In no way am I a stranger to shops like Noir, being a native to the West Coast and a transplant to Chicago. I walked among progressive independent shops like the groundbreaking Womyn's Wear in Vancouver down to some of the skeezier San Francisco "treats" and Chicago's iconic Alley Stores. Tabu Tabu there was no more titillating than wearing a mini-skirt and heels. So maybe I'm jaded.
What brought me to Noir, of all things, were Leg Avenue stockings and tights. There's a fabulous shop on Queens Street West in Toronto that sells practically every iteration of thigh-high, stocking, nylon, and sock Leg Avenue (and other similar fun brands) sells. I have a heck of a time locating them locally and Noir Leather carries quite a few in their display cases.
So in I went, unfazed by the thrill that a bachelorette party was *clearly* getting from being so bold. Really, ladies? I bet you get all hot and bothered by Desperate Housewives and Cosmo, too. Crowds here seem to be the curious lookey-loos and a bit more serious folk, though the really savvy ones are probably already well-stocked from online stores or trips to Chicago, Toronto, and/or New York.
I showed up about an hour before closing time, and the staff were friendly and attentive. They may have had an attitude issue, but I had little trouble conversing lightly with a young woman while thumbing through the racks of clothes, perusing the boots, and glancing at the toy section.
What immediately struck me: it's pretty middle of the road as far as stock goes. Brands range from the lower end of the scale to halfway, though the best known, fanciest, and highest quality products weren't particularly visible. Buyers in the know can judge a place fairly quick based on what they carry; the absence of some of the reputable, better known brands in clothes, shoes, jewelry and playful accessories was a bit of a disappointment. Sometimes it's fun to see the objet d'amor in person and hold it in your hands or wear it to be sure that flirty little skirt is halfway decent to leave the house in. Hey, it's a serious consideration when you're 6'0 and like to wear heels!
Prices are about what I'd expect for a boutique -- on the higher side. If you're not willing to wait for the 2-3 day shipping from online sources, then by all means, stop in. Not everything here is of a quality I prefer, though I'm an absolute stickler for brands. Nonetheless, they have multiple price points and they get points for carrying Lilo (a great company). Selection is fairly limited; there are other shops, particularly one in Ann Arbor, with a wider range.
Clothes are one of the raison d'etres for Noir, and they range from provocative to clubwear, raunchy to playful goth/alternative. Tripp NYC and Lip Service both showed up in my quick foray. Again, not really to my tastes but they have a pretty broad range without too much markup. Look out for the sales, which brings prices down into the stratosphere again. It can be a hoot to try on a few of the pieces. Lingerie leaves something to be desired for me, but I'm past the point in my life where I go for an overpriced latex g-string or a flimsy corselet; I want the real thing, steel boned, capable of lasting. Now, that said, for costuming and burlesque stuff, you can find a fair amount here that would tease and tantalize. I'm not sure that they'd hold up very well, however, to frequent use. Carol H. hits it on the head -- it is definitely not cheap, and the lower end products may lack for quality.
So what's worth stopping in here for? Leather goods, I presume, which give the place its name. I didn't really take detailed stock of them, but Noir is named for the stuff and they seemed to know their craft when asked by other patrons. Noir also keeps heavy tabs on the alternative scene, from local burlesque shows to concerts and lectures/seminars on safe sex, alternate sexuality, and more. I give them credit for that. Royal Oak has gentrified from its feel in the 90s but they have held on, adapted with the times, and given near west suburbanites a place to giggle, peek, and feel sexy. read more
