Velvet Box
Upscale DFW Adult Toy Boutique and Lingerie Store
Does sex really sell? Sure you can use sex to sell everything from burgers to dental care, but can you use sex to sell a healthy sex education? In this episode of Let’s Talk About Sex with Dr. Celeste Holbrook, we talk about sex in marketing, talking to your kids about sex & Grace’s golden rule of sex and life.
Check out Let’s Talk About Sex with Dr. Celeste Holbrook every Wednesday here.
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Sex, Velvet Box’s very own Marcelle (Owner) and Brandon (C.O.O.) talk about how to shop for sex toys with Dr. Celeste Holbrook.
Follow JoCo Community Radio for more Let’s Talk About Sex https://www.facebook.com/MyCommunityR…
Make sure to read up on our latest articles featuring the hottest new toys on the market!
The desire for a good old-fashioned orgasm is timeless. Our ancestors, while they were forming clay pots, and making hair combs out of bone, didn’t neglect sexual needs as a life necessity. The oldest dildo found to date was a curved phallic object made from siltstone, approximately from 26000 BC in Germany. Now, we may carry Real Rock dildos at the stores, but rest assured, they are not made of real rock. Allow us to penetrate deep into the past and explore the history of sex toys with you. We found it exhilarating.
So, we know the ancient Europeans were doing it, but many others were as well. Legend has it Cleopatra was said to keep a jar of live bees on her bedside table, tightly sealed of course, for the purpose of pleasuring her lower Mesopotamia. I don’t think we’d recommend that, but since all four of her husbands died, she made it work for herself. Other, less wealthy, Egyptians, also used what they could. There are manuscripts that identify using unripe bananas or camel dung coated with resin. Yes, I said camel DUNG… hard pass!
Not to be outdone, the Greek began promoting olive oil as a lubricant. Admittedly, they first thought that it would prevent pregnancy, but once they experienced that silken texture of lubricant, it became a bedroom staple. Japan contributed the anal beads, and also Ben Wa (kegel) balls, and China gave us the penis ring, believing that one must be worn to produce an heir. The original rings were made from goat eyelids with the lashes still attached! If that’s not nightmare inducing… There are pictures of these out there but we thought we would spare you, you’re welcome. Instead here is a later one made of Jade.
But America was built by Puritans and denied the existence or use of sex toys for another few hundred years. But, we’re sure that under covers, in the dark of night, our horny ancestors were still using whatever they could find to get the job done. Finally, in 1869, men figured out that women were capable of having orgasms. The previously held belief was that only men were able to have such a release. Maybe we should have called those our very own dark ages!!
Doctors started prescribing female orgasms to women to prevent hysteria and depression. Men, who had never had to work this hard before, found the prescription tiresome and set to work to invent a sex toy that could get the job done in less time and with less male effort. GE, the same people who make our microwaves, created a steam-powered vibrator that swept the nation in popularity. Our working theory is now we know what may have really caused that Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
And from there, the floodgates were opened, so to speak. Each decade in America brought with it an advance in sex toy technology. The 1920s brought us an electric vibrator to treat deafness, sciatica, and remove wrinkles. Sure… The electric vibrator was illicitly used in stag films (the first porn). Thankfully, these were silent movies and the extremely loud buzzing could not be heard.
In the 1940s, vibrators were finally given interchangeable textured heads, supposedly for giving scalp and body massages, but now women had some options. The 1950s, the housewife era, brought us rumble seats, since women were already using the clothes dryer as a form of stimulation.
The 1960s was when it really got poppin’. The feminist movement brought dildos into the forefront, stating that they could relieve a woman’s dependence on a man. These early dildos were very life-like models of male penises, made out of rubber or oftentimes, glass or crystal. In 1966, the first patent was filed for a cordless vibrator. It was the first time that a patent had been filed actually identifying the object as a sex toy, instead of hiding it in plain sight. It was a couple years before the lunar landing, but we would like to argue that this patent was the first “small step for man, giant leap for mankind.”
The 1970s brought us more dildos, but this time, in all the flesh tones. Prior to 1970, flesh tone was Caucasian only. Later that decade, women began to design sex toys in less realistic shapes, introducing colors like pink, blue, and purple. The 1970s also brought us the Magic Wand, now owned by Vibratex, and it rocked the world as we know it. With 6000 RPM, it is still one of the most powerful toys on the market and has so many delicious uses.
