Break The Mold This Valentine’s Day & Embrace The Unexpected

By Brian Maynor

 

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, which means dining out will be a nightmare, florists will be packed and card racks will be depleted, but is something being lost along the way?

Traditional Valentine’s Day gifts and plans became expectations over time, but if you are just going through the motions you’re defeating the purpose.  The day is a celebration of love and particularly why you love someone, not roses, dinner and all things red.  Here are a few rule-breaking tips for this Valentine’s Day:

 

1.    Opt out of red.  I know red is the color of the season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t branch out and embrace other colors.  One suggestion would be to wear you’re favorite color, or a color that compliments your complexion.  While there are various shades of red and styles of dresses, do you really want to get lost in the crowd?

2.    Skip the roses.  Not only are their prices inflated and the arrangements predictable, when you choose another flower you show your special someone their likes are more important than holiday marketing.  Again choose your loved one’s favorite flower, or try an exotic orchid.  They are especially a great choice for new relationships.  Another option would be French tulips.  Not only are they dramatic, their size alone will be sure to make an impression.

3.    Bypass the mass-market candy.  Life may be like a box of chocolates, but if you are trying to show your affection for someone is a cardboard heart will marginal quality candy the best way to go?  If you decide to go the sweet route, find a local chocolatier or choose a smaller assortment of premium candies.  Taking time to build your own small box of sweet treats is intimate and a great story to share while you savor them.

4.    The new standard on cards.  If you’re like me it’s getting harder to find new and exciting cards.  Looking through the offerings you’ve either seen them before; given them before or they just don’t capture the right sentiment.  With all of the personal card services popping up on online card stores now have competition.  Yes, it takes some time and planning but the thought, personalization and quality more than make up for it.

As a side note, e-cards are a bit trickier.  While they are great for your niece on Valentine’s Day, they probably won’t be enough for your significant other.   Funny, personalized e-cards and even video messages make for a unique way to say ‘I love you’, but they are missing that tangible quality.  You want someone to be able to hold a token of your affection, so if you do send an e-card back it up with something else.

 

Appreciating love doesn’t have a price tag, and you can have a personal, memorable, special time on any budget if you put in the time and thought necessary to make it special.  Some people may not view this as a ‘real’ holiday, but if you choose to embrace it you certainly don’t want to spend it on autopilot.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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