There’s a whole lot of hanky-panky going on at the unassuming corner of Grand and Hamline in St. Paul these days. In May, Jessica Gerard closed her home-décor shop, the Vagabond, and in its place opened Flirt. This grown-up lingerie boutique is more sweet and sophisticated than kinky or kittenish. That’s due, in part, to Gerard’s love affair with vintage style. Flirt evokes an old-Hollywood boudoir, right down to the opulent chandeliers and the “marry-me” pink dressing room. Pin-up girl underpinnings in satin, lace, and leopard print adorn a large white table in the center of the shop. Luxury shapewear by Cass & Co., and soft-as-silk basics from Eberjey hang neatly in open armoires, as do bamboo-fabric robes and chic loungewear. Vintage-inspired baubles sparkle in an antique case, while customers can browse throughout the store for other charming accessories—classic cosmetic cases, fabric-covered passport holders, glamour-girl sunglasses. Dress up any vanity, or treat someone to a lovely gift, with one of Flirt’s romantic beauty products, like Italian bubble bath, Spanish soaps, or sparkly powder puffs. Either way, you’ll feel fancier—and flirtier—which is the whole idea.