The 1980s brought us adult stores, where the public could easily enter in to buy whatever delight tickled their fancy. Except for Alabama. They kept laws on the books until 1998 that criminalized the sale of sex toys. We wonder what the borders looked like, women in droves going to a neighboring state, to buy their fantasies. Even here in Texas, there is still a law on the books that states that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle containing more than three sex toys. Hope they don’t peek inside of our trunks when we get pulled over.
The 1990s brought us the rabbit-style vibrator (thanks, Japan) and the ultimate TV show, Sex and the City. The characters’ frank discussions about sexuality opened the door to normalize sex toys in society. Sex toys gained acceptance and companies worked to develop the latest and greatest items to keep up with demand. And we would like to thank them for a job well done.
If you come into any of out Velvet Box locations, we can show you all the newly developed sex toys. The Womanizer tops our list, as you can tell because we talk about it here, here and here. This toy provides clitoral suction with just the right amount of pressure. Makers of this toy boast that over 80% of women achieve orgasm within five minutes of use. However, users say that you can have multiples in that amount of time. This toy will blow you away!!
And we can’t forget We-Vibe. We-Vibe has an entire line of erotic pleasures, all with extremely deep vibrations, but the crazy part is, there is an app for that! Playtime reaches a whole new level when your partner can operate your sex toy from the bedroom or from 10,000 miles away. So many new ways to play, including playing in public while still being private. You can read about all the different We-Vibe products here.
Even our lubricants are changing with demand, now offering completely vegan and organic brands to keep those harmful chemicals away from your bits and pieces.
We carry several amazing lines of sexual toys, you can see some of our new favorites here, and we hate to leave anyone out. So, come one, come all, into a location nearest you today and see for yourself the strides that these companies are making to please you. You won’t regret it.
Sex toys come in every shape, size, and shade, but have you ever considered the materials being used in your toy? You should be a wise consumer when it comes to choosing a toy that will be pleasurable but also healthy. No one likes an inflamed vagina or a rash-ridden penis. Velvet Box guarantees that every toy we sell is body-safe and non-toxic for your genital happiness. So, let’s explore what is safe…
Medical Grade Silicone is the popular option among toy connoisseurs! It is non-porous, phthalate-free, latex-free, and easy to clean. Silicone has a sensual feel and carries strong vibrations straight to your most sensitive spots. Much of our selection in store is made from silicone. The downside to silicone toys is that they don’t play well with silicone lubricant, but we have many exciting options of water-based and hybrid lubricants to expand your horizons.
Glass (or more accurately, medical grade Pyrex) is another option for your toy. While most glass toys don’t vibrate, glass is non-porous and chemical free, as well as easy to sanitize. It can be cooled or heated for fun sensory play and can be used with any lubricant. We carry both dildos and anal plugs in glass. The only downside: glass has no give and can be quite filling, if you catch my drift. For more do’s and don’ts of glass check out our Why Glass article.
Stainless steel has many of the same qualities of glass. Non-vibrating and sturdy, these toys will last a lifetime of orgasms. Also, the weight of the stainless steel makes it handy as a weapon in the case of intruders. The Pure Wand is lovingly called “The Juicer” amongst people in the know, as it is THE toy to attempt squirting or prostate orgasm.
Jelly toys are often the culprit behind bacteria. They are porous and notoriously difficult to clean. We do not sell regular jelly toys for this reason. Our “jelly” toys are comprised of either TPE or TPR, an elastomer compound, that is both body-safe and phthalate-free. They still have small pores, however, and require diligent cleaning. They have a smooth texture and are a low-cost option.
Polyurethane-coated plastic is another great option. Plastic transmits vibrations well, is body-safe, and cleans up easily. It is both lightweight and powerful, perfect to keep in your car to prevent road rage in the next traffic jam!
This is just a select few of the more common materials sex toys can be made of. So choose wisely. From all of us at Velvet Box, we wish you all the pleasure and none of the pain (unless you’re into that, of course).
Be sure to follow us on our social media for more toy updates, sex tips, hilarious shenanigans and surprises! Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.
