Instinct Styling Tips: What a Girl (or Boy) Wants

With Cupid's Day creeping up on us, I wanted to share with you a few unique, budget friendly gift ideas for your loved one -- or maybe even yourself. Sure there's flowers, chocolates and pink champagne to give but why not give something that won't die, add inches to your waistline, or give you a hangover?

What a Girl Wants

Although diamonds are still a girl's best friend, pass on the diamond heart necklaces or studs this year. On the low cost front, treat your lady to turquoise -- yes, turquoise! It's back (again) and better than ever. And even faux turquoise will do the trick. Here is a sequin beaded stretch bracelet faceted with stones to create a beautiful, vintage-inspired look. (Nordstrom, $98. Also available in coral/red color).

If turquoise is just not your thing, you should still think vintage. Look at this locket. Delicate, gold-plated with glass pearls; perfect.

Not only will grandma love it but you could add a pic of you love birds or your children to make it a keepsake. (JCrew, $55, Fleur locket).

If jewelry isn't doing it for you or her, multifunctional fashion items are always a hit. Impress the lady (ladies) in your life with savvy gift ideas like these:

Soft, sexy, flowy cami with a twist knot. Goes great with jeans and heels. If you are worried about showing too much arm or freezing your you know what off, throw a cardigan sweater or fitted jacket over the top of it. Perfect for summer, vacation, or for a night on the town. (Express, $39, "hot stuff" color. Also in peacock & black).

This tissue weight cashmere wrap is just waiting to be touched. Super soft and light weight. It's the perfect all around gift for any special lady. It can be worn over the shoulders or tied at the neck -- even used as a little snuggling blanket while cozying up on the couch. (Nordstrom, $98, normally $118. Variety of colors available).

These are an all time fave. For the Eco friendly gal, these personalized tote bags are fabulous. Handmade of natural jute with leather handles, and in two different sizes. Use as a handbag, tote it to lunch, the gym, shopping trips, vacation, or just load it up with diapers and toys. It's a steal at $24, with free monogramming. Isn't saving money beautiful? (ballarddesigns.com, $24 to $29. Range of colors available).

I could go on and on with "What a Girl Wants" options but I must save room for the boys.

What a Boy Wants

Okay, I know what you are thinking but I'm not going to talk about what really a boy wants on Valentines' Day -- this blog is PG. Here are a few useful, budget friendly gifts for your man.

This bracelet would be great for the guy in your life. It's not flashy or obnoxious; it's simple and comfortable enough to be worn every day. By Russell Simmons, this stainless steel bracelet has a cool laser engraved geometric pattern and easy adjustable links. (Macy's, $195).

Jewelry not his thing? Check out this awesome multifunctional man bag (or "murse" -- "man purse" is so yesterday). This bag is great for weekend getaways, work, the gym, school, you name it. It can be worn either over the shoulder, across the chest like a messenger bag, or hand carried like a briefcase. (UrbanOutfitters.com, $89, by Ben Sherman).

If you are going on a vacation soon (with this weather, I sure hope so), your guy might love these vintage style board shorts! Nothing says old school like patchwork madras. Yes, they may look a little extreme or wild in this picture, but I promise they are "choka" (surfer term for bitchin', awesome, great). (JCrew, $69).

For a sure fire gift, get him a few polo shirts from the Gap. They are on sale for $25 -- why not get two? These polo

shirts can be layered for a preppy look or worn on top of a long sleeve t-shirt. They make for a great basic, all year round.

And last but certainly not least: the power tie. Gordon Gecko-style power clothing is making a comeback. (Wall Street Journal). Red is always in and looks good on just about any fella. Simple, bold, symmetric. Give him the power, the power of love. (Textured silk tie, Nordstrom, $89, by David Donahue. Stripe silk tie, Men's Wearhouse, $40, by Burma Bibas).