic ever.