Treats & Toys That Boost Sexual Performance

Spanish fly. Rhinoceros horn. Phallic-looking foods. Throughout history, people have gone to a lot of trouble—not to mention putting their health in danger, in some cases—trying to find libido boosters to improve their sex lives. Today pleasure seekers have it easier because, as it turns out, the grocery store and a certain online adults only toy mecca - CalExotics® are the perfect places to find these decadent aphrodisiacs. Bonus: In addition to making sex a little steamier, nearly all these treats and toys have health benefits beyond the bedroom and then some!

1.Chocolate
This dark, delicious dessert has long been associated with indulgence, but that’s not the only reason chocolate puts you and your guy in a sensual mood. The treat contains caffeine, which helps perk you up and also boosts serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Chocolate brings on feelings of euphoria—like in the movie Chocolat. It’s a psycho-stimulant so it has an arousal effect. That’s because chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical with an amphetamine-like affect that temporarily mimics feelings of falling in love. In fact, a 2007 British study found that letting chocolate melt in your mouth is more stimulating and raised heart rates more than kissing. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is also loaded with antioxidants that improve circulation and lower cholesterol. Photo: iStockphoto

2. Pumpkin Pie
The next time you want to seduce a guy, bake a pumpkin pie. A study that measured blood flow south of the border in men ages 18 to 64 found that the scent of pumpkin pie rated the highest response—a 40 percent increase to be exact, according to Alan R. Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago and author of Scentsational Sex. Lavender rated equally high, while close runners-up included donuts and black licorice, which boosted blood flow to men’s nether regions by more than 31 percent. As surprising as it may seem, when it comes to sex, scent offers a greater libido lift than ingestion: Ninety percent of what people call taste is actually smell. The scent of these foods may reduce anxiety, which helps remove inhibitions. Photo: iStockphoto

3. Good & Plenty Candy
You probably won’t look at the candy counter at the movies the same way after reading this: Smelling Good & Plenty, the popular licorice-flavored candy, caused a 13 percent increase in vaginal blood flow, according to research. Why? He points out that the scent may trigger olfactory nostalgia, such as positive memories from childhood as well as feelings of security and safety—a state of mind that helps make sex more relaxing and enjoyable. Oddly enough, the smell of cherries had the opposite effect on women, causing an 18 percent reduction of vaginal blood flow (in other words, a real turn-off). Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.com

4. Oatmeal
You may not have heard of L-arginine, but this common amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide, a substance that enhances the arousal response,. Good food sources of L-arginine include oatmeal and granola as well as nuts, seeds, dairy, and seafood. So the next time you’re on a date at a romantic restaurant, suggest the pasta with pine nuts or salmon—sexy, mutually beneficial menu options such as these will ensure your evening ends on a high note! Photo: iStockphoto

5. Oysters
It’s a sensual experience to eat oysters, but these delicacies from the sea are aphrodisiacs for another reason too. Oysters are bursting with zinc, a mineral used in the production of testosterone (and sperm), which plays a role in fueling the sex drive of both men and women. American and Italian chemists who looked at oysters, mussels and clams found the shellfish were packed with rare amino acids that triggered increased levels of sex hormones in animals. What’s more, oysters contain taurine, an amino acid with a caffeine-like effect (it’s used in Red Bull) for alertness and physical endurance. Photo: iStockphoto

6. Fish
It may sound a bit fishy and not so sexy, but foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, wild salmon, halibut, and sardines as well as flaxseed, nuts and oils (think olive and soybean) can take your sex life from lukewarm to hot. Here’s how: Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of sex hormones in men and women and help fight the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thereby improving circulation and increasing sensation. Omega-3 fatty acids help with sexual response, by helping to raise dopamine levels in the brain that trigger arousal, They’re important for energy, memory, mood, and libido.Not a fan of fish? Try taking 1,000 milligrams (or 1 gram) of fish oil supplements daily and be sure the supplement includes the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Photo: iStockphoto

7. Seeds and Nuts
Like oysters, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts are rich in zinc, which help the body produce testosterone—and, in your man’s case, sperm. Added attraction: Nuts, including almonds, are also good sources of the aforementioned omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent plaque accumulation in the arteries and improve blood flow throughout the body (including to the genitals). What’s more, nuts and seeds are powerhouse foods, full of protein and healthy fats, which give you a boost of energy both in and out of the bedroom. Photo: iStockphoto

