February is here and I hope everyone is keeping warm and fabulous!! Which also means Valentine’s Day is approaching. I must confess this is one of my least favorite holidays for many reasons. First of all you start seeing the teddy bears and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates the very next day after Christmas which I believe is a little premature but hey I guess some people like to shop early?
Then all of the couples packages start appearing at your favorite restaurants which can be a little irritating if you are single and do not have a Valentine. But most of all, while I’m out shopping I start to see the plethora of over the top lacy frilly lingerie, t-shirts with the his and hers stamped on the front, and worst of all the boxer shorts that they make this time of year for your significant other. You know the ones with Snoopy holding a heart perhaps? Yuck!! Hey, maybe it’s just me but I find these things very tacky. I have always been a firm believer in expressing your love year-round not just on February 14th. But for those who do love Valentine’s Day (hey I’m not judging), I can offer a few tips on what to wear on your big night out ( or night in). Of course you already know what I’m going to say, something red!!
The eternal color of passion, but let’s stick to a nice cocktail dress or maybe one Scarlet piece thrown in to your ensemble. You can even wear a sexy pair of red stilettos or a just a nice shade of red lipstick with matching nail and toe polish. Whatever makes you feel romantic or sexy is all that matters!
You do not have to be built like a Victoria’s Secret model to indulge in some sexy lingerie.I suggest definitely to go and try things on to see which styles are flattering for your personal physique instead of buying them online which can be a total disaster. There are tons of choices out here to flatter all shapes and sizes, but the key is wearing whatever you choose with confidence.
Not the garter and thigh-high type? Usually a simple silk robe will do the trick and can be just as sexy. Just please promise me you’ll skip the turtle necks with the little hearts all over them! This is a great look if you’re a schoolteacher or toddler, but not for everyone else!!
Valentine’s Day actually happens to fall right in the middle of the other big event in February: New York Fashion Week ! Yes, from February 9th – 17th New York City becomes one big Runway! Everywhere you go you see people dressed to the nines rushing to and from events and fashion shows. It’s almost impossible to get an Uber and there are cameras everywhere! But how exciting it is!
I get such a rush when I am invited to experience firsthand the beauty and craftsmanship of some of the world’s top designers live, it’s almost like a dream come true, as I used to watch the shows on television and only read about them in Vogue magazine.
For those of you who have never had this experience I’m going to give you a glimpse into what it’s really like. First and foremost you have to be invited and yes, there is a list. It does not matter who you are, they will turn away the Queen of England if she is not on it! Once inside There are usually designated seats and of course the front row is reserved for celebrities, the designers major supporters, and the fashion elite such as Anna Wintour and other notorious fashionistas.
The second and third rows are usually for buyers and other important people in the industry. At the end of the runway, piled up like a cheerleading squad, are the photographers waiting for the first model to come out. Then it’s lights, camera, action as they flow effortlessly down the runway to some super eclectic music. The designer steps out to take a bow and then all 15 minutes of this production is done. BOOM…everyone empties out and scurries to the next show.
Did I mention the fabulous gift bags? I know you’re thinking all of that for 15 minutes? Yes! it’s true that people plan for months just to get into a show that is over just as soon as it started. I can only compare it to waiting two hours in line for a roller coaster ride that lasts one minute.
I know it sounds kind of crazy, but the good news is there are usually after- parties which are filled with the who’s who of the fashion industry. People come from all over the world and you never know who you might meet. It really does feel like you’re living in a real life episode of Sex in the City.
If you are not able to make it to any Fashion Week events,they now live stream a lot of the shows via the internet. Check out newyorkfasionweeklive.com to see some of your favorite designers in action! It’s the next best thing to being there or you can see all of the show scheduling on there as well and try your luck at getting an R.S.V.P. Hey you never know.
Either way, however you’re spending this chilly month, I hope you remember you don’t need to be with someone on Valentine’s Day to get dressed up and go out. Yes, this is a day of love, but always remember to love yourself first.
Also know you don’t have to be at a fashion show to be fashionable. Fashion is your own personal style. An expression of who you really are, yes it’s great to see these magazines, videos, etc. But at the end of the day, it’s about being you and having full confidence in your choice of attire and how you choose to present yourself to the world. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
