Not exactly a La Perla girl or on a tight budget this Valentine's Day?

We say ditch the teddy for a pair of sexy shoes instead.

Not only can you wear them beyond the bedroom (infinitely decreasing their cost-per-wear), if you pick the right pair and couple them with one of your guy's button-downs, we're pretty sure he won't give a flying...well, you get the idea.

The line making us feel all hot and bothered? Pour La Victoire, especially the Bianca open-toe pump.

Made in Brazil, where they know a little something about sizzle.

Sure, they're a pretty penny (emphasis on pretty), but Valentine's Day is all about fantasies, right?

Make fantasy a reality here.

p.s. Get free overnight shipping (and free return shipping) too AND $25 off orders of $125 or more automatically at checkout!

p.p.s. Loving the Pour la Victoire line as much as we are? Many styles are marked down 50% off or more!

One of the loveliest Valentine's Day or anytime you want to say I love you gifts we've seen this year?

Anne Kiel's new French Endearment necklaces.

Each hand-cut disc is stamped with a charming French term of endearment, such as Mon mignon (my cutie), Mon tresor (my treasure), Mon coco (my egg) and, perhaps our favorite, Mon lapin (my bunny).

Lasts way longer than a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, though we think you deserve all three.

And at just $23 per term of endearment, that might just happen.

Plus, BussBuss readers receive an exclusive 20% off with code BUSSAK through February 7, 2009 so it's easier than ever to give one to everyone you love this Valentine's Day.

Is Spanish more your language of love? Be sure to check out the Spanish Endearment Necklace collection as well.

Spread the amour right here.

We are, without a doubt, dress junkies. Pants make us grumpy. To buy them, to wear them, to have them ride up where they are not invited, they are just not our friends. Besides being way more comfy and allowing us to eat whatever the hizzy we want, dresses are easier (hello, one-piece dressing) and we always feel cuter and more pulled together.

But to don dresses year-round means a girl's gotta have a good supply of legwear, which means tights and leggings to keep those gams toasty. Besides, donning leggings means we can ultimately be the tomboys we are at heart and not have to worry about our dresses flying up on windy days -- and we can sprawl out and sit on the floor whenever and wherever we please. To us, they are absolutely a wardrobe staple and must-have.

Which is why we're scooping up leggings left and right in Shopbop's huge up to 70% off sale.

We love the Falke long leggings, regularly $64, now just $19. LNA's cute riding leggings will also be in our shopping carts, as will the metallic stirrup leggings by Only Hearts (great for pairing with tall boots). The liquid leggings however? We'll leave those to LiLo.

Get a leg up right here!

p.s. Shipping is FREE too!

We're girls who love our accessories. From bags to bangles, we know they can take a look from so-so to so cute.

And in this biz, we've seen a lot of products over the years, many good, many not living up to their hype.

Well, we've found our latest absolute must-have: The FUMI. It's three helpful and stylish things in one and for less than the price of a gourmet burger.

Perhaps the most important? It's a handbag hanger to keep your precious bag off of the germ-ridden floor. Simply hook it over the table and place your bag on the other side and voila, your bag never has to see an icky floor again. We've tested many a handbag hanger and think this one is the best. Why?

Because it's also a bracelet -- and handbag accessory -- too. That's right, it wraps right around your wrist or handbag handles, which means it's always there when you need it. The problem with most handbag hangers is that they take up room in your bag, you can't find them in your bag or you lose them. The FUMI's a really cute accessory you'll actually want to wear -- even on nights when you're going bagless.

It's also really strong, holding our very overstuffed Rebecca Minkoff with ease.

Available in faux animal skins, silver and gold (we're partial to our black 'Confident' snake skin as it goes with everything), for less than $25 right here.

Plus, just for BussBuss readers, take 20% off your order with code BUSSFUMI at checkout through Febraury 28, 2009.

P.S. Want to win a FUMI PurseHook? We're giving one away! Spread the word to your friends, so they have a chance to win too. Click here for the deets!

We found him (and no, it's not Don Draper).

The perfect man. He's powerful, organized and makes us smile. He's, drum roll please...Electric Man!

Undoubtedly the best power strip we've seen (the only one we've seen that doesn't make us cringe), Electric Man will keep you grounded and happy with his four grounded outlets and one rounded smile.

There's something about a powerful man that most ladies find irresistible. Which is why we happen to think he makes a pretty clever Valentine's gift for your single girlfriends.

Where to find such a man?

Right here.

Arty watercolor prints were big on the spring runways and high-waisted swingy short skirts have been all over The City, but if you don't have thousands to spend right now (um, or ever!) to get in on the trend(s), not to fret.

We spotted this darling-meets-downtown silky watercolor full circle mini for less than $60 and can't wait to wear it now with tights and without come spring and summer's warm weather days.

Where to get your arty fashion cred?

Right here.

We fell in love with Blair Waldorf's ruffly Christian Dior Resort 2009 frock (seen at left on Alek Wek) on this week's Gossip Girl and have been searching for something with the same vibe ever since.

