It is a long fought rumour, sometimes true, that men (and some ladies) are useless when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I hopefully buck this trend every year with Mrs B by doing what we do all year round; little gifts, nice meals out and being in as love as can possibly be.

I do though, want all couples to be as happy as we are, falling out over something like Valentine’s Day is not what I want to see. So I took a little trip with Mrs B into Manchester’s Northern Quarter and  discovered a little shop full of wonders and treats for all couples to enjoy.

Kiku is one of those lovely shops you walk into and immediately gasp ‘Wow!’; the array of beautiful items on display cannot help but bring out happy enthusiasm. Mrs B’s face lit up and she immediately started looking around at all the pretty pieces on show. Kiku provide corsetry, lingerie, stockings and vintage clothes. As said by Lynn, who owns Kiku ‘as far flung from the onesie as can be’!

There are lots of things that can be bought ‘off the peg’ there are plenty of amazing items to choose from, to meet any budget, bras, knickers, a wide range of corsets and dresses. However, the real reason to go, the perfect Valentine’s gift, is the bespoke corsetry. Using anything from over 100 coloured silks, satins or any fabric or design you like, they can create a beautiful steel boned corset for any lady. Mrs B was invited to pick out a corset she liked to try on and to see how different a steel boned corset feels compared to the usual ones you buy on the high street.

This fantastic blue and white design, which at £380 is the most expensive in the shop (thanks Mrs B) suited her perfectly and Lynn showed how to lace it up correctly, how to really slim your waist down and get it fitting perfectly. If you have one made, it will be measured to your dress and waist size and just for your body. I can’t think of anything more personal looking so gorgeous. You can clearly see how much time and effort goes into making these, the quality is outstanding.

I would suggest, if you are thinking of getting one as a gift, to get an idea of colours your other half likes, find out her dress and chest size and give Lynn a visit. She will talk you through the process, but more than likely will suggest a consultation with the lady in question to make sure she is happy and that it will fit like a dream. BUT – if you really don’t have a clue where to begin then you can get your lovely lady a voucher for any amount and then send them down to hand pick their own ideas, perfect idea and much better than a box of rubbish chocolates and limp bunch of flowers!

We also looked at their best selling item, a black underbust corset, costing only £100, which you can see from the picture it will go with anything, can either be worn as an underwear piece or will go well on top of any dress or top, adding an extra dimension to an outfit.

A shopping trip for us wouldn’t be the same without a bargain, there’s currently a sale on for some items and Mrs B grabbed a very sexy What Katy Did bra and pair of Wild Rose knickers, for £30. If you get down before the end of January there is 15% off all What Katy Did items and 10% off everything else. I know we’ll be back to try on more amazing pieces and probably spend some money!

So, men, ladies, anybody with a beautiful partner, get down to Kiku and either pick your own design of let them do it while you sit back and just spend! You can find them also on Twitter and Facebook, say hello!