"SEXY." The capital letters blared at me from the window of Victoria's Secret in Pioneer Place here in Portland. Next to the clean lovely windows of the Apple store, I felt I almost had to shield my eyes, to protect me from the glare. The mannequin dressed in a red bustier seemed more Elvira than Rebecca Romijn, the sweet face of Victoria's Secret when I was a loyal customer in my early 20s.I'm not the only one turned off by the company's recent focus on sexy above all else. In rather shocking statements during this morning's Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE: LTD) analyst call, Victoria's Secret CEO Sharen Turney said the company has "gotten too much off our heritage" and was "too sexy," no longer the ideal "ultra-feminine."
With black lacquer and shocking pink decor, the "s" word thrown around like neon signs in a red-light district, and rather unsubtle displays, this isn't my mother's Victoria's Secret.
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Model Heidi Klum during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com.. Germany +49-40-320-05521 / Japan: +81-3-5464-7020.+1 212-686-8901 (fax). www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Model Adriana Lima during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147229), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Model during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147228), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Model during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147227), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Model during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147220), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Spice Girls perform during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147110), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Spice Girls perform during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147109), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Musician will.i.am during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147108), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Singer Seal performs during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15147063), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Model Izabel Goulart during the 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Kodak Theater on November 15, 2007 in Los Angeles..12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Show.Kodak Theatre.Hollywood, CA United States.November 15, 2007.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15146171), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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The American Music Awards
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Singer Mary J. Blige performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Singer Mary J. Blige performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Singer Mary J. Blige performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Singer Daughtry performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Singer Daughtry performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Jonas Brothers singer Joe Jonas performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Singers T-Pain (L) and Chris Brown pose at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Jonas Brothers singer Joe Jonas performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Jonas Brothers singer Joe Jonas performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 16: Jonas Brothers guitarist Kevin Jonas performs at rehearsals for the 2007 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater on November 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Snapshots of Christina
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Christina Aguilera and husband Jordan Bratman leave the nationwide launch of Rock The Vote 2008 held at Kitson on November 13, 2007, in Beverly Hills California. (Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images)
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CAROLINE D'AMORE arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134898), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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CAROLINE D'AMORE arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134891), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
CAROLINE D'AMORE arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134890), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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DJ Samantha Ronson arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134823), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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DJ Samantha Ronson arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134822), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
DJ Samantha Ronson arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134821), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actress Tia Mowry arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134804), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
Actress Tia Mowry arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134803), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actress Tia Mowry arrives to the Rock the Vote event at Kitson on November 13, 2007 in West Hollywood, California..Rock the Vote Hosted by Christina Aguilera.Los Angeles, CA United States.November 13, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (15134802), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Where Ya' Ben?
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Ben Affleck talks to Santa at a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Rachel Bilson hosts a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Rachel Bilson hosts a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Ben Affleck hosts a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Rachel Bilson and Ben Affleck talk to Santa at a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Rachel Bilson and Ben Affleck talk to Santa at a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Ben Affleck hosts a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Ben Affleck hosts a Cartier holiday celebration to benefit The Art of Elysium at the Cartier Mansion on November 14, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 8: Screenwriter/actor/director Ben Affleck participates in the Hollywood Reporter Writer's Roundtable at the Hollywood Reporter's offices November 8, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 8: Screenwriter/actor/director Ben Affleck participates in the Hollywood Reporter Writer's Roundtable at the Hollywood Reporter's offices November 8, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
