Copy of All Roads Lead to Somerville for Valentine’s Day Romance

SOMERVILLE, NJ - Follow Cupid’s arrow to downtown Somerville to make a big impression on your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.

You’ll find passionate and knowledgeable store owners with great gift ideas plus unique and inviting places for dining à deux.  Whether you are looking for sweet, sophisticated, sexy (or all three!), find all that and more, conveniently close by in central Jersey’s most romantic downtown.

“You’ll find dozens of ways to make Valentine’s Day memorable in downtown Somerville,” noted Tom Genova, who chairs the Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA). “Best of all, everything you need to demonstrate your romantic side is conveniently close by, with stores and restaurants (and parking) just a short stroll away.”

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Sweet Ideas

Carol’s Creative Chocolatez. 24 Division St., a chocolate maker specializing in single-origin Belgian and French chocolates and Katili’s Chocolates 12 E. Main St., offering a wide assortment of high quality, hand-crafted chocolates and fudge, are the epitome of special occasion artisanal sweets.

From the Hive 4 Division St., is featuring Valentine’s Day hearts from the Farm N Charm country style home décor line that’s made from repurposed farm implements, old rusty treasures antiques, in addition to their incredible assortment of sweet honey products sourced locally and from around the world.

Don’t forget your pets on Valentine’s Day; there’s a wide assortment of freshly made and creatively decorated treats at the Hungry Hound, 94 W. Main St.

Stylish Sophistication

Show your fashion savvy with a Valentine’s Day gift from one of Somerville’s many boutiques featuring sophisticated and stylish clothing, footwear, accessories and jewelry. From Evolve Clothing Gallery, 84 W. Main St..and Tessuto’s Fine Italian Clothing 33 W. Main St., for men to K Bella Boutique 75 W. Main St.

Melange, 85 W. Main St. and Beyond Trends 58 W. Main St. for women, downtown Somerville is earning a reputation as Central New Jersey’s hottest shopping mecca. For budget-conscious Romeos, Incogneeto Vintage 30 Division St. and Revive. 30 S. Doughty Ave., combine affordability and fashion. Looking to spice things up? Beneath It All , 15 Division St., is a contemporary boutique with an extensive selection of lingerie from France and top New York designers.

Tradition with a Twist

Gems Stems 194 W. Main St., Carousel of Flowers 15 West Main St. and A Votre Service Events, 5 West Main St. make choosing that special floral arrangement a great experience every time. With talented staff and an eye for fresh, unique designs that are sure to bring a smile, you know you are getting the best service and quality when you order local.

Members Only

Salon and Spa memberships make looking and feeling good a regular treat. Take advantage of this hot trend by visiting Paramount Pampering Spa and Salon, 56 W. Main St., the newest of several luxurious full-service spas offering upscale salon experiences or recently renovated Illustrated Beauty. 120 W. Main St. Both offer exclusive membership packages that include hair coloring, touch ups, haircuts, massages, facials and blowouts for one low monthly price.

Dining

Downtown Somerville’s diverse restaurants draw diners from throughout the region seeking great food and a romantic atmosphere for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Both Tapastre 1 West High St. and Shumi 30 S. Doughty Ave. have recently been highlighted in a new regular feature on NJ.com called “Where to eat now in N.J.” that highlights the most exciting restaurants of the moment — including places both new to the scene and long-time favorites.

“Somerville’s combination of world class shopping and dining, dynamic street life, great events, plus accessibility and convenience help make our downtown a regional destination for Valentine’s Day and all year round,” concluded Beth Anne Macdonald, the DSA’s Executive Director.

For directories of downtown Somerville businesses and restaurants, and information on programs and services provided by the Downtown Somerville Alliance, visit downtownsomerville.com, or follow news from Somerville on social media at Facebook.com/DowntownSomervilleAlliance and Instagram.com/DowntownSomerville.

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Putting the heart in smart

The day when love saturates the air is upon us again. Restaurants are hosting candlelight dinners, spas are peddling couple packages, and jewellery stores are offering irresistible discounts on love bands. But in the flurry of all things mushy, there are some who’re worked up about what to wear tomorrow.

Romantic dinner with your significant other, rendezvous over brunch, cocktail date, and an after-work tipple with friends/colleagues — if your V-Day looks like this, here’s what stylists suggest.

Dinner Date

Pranita Meht (Stylist and blogger and Bindigasm)

Trend Talk: Wearing red from head to toe or an LBD with a sexy back is pretty subjective. My style of dressing up in love for a dinner date is chic and sexy, with a smile to match, of course.

Do: One must always choose comfort over glam. For a dinner date, a little bit of glitz wouldn’t hurt.

Don’t: It’s best to go for a silhouette you have been well acquainted rather than something that could make you conscious all the time.

Styling Tip: I like to keep it classy on a dinner date. Instead of choosing to dress completely in red, I would opt for my favourite colour in a comfortable and feminine peplum silhouette. And to celebrate the colour of love, I would highlight my nails and lips with red. The classics have been revamped. It’s all about experimenting with trends that suit your style.

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Brunch Rendezvous

Naina Ruhail (Makeup artist, beauty editor, and blogger at I Speak What You Love)

Trend Talk: Keep up the Valentine’s Day spirit and go for hues of pink and red while choosing your V-Day outfit. Since it’s a brunch date, avoid bling and opt for some fun, flirty ensembles.

Do: Stay true to who you are and wear what’s comfortable.

Don’t: Unless it’s lingerie, steer clear of Valentine’s Day-themed clothing. Don’t go overboard with red or shy away from wearing other colours. Add a dash of red/pink in the form of shoes or accessories.

Styling Tip: Keep it simple. Opt for prints for that feminine touch. Wear matching separates or a midi dress.

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Cocktail Date

Deepali Kini (Stylist and fashion blogger at A State of Style)

Trend Talk: Let the conversation and your personality to be the highlight of the evening (while looking like a million bucks, of course). So I’d suggest sticking to silhouettes that suit your body and you’re comfortable with.

Do: Keep in mind the place you will be going to and dress accordingly. You don’t want to be wearing stilettos on grass.

Don’t: Avoid wearing something you’re uncomfortable in. If you’re spending the evening adjusting your clothes instead of enjoying the company, well, that’s a shame.

Styling Tip: A basic peplum dress is elegant. Add some statement jewellery and a nice jacket or blazer and you’re ready.

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Buddy Time

Manvi Gandotra (Wedding photographer and blogger at styleinked.com)

Trend Talk: Celebrating the day of love with your friends is an opportunity to put on a no-fuss yet chic ensemble.

Do: Experiment with something bold in terms of accessories. Go for comfortable shoes, who knows your friends might just drag you shopping.

Don’t: Absolutely no hearts, please. And if you aren’t a V-Day enthusiast you are better off avoiding hot pink and cherry red.

Styling Tip: I would go with a midi length button-down dress with a statement necklace and super comfy shoes.

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