Written by Ally Barr
Kegel balls? Ben wa balls? Duo-tone balls? Vibrating? Non-vibrating? Glass? Stainless? And all of these options come in different sizes and weights. This can be completely overwhelming, especially for a beginner. Have no fear, we are here with a super easy guide to help you pick out the right set for you.
There are plenty of common misconceptions about kegel balls. Here are a few of our faves.
“When I first saw Ben Wa balls, I thought they were strictly for butt play.” – Ali
“When I was younger I always wondered if they made noises. Not clicky noises, but like…gong noises when they touched.” – Alicia
“I thought they were just for kinky people. Like you only owned a set if you also owned a gimp mask or something.” – Chandra
So what do kegel balls even do? Kegel balls are small weighted balls that help build up your pelvic floor muscles. This can help with urinary incontinence, that’s right ladies, no more crossing your legs when you sneeze, in the fear of the trickle! It can also make you tighter, it can make your orgasms stronger!
Why use kegel balls instead of just doing regular old kegel exercises? The difference between regular kegels and using kegel balls, is like the difference between power walking around the mall and running a 5K with a trainer, if that trainer was The Rock and the 5K was through mud… in the rain.
How long until I see results? Everyone’s body is different. However, if you use the kegel balls as instructed, you and your partner could feel a difference in a week!
What kind is the best to start with? My recommendation is that you start with a progressive set. A set that has 3-5 balls all of different weights, such as the Shibari Cherries seen above. Don’t even look at those tiny metal balls. Those are for advanced players as they are much smaller and harder to hold on to. The last thing you want is it to slip out, hit the ground and roll away. Because there you are scurrying across the lobby trying to catch your “magic vagina ball” in front of the all your co-worker, your boss and the hot UberEats guy. Believe us, there are many horror stories. So to avoid an Indiana Jones style situation, maybe go for a larger set.
How do I use these?
How long should I wear them? Women are supposed to be doing kegels every single day 3 sets of 10, 3 times a day. No one is doing that. We get busy we forget. So we have kegel balls to cut that time in 1/2. To begin, wear them while you’re getting dressed in the morning (approx. 30 mins) 3-5 times a week. When you start to become more comfortable and feel that they are more secure, wear them out. Go to work, go shopping, out on a date and if you’re really brave wear them to the gym. Your body is fighting to keep them in, which means you’re doing kegels the whole time! Think of this like going to the gym for your vagina. Eventually you’ll become a pro and your lady bits will be juggling those things!
So I saw that guy use them in 50 Shades, what’s that about? Once you feel secure enough to wear them out and about, you can and should wear them out on a date. Every time you sit, stand, every time he makes you laugh they move inside you. This can make for a big build up of antici…
What is better, vibrating or non? The answer to this question is pretty straight forward. YES. Yes to both. There are progressive weighted ones on each side of the isle. There are even app controlled kegel toys, where you are basically playing a game on your phone and strengthening your vagina AT THE SAME TIME! What a world. For app enabled options check out the We-Vibe Bloom or the G-Balls 2.
So in short, every woman needs a set or two of kegel balls. Stop by and let one of sex toy gurus help you pick out your perfect set.
Did you know that one of the most googled questions about sex is “Why do women like anal sex?”
And most of the time when you ask women about anal sex, you will generally get one of the following responses:
1. “NOPE! That’s a hard pass! Never done it. Never gonna do it. No Thanks!”
2. “Ow! Never Again! Tried it once and it was so painful!”
3. “Yes! Knock on my backdoor!”
Anal sex is on the rise. According to Pornhub.com, from 2009 to 2015, anal sex videos have grown in popularity by 120%. And while in some circles it is still considered taboo, our society has become a lot more comfortable with butt stuff. It is one of the questions ladies ask me the most about. Well, that and “is there a G-spot map or something I can give my man?” We will address this later as it deserves its own article.
Most of the time, women’s first experiences with anal sex are not great. This may be due to feeling pressured, lack of lubrication, intoxication, moving too fast or they started with full penile penetration (which you should never do). When done correctly, anal sex should NOT be painful! I know! This is always a real shock to everyone in camps 1 or 2. But it’s true. If it hurts, you’re doing it wrong and you should stop or slow down. All of this comes from a lack of conversation and education.