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George Clooney Snapshots
** FILE ** Actor Matt Damon arrives to the premiere of "The Bourne Ultimatum" in Los Angeles, in this, July 25, 2007, file photo. Damon has been named the "sexiest man alive" by People magazine, an honor that has been bestowed twice on his pals George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The 37-year-old actor is featured on the cover of People's annual issue, on newsstands Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. Damon, who is married to Luciana Bozan, said the honor came as a surprise. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Writer/director Tony Gilroy, actress Tilda Swinton, producer Steve Samuels, producer Jennifer Fox, actor Austin Williams, actor George Clooney and guests attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actor George Clooney attends the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on eptember 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Writer/director Tony Gilroy, actress Tilda Swinton and actor George Clooney attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Tilda Swinton and actor George Clooney attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Tilda Swinton and actor George Clooney attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Tilda Swinton and actor George Clooney attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Tilda Swinton and actor George Clooney attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Tilda Swinton and actor George Clooney attend the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on September 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actor George Clooney attends the "Michael Clayton" premiere at The Ziegfeld on eptember 24, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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Beyonce on the Town
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 10: Singer Beyonce Knowles greets fans at the Hyundai Department store on November 10, 2007, in Seoul, South Korea. Knowles is scheduled to play her first concerts in Korea on November 9 and 10 as part of her B'Day World Tour. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 10: Singer Beyonce Knowles greets fans at the Hyundai Department store on November 10, 2007, in Seoul, South Korea. Knowles is scheduled to play her first concerts in Korea on November 9 and 10 as part of her B'Day World Tour. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
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U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles performs during her concert in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007.(AP Photo/Yonhap) **KOREA OUT**
AP
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles performs during her concert in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007.(AP Photo/Yonhap) **KOREA OUT**
AP
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles smiles upon her arrival at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007. Beyonce will perform Saturday in Seoul.(AP Photo/Yonhap, Hwang Kwang-mo) **KOREA OUT**
AP
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles waves upon her arrival at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007. Beyonce will perform Saturday in Seoul. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Hwang Kwang-mo) **KOREA OUT**
AP
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles poses for photographers in front of her picture upon her arrival at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul November 8, 2007. Multi-Grammy award winner Knowles will stage a concert in Seoul on November 9-10. REUTERS/Han Jae-Ho (SOUTH KOREA)
Reuters
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles smiles in front of her picture upon her arrival at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul November 8, 2007. Multi-Grammy award winner Knowles will stage a concert in Seoul on November 9-10. REUTERS/Han Jae-Ho (SOUTH KOREA)
Reuters
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles waves as she arrives at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul November 8, 2007. Multi-Grammy award winner Knowles will stage a concert in Seoul on November 9-10. REUTERS/Han Jae-Ho (SOUTH KOREA)
Reuters
U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles is welcomed by a South Korean girl upon her arrival at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul November 8, 2007. Multi-Grammy award winner Knowles will stage a concert in Seoul on November 9-10. REUTERS/Han Jae-Ho (SOUTH KOREA)
Reuters
Out and About in Hollywood
Actress Jessica Alba (R) and boyfriend Cash Warren watch the Toronto Raptors and Golden Sate Warriors play their NBA basketball game in Toronto, November 18, 2007. REUTERS/Peter Jones (CANADA)
Reuters
British actor Michael Caine poses for photographs with his wife Shakira Caine as they arrive for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a West End cinema in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
British actor Michael Caine gives a television interview upon his arrival for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a West End cinema in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
In this photo provided by Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, celebrities meet with Barbra Streisand following her private performance for the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Pictured, back row left to right, Sylvester Stallone, James Brolin, Tracey Edmonds, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Spacey, Ashton Kutcher. Front row left to right, Rhea Perman, Danny DeVito, Barbra Streisand, and Demi Moore. (AP Photo/Albert Ferreira, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino)
AP
British actor Jude Law gives a television interview as he arrives for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a West End cinema in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
British actor Jude Law gives a television interview as he arrives for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a West End cinema in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
British actor Jude Law gives a television interview as he arrives for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a West End cinema in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
