Even if shop windows decked out in garish Valentine’s Day displays have you running for cover, check the racks inside and you’ll find that they’re crammed with more adorable lingerie than at any other time of year. Whether your tastes (or your mate’s) run toward the sweet and sexy or the hot and bothered, the prices for these thongs will win your heart.
Tommy Hilfiger’s playful cotton prints ($8) include pink and red leopard skin, polka dots, or a big red heart. Old Navy’s bright bikinis are $10 for three pairs emblazoned with hearts. Joe Boxer’s bikinis with red roses and winking faces appealed to our whimsical side, and are $6 each.
Devilish damsels will love Biatta Intimates’ dark-red hearts embroidered on black mesh ($5). Donna Karan’s daring red sets (bra, $48; thong, $22) are held together with transparent strips, making us wonder: “How does it stay on?” And Shopgirl’s Playboy design in sparkly silver on black cotton ($32 from Olive and Bette’s) is a scene-stealer.
If you’re too shy for such Sisqó-style stripperwear, check out the Gap’s girlish scraps of gauze with glittery hearts. They’re $14.50 for three in baby pink, rose, and red. H&M’s pink-mesh thong ($4.50) is embroidered with an artfully posed young miss, and its floral satin ($6.50) is an amped-up version of your everyday patterns.
Donna Karan and Biatta Intimates at Bloomingdale’s (212-705-2000); Tommy Hilfiger and Joe Boxer at Macy’s (212-695-4400); Olive and Bette’s (212-717-9655); H&M (212-489-0390); Gap (800-gap-style).
Picks of the Week
Pumpkin Maternity’s sweet maternity-wear from all seasons is now 25 to 75 percent off. Silk shirts are $80, boot-cut pants are $60, and animal-print cigarette pants now cost $45. 407 Broome St. (212-334-1809); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. noon-7; Sun. noon-6; 2/8-2/15.
Paula Throckmorton is reducing prices on her Indian-inspired jewelry at ABH Design. Intricate pendants and gold bangles with charms start at $150, but you’ll have to push past Gwyneth Paltrow and Sofia Coppola at the door. 160 E. 56th St., tenth floor (646-840-1720); V.; Mon.-Fri. 10-5; 2/6-2/14.
Gym Source is taking 20 to 50 percent off personal exercise equipment. All heart-rate-control bikes are $1,600, a Hoist home gym is $1,699, and Reebok heart monitors are $79. 40 E. 52nd St. (212-688-4222); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-4; 2/9-2/14.
Pretty partywear from Janet Russo is 30 to 75 percent off in February. Velvet and silk dresses are now $98 to $175, as are cotton frocks. Everyday clothes are reduced, too, with wool jackets and skirts now priced at $98 to $198. 262 Mott St. (212-625-3297); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. noon-7, Sun. noon-6.