So we were giddier than the Obama girls finding the Jonas Brothers on their White House scavenger hunt to find this lovely ruffle front chiffon dress for less than $80 at Arden B.

What a perfectly sweet and sexy look for a Valentine's night out or even to wear to a spring bridal or baby shower. Just expect envious stares from all the other ladies.

Be your own ruffly wonder right here.

p.s Get free shipping on orders of $150 or more!

Photo credit: Maria Valentino

Trying to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and be the change? Starting with changing your non-existent workout routine? We can relate.

Whether you've vowed to actually attend those yoga classes you signed up for or head to a brutal (but effective) Bar Method or Physique 57 class, you'll need a cute little gym bag to get you there. And one that doesn't cost you more than the class itself.

Which is why we're loving this cute cotton bag that's super versatile too. It has a zippered mesh compartment making it perf for toting gym gear or swimwear, and elastic straps that can be used to hold a yoga mat or towel.

Trust us, being prepared for a workout, even if it's to the park to do some stretches, really does give you one less reason not to procrastinate.

For less than $15, get in shape girl and look darling doing it
here.

Last night, we had the immense pleasure of ushering in Inauguration Day at the stunningly gorgeous Viceroy Santa Monica, designed by one of our style idols and, dare we say, girl crushes, the incomparable Kelly Wearstler.

Lounging in a black-and-white cabana poolside and toasting to a new era, we realized we could learn a lot from Ms. Wearstler. A lot about how to be chic. A lot about how to create fabulous spaces. A lot about how to live an inspired life.

Feeling in need of some glamorous style inspiration yourself?

Check out our favorite Kelly Wearstler tome, Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style.

Even if you don't end up chicifying your nest with the tips inside the book, your space will benefit nonetheless from the beautiful coffee table book you now own and have splayed across your table (or floor -- we won't tell).

And you'll probably feel like tossing on a ballgown to do the dishes, too.

Get your dose of Modern Glamour here.

We swooned over the way Zooey Deschanel rocked her white dress on the cover of this month's Domino magazine and have been on the hunt for fabulous red tights ever since.

Luckily we found them and, at half off, they'll cost us less than $10.

Which, we think, is a steal to be able to take a LWD to a whole new level.

Step into big-impact style with low-impact on your wallet right here.

Photo by Stewart Shining for Domino magazine, February 2009

Ever notice how all really chic women tend to stack on the bangles and cuffs? The simple yet bold arm candy gives off that 'I've traveled the globe and looked amazing doing it' vibe.

Even Nina Garcia put them on her list in The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own (which we liked even more than The Little Black Book of Style, by the way).

We love the way they can take a blah outfit to an ou-la-la look. And that they fit no matter how many pot stickers and cupcakes we've downed that day.

And given that you can easily spend in the hundreds and thousands on these pieces, we especially love that we unearthed some fabulous ones at Max & Chloe's sale, starting at just $15.

Some faves? Blu Bijoux's white techno bangle, originally $37, now just $15. White enamel paired with gold is a classic, chic look we never tire of. And we also love the pairing in Kenneth Jay Lane's single pyramid cuff rendition (originally $100, now $60).

Find your faves and also get 15% off with code JA15 through January 31, 2009 when you click this link.

Been in a shoe rut lately and want to amp up the glam factor?

Have we got the shoe for you.

In our favorite classic combo of black and ivory, the shape of Jack (that's the shoe's moniker, though we see it more as a Coco quite frankly) is sinuous, sexy and chic and will add an instant kick to your closet full of LBDs.

According to his owners, he's actually pretty comfy too.

And quite affordable. Bonus: free shipping (both ways).

Don't know Jack, but want to?

Make his acquaintance here.

We fall for fast fashion as easily as the next H&M-loving girl, but in these harsh economic times, buying clothes that go the distance is actually a smarter way to shop.

Good designer frocks typically last longer (meaning you can wear the bejeezus out of them without them looking it -- and lower your cost-per-wear), are often more impactful and versatile (re: you can impress your future boss in that interview as well as that cute guy who just asked you out) and retain resale value (when something no longer works for you, you can take it to your local consignment shop or Ebay it and actually get some green, as opposed to having your frayed Forever 21 finds rejected by the girls at Buffalo Exchange -- it's happened to us and it's not fun! -- and having to toss it in the bin and say goodbye to your money forever).

And, with some of the fabulous sales taking place right now, you can even get more value out of designer goodies.

Case in point?

We just picked up a new wardrobe of six dresses that would have cost the price of 1-2 dresses at full price at the incredible Shopbop sale. For example, that gorgeous Foley + Corinna Circle Sleeve Dress that normally would set you back $440 is marked down to $132.

Even better, you can take an additional 20% off all sale items with code 20MORE at checkout, meaning in the end that $440 dress is only $105 (plus, shipping is free!).

That's the kind of math we can really get behind.

Coupon code expires this Thursday, January 15, so get to shopping before all the good stuff's scooped up!

To get an extra 20% off sale merch, click this link and enter 20MORE at checkout!

p.s. Also pictured at left, bottom: Susana Monaco Drop Gathered Sleeve Dress; regularly $172; on sale for $51, with discount, just $41!