So why DO women like anal? There are many answers to this. Let’s start at the beginning.
The Anatomy
The anal cavity has a ton of nerve endings that directly connect to the pleasure centers in the brain. And while women do not have prostates like men, they can still experience an immense amount of pleasure from backdoor stimulation. Some women can even orgasm from anal sex alone!
I went out and asked a few women about anal sex and here is what they had to say about it.
“Anal makes me feel powerful. I like that it’s a completely different sensation than vaginal penetration. And honestly, the taboo of it makes it more fun.” – Kiley
“I love it with a vibrator on my clitoris. It’s overwhelming and when I orgasm, it’s phenomenal.” – Merita
“As a submissive type, I like the power it gives to my partner…” – Lindsey
“IT FEELS F’N FANTASTIC.” – Holly
“With him in vaginally and a toy in anally. It makes me feel tighter and I can feel EVERYTHING! The orgasms are so much more intense for him and for me.” – Allie
“The first time I did it, I was 16 and it was awful! It was so painful and embarrassing. However, as an adult, I learned to do it the right way and now I LOVE IT! It feels incredible. It’s almost overwhelming how good it feels sometimes.” – Sarah
What Is The “Right Way”?
1. First things first, RELAX! If you aren’t relaxed you aren’t getting in back there easily or painlessly. So MORE FOREPLAY! The more foreplay you have, the more turned on you become and can help with relaxation. Also, get your partner to give you a massage. Just really let yourself relax.
2. NEVER start with full penis or deep penetration. That’s gonna hurt! And NEVER surprise anal sex on a partner.
3. LUBE IT UP! The anal cavity doesn’t naturally produce moisture back there so lube is imperative. Lube yourself, lube the toy, LUBE IT ALL! We suggest a product like Wicked Anal Jelly. The additional thickness provides a nice cushion and comfortable feel. It is also water-based and compatible with all silicone toys.
4. NEVER EVER NUMB THE AREA. If it hurts, you’re doing it wrong. Stop! You need to be able to feel what is going on back there. You risk tearing and causing damage.
5. We suggest anal training with plugs. Start with a small anal plug. This plug is about the size of an index finger. It has a tapered design that starts small at the top and gradually gets a wee bit larger with a nice flared base that fits perfectly between the cheeks. Cleanliness is of utmost importance. The simplest and most convenient approach to keeping toys clean is to put a condom on your toy every time you play. Refrain from putting toys in vaginal area or switching back and forth, as this can cause spread of bacteria.
If vibration is your thing, try a vibrating plug! Maybe one with a remote so you don’t have to be in an advanced yoga pose to change the vibe pattern.
6. Start shallow. In the beginning, everything should be SLOW and SHALLOW. Just the tip of the toy or finger to start with. Tease yourself slowly, massaging the lubricant around and into yourself. Maintain steady breathing, and when you’re ready, exhale and begin to slide your finger in. Maintain a relaxed pace. Again, if anything hurts or causes your muscles to tense up, slow down, stop moving, or stop altogether. Go slow and breathe.
7. ALL TOYS USED FOR ANAL SEX MUST HAVE A SECURE FLARED BASE! This is one of the most important things we teach our staff and clients. While the vagina is like a cul-de-sac where nothing will get lost, the anal cavity is the complete opposite. There is nothing that stops the toy from continuing to travel and get lost if not anchored outside the body. This can result in a trip to the E.R. Make sure your toy has a secure base or hilt to anchor it outside the body. Should you need more convincing or just want a laugh, here is one of our favorite videos about E.R. stories:
8. When buying toys, don’t be afraid to go into a store and see your options! Much like women’s clothes, brands can range in sizes, colors and material. When you order a ‘small’ plug, you don’t wanna and up with this little guy.
9. Practice makes perfect! Don’t give up after the first time. Nothing is amazing the first time. Just don’t knock it ’til you try it twice.
10. Try stimulating multiple areas at a time. While some women can orgasm from anal stimulation alone, it most often feels best when paired with clitoral, vaginal or nipple stimulation. Mix and match until you find the combo thats just right for you.
So many ways to mix and match. Beads, plugs, vibrating, non-vibrating, gems, tails all in various shapes and sizes. Let our product experts help you find the right one!