How to buy lingerie for your valentine

Selecting lingerie for your valentine can be both exciting and overwhelming. The choices seem endless and so do the questions surrounding them. What size is she? What does she like? What do you like? How do you choose something you'll both be happy with?

How to buy

Here are some tips from the experts – local shop owners – who have suggestions on how to buy.

• When shopping for a gift, think carefully about the recipient. What colors suit her and what are her favorites? What is her personality like? Playful? Flirty? Practical? Tell the salesperson some celebrity that she most relates to. Is she a Pamela Anderson? A Jennifer Aniston or a Catherine Zeta-Jones- type? This way they can steer you toward playful, sophisticated or glamorous pieces. A practical woman may prefer cotton pajamas or a comfy robe. An elegant woman might appreciate a sophisticated nightgown. The romantically adventurous may lean towards something black and lacy.
• Know your lady's approximate height and weight when choosing lingerie. Do some recon in her bra and panty drawers and write down her sizes. Look at more than one bra as some women can wear a couple different sizes. If you don't know her bra size, it's best to get something that is not fitted, such as a nightgown or chemise.
• Soft, fine laces and silk are a special choice. Inexpensive lingerie can have itchy lace, making it a piece the recipient is less likely to wear. Consider comfort fabrics with lace and fuller cut bottoms with plenty of stretch.
• Consider her trouble-spot. Your girl not like her midsection? Buy her something that covers her tummy. Does she love her breasts but hate her thighs? Get something that accentuates the top and covers the bottom. The salesperson can help you with this.
• Buy for her, or, buy two gifts – one for her and one for her/for you. For example, buy a comfy cami and panty set that she will adore AND buy her the see-through bra and panty set you have your eye on. Just don't make it all about you. Buy her something she wouldn't buy for herself but that she would appreciate.
• Ask for help. Don't assume that the salesperson will be pushy or unhelpful – she can help you pick out the perfect gift that has just the right amount of class or naughtiness.
• Do not give up and get a gift certificate. Make a decision! Or, if you must, buy something small and sexy along with a gift certificate and have them boxed together.
• Make it fun. Consider making lingerie part of a gift package that includes a spa service and a dinner date. Make her feel special and she will repay the favor.
• Encourage your girl to sign up for a store's wish list so you'll know what to get her next Valentine's Day.

Where to buy

On a budget or have money to burn? The boutiques below range from affordable to "Oh la la!" (We've listed the stores' price ranges for panties to give you some ideas of what you'll spend at these places.)

Trendy Wendy (panty prices: $6-$23): Owner Lisa Chang loves lingerie and her affordable boutique is well stocked with the latest a la mode intimates. At these prices, you'll be able to shower your love with lingerie for every day of the week. Chang also has one of the widest selections of lingerie in larger sizes. She carries corsets, chemises and burlesque wear up to 3X and 4X.

Suggestions for your valentine:

1. For plus-size gals check out the Dreamgirls brand. She carries a satin/lace chemise and matching thong ($29 for the set); corsets and matching thongs sized 38-44 ($44-$49); sheer short and long chiffon robes with ostrich-feather embellished collars ($54-$59); matching lace garter belt and thong from Leg Avenue ($12.95); and a full selection of hosiery in plus sizes from thigh highs to fishnets ($3.95-$14.95).


2. For less voluptuous gals, pick up Honeydew ruffled rhumba panties in every color from solid black to leopard and red stripes (sizes S, M, L; $12-$16).

Retail Therapy (panty prices: $8-$32): Think affordable and cute in this relaxed shopping environment. Owner Wazhma Samizay will help you pick some bath and body goodies or a romantic candle to go with your selection, too.

Suggestions for your valentine:

1. Mary Green Seven Ways to Say I Love You underwear bag. The red and pink silk drawstring bag contains adorable silk jersey boy short underwear in different colors. Each panty is embroidered with "I love you" in a different language. Get the set for $118 or choose your favorite at $21.50 each.


2. Lucy B's fun and comfy Marilyn boy short ($22) and bra ($38) to match. Available in several styles but the cutest has a light sky blue background and cherries.


3. Under Glam panties in divine Italian cotton with lace trim in two styles and several colors such as black and red ($32).

Bellefleur Lingerie (panty prices: $10-$110): Fitter extraordinaire and affable boutique owner Jennifer Carroll is approachable and down-to-earth, making lingerie buying a snap – and a pleasure.

Suggestions for your valentine:

1. For fun, get her mesh Rhumba boy shorts in pink, black or white ($15 each). Aye carumba!


2. For a comfort and cute factor, choose the PJ Salvage cami/boy short set in red with white polka dots ($68).


3. For something racy, splurge on the Chantal Thomass Malicieuse bra and panty set (around $200).

Ann Marie Lingerie (panty prices: $18-$100): For luxe lingerie in exquisite fabrics and elegant styles, make a beeline to this Madison Park Shop. Not only has Ann Marie Collier been in business for decades, but she is an expert fitter and has years of experience helping men select the perfect gift. "It's important to consider comfort," says Collier. "You want her to wear it." Her motto: "A Gift The Two Of You Will Enjoy Unwrapping."

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WENDY GLEZ

Suggestions for your valentine:

1. A comfy black and pink lined cami with matching low-rise pant by Wendy Glez ($142 for the set).


2. Gorgeous silk chemises in lots of colors and fabrics by Leigh Bantivoglio, Pluto and other European designers ($138 to $220).

Zovo Lingerie (panty prices: $18-$120): Owner Victoria Roberts believes in helping clients find lingerie that makes them feel beautiful - and that fits. She also caters to men with special events to help them pick just the right ensemble. Her shop is full of luxury lines and feminine, colorful under-things that cost a pretty penny, but she'll look like a million bucks in them.

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ZOVO LINGERIE

Suggestions for your valentine:

1. Peach Francis Smily chemise, $226; Francis Smily burnout robe, $226.


2. Belabumbum bralette, $44; Belabumbum boy short, $36.


3. Red Chantelle chantilly lace bra, $110; Red Chantelle chantilly lace boy short, $64; Red Chantelle chantilly lace garter belt, $62.

Nancy Meyer Fine Lingerie (panty prices: $18-$352): Owner Victoria Phillippi knows what discerning women (and men) want. She stocks her boutique with some of the most opulent and luxe lingerie available (read: you'll drop big bucks here but your girl's worth it, isn't she?) A huge bonus: You don't have to go to her store. Shop online at www.nancymeyer.com.

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NANCY MEYER

Suggestions for your valentine (who deserves only the best):

1. A practical robe from Fernando Sanchez in silk-like, washable, stain-resistant fabric ($285).


2. Silk chemise. The choices from Samantha Chang are pretty and not exorbitant (around $264). If you have bottomless pockets the most decadent are by C. Glison, made in Belgium with the finest lace ($890!).


3. Playful bra and panty by Damaris in candy apple red. This set is so hot and so extravagant, you'll want to wear it out and show it off – but you'd attract a crowd. The panty comes with a pretty bow ($295) and the fashion-forward bra also comes in black ($300).