1. Strapless Push-Up Bra by Ambrielle, $30

I obsess over maintaining a complete and up-to-date wardrobe.  I take into consideration my daily routine, social calendar, and any potential events that could come up before making a purchase.  I ask myself: Do I have something similar?  Would this work for both x-function and y-event?  Is this just a trend or a classic investment piece?  Is it worth the price? 

Similarly, I apply the same logic to my underwear.  As I learned early on, wearing the right underpinnings can make a dress fit like a dream, make a man fall to his knees, or give you confidence that can only come from a Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Bra. 

There is such a thing as the LBD of underwear, and I’ll show you the value in having the perfect wardrobe — that should include lingerie.

Here are my top 5 picks for making sure those dresser drawers hold a treasure trove of intimates so you won’t be left in a bind, or worse, without a pair of Spanx!

1. Strapless Push-Up Bra

I don’t care if Carrie Bradshaw shows her bra straps in practically every SATC episode.  This is real life, not HBO.  Buy a strapless bra.  But I’ll do you one better and tell you that nobody looks good in a bandeau or spandex soft cups — we can still see your nipples and now your boobs look smushed.  You need a strapless push-up bra because the soft foam cups provide shape and uplift that is normally provided by your straps (not to mention nipple coverage).  My personal favorite is the Very Sexy strapless by Victoria’s Secret because of the plunging front.  It can be worn with even the most low-cut top (if your tops are still too low in this bra then they’re just that — too low.  Buy some pasties or go shopping for new tops).

2. Cosabella Babydoll Set, $158

2. A Black Babydoll Set

This is the LBD of lingerie.  No matter what curveballs life throws you, you’d better make sure that you’ve got one knock-out set for when the mood strikes.  My favorite is the Cosabella Polka Dot Babydoll & G-String Set.  Unlike other flashy, brightly-colored babydolls that you won’t really wear more than once, a basic black babydoll is as versatile as it is sexy.

3. Satin Kimono Wrap, $42

3. Victoria’s Secret Satin Kimono Wrap

If I could live in my Victoria’s Secret Satin Kimono Wrap, I would.  This one-size-fits-all robe comes in a range of flattering colors.  It’s luxurious, it’s sexy, it’s practical.  It packs easily for weekend trips, without wrinkling.  One time, when I was running horrendously for a date, I answered the door wearing this robe.  I swear he fell in love with me on the spot.  I could’ve put on head-to-toe camo and a fanny pack after that and he wouldn’t have cared because he knew that if he played his cards right, he might get to see me wearing it again someday…

4. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong, $18

4. The Perfect Pair of Underwear

I’ve extolled the virtues of the Hanky Panky low rise thong before, and I’m about to do it again.  There is something to be said when a product is purchased over and over again.  Hanky Panky delivers with their sexy, lacy low rise thongs that don’t ever show VPLs, ride-up, or leave unsightly strap marks on your skin. 

One-size-fits-all underwear in a vast range of candy colors?  I’ll take 28, please.

5. Victoria's Secret Set, $26

5. The Perfect Cami and Boyshort Set

Part sexy, part sleepwear, the Victoria’s Secret Cami and Boyshort Set is one I can’t live without.  Whether I’m painting my nails on a lazy Sunday morning, or prancing around my bathroom getting ready for a girls’ night out on the town, my cami and boyshorts set does the trick.  Right now, save $15 off $100/ $30 off $150/ $75 off $250 when you enter the coupon code: SPRING10 (expires 2/15/10).

I hope this list helps you update your current lingerie drawer so that you can be sure you have the right intimates for every occasion.  Now, I realize that it does not include shapewear or an everyday bra.  However, you should already own shapewear and a regular bra.  If you don’t, RUN!  Run to the nearest store as fast as your new push-up strapless bra will let you!  Or, you could always do the easy thing and shop on beso.  You’re welcome.

BRYANBOY

Greatness, the idea of someone being “the best,” is usually easier to conclude in hindsight.  What we love today can easily fall short tomorrow as the pace of the world quickens.  So, who are the great bloggers?  What makes a blogger stand apart from the ocean of opinions we surf through every day?  Only time will tell…lasting power alone proves a bloggers ability to connect with an audience; to affect the masses.

