It's that time of year again -- Valentine's Day. Here are some divine options to reinvent the quintessential flowers/chocolates/jewelry depending on the status of your relationship. Peruse the following...
Lovely Lingerie
La Perla: 434 West Broadway
Luxurious lingerie, nightwear, fragrance and gifts, often in collaboration with major designers (quite recently, Jason Wu).
Agent Provocateur: 675 Madison Avenue, 133 Mercer Street
Want something a bit more adventurous? Agent Provocateur specializes in somewhat risqué, but somehow still elegant lingerie.
Floral Delights
Bloom: 541 Lexington Avenue
The assortments here are an extraordinary collection of seasonal flowers -- go monochromatic or give your loved one a flurry of color!
Plaza Flowers: 944 Lexington Avenue
Looking for something romantic, yet modern, a serious statement of your love, yet with a touch of whimsy? Find it here.
Beautiful Bling
Kentshire: 700 Madison Avenue, 37 East 12th Street
Not everyone has a grandmother's ring or grandfather's watch to pass on to his or her beloved. But at this shop with stunning antiques, you can still offer him or her jewelry with a story that is as romantic as your own.
Paul Morelli at Bergdorf Goodman: 754 Fifth Avenue, 12 West 57th Street
Manufactured in Philadelphia and largely using 18-karat yellow gold with its own proprietary alloy, Morelli's work combines a European sensibility with a touch of American funk.
Love Letters
Mrs. John L. Strong: 699 Madison Avenue, 754 Fifth Avenue
This is an American classic (founded in 1929), offering the best quality paper, hand engraving, lining and finishing. Whatever you write just is better on their stationery.
Il Papiro: 1021 Lexington Avenue
Prefer a European feel? Il Papiro uses Tuscan craftsmanship including marbleized papers. Look for bound diaries, papers, cards, desk accessories and more!
Sweet Treats
Kee's: 452 Fifth Avenue, 80 Thompson Street, 315 West 39th Street
Made by Kee Ling Tong daily based on the ingredients available that day, these chocolates are rightly praised for their freshness, originality (mango green tea truffle, anyone) and pure deliciousness!
Levain Bakery: 167 West 74th Street, 2167 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
Whether your loved one's carb of choice is an artisanal bread, a walnut sticky bun or the legendary six-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookie, the way to his or her heart is definitely through Levain!
Romantic Dinners
One if by Land, Two if By Sea: 17 Barrow Street
Quite simply one of the most intimate and romantic restaurants in the world on a tree-lined West Village street that would be equally at home on the Left Bank. And a great menu, too!
The Four Seasons Restaurant -- The Pool Room: 99 East 52nd Street
The Pool Room is a wonderful venue at any time, but it becomes magical in the evenings, with the magnificent white marble pool reflecting the lights outside and trees bringing a touch of the outdoors.
Creative Dates
Try a massage for two at one of my favorite spas:
Peninsula Hotel: 700 Fifth Avenue
You're in the heart of the city, yet far removed in an oasis of calm and serenity. Private suites allow you and your sweetheart to indulge together.
Mandarin Oriental: 80 Columbus Circle
Try the multi-hour Couple's Escape in your own private suite, with a luxurious bath, massages and more.
A gift (or three) from any of these will guarantee that romance rules!
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Shopping!