Vixen6 Makes a Sultry — and Surprisingly Sensible — Splash on Springfield Avenue

, a bodacious boutique specializing in luxurious lingerie for ladies, has nicely settled into its new home after having already undergone a major renovation just a month of having moved to the space at 1919 Springfield Avenue:

“We’re stocking more European ‘ready to wear’ luxury brands now,” explains Eliza Dubai, the very grounded — and gorgeous — owner of the business.

“Because the lines are all about detail and concept, I wanted to showcase them more as wearable art. I also decided to reconfigure things to make more space for the events we’re going to be hosting on a regular basis like book club, ‘Girls night Out’ and couples courses.”

While the knight in shining armor that adorns the exterior of the shop may seem a tad tongue in cheek, the opulent interior is more refined than racy: luxurious furnishings in rich leather and wood tones compliment dark walls with contrastingly flirty, feminine stripes all designed to showcase the displays of delicate unmentionables. (The store also discretely stocks all the bachelorette accessories you’d expect to find, too.)

“The biggest misconception from the start was that we were a ‘sex’ shop – we’re not. Vixen6 is about fostering confidence and a sense of
adventure when it comes to sensuality,” she says. In addition to running Vixen6, Dubai is also the author of the sassy manual of seduction Bedroom Basics, and has been the brains behind her popular online boutique for two years.

“When I was looking for a place to open the boutique I thought ‘why not my hometown,’” she says, explaining how she settled on the Springfield Avenue spot. Dubai is also carrying on a proud family tradition; Grandma was a matchmaker and couples counselor and, in addition to being a licensed sex therapist, her Aunt sold a line of classic lingerie on the side.

“I wanted to offer women more modern, personalized ways of expressing themselves in terms of their sexuality,” says Dubai. “In terms of the boutique I wanted to create a place where women can find the reassurance that beauty comes in all forms, sizes and shapes — even on bad hair days!”

Dubai approaches her brick and mortar shop with the same practical
expertise she brings to the subject matter she specializes. “I really envision this place as growing into a community resource for helping people break out of the idea that romance and seduction are ‘Valentine’s Day only’ things,” says Dubai. “I’d like to help bring couples closer by introducing sensuality as a wonderful way to build stronger longer lasting relationships.”

Dubai envisions Vixen6 as the sort of place where women — and those romancing them — can explore the power of exploring sexuality in a
non-threatening, empowering atmosphere. “I don’t see lingerie as ‘sleazy,’” concludes Eliza. “It’s about empowering women to celebrate the creative side of their sensuality.”

So there you have it. Vixen6 may not be a Puritan pick for family-friendly fun but — if you want to add a little spice to your regular Romance repertoire or some sizzle to the dwindling steamy days of summer book a babysitter and tag a stop to 1919 Springfield Avenue to your list.

Vixen6 — 1919 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood