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.

Here are my top picks for products I can’t live without these days:

Mara's Top Picks: 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

When thinking about this week’s post, I turned to my own current must-haves for inspiration.  Here’s what I’m loving right now:

1. MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Benny Satchel
$398
“The grape color is fresh and flirty for spring, and I can’t get enough of the dove motif on his latest collection!  Plus, it has plenty of pockets that keep me organized when I’m on the go.”

2. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong
$18
“The only underwear I buy these days — I must own a pair in every color.  They’re so soft and comfortable, and they never show through my clothing.”

3. Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz.
$85
“One of the best-selling perfumes in the country right now, Lola has hints of fuscia peony, geranium, and ruby red grapefruit.” 

4. Revlon Sheer Pink Enamel
$4.79
“When I don’t have time for a manicure, Revlon’s Sheer Pink polish saves the day.  The smooth formula glides on evenly, and it’s sheer enough so that mistakes don’t show.  Just one coat makes my nails look pretty and even.”

5. Kiehl’s Extra Strength Conditioning Rinse
$21-$33
“I use this conditioning rinse in lieu of my daily conditioner once a week to soften and add shine to my long (somewhat damaged and dry) hair.  Added bonus: the delicious coconut smell!”

6. Ray-Ban Aviators
from $72
“Even on my worst days, the aviator style makes me feel tough and sexy.  I love how Ray-Ban is now offering different lens and frame shades.  My favorite, the classic large style with gold frame and black lenses.”

7. Votivo Candle — Red Current
$25
“Perhaps my favorite candle, it’s clean-burning with a delicious scent that appropriate year-round and not too girly.  Makes an excellent hostess gift!”

8. M.A.C. Cosmetics Clear Lipglass
$14
“The shiniest gloss I’ve ever tried.  This unique formula really does leave a glass-like finish that lasts for hours.  I love it alone or over my favorite lipstick.”