Close your eyes for a minute and visualize a world where the bare necessities were more than just oversize grandma panties and boys in their younger years learning how to unhook a bra. Underwear should not only be recognized as the body's first line of defense against the cold and uninvited guests, but it should also burst with character, exude femininity, and make a woman feel at ease all at the same time. Lingerie, as some of us prefer to call it, is as essential to a woman's wardrobe as syrup is to pancakes. Some women are turned off by the whole idea because they perceive it to be demeaning to the gender or painfully uncomfortable. But for the confident female and the appreciative male, lingerie is simply indispensable.



When people think about lingerie, they hastily imagine tight, raunchy bodices that could only fit a life-size Barbie. But in reality, lingerie could easily be the modern-day American woman's petticoat. As far as the essentials go, you'll need something versatile and comfortable without sacrificing the opportunity to be sexy such as with the Sheer Ribbons Collection from *Elle Macpherson* Intimates. This special range of lingerie makes use of delicate ribbon textured mesh with narrow lace trims and satin ribbon detailing that creates a functional yet flirtatious experience. The underwire bra, in particular, seems to be a best-seller due to its wide hook-and-eye back closure, adjustable straps, and overall stylish comfort. You can get it for only $55 at www.barenecessities.com and start being and feeling sexy anywhere, anytime.

Some women desire an extra flair in their strut. One way to get that is to explore how the world of lingerie can improve your swagger and raise that bar of confidence a little bit. For a more fearless approach, you could browse through www.wickedtemptations.com and find that perfect little number you could prance around the city in. It can be quite intimidating for someone, but once you start clicking you'll find all your inhibitions slowly melting away. They have a good selection of corsets that I think can bring out the best in anyone who wears them. The Stretch Jacquard Corset takes the classic Victorian undergarment and adds a splendid modern twist. This form-uplifting bustier is made of comfortable stretch material, elegantly hidden underwire cups, hook-and-eye closures, and adjustable straps, and is available in black, red, or white. If you buy it now at $40.95, you can have the corset plus removable garters and a bonus g-string. To achieve the full effect, you can get the stretch lace stay-up stockings with silicone gripper elastic for an additional $13.95.

Who else can boast of time-tested, celebrity-hailed intimate apparel but Victoria's Secret. Their universal appeal and evolving creativity attract people from every nook and cranny in the world. For discount shopping at its best, check out the special lingerie collection on sale at www2.victoriassecret.com and begin to understand the beautiful potential of the female form. The items are individually priced ranging from $7.50 to $16 for bottoms and $22 to $28 for bras. But if you take advantage of their special packages, you get to save more and buy more for your money's worth. The brassieres sale is headlined by their 2-for-$39 and 2-for-$44 packages. The padded no-wire bra, available in various cool colors, has a streamlined and tagless signature band that exudes nothing but comfort. You can buy it for only $39 and you get to pick out one more from the same Victoria's Secret Cotton line. Choose between the lightly lined plunged bra, the unlined full coverage bra, the unlined demi bra, the no-wire triangle bra, and the racerback bra. The panties section features 5-for-$25, 3-for-$25, and 3-for-$30 deals. Select five pairs among the vast array of bikini-cut, stringed, and brief underwear and you get yourself a week's worth without scarring your budget.

Without lacey frills and thrills, the world would definitely be a sadder place. In the spirit of summer and good, clean flirting, don't hesitate to buy yourself at least a pair of lingerie. You may just find a little pizzazz along the way.