#treatyoself for Valentine's Day

So, Valentine's Day has the potential to be one of the most annoying holidays out there, especially if you're single. Even if you're in a relationship, it can be annoying to feel like you have to go all-out on the romantic night out. Like, why just this one day you have to be all romantic and sexy when you should probably feel the feelings all year round?

In any case, I think that whether you're single or in a relationship, you should treat yourself for Valentine's Day. And frankly, any day of the year.

From top, clockwise from left:

1. Journelle Natalia Teddy
Journelle's namesake line is 100% incredible, and this teddy is probably the piece that takes it over 100%. Decadent lace and cutouts in all the right places.Yassss.

2. Morgan Lane Lanie Flowers Sleep Mask
Every girl needs a sleep mask. It is absolutely an essential for home and travel, and my life has totally changed since I started using one. I love this one from Morgan Lane with her illustration of Lanie in a field of flowers.

3. Chinti and Parker Cashmere Track Pants
Karl Lagerfeld said, "Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants." But you know what, I'm pretty sure he was talking about those cotton sweatpants that give you dumpy butt, and not these slimmer ones in gorgeous grey cashmere. Throw on a long tee, a leather jacket and some moto boots and you're good to go to brunch.

4. Eres La Pagode Richlieu Leavers Lace-Trimmed Silk-Satin Playsuit
The ultimate "I love me" present. Actually, that was the yellow diamond that Richard gave to Samantha in Sex and the City, but this Eres playsuit is pretty damn close. Anything Eres is the ultimate "I love me" present in the lingerie universe, let's be honest.

5. Diptyque 'Baies' Black Candle
I know there's been that whole expensive candle debate, but Diptyque ones are truly worth it. The scents linger after you blow it out, they burn clean, and the glass is beautiful to reuse afterwards. This favorite scent looks super-chic for any home in black glass.

Valentine's Day Romper Roundup

Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, so most of you are probably going out on a Saturday and staying in bed late the morning over. And what better to wear when sleeping in than a romper? The three-piece lingerie suit is great for the night before, but you'll want some comfort the morning after. Here's my roundup of playsuit favorites that'll put you in a good mood on Feburary 15th, no matter what happens the day before.

From top, clockwise from left:

1. Eberjey Plume of Love Teddy
Even though you buy it for Valentine's Day, the soft cotton jersey and muted feminine detailing will make this a perennial favorite.

2. Only Hearts So Fine Low-Back Bodysuit I have this bodysuit and love how versatile it can be. The lace detailing on the bottom makes this lingerie-as-outerwear-friendly so you can wear it with jeans/skirts/whatever and let it just look like a tank top. Friendly in the front and a party in the back with a deep scoop.

3. Else Lingerie Baklava Cut-Out Bodysuit For the ladies who love patterns, the geometric motif on this bodysuit gives a super-modern mood while perfectly placed cutouts are flattering on everyone. Wear it under an oversized buttondown and let yourself unbutton one more than you usually do.

4. Free People Midnight Hours Bodysuit 
A perfectly paired combo of lace and mesh. Deep V front and back is universally flattering and makes it another great contender for innerwear-as-outerwear.

Friends who get fit together...

…drink mimosas together afterwards. And I mean like, bra fit, not physically fit. Though let's admit that trying on bras can be pretty exhausting, emotionally and physically. Let me explain.

I went to INTIMACY Bra Fit Stylists last week with a girlfriend with the goal of getting her fitted for new bras, and also to donate some old bras of mine to Free the Girls. INTIMACY is pairing up with the non-profit organization to call March "National Bra Fit Styling Month" to raise awareness for Free the Girls' mission and also to remind all of us ladies how important it is to get fitted at least once a year.

Paris-bound plane outfit from last Monday!

I had a really great experience getting a swimwear fitting done at INTIMACY's Madison Ave location last summer, and was expecting the same level of expertise at their 3rd Ave boutique as well. I think what made this visit even more fun was going with a friend. Trust me—especially if you're not boob-shy, it reduces the redundancy of taking off and putting on bra after bra. Plus, Fitting Friend can gut-check your purchase candidates for a final yes or no, especially if you're the type to not quite trust salespeople. (Sidenote on fittings: don't be that girl who brings her boyfriend/husband into the fitting room area, that's really annoying for all the other women around you).

Shown: Marie Jo L'Aventure TOM Convertible t-shirt bra in 32B (black) and 32DDD.

My stylist, Samanta Locarno, brought me my size for a few styles I picked out, then brought a few others that she thought I'd like based on my choices. I'm going to admit here that INTIMACY is a tough shopping boutique for me—I'm a visual shopper, and most of the sizes that are on display are larger cup sizes, so I'm never sure what they actually have in my size and what they don't. But what you have to remember is that they always have more sizes, you just have to ask.

I tried on a tried-and-true style from Simone Perele, the Caressence 3D Full Cup bra in a gorgeous royal blue shade that was on sale, and a couple of styles from Marie Jo. I'd heard rave reviews about Marie Jo, but it's a brand that I've never really gravitated towards for a few reasons. 1, the designs are sort of… well, dated. I like a more more modern-looking bra (listen, aesthetics are important to me) and MJ never really made the cut. 2, the cups look gigantic for even a B-cup. Visually, I'm thinking "how in the world are my boobs going to fill that??" Well, it turns out that my boobs filled them out fine. And if anything, the MJ bras were by far the most comfortable padded bras I've ever tried. Totally sold.

Shown: (from top to bottom) Simone Perele Caressence 3D Full Cup Bra; Marie Jo JANE Balconette T-shirt Bra; Marie Jo L'Aventure TOM Convertible T-shirt Bra.

Moral(s) of the story: even if the design of the bra totally freaks you out, try it on. And go with a friend. If she hasn't been fitted in awhile and she can't believe what her new size is, she'll need some booze afterwards to deal with the news.

Find an INTIMACY near you and go get fitted.

This post was written in exchange for product.