Cleavage.  Smart women everywhere know how to flaunt it.  Men will revere it.  It doesn’t seem to matter what age, shape or size cleavage comes in–all of it is worth a second look.  There is small cleavage, large cleavage, ginormous cleavage, semi-elongated cleavage, amped up cleavage and simply ready to rupture forth cleavage.  If you are a woman, chances are you already know what you have to work with in the cleavage department.  If you are a man, you just love to look at all those delicious mounds.  Sometimes the male reaction is nothing more than a nod and perhaps an appreciative glance.   Other times, when the cleavage shown is much more cosmic and reaches the level of a true over-achiever-the male reaction is bound to be much more dramatic. 

Where did all this fuss about partial breast exposure come from anyway?  Let’s face it—there is something intoxicatingly suggestive about cleavage.  Here’s a few facts that you may not be aware of when it comes to your décolletage which will hopefully inspire you to make the most of yours.

Thank Hollywood:  Back sometime in the 1930’s, the Motion Picture industry came up with the Motion Picture Production Code.  This code was designed to decide what motion picture viewers of the day were going to be able to see and hear at the movies.  The term “cleavage” was created and became the term used to describe the  “the shadowed depression dividing an actress’ bosom into two distinct sections.” 

The Wicked Lady:  Apparently she must have been very, very naughty.  At least the movie by this same title was considered quite controversial in it’s day.  The film “The Wicked Lady” was a period piece with costumes that were considered historically accurate, and did indeed flaunt quite a bit of voluptuous cleavage.  In order for this British film to be shown in the U.S. and to adhere to the “code” several costly “cleavage-flaunting” scenes had to be re-shot.  

Treasure or Trashy:  We aren’t living in the 30’s or the 40’s anymore and women (and obviously men) are much more progressive in their thinking about the use of cleavage.  In the essay “A Brief History of Cleavage,” the American poet Wayne Koestenbaum discusses enthusiastically a woman’s bosom buffet and describes it as a “sign of sophistication…a gift.”  Knowing when and how to use the power of cleavage is an art that a wise woman will realize has a sultry power in and of itself.

Enough Is Enough:  There may be times when an overabundant cleavage shouldn’t be used.  Some image consultants feel that the exposing of any significant cleavage in the business world is inappropriate.  Erring on the side of caution in professional circumstances and keeping your cleavage under wraps may be prudent and classy.  Too much exposure in business situations may not give you exactly the kind of attention you are looking for. Such scenarios might be considered the cleavage-off limits zone.

Push Those Babies Up:  When it’s time to maximize your cleavage the importance of an appropriate bra can’t be overlooked.  There are many bras designed for the sole purpose of creating and maximizing very sexy cleavage and will make the most of what you have—even in smaller breasted woman.  Push up bras, demi-bras, corsets and bustiers all are designed to create and enhance beautiful cleavage and accentuate your bustline.  Sexy lingerie choices will make the most of your cleavage and help you out where perhaps nature didn’t.  There’s cleavage—and then there’s cleavage.  Keep in mind what function you are going to and use yours to its full advantage! 

There are a few options when thinking about what to wear under that strapless dress of yours, but take a good look at your dress first and consider what you’re looking for in terms of support.  Does your dress have a scoop neckline?  How far down does the back of your dress go?  Do you even need a bra at all? 

Once you have decided what you need as far as the cut of the dress goes, you have several a couple options for your undergarment.  First you have the infamous strapless bra.  These have come a long way from when I was younger.  Today, designers have made them much more comfortable and instead of flattening they enhance your bust-line giving you a smooth streamline look under your dress.  A good strapless bra can help you feel secure in a strapless gown.  Look for a bra that has a silicone lining around the top and bottom of the band.  This will help the bra to move with you. 

Next you have the bustier or corset.  These beautiful pieces of lingerie work well under strapless dresses by giving shape and support as well as providing a slimming effect.  They are one-piece garments that uses flexible boning to give a desired shape. They vary in length going from the bust to anywhere between the rib cage and the hips.  They are an ideal option for low back dresses as well as for full busted women.  The boning and structure offer the much needed support. 

If all else fails you always have the option of using an adhesive bra or the ever popular, double-sided tape. 

When you’re trying on one of these undergarments, raise your arms and bend over to make sure nothing fall outs; sit down to test for comfort; and check out the rear view – an ill-fitting bra can pinch the skin, causing bulges at the back and sides. 

Finally try on your dress with the bra to make sure everything fits perfectly!

It’s a league of women athletes that play full contact football (with minimum pads) wearing satin lacy lingerie and garters.  What originally started as a Pay per View event that came on at the same time as the NFL Super Bowl halftime show has grown into a full fledged league of women’s football teams.

Each of the ten Lingerie Football League teams puts seven athletes on the field at a time as they play two halves (instead of four quarters) at 17 minutes each.  The women are beautiful but don’t let that fool you, they’re out for blood and take no prisoners.

The Lingerie Football League now has 10 teams ( gotta love these names):

• Miami Caliente
• Chicago Bliss
• Dallas Desire 
• San Diego Seduction
• Seattle Mist
• New England Euphoria
• Atlanta Steam
• Denver Dream
• Los Angeles Temptation
• Tampa Breeze 

Ten players from the LFL will be featured in the February issue of Playboy.  The eight-page pictorial will feature ten players with three of them appearing on the cover; Mikayla Wingle plays for the Tampa Breeze, Tisha Marie plays for the Dallas Desire and Stephanie Rollis who plays for the Baltimore Charm.

