Wispy things

No matter how hard the designers try, history is always bound to repeat itself. After all, we have been around for so many thousands of years that there is literally nothing new ‘under the sun'.

What does change, however, is our attitude to fashion. What would have been considered de rigueur some years ago would be gasped at today! For example, during the sexual revolution of the 1970's era some women were brave enough to actually go topless even to work. Today, however, could you imagine your clients or bosses face if you turned up looking like this?

Even in days gone by the fashion was to emphasize the buttock area with padded ‘cushions' to make more of it but today's ladies wear undergarments meant to squeeze and de-emphasize that area. How about those wide, hoped skirts and tight bodices of Casanova's day? It makes you wonder just how a man could see what he was getting before he got to the boudoir! Indeed, women wore bodices so tight that they sometimes fainted from lack of air. Hence the hand held fans that became popular. Some had tiny bottles of smelling salts incorporated to bring her round if she felt faint.

The powdered wigs and white faces of those days were also meant, not only to emphasize her beauty, but to cover up the smell of sweat etc since bathing had not yet become fashionable! Even nests of mice were known to hide out in the pompadour wigs! Let us all be grateful that that fashion is highly unlikely to catch on again!

But the art of dressing for the bedroom has been with us for such a long time. Women, realizing that their power sometimes lay in that direction, took to dressing for the man to please him. She often relied upon him for financial support and to stop him wandering, she devised new and exciting ways to keep him interested. Nowadays, of course, with the advent of women execs and such, the woman no longer has to pander to the man. She is far more likely to dress up for her own pleasure rather than only for his.

But dressing for the bedroom is usually not a one sided affair. Women, too, get a kick out of feeling and looking like a strong, sensual being and it gives them a sense of power and control. It also puts the fun back into any relationship when the man, coming home from a hard day's work, finds his partner waiting for him in breathless anticipation. She may have been preparing for the evening for some hours and is likely to be looking, and feeling, sensational.

With this in mind many lingerie manufacturers have come up with exciting and innovative ideas for Valentine's Day gifts, especially when it comes to underwear.

Instead of the more mundane chocolates and flower routine, although still highly valued by many, some men have taken to buying beautiful and sexy underwear for the woman in their lives. Even women have started buying the same as a Valentine Day surprise for their partners.

Some items specifically suitable for Valentine's Day are the lacey outfits with hearts etc knitted into the design. Some come in vibrant red, said to be the color for the day, while others come in delicate shades of pink or virginal white. Of course, the color is not so important, rather the style and look of the garment.

Black is perennially popular and what would look more vivacious than a floor length, see-through negligee set? Stockings and suspenders add that final touch of sexiness. Satin ‘baby-doll' nightdresses are also popular for Valentine's gifts but some would prefer the corset or teddy style outfits.

For the really daring, try a rhinestone bra and G-string set up. These sparkly, shiny little numbers would look more at home on a Los Vegas showgirl so how do you think your partner would look? Even Valentine's Day brides are not left out either. Some saucy little numbers come with a tiny wedding dress and wispy veil for the husband to admire. But the choice doesn't stop there. ‘Dress-up' outfits like nurses or maids outfits, complete with stockings and suspenders, are all available depending entirely on your personal taste.

If your taste extends to the Middle East, there are several outfits to be found which look like ‘harem' girls complete with headband and see-through, baby-doll style tops. The added G-string and high heels (hers) could make this a real show stopper!

You may think that these kinds of outfits are only available in smaller sizes. Well, you would be wrong! Today's more voluptuous women are catered for without reservation. Most outfits come in ranges from tiny to large or extra large. Today's woman, large or not, is offered far more than in the past. She knows that she does not have to fit into anyone's stereotype of who looks good undressed!

Indeed, in many cultures outside of the US and Europe, men are known to like a little ‘meat on the bone' so to speak. In fact it can sometimes denote wealth or well being. It is only the West's fashionista who demand stick thin women for the catwalk but the backlash has already begun in that department hence the availability of larger sized clothing on offer.

So, for that little something special this Valentine's Day, try something a little daring whether it is her buying to please him or him buying to please her. One thing is for sure, romance does not come in and out of fashion and anything we can do to keep it alive and well in our relationships is well worth planning for.

Of course, many men will be too shy or inhibited to walk into a lingerie department and browse around, but the answer lies in the internet. Orders can be placed on-line, payments too, and usually have returns policies for items that don't fit. They also come in plain wrapping so as not to shock the postman either!

If your taste extends to the Middle East, there are several outfits to be found which look like ‘harem' girls complete with headband and see-through, baby-doll style tops. The added G-string and high heels (hers) could make this a real show stopper!