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I have a confession. My favorite Christmas present came from Victoria’s Secret this year. And the best part wasn’t the gift itself—it was opening the package.

After tearing off the paper, I was pleased to see the dainty pink-and-cream-striped box. After carefully removing the lid, I folded back the tissue paper to the smell of utter bliss. Harps sounded as I raised the assortment of heavenly perfume, powder, and lotion into the light. And, for a moment I envisioned myself as one of the newest members of the Victoria’s Secret Angels.

Victoria’s Secret, the titan of lingerie companies, would appear to contradict everything my feminist generation has been raised to revere. After all, it was our generation that forced Mattel to change its image of Barbie and address her unrealistic proportions. Yet, it’s exactly my generation of feminists who is lining the pockets of Victoria’s Secret. Their famous catalogue circulates more than 368 million copies and they boast a nineteen percent share of the U.S. retail bra market.

Case in point, my feminist neighbor Sam feels Victoria’s Secret has inspired her to reach her full potential. Like Nicole Kidman’s bustier-donned character Satine in the hit movie-musical Moulin Rouge, Sam claims wearing underwear from Victoria’s Secret gives her confidence. She—who was previously known to burn her bra in protest of a patriarchal society—now straps on the laciest, the silkiest, and even rhinestone-studded bras!

Victoria’s Secret took to primetime last November with a fashion show on none other than Disney’s ABC network. As scantily clad Tyra Banks, Gisele Bundchen, and Heidi Klum made their way down the runways, I was tuned in watching along with my boyfriend, roommate, and millions of others. That night, as we relaxed to the sounds of Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige, it became obvious: Victoria’s Secret is all about pleasure and fantasy and, in a way, symbolizes society’s return to an appreciation of true femininity.

And, while Victoria’s Secret may be the frontrunner, this is certainly not a phenomenon confined to the top lingerie seller. Lacey tops are the rage according to a fashion column in a recent Glamour magazine. Pinks, bright blues, and fuscias have replaced the stoic black, gray, and dark brown make-up on the models in Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Femininity is back in a big way.

Even the political arena has gone soft. First Lady Laura Bush has graced the covers of numerous magazines in recent months, including People. According to a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, the American people find her more favorable than Hillary Clinton. It seems Laura’s pie-baking and lavender suits have outdone the black-pant-suit-wearing, “I don’t bake cookies,” feminist-icon. And is it any wonder why? As People put it, the First Lady is a “great source of comfort for her husband and the nation.” Recent events, including the tragedies that occurred on September 11, have made us stop and think.

In fact, there have been a record number of weddings over the past few months. And what is the American bride’s dress of choice? The fairy-tale princess gown, guaranteed to make you feel just like Cinderella on your special day.

So maybe I shouldn’t feel guilty about my “Secret” indulgence. The recent tragedies have inspired us all to soften our image and indulge ourselves more than what was previously considered politically correct.