By Jennifer Latkiewicz
Roses are red. Violets are blue. So what if you’re single, make V-Day about you. Show yourself a little love with these red-hot gift ideas from Kajal Ruia, shoe guru and founder of trendsetting SoHo boutique Ruia. What better way to say “I Love Me” than with luxe accessories and to-die-for high heels?
Yes, every store front and commercial may seem hell-bent on reminding you of your solo status (as if you could forget), but that doesn’t mean you have to sit this Valentine’s Day out. V-Day is as much about loving yourself as it is about boyfriends and husbands! Even if you don’t have that all important ‘significant other’ to shower you with affection, you can still make the day special for yourself.
And since you’re not going to be spending the effort or money on a date, why not spend it on yourself? Ultra-hot NYC shoe boutique Ruia knows what women want and owner Kajal Ruia has a few gift ideas for anyone being their own valentine.
How do I love me? Let me count the ways…
Single or attached, you deserve to indulge and treat yourself to some of the fabulous things you’ve always wanted, which of course, means “shoes”. For those who covet the most gorgeous designer shoes, Kajal keeps her super luxe boutique stocked with European brands that cannot be found anywhere in the U.S. Two sexy Ruia finds: ultra-fierce ‘Comoscio Rubino” booties by Baldan ($598) and neon ‘Tribeca’ wedges by Cleo B ($414) so ridiculously hot, you’ll wonder why you ever cared about flowers and “I Love You” teddy bears.
(Attached? Ruia boutique is offering guys everywhere a no-fail, stress-free option: a complimentary personalized gift cards for a sexy pair of shoes of your choice. Start dropping hints now!)
Equally fabulous: This soft suede Cowling Scarf by Hare+Hart (on sale $95) is made from ethically sourced Argentinian leather. Says Kajal, “Pair it with coats and chunky wool cardigans, or act like a rock-star with leather jackets and blazers.”
Explore other ways to keep it sexy in the bedroom this Valentine’s Day. Upgrade your Target sheets to luxury linens, and suddenly having the bed all to yourself every night may not seem like such a bad thing. Get the same sheets as all the luxury hotels — the Valentino Stripe 1200tc Egyptian Cotton Sheets by Luxor Linens ($253) would make anyone swoon. “Take it up a notch with this embroidered, red sheet set,” Kajal says. “It will be the second best thing you’ve ever felt against your skin!”
Enjoy a little pampering to make the day even more decedent, and treat yourself to a fab spa treatment at home. Amp up the luxe factor to your DIY avocado masque with a plush spa robe. Nolan loves the St. Tropez Signature Spa Robe by Luxor (on sale $126) — it actually gets softer with each wash and with a luxe robe within reach, you can kick back in your private spa retreat whenever you want. Stay calm and tranquil with a ‘Lavender Lightly ‘candle by Kat Burki. With notes of lavender, vanilla and cassia, this calming fragrance makes for a decadent and soothing aroma. “The sprinkling of lavender buds atop is the final touch on a beautiful candle,” Kajal says. “Kat Burki candles are beautiful and delicious.”
Whether you splurge or work within a budget, just make it memorable. Says Kajal, “Make this Valentine’s Day one you’ll never forget!”
So, Ladies: Will you be spending this Valentine’s Day with “Me”, “Myself” and “I”?
Jennifer Latkiewicz is a Love/Sex blogger for LovingYou.com. She really wants those shoes — and she hopes her boyfriend got the hint. You can follow her on Twitter at @JenniferLat.
