On my way home, I saw this coffee shop sign. That was my ah-ha moment. Valentine’s is here. And this holiday is special because it isn’t about a day really, is it? It’s about love. All kinds of love. Who’s your sweetheart this year? Your hubby? A best friend? The furry-eared friend that welcomes you home at night? Maybe your sweetheart falls into more than one of the above categories, hmm?

Let me brag on my sweetheart this year. He has chocolate brown eyes, rocks out a Spiderman outfit and is three feet tall.  And he’s too young to have any fur just yet.  I’m utterly in love with him. So, my gifts for this Valentine’s might be slightly different than yours . . . or it might be a lot like yours . . .  Happy Sweetheart’s Day!

 

1. A Bath to Clean and Sparkle-Up Little Sweethearts . . .Pirate Bubble Bath

2.Time for Valentine’s . . .Spiderman Sport Watch

3. For Popcorn and Movie Night . . .(Super Cheesy, Super Sweet) Mommy and Me Matching PJ’s

4. Pillow Fight! (Super Cute) I Love U Pillowcases

5. Hugs and Kisses . . . those are free.  ; )

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.

Style and fashion aren’t limited to what’s on your chest, rear and feet. It’s also what luggage, gym bag or laptop bag you’ve got in your hand. Just ask George Clooney. beso was thrilled to have a guest contributor bring us up to speed on women’s luggage. But what about the men? Not all of us have George Clooney’s costumer, much less his Oscars, of course. So if you’re a busy guy on the go, what do you need to pull out of your storage closet?

 

 

Aston Gym Bag

#1) The Aston Leather Gym Bag : Sure, gym bags often conjure up images of sweat and personal recrimination, but all duffel bags are not created equal. And this one will make you feel like a million bucks, even as you take care to keep your sweaty hands off its supple leather lining at the end of a tough workout. At $338 from luggage.com, make sure you treat it with care.

#2) Kenneth Cole Reaction Messenger Bag : I’ve previously extolled the virtues of the gorgeous Jack Georges laptop bag, but Kenneth Cole does a great job with leather products, and this is the perfect computer bag when you’re headed to the office.

Go Lite Carry-On Bag

#3) Go Lite Carry-On Bag : How many times have you debated: should I stuff this novel I’ll never read into my carry-on bag, or will that make it so heavy that I’m going to be grumpy during this whole, tiresome airport experience? Go-Lite has come up with a reliable carry on bag with straps. Not quite a backpack, and not quite a suitcase. Somewhere in the middle, but it’ll make the long travel day go a lot faster.

#4) Tumi Luggage : This has long been my favorite brand of luggage, with their lifetime guarantee and wonderful customer service. Their bags last forever, which is a large part of the reason they never come cheap. However, eBags has some good deals, like the Tumi wheeled garment bags.

And, of course, don’t forget no. 5…

#5) The Man Bag : No, it’s not a “murse”, and it doesn’t make you any less manly. How many of us have compared our fat, bulging wallets with our friends? Ok, that wasn’t an unfortunate double entendre, but rather, an invitation to carry all those credit cards, grocery store value cards and IDs in one convenient place. And it even has a key chain to go along with its industrial strength shoulder strap, for those who need the extra power while fending off the fawning women this bag will attract.

- Ehmonie from Handbag du Jour

Last spring was all about leggings, jeggins, strong shoulders and studded everything.  Balmain was one designer that ruled the spring runways with edgy, distressed, punk looks and many others followed suit.  Wondering what’s haute for this spring?  Well, this year’s trends are a blend of feminine and masculine.  Expect to see much softer looks, with a much more understated bit of edge.  We’ve compiled a list of the top five items that are an absolute must-have for your spring wardrobe:

 

Love Quotes Scarf

1. Scarves
A gauzy scarf is the perfect alternative to jewelry, and it does double-duty by keeping you warm.  Infinity scarves ruled the winter; now pick up a gauze scarf for spring.  Solid colors are great, but a print takes your look up a couple of notches.  Wear it hanging long, or slouchily wrapped around your neck for a boho look.  Wondering what print to pick?  Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a perfect match with the rest of your wardrobe.