British actor Jude Law is surrounded by umbrellas as he gives a television interview upon his arrival for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a cinema in the West End of London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
British actor Jude Law gives a television interview as he arrives for the UK premiere of his film Sleuth at a West End cinema in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
British actor Jude Law gives a television interview as he arrives for the UK premiere of his film 'Sleuth' in London, Sunday Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AP
Katherine Heigl on the Town
Paris Hilton Snapshots
Paris Hilton unveils her new fragrance "CAN CAN Paris Hilton" inspired by the Wild, wonderful world of Moulin Rouge in Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, Nov.14, 2007. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
AP
Socialite Paris Hilton unveils her new fragrance "CAN CAN Paris Hilton" inspired by the Wild, wonderful world of Moulin Rouge in Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
AP
Paris Hilton unveils her new fragrance "CAN CAN Paris Hilton" inspired by the Wild, wonderful world of Moulin Rouge in Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, Nov.14, 2007. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
AP
Paris Hilton unveils her new fragrance "CAN CAN Paris Hilton" inspired by the Wild, wonderful world of Moulin Rouge in Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
AP
Paris Hilton unveils her new fragrance "CAN CAN Paris Hilton" inspired by the Wild, wonderful world of Moulin Rouge in Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)
AP
GARDEN CITY, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Socialite Paris Hilton poses on stage at an event promoting her new fragrance "CAN CAN" at Macy's Roosevelt Field November 13, 2007 in Garden City, New York. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images)
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GARDEN CITY, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Socialite Paris Hilton poses on stage at an event promoting her new fragrance "CAN CAN" at Macy's Roosevelt Field November 13, 2007 in Garden City, New York. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images)
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GARDEN CITY, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Socialite Paris Hilton poses on stage at an event promoting her new fragrance "CAN CAN" at Macy's Roosevelt Field November 13, 2007 in Garden City, New York. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images)
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GARDEN CITY, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Socialite Paris Hilton poses on stage at an event promoting her new fragrance "CAN CAN" at Macy's Roosevelt Field November 13, 2007 in Garden City, New York. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images)
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GARDEN CITY, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Socialite Paris Hilton poses on stage at an event promoting her new fragrance "CAN CAN" at Macy's Roosevelt Field November 13, 2007 in Garden City, New York. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images)
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'Heroes' on the Town
Actors from NBC TV series (L-R) Melora Hardin of "The Office," Zachary Levi of "Chuck," Deidre Hall of "Days of Our Lives," and Greg Grunberg of "Heroes" pose as they arrive at Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
REFILE - CORRECTING SPELLING OF LAST NAME....Actress Hayden Panettiere, star of the TV series "Heroes," poses as she arrives for the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
REFILE - CORRECTING SPELLING OF LAST NAME.....Actress Hayden Panettiere, star of the TV series "Heroes," poses as she arrives for the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Actress Hayden Panettiere, star of the TV series "Heroes", poses as she arrives at the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Jeff Zucker (C), president and CEO of NBC Universal, poses with actors Greg Grunberg (L), star of the TV series "Heroes" and Zachary Levi, star of the TV series "Chuck", at the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Actors Masi Oka (L) and Noah Gray-Cabey, stars of the TV series "Heroes", pose as they arrive for the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Actor Masi Oka, star of the TV series "Heroes", poses as he arrives for the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Actors Masi Oka (L) and Milo Ventimiglia, stars of the TV series "Heroes", pose as they arrive for the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles Gala honoring NBC's Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol in Los Angeles November 12, 2007. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Kiefer Sutherland Snapshots
This undated handout image provided by FOX shows actor Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer in a scene from "24" episode "Day 6. Hollywood has made TV shows and movies about suitcase nuclear devices. Even the Federal Emergency Management Agency has alerted Americans of the threat _ information that the White House redistributes on its web site. But government experts and intelligence officials say such a threat gets vastly more attention than it deserves. (AP Photo/FOX, Kelsey McNeal)
AP
** FILE ** Actor Kiefer Sutherland, who plays Jack Bauer on Fox TV's "24" arrives at the Fox Fall Eco-Casino party in Los Angeles on in this Sept. 24, 2007, file photo. The planned January return of Fox's "24" has been postponed indefinitely because of the writers strike. Since only some of the series' 24 episodes have been shot, Fox didn't want to risk beginning a new season that might be interrupted. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)
AP
* EXCLUSIVE * .Kiefer Sutherland and ACTRA's Richard Hardacre at a reception honoring actor Kiefer Sutherland with the ACTRA Award of Excellence award at the residence of the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Kiefer Sutherland receives the ACTRA Award of Excellence.Canadian Consulate residence.Los Angeles, California United States.September 25, 2007.Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage.com..To license this image (14867487), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