8. Garlic
Although you’d think garlic would ruin, rather than improve, your love-making sessions, it turns out that it contains allicin, an ingredient that increases circulation, including down south, which helps improve sensation. The action of finely chopping garlic releases allicin, so be sure to crush the garlic first and then add it to pasta sauce or garlic bread. The key to not getting knocked out by garlic breath? Level the playing field by eating a garlic-heavy meal with the object of your affection.Photo: iStockphoto

9. Avocados
The deep green fruit contains vitamin B6, which helps produce serotonin, the feel-good hormone, says Neville. Another bonus for you and your partner: Avocados are also loaded with vitamin E, which enhances circulation and is believed to stimulate the production of passion-stimulating testosterone. Research published in the journal Archives of Andrology showed that vitamin E helps improve semen quality and motility. Photo: iStockphoto

10. Couture Collection ® bliss
It has been said that bliss is best when it's shared, and the sexy fun of the CalExotics® Couture Collection ® bliss Bullet is just that. It won’t be a secret how much ecstatic pleasure this buzzing beauty gives you, have fun at home or play in public. Let your lover take control or give yourself titillating thrills with this risqué remote vibe from Lust to Love. Easily activate the bullet’s seven pulsing patterns and intensities with a simple button. It is nearly silent so you can have this treat anywhere!!! Experience the sensation of surprise and elation as you or someone else picks your pleasure. You may even cry out in ecstasy! A must to boost your sexual performance with or without a mate .... Photo: CalExotics®

SPOT ON !

Not since Sex and the City have we seen a television show shape the fashion zeitgeist with quite the reach as AMC’s Mad Men. For fall it's all about the suit, tweed, polka dots and a pencil skirt, designers and fans alike can not get enough of Mad Men’s proto-feminist heroines—Joan, Betty and Peggy—with their lady like style. We are here to tell you the fashion Gods have spoken - tis the season of 'The Lady'! This Fall play around with polka dots, cardigans, full skirts (think Mad Men 2010) for instant ladylike polish and what better way then to get your hands on the uber wallet friendly finds at a|Wear!

We are absolutely head over heels in love with the haute polka dot dress we scored on a|Wear - our one stop shop for trendy looks that won't break the bank! What we here at H&S love about this trend is the experimenting - how one can translate a ladylike look, ( from being demure to showing off a bit of décolleté all with class) and make it modern - and the pieces on a|Wear do just that!

So be a lady and show off your style literately with bookish to Grace Kelly like accessories, proper polka dots, and smart cover-ups for an oh so ladylike season!

We here at H&S are obsessed with French fashion designer and legend Sonia Rykiel whom is known the world over for creating knitwear in 1962 when she was unable to find soft sweaters to wear while pregnant. Her idea was a hit— actually genius! Rykiel gained immediate worldwide attention and was crowned “Queen of Knits” in 1970. Even today, her knitwear—typically in black and gray, splashes of color,embellishments and stripes—is Rykiel’s signature, though it’s not her only forte; the flame-haired designer also produces fabulous cocktail dresses and gowns, beautifully accented blouses and skirts, and elegant suiting. A legend in France and in the fashion world, the knitwear queen does not come cheap and since we don't have a Rykiel budget we shop for our embellished knitwear at our fave online boutique a|wear!

From uber haute knits to beautifully crafted dresses and blouses a|wear is a fashionista on a budget's dream when it comes to luxuriating in couture on a buck! Sonia Rykiel represents a certain idea of deluxe which is (in our books) connected to high prices. On the flip-side a|wear offers women the possibility of owning a beautiful piece of fashion without going bankrupt. Bravo a|wear ... bravo!

Fashion—it’s big business; it’s flashy tabloid fodder; it’s on television, on celebrities and online. It’s everywhere, a high-profile feeding frenzy of dos, don’ts, high, low, conservatism, outrage, teensy start-ups, public offerings, looking ahead and in the rearview mirror, ultimately with billions and billions of dollars at stake in an ever changing global marketplace. Yet for all of that, fashion is also a remarkably intimate industry, perhaps even bizarrely so, one that in many ways operates like an idiosyncratic little club. That characteristic is never more apparent than when it comes to the four-times-a-year ritual of the major-city collections. Each season we see an array of looks, trends and sometimes bizarre offerings we mere mortals are to don. There are some classics such as polos, denim, a red gown and believe it or not prints - polka dots being one of them. This season we are all about the polka dot and we've found a extremely cute offering from none other then A|wear - a fashion gal on a budget's dream online boutique that offers everything from boho chic to romanticism to yes our current polka dot obsession at wallet friendly prices.

