Indulge Your Sensual Side

Whether you’re in a relationship you enjoy or not, all women want to feel desirable. Yet this Hallmark holiday when Cupid aims for our heart, but occasionally pierces our Achilles Heel, is impossible to duck.

Throughout our lives our sexual identity tries on different emotional and what-to-wear expressions. Sometimes we equate our femininity with being sexy. Other times we feel more sensual. And there are moments when we wonder ‘Where has it gone?’ It’s easy to become complacent.

Whether you are on your own or sharing this day with someone special, let’s declare this this time of year as the time to celebrate our feminine, sexual, sensual wonderfulness.

CAPTIVATE Bathe in lavender, the beguiling scent that Cleopatra used to seduce both Julius Ceasar and Mark Antony. Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Bath & Shower Gel. $22. Doris Day and Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk.

LUXURIATE Wrap yourself in cashmere. Long cashmere robe $398 at Soma.

ENTICE Since Robert Piguet introduced Fracas in 1948, the heady tuberose scent has been considered one of the most sensual fragrances ever created. It’s a favorite of Carolina Herrera, Martha Stewart, Madonna and Iman (right).

CURVE APPEAL A full slip is sexy innocence because it is practical yet provocative. Glamouflage Luxurious Shaping Slip by Skinny Girl, $42. Elizabeth Taylor seduces in BUtterfield 8.

CHARM Since Grace Kelly wore a charm bracelet in Rear Window, women have been creating their own to signify special moments in their lives. Heart pendant by Jay Strongwater, $95, Saks Fifth Avenue.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM Animal prints are irresistible. Leopard silk and angora sweater, $99, from Chico’s. Eartha Kitt...C’est Si Bon!

SEDUCE Simply said, men love cleavage. Give your décolletage a boost with a sexy bra that gets the job done. You’ll feel a lot sexier too. Red bra at Soma, $49. Helen Mirren, recently voted ‘Body of the Year’.

FLIRT Some have honed the art of flirtation, a slow dance that elicits a rush of sexuality between two people. Even in her nineties, Brooke Astor was considered a world-class coquette. It’s a skill that is sexier than sex, and gets better with age. Red D’Orsay pumps $79 by Nina Culver at Zappos.

ETHEREAL Slip into something featherweight that moves gracefully with your body and is subtly enticing. Poncho top, $79 at Chico’s.

DESIRE The allure of a kiss is what makes red lipstick iconic. To find the right red for your coloring, get expert advice for free at cosmetic counters and experiment. Ingrid Bergman, Sophia Lauren, and Marilyn Monroe wearing sizzling shades of red.

VAMP Locks, leather, cuffs, mystery. Turn-lock leather cuff by Marc Jacobs, $88, Saks Fifth Avenue.

SUGGESTIVE Don’t be shy about wearing a display of affection. Crystal Hugs Bracelet by Adriana Orsini, $245 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

PROVOCATIVE What you wear can ignite the flame. Why not? Lace thong with garter straps, $49, by Hanky Panky.

SWEPT AWAY Pull your hair up into a loose-do for an appearance of relaxed sensuality. Hand-crafted Chidoriya Musubi Kanzashi hair stick, $30, at C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries.

INTIMACY There’s probably nothing more simply sexy to wear the morning after than your man’s shirt. Très sexy Jean Seberg in Breathless. Men’s white cotton broadcloth tuxedo shirt, $98.50, at Brooks Brothers.

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