We just wrapped up Rachel Zoe's book Style A to Zoe, a style guide to dressing and living glamorously by Hollywood's most infamous stylist. Inside, Zoe includes a few musts that even those who don't have Hollywood paychecks can afford.

On that list? Red lipstick/gloss. Ruby lips can make you feel like a million bucks, even when your bank account says otherwise.

While we're not ones to normally run around town with a scarlet pucker (we tend to play it safe in pinks and clear glosses), we have recently found a lip gloss that we can't stop obsessing about. And we were super surprised it didn't come from Sephora. No, instead it came from Victoria's Secret of all places (who knew?).

Their Beauty Rush line of lip gloss is sweet. Literally, it tastes like dessert, but not in an icky way, more in a way that makes you want to eat the whole tube as an after-brunch snack. And we really love that it doesn't feel sticky, but instead seems to hydrate.

There's a whole range of colors, from cherry bomb to bubble it up and at 2/$12 or 5/$20, we think, in addition to our normal safe palette of neutrals and pinks, we'll start seeing red, too.

Get your glamour on (on a dime, no less) right here.

As the season of giving and receiving finally wraps up, a lovely tradition to start that will make you and your recipients feel good? Thank you cards.

While not absolutely necessary per proper etiquette, particularly among family and friends whom you most likely exchanged your gifts in front of and already verbally thanked, we love writing thank you cards after the holiday season. Showing appreciation and feeling gratitude are really great ways to kick off the New Year. And trust, us, you'll feel fabulous doing it!

Whether you're thanking someone for a gift, for a great holiday party, for hosting you over the holidays or for simply supporting and championing you in 2008, a gorgeous way to say thank you?

With Kate Spade's Thank You Kindly cards for Crane. Chic foil-stamped coral elegantly contrasts envelopes lined in brown for a big style statement.

Where to pick up a pretty set?

Take a peek here!

Yesterday we kicked off our Best Gifts of 2008 with the treasured 5 Year Diary. Today, we effuse about the wonder that is Blurb.

Not familiar?

At Blurb, you can make your own book, easily and fabulously. Kind of like those Shutterfly albums, but with a completely professional bookstore look (full book jacket included and everything). We gave one of these capturing the best moments of 2008 to our beloved for Christmas and it was "the best gift ever."

The great thing is the flexibility. You can create photo books, photo books with captions and text, purely text books, portfolios, blog books, wedding books, travel books, cookbooks and more.

If you're not super technical, it's a breeze. Simply download the free BookSmart software and choose from a great variety of layouts per page. Or, if you're fab with Photoshop, you can even create your own custom layouts.

What's cool, for all you designer, artist, writer and photographer types out there, is that you can even choose to sell your finished book through Blurb. For a profit.

Scope out all the options and get your creative juices flowing. We're in the process of making a unique book proposal/mock-up there ourselves.

Take a peek at Blurb!

While we're certainly giddy about what 2009 may hold, we're reflecting on some of the best finds from 2008 and the most treasured gifts given and received over the holidays.

Topping that list?

Tamara Shopsin's 5 Year Diary.

A brilliant idea, the well-designed diary lets you keep track of your life with just a few lines every day for five years (which makes it easy to jot a few lines each day -- no pressure to dig deep!). Each page is devoted to one day of the year and is subdivided into five sections, so that as time goes by, you can read your past entries while writing new ones (i.e., on one single page, you'll have entries for January 7, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013). A great way to look back and see how you celebrated your birthdays, anniversaries or just random Tuesdays.

We've given this gift to new moms, husbands, sisters, best friends and it's been a hit each time and become a treasured possession for all.

Clothbound with a red ribbon bookmark, it's designed so that you can start it on any day of the year, even on a leap year. Bonus: In the back, there's a spot to record books you've read and places you've traveled to.

In a nutshell, we love it -- and with Valentine's Day right around the corner, we can't think of a sweeter gift.

Plus, we found it for nearly $10 less than you can nab it elsewhere.

Where?

Right here!

It's not too late to ring in the New Year in style. Quite literally.

This year, we resolved to start a new tradition: to literally ring in the New Year. What the hizzy does that mean? It means we're treating ourselves to a new ring each New Year - a little New Year's gift to ourselves. Of course, we decided to do this with one of our absolute best friends, which makes it that much more meaningful.

The idea? To be able to look back in several years to see where you were in your life and to reminisce, hopefully fondly, about that time and those memories. Plus, we're looking forward to buying a pretty, super simple long chain and adding all of the rings to it over the years, charm bracelet-style, natch.

Think times are too tough to start such a fab tradition? Not to fret. All of our picks are $200 or under, with many under $50! Which means you can take part -- no visit to the gumball machine required.

So treat yourself, or grab your mom, your sis, your BFF or all of your favorite girls and ring in the New Year together. Perhaps you'll decide to all pick the same ring each year or maybe you'll each pick your own, or maybe you'll each pick one for one another. Whatever you decide, we hope you'll ring in the New Year fabulously.

See our fave rings for 2009 here!