* EXCLUSIVE * .Kiefer Sutherland at a reception honoring actor Kiefer Sutherland with the ACTRA Award of Excellence award at the residence of the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Kiefer Sutherland receives the ACTRA Award of Excellence.Canadian Consulate residence.Los Angeles, California United States.September 25, 2007.Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage.com..To license this image (14867601), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
* EXCLUSIVE * .Kiefer Sutherland and Leslie Hope at a reception honoring actor Kiefer Sutherland with the ACTRA Award of Excellence award at the residence of the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Kiefer Sutherland receives the ACTRA Award of Excellence.Canadian Consulate residence.Los Angeles, California United States.September 25, 2007.Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage.com..To license this image (14867594), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
* EXCLUSIVE * .Kiefer Sutherland at a reception honoring actor Kiefer Sutherland with the ACTRA Award of Excellence award at the residence of the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Kiefer Sutherland receives the ACTRA Award of Excellence.Canadian Consulate residence.Los Angeles, California United States.September 25, 2007.Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage.com..To license this image (14867497), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
* EXCLUSIVE * .Kiefer Sutherland at a reception honoring actor Kiefer Sutherland with the ACTRA Award of Excellence award at the residence of the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Kiefer Sutherland receives the ACTRA Award of Excellence.Canadian Consulate residence.Los Angeles, California United States.September 25, 2007.Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage.com..To license this image (14867493), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
* EXCLUSIVE * .Kiefer Sutherland at a reception honoring actor Kiefer Sutherland with the ACTRA Award of Excellence award at the residence of the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles on September 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Kiefer Sutherland receives the ACTRA Award of Excellence.Canadian Consulate residence.Los Angeles, CA USA.September 25, 2007.Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage.com..To license this image (14867314), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 16: (FILE PHOTO) Actor Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Sutherland was arrested early morning for a misdemeanor drunk driving charge September 25 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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Actor Kiefer Sutherland and Actress Ali Larter during the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Show.Shrine Festival.Los Angeles , CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (14816255), contact WireImage:.U.S. +1-212-686-8900 www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Miley Cyrus Snapshots
** FILE ** Singer Miley Cyrus, who stars as "Hannah Montana" performs on stage during ABC's "Good Morning America" summer concert series in New York, in this June 22, 2007, file photo. Jody Powell, 35, hung on to a 12-foot statue of Hannah Montana for the better part of six days to win tickets to a sold-out concert by the Disney Channel star next week in Tampa. "I'm ecstatic. It's like a dream come true," said Powell, holding four tickets to the show and a photo of his fiancee with her 7-year-old daughter, coincidentally named Hannah, who had warned him not to come home without them. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen, file)
AP
** FILE ** Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Us Weekly Hot Hollywood party in Los Angeles in this, Sept, 26 , 2007, file photo. Thousands of "Hannah Montana" fans who couldn't get concert tickets are suing the teen performer's fan club over memberships they claim were supposed to give them priority for seats. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a New Jersey woman and anyone else who joined the Miley Cyrus Fan Club based on its promise that joining would make it easier to get concert tickets from the teen star's Web site. Cyrus, 14, is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and star of the Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" TV show. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, file)
AP
Mileyworld Girl Rebecca Mines, bottom right, holds the microphone while fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," sing karaoke as they participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
Actress Madison Pettis of The Disney Channel's series "Cory in the House" waves while singing with the crowd as fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
Actress Madison Pettis of The Disney Channel's series "Cory in the House" talks to the crowd as fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
Young fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," wave to a television news camera as they participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
Eight year old Samantha Mahurin celebrates after spinning a prize wheel to win a "Hannah Montana" singing toothbrush and a Miley Cyrus autographed photo, as fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
Fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
Lilli Keeve, 11, of Culvery City, Calif, has temporary tattoos applied to her cheeks as fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
MileyWorld girls pose for a photo as fans of Miley Cyrus, star of The Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," participate in the Ultimate Miley Party Bus Tour 2007, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP
It's not even my Victoria's Secret -- I remember all my friends in high school would save their allowance to afford their girly satin floral underwear and romantic pajamas. Turney plans to change all that, emphasizing seductive over sexy, remodeling and enlarging stores, and "continuing to reinvent" the annual fashion show.
Will the return to girl-next-door and banishment of lady-of-the-night mean a change in Limited Brands' profitability? I think it has potential, although the cost might be more than I'm comfortable with. Standard & Poor's is threatening to reduce the company's debt ratings to "junk" status, and the stock has been on a steady downward trend. It closed today at $15.85, down $1.97, or 11.05%, within striking distance of its 52-week low of $14.82 on January 11.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 28)
2-28-2008 @ 3:29PM
One Minute MBA said...