Whether sleek or girly, sophisticated or quirky, patterns and prints heighten the season’s chic in a big way. With A|wear's uber cute polka dot dress you will sure to turn heads... so what are you waiting for!

Everything’s coming up roses—not to mention daisies, daffodils, lilacs and peonies. During the spring collections, designers proved themselves to be an optimistic bunch, blanketing the runways in all sorts of floral flourishes. And no two catwalk wares were the same; the printed offerings ranged from Seventies flower child to sculpted power babe. Even Monet received a nod or two in arty watercolor renditions. The nature inspirations didn’t stop with the clothes— accessories also got a bloom boost. Perplexed on how you will parlay the runway to everyday life? We have the solution and it's A|wear's beautiful confection of floral dresses that will satisfy your haute couture cravings with it's amazing wallet friendly prices!

What we adore about A|wear's range of floral dresses is the versatility - you can go from day to night; work to play all in one frock! The possibilities are endless add the amazing prices that only A|wear offers for it's stellar designs and you're set to turn heads in no time!

So go ahead and get this season’s (garden) party started with the beautiful floral collection at A|wear.com !

To see all the floral designs check out www.awear.com

PIN UP GIRLS

PINUP GIRLS from V Magazine on Vimeo.

Haute Summer Sexy Accessories

The body turns electric with sensuous, strategically placed accessories this summer so ladies the next time you want to turn your paramour on take a cue from this uber sexy pics!

Cashmere jacket, $3,800, wool scarf, $790, both, Bottega Veneta, at Bottega Veneta Boutique nationwide. Coral and diamond necklace, from Fred Leighton, NYC, price upon request. Diamond and sapphire bracelet, circa 1960s, Cartier, price upon request. Pavé-diamond-case watch, Sri Lankan sapphire ring with diamonds, both, Van Cleef & Arpels, prices upon request. Lapis and mother-of-pearl bangle, from Beladora, Beverly Hills, $3,650. Floral-trim pumps, Nina Ricci, $1,295. Mongolian lamb rug, J. Mendel, price upon request.

Sequined crepe dress, Dior, price upon request. Pink-mink-trimmed silk jacket with fox-fur cuffs, Nina Ricci, price upon request, in other colors at select Neiman Marcus stores nationwide. Tourmaline bead necklace with sapphires and diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels, price upon request. Sapphire ring with emeralds and diamonds, Bulgari, price upon request. Crystal clutch, Yves Saint Laurent, price upon request. Textured leather case, Louis Vuitton, price upon request. Green Mongolian lamb throw, Helen Yarmak, price upon request. Mongolian lamb rug, J. Mendel, price upon request.

Grecian gown, Donna Karan New York, $3,495. Platinum and diamond necklace, Bulgari Vintage Collection, circa 1935. Diamond and aquamarine necklace with turquoise beads and chrysoprase, diamond-case watch with mother-of-pearl dial, both, Van Cleef & Arpels, prices upon request. Oval-cut spessartite garnet ring, Bulgari, price upon request. Textured leather case, Louis Vuitton, price upon request. Pavé crystal and satin box clutch, Daniel Swarovski, $4,600. Mongolian lamb throw, Helen Yarmak, price upon request. Blue fox throw, Adrienne Landau, $2,475.

Wool knit sweaterdress, Miu Miu, $1,640, at select Miu Miu Boutique nationwide. Lace panty, Eres, $160. Printed lambskin bag, $3,373, embroidered felt boots, price upon request, both, Chanel. Vintage gold owl pendant necklace, vintage zodiac pendant necklace, both, from Robin Katz Vintage Jewels, prices upon request. Gold bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels, price upon request. Green onyx and blue enamel ring, from Beladora, Beverly Hills, $995. Wool and cashmere blanket, Hermès, $2,625. Finnish fox blanket, The Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue, price upon request.

So tell us how will you accessorize?

Here’s Meredith’s look from head-to-toe, along with the pieces from the new collection.

Last week, I attended a small gathering at lingerie wonderland Kiki de Montparnasse for a showing of the new capsule collection by jewelry line Made Her Think. The sexy, edgy, darkly glamorous line (including double-band chain rings, double-band bracelets, and pyramid totem necklaces) will be sold exclusively at the Greene Street boutique in New York City. The wildly chic designer, Meredith Kahn, chose to wear a custom William Calvert gown paired with cream Christian Louboutin stilettos (I love the way the light color of the shoes plays down the dramatic look of the gown). Most striking was her layered jewelry, from chunky costume bracelets piled high on the wrist, to her double-band chain ring, a favorite of Angelina Jolie.