Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Your Man

VDayValentine's Day is a weird holiday; not in theme, but in gift giving. You can't give something too extravagant, but a box of chocolates is très dull. It's the perfect holiday for something logical. Here are 5 gift ideas your man is sure to love (and you probably will too)!

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Polo Black Cologne by Ralph Lauren, $64.00 at Sephora

Cologne is always a smart buy. Not only is it something your man will love to use, but you'll love when he uses it (you know you want your guy smelling great)! Nothing is more telling about a guy than the scent he wears.  This Ralph Lauren scent is a subtle hint of that manly musk all women love!

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"Eglinton" 5-Piece Classic Wet-Shaving Kit, $101. 86 at Fendrihan

Can you think of a man with more class than one who uses an old-fashioned shaving kit? We can't! If your guy is someone who enjoys the finer things in life, we recommend this elegant kit for him (if he's not, just go with socks). This is just a great buy in general and pretty reasonably priced if you ask us! This kit comes in classic black and ivory.

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Penguin Canvas and Wool Duffle, $150.00 at Original Penguin

A great duffel is always a good investment, especially if your man likes to workout. This duffel makes for the perfect gym bag, even though he swears he doesn't need one, you know he does. This bag is even large enough for you two to share! Couples who workout together stay together! Speaking of...

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Insanity 60-Day Total Body Conditioning Program, $119.85 at Beachbody

You'd have to be insane not to buy this for your man! See what we did there? But really, this is a great nudge toward keeping him healthy.  Plus, you can use it, too!

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Monthly Subscriptions to Pretty Much... Anything

Prices vary, but there are monthly subscriptions to some great foods, drinks, and other awesome things! Some of our favorites: Jerky of the Month for $24.95 a month, Dollar Shave Club for $1 a month, Craft Beer Club for $39.00 a month. These are great because they give your guy something to look forward to every month! We just spruced up your relationship, you're welcome.

If all else fails, a couples spa day never hurt nobody.

Valentine's Day Beauty Advice from A Girl Who's "Guy Hot" (Most of the Time)

This Valentine's Day I'm not going to give you a round up of all the pretty red and pink cosmetics you 'should' be wearing for the holiday, because truth is, they're not the colors of love.  Instead I'm going to help you land a man or if you have one already, I'm going to help you keep him.  No, I'm not claiming myself an expert in dating, but I will give myself some credit as I know a thing or two about what men want.  So, when it comes to your beauty regimen are you "girl hot" or "guy hot?" Here are my tips on how to be "guy hot." First let's define what "girl hot" and "guy hot" actually are.  I for one, am both (like Emma Stone), but know when to play which card.  It's important to understand your audience when getting ready for any date or occasion.

  • Girl Hot: dressing for the girls including, but not limited to fashion forward trends like color blocking, anything with a spike, lip color, false lashes, 'it' bags, and heels that are meant just for sitting
  • Guy Hot: dressing for the guys including, but not limited to subtle enhancements, stilettos you can walk in, touchable hair, practical bags, the no-makeup-makeup look
Now, here are my rules on how to be "guy hot" for Valentine's Day.

 

1. Ditch you red lipstick

There's nothing a man hates more than a chick with red lipstick.  Some may think it's because they don't want it all over their faces when you make out, but that's not even it.  They don't even think that far when they see it.  It's because they immediately associate it with their grandma's, aunts, Broadway performers and circus clowns.  Red lipstick is not hot.  While I love to wear red lipstick myself, I save it for girl's night out.  For date night, opt for a moisturizing lip balm under a gloss that brings out the natural color in your lips.  Just dab the gloss in the center of your bottom lip and onto the bow of your lip with your finger so it's not goopy.  The combination will make your lips look healthy, moisturized and kissable.

2. Be real

Wear fake lashes?  Hair extensions?  Get rid of them.  There's almost nothing worse for a man than noticing (or finding out after a romp) that a woman has over accentuated one of her features.  It gives them the feeling that you're insecure.  Hey, I love my clip-in hair extensions, and wear them a ton, but I'm just letting you know what I've learned.  Take it or leave it.  If you must wear your lashes or hair extensions, own up to them in conversation and don't let him wonder.  That's just creepy.  Of course when going out with the girls, a few falsies couldn't hurt!  Bring it all on!

3. Own your scent

Wearing the latest Marc Jacobs scent isn't that impressive to a man or at least it shouldn't be.  Be very aware of what you smell like at all times whether you're wearing fragrance or not. Your natural scent is appealing and you don't even know it.  If you choose to wear a fragrance make sure it has notes of amber or vanilla, both are favorites of the male species, and spritz lightly.

 

Victoria's Secret Models Dish on Sexy vs. Skanky Lingerie

When it comes to lingerie, there's a fine line between sexy and skanky.  Wouldn't you agree? With Valentine's Day coming up I figured it would be appropriate to spill some of the rules when it comes to dressing up for your man to make sure you look hot and not like a hot mess. Who better to ask than the gorgeous bombshells of Victoria's Secret?  I got to meet and interview Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes and Lindsay Ellingson.  Here's their advice... Adriana Lima's Rule: Put Comfort First

"Sexy is something that you feel confident and comfortable in.  If something's sexy and not comfortable then you can't move and then you become skanky."

Doutzen Kroes' Rule: Minimalism is Key

"You can't get skanky with Victoria's Secret.  Wear less makeup than you normally would, because guys like when you look natural and refreshed."

Lindsay Ellingson's Rule: Rock it with Confidence

"You can turn anything from sexy to skanky based on your attitude."

If anyone in the world knows the secrets to lingerie it's definitely these women!  Of course, Victoria's Secret has awesome seductive tools besides lingerie (Get your head out of the gutter! I'm talking about candles and fragrances!) that can add extra oomph to your night.  The Bombshell in Love Eau De Parfum is one of my favorites (and Adriana's).

Land a Valentine's Day Date

For every 100 single girls in NYC there are 81 single guys...  What's a lady to do with so much competition? Flirt, the right way.  If you're a fan of VH1's Tough Love, then you've learned a few things from host, Steven Ward.  Check out what I've learned and score a date for Valentine's Day.

 

Presenting the Top 5 Flirting Do's and Don'ts:

Flirting Do's:

Smile, Eye contact, Act gracefully, Take charge, Flatter

Flirting Don'ts:

Be too obvious, Stare, Over do it, Flirt with others simontaneously, Feign interest

As a single lady living in the world's largest playground for single men, trust me.  Follow these tips with confidence and they'll land you at least a date!