The stock has taken a beating indeed. After weighing the pros and cons of perfect competition, I'm beginning to question the advantages of having own business paradigm change by the Victoria Secret management.
2-28-2008 @ 9:53PM
Melissa said...
I have no problem with Victoria's Secret's "Sexy" new image but has anyone noticed that they carry very little in the way of actual "lingerie in the stores now? You have to buy it from the catalog and to be honest it's not easy to buy lingerie that way, you kind of need to have it in front of you or to be able to try it on. I'm 27 and my mother's Victoria's Secret had tons of lingerie but now it's panties, bras and flashy cotton pajamas. Even when I was 20 or 21 I could go in there and find lots of nice things but not anymore. They hardly even have any more Chemise nightgowns or silk robes. Apparently the days are gone when you could go there and pick out something to surprise your husband with on the spur of the moment. They have a few things but the selection is very limited. They can get as sexy as they like there, it doesn't bother me so long as they don't get trashy like Fredericks of Hollywood but I wish they'd carry more in the way of teddy's, nighties and such. They've lost a lot of my business just because of my distaste for buying lingerie from a catalog.
2-28-2008 @ 10:02PM
nancy said...
I work for Victoria Secret, they sell many items of different kinds, including nice Beauty products. I myself shop there along other places. If someone takes offense to the store of what they advertise then perhaps you need to shop elsewhere. There is nothing too sexy any of the sort. It's a personal preference in which everyone wants. We have people come into our store just for Bras. not just lingere.
2-28-2008 @ 10:04PM
bridge said...
trouble with victoria secrets is that they are totally overpriced.
2-28-2008 @ 10:06PM
sexybody said...
That is the problem...if most of the girls /ladies would take care of there diet then they coild wear old long johns and be sexy....I see in VS shoping some really fat woman that need something to turn on there guys or girls...I am 34 and have a 34b 22 34 body and my botfriend goes nuts even when I wear his underwear....wise up all you fatties and lose weight nad save money on this Made In China, Indonesia etc crap....
2-28-2008 @ 10:14PM
Kaley said...
I worked at VS for 6 years in the mid-nineties. Back then, they still had the "classy" look, sold quality merchandise, and had a great selection. They had 10-15 styles of bras at any given time in the store - lace, satin, microfiber etc..- not just the one style they seem to have now. They had a lot of different panty choices, and had the best PJ's, robes and bridal selection. During the holidays, we were mobbed with people for their flannel and thermal PJ's, miracle bras (which they have completely changed and are no where near what they used to be), and all the "specialty" silk lingerie and PJ's. Now, their prices are A LOT higher (no more 2 bras for $40), their quality has gone down a lot, and you can not find hardly any silk, or comfy, PJ's either in the store or the catalog. The store seems to have forgotten its roots, and cater to the tween and young adult crowd. I have not shopped there for 7 or 8 years - the stores are a turn off, the sales people are teenagers with no idea on service, the prices are double to triple what they used to be, and the quality is shot. Maybe they should start to re-introduce some of what made them popular to begin with. And, I still can not believe they discontinued "Victoria" perfume - they are trying to compete with Sephora in the beauty department, and changing the formula that made them popular.
I will not even consider shopping there anymore, and most of my friends that LOVED "Vicky's" feel the same.
2-28-2008 @ 10:15PM
Poopsie said...
This is the problem. Victoria's advertising sex and lust and promiscuity, not lingerie. Look at the advertisement that aired during the Super Bowl. The gal had on a two piece set that was not too revealing but the message was not to buy at their store but rather seling sex: "Let the Real games begin". No mention of their product at all, just pure encouragement that sex was the real game to play. THAT is what pisses me off. That and the fact that I sit in front of my TV with my husband, having a family time together and lo and behold there it is: A screen of young Victoria Secret girls in their "barely there" lingerie flashing their boobs and asses and lookinginto the camera wth sensual "come on" looks. I am sick to death of the promotion of sex and lust and openly showing young womens bodies on a screen that come into my home. A screen that I paid for and I have no control over it. I cannot even watch a family station anymore without having to change the channel when a commerical comes on just to keep the moment clean. Just sick of it!
2-28-2008 @ 10:18PM
kk said...
