How to look your best this Valentine's

 

And so, when in my first year at university, my date presented me with a bunch of wilted flowers a day after Valentine’s, I just thought, was a mean so and so... Needless to say, he spoilt the day for me.

 

Years later, I was to receive a generous bouquet of red roses presented in a beautiful box and accompanied with an expensive bottle of wine and a card inviting me to dinner. Unlike my miserly date of yester years, this one clearly loved Valentine’s. He took me to an upscale restaurant in town and treated me like a princess. I still hold a light for this kind and romantic man of an era gone by. 

 

For many years after that, an elderly gentleman friend always sent me a single red rose and sometimes even came to my house to serenade me on his mouth organ. We remain close friends up to today.

 

In spite all the best efforts, however, I prefer hanging out with my girlfriends on this day or the pressure to conform is too much. I love sitting at a vantage point and seeing couples walking hand-in-hand. dressed in red, with the women holding onto a single red rose like their whole life depended on it.

 

Still, I am a hopeless romantic. I love to see people in love enjoying each other and hanging out together. I even have kind words for hapless men clad in red suits!

 

For this Valentine’s Day, I have chosen four looks that can spice up your day whether you are on a first day, hanging out with friends or spending precious time with your spouse.

 

 

Red has always been the colour of love and romance (and danger!) and is, therefore, apt for lovers’ day. However, you can go for something totally different.

 

You can either wear a red dress or use the colour to accessorise your ensemble. Avoid excessively short dresses especially on a first date as your man might spend all evening studying your thighs and imagining what lies up yonder rather than showing a keen interest in you as a person. 

 

Although rarely associated with matters of the heart, black is a versatile colour that has the added advantage of hiding flaws. To add a feminine touch, go for a stunning black lace cocktail dress complete with lace frills. Team it up with a colourful clutch bag for effect.

 

 

If you have a smooth back without scars or love handles, try this new trend of plunging backs. Add glamour to lace with a pink or red underlay. 

 

This look works very well if you are dining at an exclusive restaurant or hotel. It is too chic for a kafunda (pork joint) with smoke bellowing from the roasting area and waiters with smelly armpits. 

 

If you have such a dress and are itching to wear it, enter the Flair draw and win a dinner for two at the exclusive Royal Palms Estate courtesy of Nationwide properties.

 

To enter, write your name type the words “Royal” and send sms to 8338. You could also win a hamper of goodies from Fresh Cuts by buying a Flair magazine, filling out the coupon on Page 53 and taking it to The New Vision Head office in Industrial Area.

 

 

Are you a kafunda lover? You can still up your look by wearing a simple dress in a metallic colour with a plunging neckline and open-toe boots.

 

However, avoid a very deep and wide plunge as you want to maintain some mystery. Your night out will be ruined if your boobs keep popping out of the dress! Apart from being in vogue, the knee length boots will keep you warm at an outdoor venue.