We would normally say that we think Century 21 is a good place to shop for discounts, and discounted designer ties among those bargains. Or Hermès, definitely, for classy ties, distinguished ties. Ties that any knowing eye would recognize as readily as one recognizes an Hermès scarf. And what other destinations? Bergdorf Goodman's Men's Store for variety. Or Barneys for the colorful displays...so many ties, so few -- only 365 -- days to wear them.

What we like about Fogal can be summed up in three words: The Crayola Effect. There isn't a color of hosiery that this company does not fashion...well, at least they make well over 80 shades of black, white, and everything in between. We like to just click on the Web site and watch the Pantone-like parade of colors whisk by. And once you find your color, then you have to choose your hose style, from super sheer to opaque, from textured to shiny, to whatever. Unlike competitor Wohlford, which has a sort of dependably black palette, Fogal just hasn't met a color it doesn't like. And that's what we like. Because you never know when you'll need something to match a luteous green bridesmaid's dress -- or what if you land a job as a flight attendant on Austrian Air and need bright-red hose? Fogal's sure to be your new best friend. There are also some neat body suits and other intimate accessories for women, along with hose for men and cute stuff for kids. But still, we come back time and time again for that Grumbacher palette of hosiery. Dependable. Colorful. Textured styles, sleek styles. And a decent size range. What legs could ask for more? 515 Madison Ave. (near 53rd St.), 212-355-3254; www.fogal.com

We are nuts for stationery. In fact, one of our good friends, a stationer himself, calls us a "paper slut." We cannot help ourselves. We see fine writing paper, unusual letterhead, vellum with a textured hand, and we just have to have it. It's a darn good thing we still believe in writing letters -- proper thank-you notes, congratulatory letters, best-wishes epistles -- or all this paper we have accumulated over the years would render us a waiting-in-the-wings Collyer Sister. But we use it, we cherish it, we love it, and we mail it!

And so it's all the more reason that we adore Russell Sloane, makers of the finest writing papers and most wonderful letterset personalized stationery. If you have an unlimited budget, assuredly, whatever you order from them can exceed it! Sloane Madureira, half the team here, has a studio-art background from Pratt, while her husband and partner, Russell Maret, studied book arts with a renowned master. Together, they are a formidable pair and their work incorporates all manner of craftsman-like, unique details. Sloane excels at creating elaborate invitations, with many pieces, and she adores tracking down the just-right components of a multi-part mailing. Russell is the master printer and will perform his leger de main even on wood veneer.

Like so many things we adore, stationery from this duo isn't inexpensive, but then we are a firm believer in having your papers put forth the right image (people often see your papers before they meet you, you know) and you should spend, spend, spend for that image. Wedding invitations with many parts (maps, binders, and so on) can go up to $60 or more per piece, and more pedestrian, everyday (but equally gorgeous) social stationery (with a two-week turnaround) can cost $700 to $1,200 for a box of 200. With prices like that, you?ll find you really WANT to write notes to people, especially those who will truly appreciate not only getting a handwritten note, but will also revel in the paper itself. 336 W. 37th St., Suite 204; 212-539-0184; www.russellsloane.com

For all those "personal things" that go underneath the finished product, head uptown to Intimacy on Madison and 90th Street. Smashingly sexy (and supportive) bras, seductive undies, and everything else that is hidden under your jeans or jumper -- it's all here, in this cozy shop with the pretty peach walls. It's not just that the staff know how to fit a bra properly (and they should, considering that they carry bras with cup sizes ranging from A to JJ), but they know how to do it discreetly, politely, with care. (We especially like Evanny, who fit us for our latest little lacy something.) There are brand names here you know, like La Perla and Felina, but mostly there are fabulous European imports that you don't know, and that you won't see anyone else in, especially when you're at the gym changing into your sweats -- names like Lise Charmel, Prima Donna, Chantelle, and Aubade. And even better, these are brands that a certain someone (with a Y chromosome) hasn't seen yet, either. Nothing here comes cheap, but everything is oh-so-worth it. Forget those ancient ads, "Last night I dreamed I was a whatever in my Maidenform bra..." and actually be a whatever-you-want in the finery and fabulousness sold here. Intimacy, 1252 Madison Ave. at 90 St., 212-860-8366; www.myintimacy.com