Gretchen Wilson said it the best in her song. She said "Victoria Secret, that stuffs real nice
Oh, but I can buy the same dang thing
On a walmart shelf half price
And still look sexy
Just as Sexy as those models on tv
Oh i don't need no designer tag
to make my man want me"
2-28-2008 @ 10:18PM
Tricia said...
The problem is the Pink printed all over the clothes pajamas and the dog everywhere, much too childish for a mature sexy woman. Pretty and feminine works better for us , keep the sexy label on the beauty products like perfume and hair products where it is about attitude and adding to your style but not so obvious. Over 29 and wearing a sexy or pink label looks a bit desperate or trashy.
2-28-2008 @ 10:19PM
Robert said...
Sexybody. Your post is worthless without pics! Lay em on me...please.
myspace.com/anotherblackseason
2-28-2008 @ 10:21PM
Ricky P said...
Both my ex wife and present wife would show me things in the womans cloting departments and hold up something and ask me "What do you think?" since I often help pick out such things as undergarments etc...! Besides, I'm the one who has to look at her in them! I do how ever prefer a little "something to be left to the imagination" so to say when seing other women in such things as bathing suits etc...! I like unwrapping my own packages! :)
2-28-2008 @ 10:29PM
Jane said...
I liked the old Victoria's secret. I agree that it was great to buy sexy nightgowns and silky robes that you could try on. It is just sensationalism now.
2-28-2008 @ 10:29PM
Hotstuff Hollie Dunaway said...
I think Victoria Secret markets great by the sexy advertisements. They market to every single woman on earth who wants to feel sexy even if they are only wearing a sexy bra no one can see. www.hotstuffhollie.com
2-28-2008 @ 10:31PM
UhhhmmmWhatever said...
Its about time. When I was a kid, which was only one generation ago, noone even said "sexy" since the pursuit of it was not something that was discussed in public. Now the soulless money grubbers on Madison Avenue have decided everything ... cars, cell phones, tv's, etc. has to be "sexy" to sell. Its just ridiculous and pathetic.
2-28-2008 @ 10:32PM
Richard said...
Melissa Who in their right mind would buy underwear that you had tried on?? That is a health hazard, do the store owners know you try on their product and then they sell it to someone else ?? That is disgusting.
2-28-2008 @ 10:32PM
Mea said...
I went in Victoria's Secret this week looking for a sexy, sheer lace bra. about all they had were padded, push-up bras. I don't need padded OR pushup. Their prices were ridiculous. I am not paying $46 for one bra. I have a beautiful black silk nightgown that my husband bought for me at VS years ago, but they didn't have anything like that anymore.
2-28-2008 @ 10:35PM
sven said...
It is nice for a man of any age to see his woman in nice undies at home. As a European this side of the ocean is funny in any way, you have wet T-shirt contests, body shots and plenty of kinky games. You hop in bed with any one almost on the spot but then, when it comes to being nude you freek out. No I am no teen I am 52 and well seasoned. And my new wife (second) is my age and of color. We both love to be dressed nice for each other and I have no problem to go with her to pick stuff at lingerie stores when she is in a mood to look for new under wear.
VC is not offensive but as one lady earlier mentioned they are getting slim in their stores with goods on the shelves and as a designer I would sugest they stay here more in a "closed door" mode with a nice outside decore and windows no one can look in and skip the sexy mannequins.
The US is to prude and ried up for such an approach so sad!
Have a look in Paris, Rome or Venice and get a heart attack!
2-28-2008 @ 10:41PM
Richard said...
Women are so shallow, if you concentrated more on having a good mind instead of worrying about how your underware looks more men would find you exciting. Nothing less attractive than an airhead women who can't go by a mirror without looking at her reflection.
2-28-2008 @ 10:41PM
Jodi said...
I am a faithful Victoria Secrets customer and I believe they have something to offer for women of all ages! if what you saw was "too sexy" for you then try their angles collection or the body collection. If you are totally turned off to their products then here's an idea SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE!
2-28-2008 @ 10:42PM
Tricia said...
WHY do women keep taking this kind of crap. It is NOT OK to wear this stuff on TV and in storefronts. I can't even turn on the TV anymore without some sleazy woman thrusting her silicone boobs in me and my kid's faces. Why aren't women stronger and refusing to support businesses like this that make women look like nothing more than cheap prostitutes.