AARP Hearing Center
Valentine’s Day — that 24-hour lovefest — is here again. Although some may balk at a commercial holiday that forces affection, lots of us joyfully get into the spirit of the day. As the Beatles sang, “All you need is love,” so celebrate not only those who bring warmth, romance or passion to your life, but yourself as well. Whether you’re married, in a relationship, going through a divorce or loss, dating or happily single, here’s a way to make the day special.
1. Treat your looks to an attitude change
(Left to right) Valentino Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick, Satin in 22R; H&M Women Ribbed Mock Turtleneck Dress in Red; Chico’s Red Seed Bead Drop Earrings
Bloomingdale's; H&M; Chico's
There’s nothing wrong with a solo evening of chocolates, roses and a Netflix rom-com binge. But Feb. 14 is also a perfect day to kick off a campaign to boost your self-esteem and body positivity in attention-getting red. Try the Valentino Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick, Satin in 22R ($55, bloomingdales.com), to make every word and smile count; the H&M Women Ribbed Mock Turtleneck Dress in Red ($30, www2.hm.com/en_us/), to show off your shape whatever your size (it comes in XS to XXL); and Chico’s Red Seed Bead Drop Earrings ($36, chicos.com), instead of the usual studs, for a head-turning statement even with jeans. Let your inner diva shine!
2. Create a new beauty and style bucket list
(Clockwise from bottom left) Yoga Direct Yoga Mat in Red; Armani Beauty Si Passione Eau de Parfum; Serena Williams Jewelry Multi-Diamond Tilted Heart Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold; Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette Spray
Target; Sephora; Serena Williams Jewelry; Sephora
Cross “someday” off the agenda and start today. While “I’d loooove to go to Paris” sounds terrific, opt for a few realistic goals that you can achieve now. You might decide to start a yoga regimen with the Yoga Direct Yoga Mat in Red ($30, target.com). Consider swapping your longtime fragrance for the spicy Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette Spray ($95, sephora.com) or the fruity floral Armani Beauty Si Passione Eau de Parfum ($104, sephora.com) — both grownup but delish vanilla-based scents. Or treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry, like the Serena Williams Jewelry Multi-Diamond Tilted Heart Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold ($299, serenawilliamsjewelry.com), instead of waiting for the next round of anniversary, birthday and Mother’s Day gifts.
3. Treat your one and only to a fashion fling
(Left to right) Quince Women’s Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater in Red Apple; Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Lipstick Red; Vineyard Vines Men’s Flannel Lounge Pants in Tartan/Nautical Red; Gildan Men’s Adult Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt G18500 in Red
Quince; Victoria's Secret; Zappos; Amazon
Besotted? Infatuated? Still crazy about that special someone? A romantic dinner for two says “love,” whether it’s a restaurant night out or ordering in from your favorite local hot spot. Since Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, make the date a cozy one with a gift of a pullover or PJs, depending on the venue. Skip the sexy stuff and the heart prints. Instead, opt for the Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Lipstick Red ($70, victoriassecret.com) or Quince Women’s Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater in Red Apple ($50, onequince.com) for her, or the Gildan Men’s Adult Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt G18500 in Red ($19, amazon.com) or Vineyard Vines Men’s Flannel Lounge Pants in Tartan/Nautical Red ($67, zappos.com) for him. They’re perfect partners for wine or mocktails.
