Valentine's day...share the love!

This Valentine's Day, share the LOVE! There are plenty of different ways to celebrate and show others that you care. Be creative and add your own personal touch. And of course, have the right outfits for wherever the day takes you!

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Invite some friends over for brunch. Have each person bring their favorite dish along with printed copies of the recipe. Serve up a delicious Cava Cocktail while you set up the food. Ask each friend to bring the movie, game or music they love. Spend time on each and make everyone happy! If the group wants to go out, check out a local museum or movie. For those in search of cupid's arrow, check out a local singles party! If your in New Haven, stop in Stella Blues Bar.

What To Wear: A romantic blouse or sweater paired up with a comfortable jean. A look that will be alluring but not over done! Perfect for the soiree at home and then for the night out. Check out some ideas from Anthropologie.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER...

Start the day with a fun and flirty activity. Ice skating if your feeling active or check out a museum exhibit or matinee. Take a culinary adventure in your own city or town. Stroll into gourmet food and cheese shops, exotic spice markets and local bakeries. Each of you picking out a few new things to try. Bring all your ingredients back home, uncork a great bottle of wine, light some candles and prepare your romantic dinner together! For a thoughtful gift, make your sweetie a cd with a mix of some of your favorite love songs to play while you cook. Barry White is a given!

What to wear- DAY: A romantic outfit from Ann Taylor.

Night:

For a romantic evening look, try this ruffled dress from Anthropologie and layer with a blazer. How you finish the night is up to you! Just know that there's still time to stop off and get some amazing lingerie from Beneath The Gown in Clinton, featured above. And forget about the heart shaped box of chocolates from the grocery store! Instead treat each other to fresh strawberries and dipping chocolate and serve with some prosecco for a romantic dessert.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR FAMILY

Plan a day of fun! First, scratch the store bought greeting cards this year and create a special valentine for your kids, siblings or parents. Upload pictures into Picasa and create a collage of your favorite photos. Print your collage and either fold into a card or roll up and tie with a pretty pink or red ribbon. Next, let the family get involved with dinner. Serve up some homemade heart shaped pizzas. Buy some store made dough, pizza sauce and chop up a variety of toppings. Throw all your family names into a bag and each will pull a name to prepare a pizza for. Now that's amore! Spend the rest of the day looking at old family photos, playing board games or a group game on the Wii! For dessert, homemade white hot chocolate, graham crackers and fruit.

What to wear: You'll be cozy at home for the day, but you can still look and feel great! This is a comfortable and chic layered look from BCBG. The pink and red striped top under your basic black wrap or cardigan adds a perfect pop of color. Pair with leggings or a comfortable ponte pant and your ready for the day ahead!

Need help with your Valentine's Day outfit? Email or call me for a last minute consultation! Need a great gift idea...consider a Chica Guapa gift certificate!

Much love,

Alicia