........... i w w U --Iw- 6B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend IMgazine - Thursday, February 12, 2004 -lw- 7 The Michigan Daily - Weekend Magazine - _ . ,--x _ ,. .,, T' t- Victoria's got what she wants Avoid the 'Secr By Melissa Runstrom Daily Books Editor So it's Feb. 12 and you still haven't found the perfect Valentine's gift? Just let your friend Victoria help you out. Beware though - whenever you to shop at a lin- gerie store for your significant other, you are potentially treading on dangerous ground. You should consider what your girlfriend likes, and only purchase lin- gerie if you are at the right point in your relationship and know that she would appreciate it. Man or woman, people just want to feel comfortable and sexy - not cheap. If you do decide to shop at a lingerie store, chose wisely. Victoria's Secret is great because it offers enough variety to find something that she will enjoy and suits her tastes. If you really know your sweetie, you don't have to worry you'll hear the dreaded phrase about buying the gift for yourself and not for her. It is wrong to assume that because something implies sensuality that women will reject it as a gift. Many women like to show off their sexual personality, which is just another facet of themselves. It is important to know what your woman likes, and if she would normally buy something from Victoria's in the first place. Many women like sexy lingerie, not necessarily to please their partner, but because it makes them feel sexy and con- fident. If you have an open relationship with your girlfriend, you don't have to worry about making the cliche mistake of pur- chasing something that doesn't fit or is too presumptuous. If you are at ease buy- ing her underwear, you should be also be comfortable asking her about what she likes and what size she wears, or at least have access to finding out that critical information. You won't feel lost if you enter the store armed with this informa- tion. The staff, usually friendly and knowledgeable, will point you in the right direction. Their website is also organized so you can find what you need with little difficulty. If you really know your girlfriend, then you will know what she likes and wears in the first place. If you buy her some- thingthing sexy, it shouldn't be because she isn't sexy enough, but because she is sexy in the first place. Along the same line, if you buy her something conserva- tive, you won't have to worry that she will think you believe she's a prude. It is all about knowing your girlfriend, and being in touch with what she wants to wear. There are many ways for women to express who they are, and Victoria's has many products to meet their different preferences. In recent years they have expanded their products to include more conservative sleepwear, fragrances and cosmetics. More or less keeping their women clientele in mind, their lingerie is comfortable, sexy and stylish. Underwear should let her express herself, and Victoria's does a commendable job at stocking their shelves with a wide assort- ment. The store carries everything from barely-there string thongs to traditional and conservative perfume and lotions. When giving underwear you cannot buy cheaply, because cheap underwear will be interpreted as a measure of your esteem. Victoria's Secret can be expen- sive, but it is high quality and in high demand. Victoria's offers a great selection of quality merchandise, from the classy bra and panty combination to the scan- dalous pearl thong, this store will satisfy your Valentine's tastes. L By Sean Dailey Daily Weekend Editor Around this time of year, business at everyone's favorite sexy boutique Victoria's Secret skyrockets as millions of boyfriends and husbands search for that perfect gift. There's nothing like the lost male in a store of lacy underwear and frilly bras. Believe, I've seen it, for last summer I had the "pleasure" of working at my local Vicky's. Yes, they do occa- sionally hire those with a Y chromosome to help attract women into the store. Take it from me, men of the world; Victoria's Secret is not worth the headache. The concept of lingerie as a gift is somewhat selfish. A gift is supposed to be something for her, not you. You might as well get her a back massager and then tell her your lower lumbar needs a little work. It's the same general principle. You may think you're giving her the gift of making her feel sexy and desirable, but this will most likely backfire. Think about the message you're send- ing to your lady when you buy her some- thing slinky from Victoria's Secret. Basically, you're telling her that she's not sexy enough for you. Buy her something conservative and you're telling her she needs to loosen up. Buy her something elaborate and crotchless and you're telling her she's sleazy. Men might not always think of these things, but their women tend to hold the theory of "it's the thought that counts" much more dear. No matter what you get her, she's going to read some unforseen meaning into it. Better make sure that couch is a pullout. That's where you'll be sleeping for a night or two. If for some reason, you're still set on shopping Vicky's for your valentine, Y fi c d r f f t r f i C t t 1 S y t e a a u c 1 v a S t 1 C i c a s e is a s t I I J :F ' The dos and don'ts of Valentines Day at Victo DO: The Pink Line T-shirt Bra With a new "Teeny" shape and design, this is the perfect bra to wear under casual clothing like, obviously, a T-shirt. DON'T: Satin Jacquard Corset The "your body isn't good enough" sen- timent aside, corsets are a huge pain to put on and more importantly, take off. You're guaranteed to just get frustrated and give up. DO: Glamour Unlined Full Coverage Bra This cute bra offers coverage while maintaining the stylishness we have come to expect from Victoria's. This bra is both sexy and practical. Sorry, this one only comes in sizes above a B cup. DON'T: Add-a-Cup Demi Bra The next best thing to a boob-job, noth- ing says "I Love You" like feelings of inad- equacy. DO: Very Sexy of Him Essentials Gift Box At $29, this award-winning cologne and aftershave is a great gift for your guy. Not only will you impress him with your won- derful taste, but you'll also have a wonder- fully smelling boy on your hands. DON'T: "Here Comes the Bride" Panty It's a V-string that plays "Here Comes the Bride" when you touch a button. Probably not the message you want to send to your girlfriend of three months. DO: Garden Pretty Intentions Shoulder Bag This is the perfect gift to show her that you are thinking about her. This bag is made in faux suede and comes brimming with shower gel, lotion and body splash in a variety of fragrances. It isn't presumptu- ous and both the bag and its contents are practical. DON'T: Rhinestone V-Strong When I think "sexy," I think of Liberace. Don't rhinestones chafe? DO: If ply t safe comi you They the n DOP' Y a str their thing even MIKE HUlSEBU$/Daily Although Victoria's Secret is a favorite for finding last-minute lingerie, exercise caution when choosing that "perfect" gift.