Comic Strip Tights

2. Printed Tights
Leggings are still spilling over from last year, but this year’s choice of legwear is printed tights.  Worn with skirts and dresses, these tights are like artwork for your legs.  Choose from floral prints and stripes, to newsprint, pop art and color blocks.  Mix print tights with contrasting print dresses and skirts to take a fashion risk that will definitely pay off.

 

Combat Boots

3. Combat Boots
Yes, the Dr. Martens-style combat boot is making a huge comeback.  But this time, it’s much more ladylike.  The new wave of combat boots boast interesting details like buckled shafts, stud details, and even chunky heels while maintaining feminine sensibilities.  Choose from basic black to lighter colors to usher in the springtime.

 

Statement Bags

4. Statement Bags
One thing that never goes out of style is the statement back.  This spring, tear yourself away from black and buy a bag full of color.  A vibrant pop of color injects your look with personality and pizzazz.  And a bright leather satchel is just the bag to take you easily from work to play.

 

 

Nail Polish

5. Nail Polish
Last spring, Chanel ushered in green nail polish and fashionistas took notice.  This year, the colorful nail polish trend continues.  While fall was all about deep purples and vampy reds, spring is the time to shine your nails with light pastels and fun, funky bright colors.  Metallic nails are big — glitter your hands up with some silver or gold.  Also new to the scene, matte polishes in beiges and taupes.

Mason Pearson Nylon and Boar Bristle Brush

Girls with pin-straight strands are in search of volume, bounce and curl and curly girls wish for straight hair, or at least defined curls.  We all want what we don’t have…at least when it comes to hair.  Check out our top 5 picks for making your hair a dream come true.

Sedu Flat Iron

 #1 The Sedu Flat Iron

Curly girls looking for a sleek transformation, check out the Sedu Flat Iron.  It has ionic ceramic tourmaline plates to straighten hair without damaging it.  The temperature is adjustable at 240 to 410 degrees, which means you can vary the settings depending on the state of your hair.  Curlier, coarser hair should use the iron on high settings so it can deflate frizz on contact.  More fragile hair can be styled around 300 degrees without fear of burning the hair.  The adjustable settings are what really make this iron a winner for me over the Chi (which runs at a constant 370 degrees). 

Check out the user photos on Folica’s site.  I love before and afters! 

Solia 1" Flat Iron

#2 The Solia 1″ Flat Iron

Have wavy or straight hair?  Try the Solia 1″ Flat Iron.  It can curl hair as well as straighten it, making it a great tool for touch-ups on days when you just need to get rid of some frizz, as well as, a hardworking curl/wave creator.  YouTube has awesome video tutorials on techniques you can use to create tight curls and looser beachy waves.

Larger plates (2″ and greater) are faster for long, thick hair but thinner plates allow better control, the ability to curl (best with 1/2″ to 1″ plates) and make it easier to straighten hair at the root.  If your hair is very short, get a 1″ or thinner iron.

T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Dryer

#3 T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Dryer 

A.M. time crunch?  The T3 Featherweightdryer is super-fast and lightweight making it a hit with anyone who blowdries and a lifesaver for those of us with harder to manage hair.  Your arms won’t get as tired and the entire process will be faster, making it more likely you’ll do a thorough job and get rid of that dreaded wave in the back, even if you are in a rush.

#4 Mason Pearson Brushes 

Mason Pearson’s boar bristle brushes are definitely an investment at over $90 each.  However, many of us spend lots of cash at the salon on masks and treatments to repair damage.  Treat your hair better daily and cut down on your salon visits, it’s better for your hair and your wallet. 

Large round brushes are best for straightening with a blowdryer, flat paddle brushes smooth straight hair and vented brushes create volume. Wearing your hair curly? Skip the brushes altogether.  Rake fingers or a wide tooth comb through hair and twirl small sections to maintain ringlets.

Always be careful with high heat from a blowdryer and a boar bristle brush,  the bristles will warp and singe if the heat is too high.

 #5 Spornette Brushes

If you are looking for a good brush at a great price. Try one from Spornette.  They range in price from $5 to $30.  They are the perfect choice for distributing product in hair and even working conditioners into the hair in the shower.  At such a great price, you won’t mind if they get gel or mousse on them.