Looking Good: Bottling romance for a valentine

It's fine to opt for quality time with your loved ones on Valentine's Day. (At least that's what the National Retail Federation says most folks will be doing.)

But you'd better have something – at least one gift – to show your love. A hug won't cut it.

The NRF does say the average consumer plans to spend about $122 on Valentine's Day products. If you're thinking about a gift of fragrance, consider re-creating a moment in your romance.

"My husband clearly remembers the scent I wore on our first date," says Patricia Alfonso Tortolani, a senior editor at Allure magazine in New York. "After we were married, he gave me a bottle to remind me of when we fell in love.

"It's definitely a personal gesture and a thoughtful one, too."

But fragrance can be tricky. If your wife or significant other has a bottle (or two) of her favorite fragrance, don't buy another. Instead, if she likes a particular designer's fragrance – say, Michael Kors – he has other scents she might not have worn, including a new one, With Love.

"The fragrances don't smell the same, but they compliment the aesthetic of that designer," Tortolani says.

Several classic fragrances, including Shalimar and Chanel No. 5, offer lighter versions of the same scent. For example, an eau de toilette will be lighter (and less expensive) than an eau de parfum.

When shopping, also consider a woman's (or man's) lifestyle. Is she a conservative dresser? If so, don't come out of left field with something like a Gwen Stefani fragrance.

Tortolani suggests chatting with a sales associate for ideas, especially if you know you're looking for a flora scent but don't know which ones to consider.

What's the best way to apply your favorite scent? For day, mist it in the air and step "into it." It won't overwhelm co-workers. For evening, dab a little fragrance on the base of your neck or any pulse point.

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Graphic fashion

There will be tons of color to choose from. That's a given for the season, along with neutrals such as navy, white and khaki.

And, of course, there's the abundance of florals.

Now, add to the mix of colors and flowers some graphic and/or geometric prints.

From a fashion perspective, prints are nothing new. We saw them everywhere in the 1960s and '70s – and pretty much every decade since.

Today, it's all in the styling. Overdo the look and we're talking walking art – busy, busy, busy.

Black-and-white graphic prints are the easiest to pull off. On the high end, Christian Dior's big- collared coat dress with a zebra print is one example.

At JCPenney, the a.n.a (A New Approach) women's collection is fashionable, versatile – and affordable.

You'll see both printed dresses and tops. One way to wear the trend? A foil (silvery) linen jacket, wide-leg black pants and a graphic print blouse in black, white and gray.

With accessories and prints, again, keep it simple. No plaid ballet flats with a geometric print dress. Opt for a solid color. And oversized white sunglasses (think Victoria Beckham) will be big, especially this summer.