"Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are jewels."// Fabulous Finds Friday

Happy Friday! Oh my, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Whether you're crazy in love (good for you) or infatuated with internet cat sensations (me), it's time to focus on all things V-Day for Fabulous Finds Friday!

Honestly, I'm so excited for Valentine's this year! Last year was such a bummer (better no boyfriend than a bad boyfriend, ladies); I ended up getting flowers from my best guy friend {why weren't we dating? Life is funny that way}, eating heart-shaped donuts all day, and babysitting. This year, I'm going on a romantic dinner with the one person I love the most... my ultimate BFF, Sarah. We're having a GNO at Kress in downtown Orlando, followed by a sappy movie at a theater that serves wine. Obviously, I'm ecstatic. 

In my opinion, every year a girl needs at least 3 things this time of year: A gorgeous dress, one designated Valentine, and a fun//sappy playlist of horrifically addictive love songs.  Regardless of who your Valentine may be, here are my top picks for Valentine's fashion, gift giving, and music:


{The Color Red}: It's no secret (Hilary Clinton) that red is not only a color of love, but one of power. Oh, and it doesn't help that the color red has been psychologically proven to attract men to women. Spice up your wardrobe this year with a fabulous red dress. These are my top 3 affordable favorites for February 2013:

1. Simple Forever 21 A-Line Mattelassé Dress in Tomato, $22.80

It's hard to rival the XXI pricing, and this dress is adorable. Would be perfection with patterned stockings and black pumps. 

2. Classic Victoria Secret Cap-Sleeve Ponte Dress in Red Rally, $88

Victoria's Secret is definitely overpriced, but their "Sexy Collection" dresses are ridiculously flattering on the average female figure. They know what to hide and what to show, let's just put it that way. 

3. Glamorous Venus One Shoulder Flowy Dress in Red, $36

As a pageant queen, Venus was my go-to online retailer for fabulous//sexy dresses that wouldn't break the bank. I love this design, and the Grecian draped styling is instantly slimming.

{Life is Better in Pink}: If red isn't quite your style, pink is equally as feminine and seasonal. Plus, I'm a sucker and year-long advocate for this fabulous color. For February, these are my top picks: 

1. Lilly Pulitzer Joslin Dress in Fiesta Pink, $228

This dress is pricey, but worth it. Lilly Pulitzer dresses are incredibly well made, flattering, and perfect for any springtime occasion. 

2. Sea Island Tunic in Candy Pink, $42

I'm loving this fun, unlined, polyester pink tunic from The Red Dress Boutique. For activities ranging from a stroll on the beach to a girls night out, I need this in my closet. 

3. EVERLY Sugar and Honey Dress in Rose, $44

How sweet & simple is this shift dress from The Red Dress Boutique? The solid light rose color is playfully elegant and delicate. 

4. Greylin Maggie Silk Crepe Dress in Fuschia, $119

I need this gorgeous silk dress with fun & flirty cross back detail. Available at Piperlime, this design is mature yet playful. Love.

{Be A Valentine}: I'm a firm believer that friends//family deserve presents, too. For me (especially in the midst of my medical recovery), they provide unwavering love and support; hence, I buy small little presents for all my BFFs//lovebugs to show how much I appreciate them. Even though it can get pricey, with minor reconnaissance  you can find some adorable gifts for a handful of your favorite people without spending a small fortune. Plus, V-Day is more of a "The more the merrier!" mentality... you can never spread too much love! 

Top 5 Girly Valentine's Gifts (all under $25): 

1. Butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Come to Bed Red & Trout Pout

Gorgeous Valentine's hues featured in Seventeen Magazine as  their "Favorite Red and Pink Polish" , $15 each
2. Monique Leshman "Love" Script Necklace
Adorable gold plated "Love" script necklace available on Hautelook, $24

3. Red Roses

An essential for all girls on Valentine's Day. Whether they're from your significant other, mom, best friend... I don't care. You can even buy them yourself. Every girl deserves flowers on February 14th, $25

4. Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit for Her in Glitter Pink

Packs every emergency essential into a cute, compact case... a must-have for every girl on the go, $15

5. Emi-Jay "Valentine" Hair Ties

Cute hand-dyed hair ties for an extra touch of femininity on Valentine's, $6.50

Runner-Up Gift Suggestions? 

6) Anything light & aromatic--forever obsessed with Love Spell//Heavenly from Victoria Secret

7) Candles-- Voluspa, Yankee, Bath & Body Works

8) Red lip stick-- Mac, Revlon

9) False eyelashes (instant eye enhancers)--  Ardell, MAC

10) Ring Pops//Fun Dip//Mountain Dew (for all the boys in my life!)

...and, of course, chocolate covered strawberries. 

{Music}: February provides a perfect excuse for listening to sappy love songs on repeat. Therefore, I've compiled an essential and eclectic Valentine's Day Playlist for all to enjoy. From Frank to T. Swift, these songs are sure to put you in a romantic mood. 

 If you'd like a CD, consider it your Valentine from me (just drop me a comment!). Also, let me know if you think I missed deserving love jams!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Wishing each and every one of you a loving, peaceful, & fabulous Valentine's Day! :) 

Hugs and kisses to you all!