Touchable delicates for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day inspires gifts from the heart with traditional items such as
lingerie, chocolates fragrance and other sensual treats topping the list of
indulgences.
Whether you’re indulging yourself or are on the receiving end of a Valentine’s Day
gift, lingerie remains one of the most highly favoured and personal offerings.
“Valentine’s Day is about pleasure. A gift of lingerie should be both pleasant to
look at and pleasant to wear. Go for the wow factor and give your loved one
lingerie in sumptuous, luxurious silk,” says Alicia Vianga, of Premiere Jour Fine
Lingerie, in Toronto.
Chemises, robes, baby doll pajama sets, bras, panties, corsets and bustiers in
traditional shades of red, pink and black are ready for romance in styles that pull
out all the frills.
Choose styles that are whimsical or go for fine and fancy under fashions and
sleepwear inspired by the silver screen.
“Glamorous, vintage details inspired by old Hollywood movies and shows like TV’s
Mad Men are more important than ever this year. Satiny slip dresses, high waisted
panties and lots of ultra feminine details such as ruffles and bows are all
stylish,” says John Izzo, a Montreal-based vice president of design and product
development at La Vie En Rose.
Bright red, pink and black continue to shout out Valentine’s Day in style.
“Valentine’s Day is a very traditional holiday. Red represents love, lust and
passion and is the most asked for colour. Black and red lingerie and styles with
kitschy heart and cupid patterns also remain popular,” says Izzo.
Other motifs include lips, polka dots, floral and leopard prints.
Those who wish to fan the flames in more subdued style may prefer underpinnings in
shades of burgundy, plum, berry, pale blush pink, dusty rose, ivory and blue.
Stretch lace, as well as lace overlaid on satin sparks interest, especially in
two-tone combinations of red and black. Mesh and mesh insets are also stylish.
Bras and chemises with rows of pleating and ruffles are new on the scene.
Coordinating panties get cheeky with ruffled trim and ruffle-lined backsides.
Garters that beg to be worn with stockings and stay ups are stylish features on
many corsets and baby doll sets and also add vintage elements to panties.
“If you’re not quite sure about what type or size of lingerie to buy, fancy
stockings also make great gifts and their more general sizing makes them easy to
select. Fishnet stay ups and fine stockings with seamed backs are among the many
possibilities,” says Jen Klein, owner of Secrets From Your Sister in Toronto.
If you’re not certain that fancy underthings will be appreciated by your sweetie,
other no-fail favourites include heart shaped chocolates, fancy toiletries,
cosmetics and fragrances.
