Sweet nothings

Taboo subject or not, you have to admit that lingerie is the best, and most practical, gift to give on Valentine’s Day. For the day reserved for love and romanticizing, nothing else sets off a romantic interlude better than a set of sweet lacy nothings. You can cast your vote for candlelit dinners but how much does a little flame and an overprized meal, really, get you? You can even stick with flowers that wilt after a couple of days or with the usual ribbon-tied chocolate box, but I personally think that flowers look better in the wild than stuck in a glass vase, and those little bonbons can be traitorous — chocolates supposedly have an ingredient that mimics the feeling of being in love; will you really trust the most “romantic” day of the year to an impersonation? Jewelry is always a welcome option — expensive, but very, very welcome.

Now, lingerie is affordable (most of it, anyway), doesn’t wither and is very South Beach Diet-friendly. And it easily goes from being a special occasion must to everyday wear.

Hot underwear purveyor Bench Body is stocking up nicely for Cupid season. Store mannequins encourage romanticizing, suited up in hot pink lacy briefs and a matching underwired bra. Though this seems to be the hottest pair in the store right now, the other choices still pack enough spice to keep the temperatures sizzling. Bras and panties stamped with cute little flowers, or lacy pairs appliquéd with crystal studs and rivets will catch your eye first, but don’t ignore the store’s selection of neutral underwear: boy briefs, all in chocolate  brown or nude lace, are sporty and sexy at the same time; black or white seamless cups are sleek and perfect for wearing under any minimalist ensemble.

Bench Body also has the best array of underwear options for men. This is probably the only store that gives more than 10 variations of the sexy black brief, from the conservative boxer brief to the modern low-rise to the more risqué thong (God help — and applaud — any straight man who agrees to wear this.) But try to be more daring for Valentine’s day and pick out a selection for your man that includes any of the colorful, kitschy prints the store is becoming famous for: ‘50s-style florals, strong brown camouflage prints, Escher-like lizards, and candy stripes. Boxer briefs in colored solids, so reminiscent of those tanned, perpetually-smiling lifeguards back in the ‘50s, are also great options.

So, go ahead girl, stop the lip-licking and indulge in some wicked purchases, if not for a special someone, than for yourself (self-love, after, all is precedent to all forms of love). Nothing gives a thrill quicker than the taboo.

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Bench Body is located at 2/L Glorietta 4, G/F Alabang Town Center.

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