April 25, 2005

Bittersweet Symphony

Lingerie and Flower Shop

As some pious smart-ass once said, being good is its own reward.

But being bad? That deserves something extra special.

The best positive reinforcement — for both naughty and nice behavior — is at Silver Lake’s new two-in-one boutique, Bittersweet Butterfly.

One part lingerie, one part flowers, the Japanese-inspired shop, with its giant cherry blossom mural and green silk and bamboo dressing rooms, has made it easy to hit the gift spot.

Two floral designers with an ever-changing array of fresh-cut blooms are able to come up with the right arrangement for even your ficklest female friend. Dainty undies and bras from Arianne, Aubade, and Timpa are present options, too. And if the flowers and fancy skivvies somehow don’t do it, turn to scented candles, luxury toiletries, or jewelry made from semiprecious stones.

Everything in the store can be gift-basketed and delivered at a desperate moment’s notice. And for those who can’t get enough of the sweet-and-sexy combo, there’ll soon be classes such as Ikebana and Knit Your Own Garter in the back garden.

What more could a girl fluctuating somewhere on the naughty-nice continuum need?

Bittersweet Butterfly, 1406 Micheltorena Street, between Sunset Boulevard and Hamilton Way, Silver Lake (323-660-4303).