LOVE!
Valentine’s Day is next Thursday and stores are stocked with merchandise to entice cupids to shop for the most popular gifts to display love — roses, romantic meal, a little bubbly, massage, his & her fragrance, jewelry. To be my Valentine, you can’t go wrong with a box of heart chocolates, card and a single rose. A romantic heartfelt card and something to satisfy my sweet tooth, like strawberries dipped in gourmet chocolate from Edible Arrangements, along with a dozen long-stemmed red and lavender roses would be nice, too. The MVP gift: a Star Signature Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring from R.H. Macy & Co.


ROSES!
What’s Valentine’s Day without roses? The color of the rose will say how your Cupid is feeling about love. A red rose represents love, romance. A lavender rose is a daily reminder to express love at first sight and to say “I love you.” A pink rose can convey admiration and grace. A yellow rose conveys friendship and a white rose conveys innocence. A rose is not a rose — until you received a Saaya Rose, a naturally preserved Ecuadorian flower that is guaranteed to last until next Valentine’s Day. www.saayarose.com
LINGERIE!
Sexy Cupid displays love with the gift of intimate apparel. Sense of style will reflect your personality; classy lingerie or exotic intimate apparel. Feel desirable on Valentine’s Day by wearing Aubade black Boite a Desir garter set with garter stockings or a sexy Andreas Sardar bra and panty set (black lace/red silk). There’s no shortage of styles for those looking to get crazy or naughty.
If you want to skip the big chain stores in the mall, The Fashion Monger has found the spot for you: Liz Steinfeld Lingerie, 59 Atlantic Ave. in Marblehead. The local boutique was featured in the 2013 Adam Sandler movie “Grown Ups 2.”
The shop was established more than 50 years ago, when one was required to be licensed to fit corsets. Elisabeth Steinfeld got her start in the garment industry, grew up in a bridal store and learned to fit wedding dresses and lingerie. She opened Liz Steinfeld Lingerie 13 years ago. “My passion and inspiration comes from my customers after they have been fitted in the right lingerie. It’s like magic. You can see the difference instantly.” Intimate apparel, Steinfeld said, is worn by all well-dressed women.”
She stocks an array of intimate apparel, including exclusive brands like Prima Donna, Marie Jo, La-venture and Twist Simone Perele Empreinte, and prides herself on exceptional personal service. Also of note is shapewear, hosiery, robes, sleepwear like the black short set from Eberjey, camisole set from the Jaclyn Bennett collection, and much more. This Valentine’s season, Steinfeld offers a buy one Bra/ receive one On Gossamer panty for free. And they gift wrap! Steinfeld said “we strive to make sure every woman leaves our store feeling good about themselves and their body.”
Liz Steinfeld: 781-631-1299 or www.lizsteinfeld.com
SWEETS AND BLOOMS!
Edible Arrangements has a wide selection of gift ideas. Romantic gifts include Be My Valentine Swizzle Berries with Teddy Bear and the I Love You Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Bouquet. To make a great impression with romantic undertones, the signature Sincerely Yours is perfect. More interested in flowers? The Valentine Day Bouquet, the Send Some Love Daisy and the You & Me Gift Set arrangements will delight your sweetheart.
Nick D’Alleva, owner of Edible Arrangements, 919 Lynnfield St,, Lynn, opened his shop in January 2007. “For 12 years now, we’ve been helping people in our local community celebrate all kinds of occasions – big and small.” Areas served are Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus and Swampscott. The shop is open 7 days a week, walk-in is available, pick-up until 6 p.m. is offered and there is delivery service until 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day! If you procrastinate, don’t panic! Take advantage of the same day service on Valentine’s Day.
Order online at www.ediblearrangements.com or call 781-593-1888.
Menervia Akers, The Fashion Monger, is a self-taught artistic designer born and raised in Lynn. She developed a flair for fashion at a young age. She started a fashion club for Lynn Vocational Technical Institute students and served as club adviser. Her column offers strong opinions, tips, advice and insights from industry professionals.