Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap sometimes. And I get why.

Valentine’s Day often signifies everything we lack. Whether it’s the perfect romantic partner, the perfect gal pals, the perfect marriage and perfect kids, or whatever other societal expectation of perfection we are constantly bludgeoned with.

I remember when I was in middle school how much I HATED Valentine’s Day. I was always feeling this pang of embarrassment if I didn’t get a valentine. Then, one year, my mom helped me change my mind.

On a particularly deflating Valentine’s season, most of my friends had gotten a dollar store rose or chocolates, and I had gotten nothing. It came at a time in my adolescence where I was overweight and under confident, though I hid it with a boisterous personality and loud, smart mouth. I didn’t want to let on my disappointment to my friends so I didn’t say anything, but my mom knew from the tone in my voice on the phone, during our daily after school call, that I wasn’t okay. Kind of supernatural how moms have that power to just know stuff like that, right?

That evening, she came home from work with a teddy bear and chocolates in what looked like this super adorably decorated pink and red takeout container. She came over to me, kissed me on the forehead, and said, “No matter what, Maya (she called me like a million different nicknames), I’ll always be your Valentine. So you don’t ever have to feel like you are not loved. You are and always will be. Boys are the icing, girl, you got the cake, okay?” Yea. She was amazing.

I wiped my tears, ate all the chocolate and vowed never to let Valentine’s Day bum me out again. And though I can’t say I’ve had a perfect string of February 14ths, I’ve had something even better. Galentine’s nights over pasta and all of the red wine. Breakfast at 6am and hand written cards. Poems, songs, hugs, smooches, the works. Why? Because I freaking LOVE love! I DO! I love my friendships and the relationships in my life. Though I’m not perfect and neither are they, they make me so happy and I want to always celebrate the fact that there’s an abundance of love in my life.

I’m not just talking about the romantic kind of love, like with my husband Nick (though I’ve hit the jackpot with that hottie). I’m also talking about my even longer relationships with my besties (#iykyk). There are the people I’ve met or worked with just for a moment, but they have forever changed me — former castmates and teachers, random strangers from the streets of NYC, festival homies, random kind people who gave me their seat when I’m feeling really sick on a crowded subway (obviously pre-2020 Rona).

I’m so lucky to have SO much love in my life. So Valentine’s Day, to me, is the celebration of just that: all the LOVE in my life, right now. And even if you only have yourself to love, how great? The greatest love of all is, afterall, inside of you. (breaks into Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All”)

So this February 14th, run that bubble bath, put on that red lipstick and get cute for YOU and whoever is blessed enough to have you in their life. PERIOD.

I, for one, will be getting cute for my sala (“living room” in Spanish) with the hubs. Here are 5 fly ass looks that I will be rocking from here to 2/14. These styles range from hot mama to Zoom cutie and will help me celebrate the greatest gift of all: LOVE 💚.

These looks are all from my closet, so they include pieces that are unfortunately sold out or from previous seasons. However, I’ve linked some similar looks on my Like. to. KNOW. it page.

Five Fly Valentine’s Day Looks

Here’s a reel style video of all the looks FEATURING my performance of a cover of “Like a Star” by Corinne Bailey Rae.

⭐️Check out my singing AND peep me serving LEWKS for this VDAY below. 👇🏾

Look #1: Comfy sweater* (BB Dakota), hot pink satin midi* or maxi (Express), long chain (Kendra Scott)

Who says you have to be stuffy to be cute? This super comfortable sweater is a perfect match for a soft and flowy satin maxi or midi. French tuck the front and finish styling with a long chain and pointed toe booties to look extra fly without having to try.

Look #2: Tie Waist Satin Cami (Anthropologie) and Leather-Like Skinny Pants* (Spanx)

Feeling red hot this year? Strut your stuff in this red satin cami and faux leather pant that looks like you put way more work into your look than you did. Finish them off with some sparkly hoops! Don’t hurt em!

Look #3: Flowing, Showstoppin’ Dress (Free People)

The great thing about a statement dress, like Free People’s “This is Love” high low midi dress, with lots of color, swing, and a flattering cut is that you will be taking up all the spotlight with minimal effort. The room is yours! Best part? You can twirl around all day long and no one will stop you because you look like the red dancer emoji 💃🏾.

Look #4: Red, Hot Plaid (Urban Outfitters) and Hot Pink Statement Skirt (Express)

There has never been a better time to have fun with shades of red and pink. I paired a men’s UO plaid flannel with my old favorite, hot pink A-line midi skirt from like 2009/2010. I’ve worn this skirt so many times over the years that #iykyk. I topped off the look with a blush pink knotted headband. On my preppy shi* with this one— a perfect look for work from home or a sweet date night fit.

Look #5: Red Sweater Dress (unknown), Sleeveless Blazer/Vest (Express), and Pink Swarovski Crystal Earrings (Swarovski)

This last look is one that’s perfect for flexing on a Zoom meeting. The red sweater dress is from my mom’s personal collection, so I have no idea where she found this fabulously fitting midi dress. I am, however, eternally grateful I fit into it. The sleeveless blazer or vest, depending on who you ask, is one I purchased from Express back in my Ms. Joaquin days. So glad this is a match made in heaven!

No matter what you decide to wear this Valentine’s Day season, remember to “dress head to toe in LOVE. It’s the one label that never goes out of style.” (Sex and The City)

⭐️Inspired by these Valentine’s Day looks? I’ve linked similar styles in my Like. to. KNOW. it page.

⭐️ Fell for a look? Drop a 💚 in the comments with your fav!

As always, sending you all the LOVE and light you can stand this Valentine’s Day and every day.

Fly.

xo,

Mairys