The odd couple

Considering the mechanics of this much-ballyhooed holiday, Valentine’s inspires even the most confident and self-assured of us to take pause, often in a witless moment of introspection, to take stock of our lives and see whether we are worthy of cheap chocolates and roadside floral bouquets. Color me a cynic but considering how many despondent individuals feel left out during this massive, retail-induced love fest leaves me less than excited each time it comes around.

The only reason to rejoice — huzzah! V-day blues are so ‘90s, after all — is the chance to dress you and your loved one (or in some cases, your gay best friend) in outfits you wouldn’t otherwise consider.

Take YStyle’s fave show of the season, Gossip Girl, add one part Dirty Sexy Money, and you’ve got our sartorial inspiration for the day of hearts. For girls, take after mom with pearl accessories and sweet cardigans from the likes of Bayo and Kashieca and mix it up with local designer looks for an ensemble that’ll take you from street to posh eatery. Boys can dress up with sport coats and natty selections from Ralph Lauren, the birthplace of all things preppy.

Whether you’ll be dining with a significant other or downing shots of vodka with your fellow single friends, take this opportunity to show the world that, single or no, you’re looking mighty fine. Because at the end of the day, the only thing you really have to be in love with is yourself — and your outfit, of course. Everything else comes in a far second.

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E-mail me at oohbea@gmail.com!