happy february 14th!

{ image source: f a s h i o n t o a s t }

So we all know the fourteenth of every February has been, nationally (read: corporately) deemed Valentine’s Day, and that I, for some unknown reason, am completely, utterly, and inexplicably in love with the above photo of Rumi from Fashion Toast. Candied hearts, handmade valentines, boxed chocolates, and de-thorned bouquets of roses, and all. My obsession with the new color combination of anything taupe and/or mushroom colored with a pastel pink has only intensified with this snapshot.

I’m hardly bitter about being single on Valentine’s Day; I’ve gone my long, seventeen years sans another half (but I do have  a Valentine every year though; four was the magic number of last year’s Valentine’s Day) quite happily. Cue “Single Ladies” whilst dolling up with something resembling a freakum dress – I’m quite ready for this lovely day! Ordering thousand-calorie desserts sprinkled with something pink, dressing up, and wearing bits of pink here and there with a dash of sparkle is excused without a second thought. Of course spending an entire day with a romantic sweetheart is adorable, but is it necessary? Not entirely. In fact, not at all – I would much rather spend it with the girls.

Valentine’s Day is not a reminder of this self-conjured thought of your inability to attract men (or women, whichever sex you choose). It is but a day in the year that so happens to fall on the fourteenth of February, but if we insist on making it significant, then, Valentine’s Day is a reminder of the freedom and independence you have as a self-sufficient woman. All you need is you: you alone hold the key to your aspirations, happiness, and successes. No (wo)man is necessary to feel whole or empowered.

Is it depressing to feel alone, or left out, when all other ladies have little bouquets and kisses awaiting them? Perhaps. It all depends entirely on your perspective. I know one too many girls who loathe Valentine’s Day – and all things associated with it – with their entire being. They mope, gorging themselves with food as they dig out all self-imagined faults and allow themselves to submit to their insecurities. I suppose I can attempt to empathize, yet those of you who follow my Tumblr or actually know me (!) know that I value my independence above all else. I have never harbored any desire to have a boyfriend for that very reason; being single allows for so much more freedom. Being coquettish is allowed! And that, my loves, is quite entertaining in itself!

Thus, for you single ladies out there, embrace your independence. Take advantage of it; wear red and pull out your freakum dress. Take a bit of time to coif the hair and do the makeup – nothing too extravagant, of course. Think to emphasize your best features, whether it be your hair, your eyes, your lips, your figure. Go out on Valentine’s Day à la the Sex and the City girls pre-marriage, and just enjoy yourself.

♥

bisous,

La C.

P.S.: I am currently in love with Lorraine of The Current Custom; you ladies better watch her “Anti-Valentine’s Day” video. It is unbelievably hilarious. Take those tips to heart, mes chéries.