The reason I bring this up is because I recently found a blog that sparked my attention.  More specifically, a personality that comes through so strong in this new medium that I can’t help but want to know more.  Introducing Bryanboy.  It has a sort of superhero ring to it, no?  And he might just be the masked man for the job.

Bryanboy

The blog posts vary.  Some are very short and to the point, product focused.  Some take us behind the scenes on exotic fashion adventures.  Nothing appears to be mundane for this young enthusiastic fashion nut.  Take a look at his post of a hidden camera at the 2010 Chanel Spring Summer Show:

This kid goes the extra mile.  He’s not posting countless wish-lists and regurgitating the same old information…he is paving his own way.  He is chasing something, and he’s bringing us along for the ride.  And that…is the making of greatness.

I was truly sold by Bryanboy when I read his post entitled “Great Expectations.”  I realized he has the humility and wisdom to actually pull it off.  He goes on to explain that “in order to be a credible and authoritative critic, one has to possess a great knowledge of a particular subject they are talking about. And it doesn’t happen overnight.”  He refers to himself as a work in progress, another sign of greatness.  And above all, every post is bleeding with gratitude and awareness of the readers who have given him the life he has always dreamed of.  There is no doubt that his enthusiasm is infectious.  We will be hearing more from Bryanboy in the years to come, and we will be rooting him on the entire way.

Miguel Caballero Clothing

I mean it.  Not from a hidden place across the street or over the grassy knoll.  Walk right up to this person and shoot him in the gut.  You might even let him know about it first so he can stop walking for a second and take the bullet.  It’s the courteous thing to do.

Miguel Caballero clothing is not intended for casual gunfire (except for his employees; see the video below).  Rather, it was designed to offer stylish apparel with maximum protection.  The level of protection ranges from motorcyclists and police to world leaders and military personnel.  These lightweight garments can actually resist the impact of automatic weapons!  The goal of the Columbian designer, also dubbed the Armored Armani, is to protect the world’s VIPs with fashion forward clothing, including lightweight and practical alternatives to the bulletproof vest.

I applaud Caballero’s success in this modern and unfortunately dangerous world.  However, I can’t help but think Chris Rock had it right when he spoke so eloquently on the idea of bullet control:

Cara Accessories Floral Bow Headband

Let your inner romantic shine with pretty feather headbands, rhinestone barrettes and flower hair clips. Hair accessories are a quick and chic way to freshen up your look days after leaving the salon. It doesn’t matter if you have long, short or curly hair, there are cute accessories that will complement your hairstyle. Instantly transform your bad hair days with some of my favorite hair accessories listed below:

Noble Lady Hair Comb

1.  Noble Lady Delicate Crystal Blossom Hair Comb,$7.95 at Amazon

The Noble Lady Crystal Blosson hair comb is great for both long and short hair. The cluster of pink crystals adds a little sparkle which most women love.

2.  Jennifer Behr Crystal Wing Headband, $98.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Jennifer Behr Crystal Wing Headwrap

The Swarovski crystal wing and satin band creates a very polished and elegant look. It makes a plain ponytail more sophisticated and is perfect for those special occasions.

3.  Willowbee Purple Swarovski Calla Lily Alligator Hair Clip, $20.99 at Amazon

Willowbee Swarovski Lily Hair Clip

There is so much detail in the Willowbee Calla Lily hair clip. It’s made of polished metal and Swarovski crystal.

4. Polka Dot Feather Flower Hair Clip, $8.00 at Hot Topic

Polka Dot Feather Flower Hair Clip

The polka dot feather flower hair clip can be dressed up or down. It adds a twist to this simple shoulder length hairstyle.

Show off your individuality by replacing your statement necklace with a romantic hair accessory. With so many styles to choose from, you can find one for any occasion. Just the other day I discovered an L.A. based label, Gloria & Beatrice, that has an exclusive collection of ‘GEAUX NOLA‘ headbands in honor of the New Orleans Saints making it to the Super Bowl!

A post so good, it had to be repeated!

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