Converting a template to a retail clothing website.

I have a small retail store that sells lingerie and sensual bedroom items. The store is very classy and I want to make sure my site says the same thing. I have previously paid big $$ for a shopping cart site that then became outdated and hence I had to turn it off. I don't want to make the same mistake. I want to start with an amazing base site that can start of small and become something amazing when popularity increases. I am pretty savy and pick up things quick. I know how to use computers for simple activites and have worked my way around quickbooks, constant contact, facebook etc. I am after a self managed shopping cart that will allow me to make updates to the site with ease and will allow me to disply an item that is sellable in different sizes colours. I need to intergrate our Constant Conact email newsletter into site. I would like it to except paypal payments and other forms of payments in the safest transacting environment. I have had it suggested that I take a template from Magento on Drupal or VirtueMart on Joomla and get it developed to work for my specific requests. If anyone has completed a similar task and can show me an example of an existing site this would help me to make a decission. I have a small understanding but look forward to comments, feedback and suitable quotes. Apprecating all your time in advance... many thanks Vanessa