Lost in lingerie

Everyone has an agenda on Valentine’s Day. Florists armed with dozen-rose bouquets. Chocolatiers with golden heart-shaped boxed sets. Telecom companies that disperse cheesy messages to the impressionable text generation. Concert producers who bring in musical has-beens that can barely walk on stage, much less croak out a tune. On a more personal level, husbands and boyfriends who can give lingerie without expecting to be accused of having an ulterior motive that involves appeasing a guilty conscience.

Beyond the flowers, Hallmark cards, candlelit dinners, and chocolate truffles, lingerie is the gift of choice between couples during Valentine’s Day. Lingerie is the prelude to all romantic overtures inspired by V Day. Husbands can legitimately appreciate how their gift transforms their wives into sexy vixens, while the women can, even for one night, fully understand how tiny scraps of lace and chiffon can actually drive a man to insanity.

While a lace-clad fanny can significantly alter a man’s body temperature and change the course of a relationship, what good can it bring to a woman who’s not harboring any intention of cozying up to anyone on Valentine’s Day? What use is sexy lingerie on V Day if a woman’s MySpace account bleeps "Single"? The weak-willed may think lingerie without a man is pointless, but the fun, fearless femme that knows her own worth would see it as a form of empowerment. Sexy underwear provides a kind of self-pleasure completely beyond and apart from pulsating gadgets and tubs of caramel-topped chocolate ice cream.

Whether you’re attached or single on the 14th, let I Love Cocco fill in the gaps. This new concept store, pegged as a lingerie bar, was conceived four months ago by young couple Ystevie and Janee Ty who comes from the family that owns and manages So-En. The twosome wanted to come up with "a lifestyle store that fuses the aesthetic dynamism of fashion with the intimacy and functionality of body wear." I Love Cocco offers reasonably-priced stylish and functional bras and panties, some carrying known labels from Asia and Europe, in a wide variety of styles, cuts, colors and sizes. Corsets, nighties and camisoles round out the sexy stock.

The boutique also offers RTW that’s meant for show beyond the bedroom. Trend-attentive shirts, blouses, dresses and bottoms spice up the assortment, as well as accessories, bags, cosmetics and perfume. The brand also just recently launched its swimwear line in time for this year’s summer season.

For this Valentine’s season, I Love Cocco offers tips to the menfolk (and independent women) when buying lingerie:

• The color and style of an undergarment reflect the personality of the one wearing it: red and black are best given to sexy women with a fiery temperament. White lingerie are for the quiet and subdued, while florals signify a feminine, almost girlish, personality.

• Sheer, light-colored and short nighties with lace or ruffle appliqués look smashing and are very promising for an unforgettable night with your significant other.

• Lace and satin bras are timeless. Classic colors come in white, black or tan. Jewel-toned bras, underlined in black mesh or lace, are also worth trying out, as well as underwear strewn with details such as crystals appliqués or embroidery.

• T-back undies are the ultimate agents provocateur.

• Boyleg pairs are equally sexy in sheer fabric or lace.

• Corsets are the multi-taskers of the underwear set. Aside from cinching in that waist, corsets can be worn under a sleek blazer to the office, or with jeans for a night out.

I Love Cocco branches are located at 2/F Cybermall, Eastwood City, Libis and 3/L Robinsons Metro East, Pasig. Watch out for their new outlet in Robinsons Place Manila this coming March.

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