The Lingerie Football League games are shown on MTV2.  The Lingerie Bowl will be shown Feb. 6 (Super Bowl Sunday) on Pay-Per-View.

Animal prints have always held their own when it came to women’s lingerie.  I think it’s the whole animalistic wildness that women feel they can bring to the bedroom.  However, with the whole “cougar” craze going on now, popularity in animal print lingerie has gone “wild”!

It is true on some level how certain fabrics can make you feel stronger, sexier or more sensual.  I’ve always said that what women wear under their clothes is just as important as what they wear on the outside.  The right lingerie can make you feel comfortable and sexy, therefore portraying a more confident and self assured side of yourself as a woman.

Leopard, zebra and cheetah prints are hot commodities when it comes sexy lingerie.  Whether your looking for a satin babydoll with matching thong in zebra print or a leopard chemise and garter set, Sexylingerie.com has everything you’ll need for your walk on the wild side!

With Halloween right around the corner, why not go all out with a Cougar Adult Costume!  This isn’t your everyday kitty cat costume.  This form fitting catsuit will have every male within 100 yards “purring” for your attention!

Bra and panty sets have become extremely popular and stores can’t keep them on the shelves.  Plus size lingerie has really spiked in recent years showing that women can be sexy in every shape and size.  Silk, satin, lace and animal print are among the most popular materials for these racy sets. 

Fishnet stockings, bustiers and cleavage-boosting bras are all selling at a record rate.  Traditionally Christmas is the peak season for sales of sexy lingerie with men being the biggest buyers.  But for the first time the Christmas peak has continued, rising in January and February and continuing through the summer months.

After a long day at work, romance can often be the last thing on a couple’s mind, but apparently a little sexiness is the perfect way to relax.  Couples are spending more time at home so all forms of home entertainment are more popular than ever before; that includes entertainment in the bedroom.

New underwear is a sensible investment and an inexpensive way to treat yourself and your partner.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone!

Women can spot a flirt a mile away, but most men never see it coming.  Flirting is a universal language and can be found in all cultures around the world.  It’s a basic instinct to get someone to notice you. 

What’s so great about flirting is that you don’t need anything to accomplish it; it’s all you!  Harmless flirting can be found between men and women at bars, gyms, grocery stores; anywhere the two sexes meet up. 

Nonverbal flirting is the best!  Simple eye contact, a slight wink, a beautiful smile or even something as simple as twirling your hair in your fingers can get you the attention you’re looking for.  Once you have his attention, then it’s up to you to keep it. 

One sure way to do this  - sexy lingerie!

Besides the fact that women feel seductive and more confident when wearing “pretty lingerie” under their clothes, men love they way they look in it.  The right bra and panty set can enhance your curves and flatter your figure.  What woman doesn’t want that? 

Next time you’re planning a night out on the town with a little flirtation in mind, don’t forget that what’s underneath your dress is just as important as the dress itself!  Spend as much time on your lingerie as you do your outfit and hair and that guy you deem worthy of your lovely flirtations won’t stand a chance!

True cougars are classy, beautiful creatures who have made their successes on their own, can think for themselves and are real head turners.  Cougars seek younger men, and don’t have to sneak up and attack, they know their younger mates are eager to get an experienced woman who won’t ask if they’ll call them the next day.  

Cougars are being credited with the increase in sales of sexy lingerie for women in their 40′s and 50′s and have given the more seductive side of the lingerie industry a big boost.  More and more women in this age group are replacing their “mom bras” and “granny panties” for sexy lingerie sets that make the most of their assets.

Clothing and lingerie are making a huge impact in the eco-friendly world.  Green may be the new black!  Eco-friendly lingerie is sexy, flirtatious and fun.  If there’s one thing eco-friendly collections are proving, it’s that sexy and stunning can come from materials that are also earth-friendly.

Big name designers Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and Versace were all part of The Earth Pledge FutureFashion Runway Show where designers showed off clothing made with eco-friendly fibers such as bamboo, corn and organic cotton.   

If you can look sexy and save the planet at the same time, I say go for it!

Over the years women have used bras to do everything from covering and restraining to lifting and separating their breasts.  While materials and designers have played an enormous role in the types of bras worn, current fashion and styles have been an even larger influence. While many women want the look that lingerie has on the Hollywood sirens, the majority of women are creating their own sexy look.

The bra has come a long way! 

1920′s – Many of the first bras manufactured flattened breasts according to the youthful, boyish figures favored during the “flapper” years.

1930′s - Breasts became perky and unmovable, demonstrated by Sweater Girl pin-ups.

1940′s – The trend towards high, unmoving breasts intensified making way for the aggressively shaped “bullet” bust. 

1950′s - The female form was softer and rounder and breasts became fuller with more curve.

1960′s and 70′s - Thin model Twiggy made small, pert breasts fashionable again. This combined with the growing hippie movement, led to a swing towards naturally shaped, unfettered breasts.

1980′s - The athletic curves of supermodels like Cindy Crawford sparked the demand for padded bras.

1990′s – The century moved to a close with the waifish figures of models like Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow, whose delicate bust lines spawned a renewed interest in the natural fitting, featherweight bras.

By the millennium, the fashion pendulum had swung back to favor the large breasted look.  Push-up bras, such as Wonderbra and Miracle Bra created options for women wanting to pump up their natural attributes.  T-shirt and seamless bras are also hugely popular giving women that soft line-free look.