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No Top 10 this year, I have only one pick for Valentine’s Day. The good news is that you can buy it for yourself or you can put it on your wishlist to receive. But you had better drop the hint quickly. There are only 11 days left to order the Hello Gorgeous Microfiber Babydoll and Panties from La Senza. Really, it’s cute, it’s sexy, it’s sweet and naughty all at the same time. Just what you want in a ‘come-hither’ outfit for an evening of romance. Hmmm, bummer, I just checked online and there are only 2 sizes left: small and x-small. I guess I won’t be wearing it on the 14th but I would love to hear how it turned out for all of you size smalls.

For mediums and up I have another suggestion. It is at a different price point admittedly but just as sexy sweet is the Chantelle Pure Beauty Push-up Bra and Shorty. I really love the combination of the shell pink and the black lace. Classy but sizzling hot at the same time. If you can’t buy yourself (oops, I mean receive) beautiful lingerie on Valentine’s Day, when can you? Go for it. Even if your night includes nibbling chocolate bonbons while watching your favourite chick flick by yourself, there is no reason to do it in sweats.

Photos: La Senza, BareNecessities.com

It may seem early to you…you are probably still recovering from the Boxing Day Sales. For online shoppers however it is time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. Now I am not a big sap, nor a supporter of commercially derived holidays, but I do think it’s nice to have an excuse to declare your love (or lust) in the middle of what is usually a long and dreary winter, as far as Canadians are concerned. And if you can’t afford to get away to a tropical destination, put a little sunshine in the life of your loved one. As far as hot gifts go…lingerie and jewelry always do the trick. The good thing about v-day is that you can actually buy yourself the lingerie and call it your gift to him. Sneaky - but effective. Here’s the underthings portion of the v-day hotlist:

> SmartAss - I am a big fan of mesh as well as the sweet but sexy combination of pink and black shown above. Try their EuroTrash Camisole Pink Hearts with matching Gal Short for a nice surprise under that wooly sweater.  

> La Senza - Again with the mesh, this time with a flattering empire-waist style. Get the Fine Romance Mesh Camidoll with matching thong for only $29.50. It comes in a grey colour called Storm that I think is pretty sexy too. Or, if you want something a bit more practical, how about the Decadence Deep Plunge Bra and Lace Thong. As Paris would say, ‘that’s hot’. Free shipping on orders over $69.

> Victoria’s Secret - The Very Sexy Stretch Lace Teddy for US$20 shows off sexy shoulders and okay, just about everything else. For something similar that actually looks comfortable, try the VS Logo Lace Halter Babydoll - it comes in some cute colours. Finally, for the real bombshell look, the Georgette Halter Babydoll is very glamourous if you have a warm house to parade around in.

> Figleaves - Now for the boys…I think the David Beckham ad campaign may have elevated Emporio Armani Men’s underwear to new heights…but it still doesn’t make me like briefs (interesting photo angle by the way). I am more into boxer briefs like the Emporio Armani Essential Trunk Short shown in the middle. Go for something with a bit of stretch to make sure they still look good at the end of the day.

> Bare Necessities - I like the look of the red and blue C-IN2 Bamboo Army Trunk - style and colour without making your guy look ‘flamboyant’.  Finally, the 2(x)ist Bold No Show Trunk just wraps it up in a nice little package, thank you.

Stay tuned for the jewelry portion of the v-day hotlist tomorrow

Photos: retailers mentioned above

I am a little behind on getting you online sale information but better late than never as they say. A girl needs a little vacation afterall. So in case you haven’t had your fill of shopping or just want to start fresh in 2008, here are a few sites that are still offering great post-Christmas sales:

www.shopdace.com - save 50% on all merchandise, enter coupon code NEWYEAR at the checkout. Valid until Jan 10, 2008.

www.poppytalkhandmade.com - unique handmade items on sale until January 4th.

www.suzyshier.com - end of season sale, up to 80% off. (check out the cute stripey gloves pictured…)

www.brownsshoes.com - up to 70% off shoes, boots and handbags for men and women.

www.aldoshoes.com - up to 70% off shoes, boots and accessories for men and women.

www.feetfirstshoes.com - part of the Aldo Group, reductions on all online merchandise for men and women.

www.figleaves.com - up to 50% off lingerie, sleepwear and menswear.

www.tobi.com - fabulous reductions on outerwear, footwear and trendy tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories.

www.ssense.com - today is the last day for the extended Boxing Day Sale. Free shipping. Enter promo code BOXING at checkout. Worth checking before the day is over!