It’s still Winter, but I’ve got Spring – and a trip to Paris in late March – on my mind.  What better occasion to start shopping for cute, wearable, walkable flats for a Paris (or NYC) jaunt?  I certainly love boots, but with the frigid temps this Winter, I long to throw on a flowing skirt, a cardigan, and a cute pair of flats!  It would be lovely to take a nice, slush-free walk.  Hurry up, Spring!

The Perfect Dahlia Flat from Ann Taylor, is a classic leather ballet flat made from printed satin and held to the highest standards of quality. It has padding from heel to sole for incredible comfort, which means these flats were made for walking. It has a rounded square toe (that almost seems like an oxymoron, huh?), which has plenty of room for your toes but still a line that elongates the leg. Leather lining and ridged leather sole. It’s 1/4″ heel is just perfect.  Can’t you just imagine skipping around Paris in these? $98

Frye Gleaming Dandy Skimmers – I found these are Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores. I definitely agree with them that Frye has mastered the art of chic simplicity! This smooth green leather flat has great stitched detail with lovely gold piping. I love the shape and the detail on the heel.  It’s so flattering to the foot!  I know so many women who worry that flats make their feet look large, but the detail here flatters the heel and arch and makes feet appear small and shapely.  $128

For a comfortable flat, you really cannot go wrong with the selection at Cole Haan.  They have a complete line of flats and heels with Nike Air® technology.  The concealed Nike Air® technology offers ultimate cushioning and maximum support – so you can walk all day without sore arches.  The Air Dana Ballerina Flat is  classic ballerina flat redefines modern artisan sophistication in a favorite American silhouette.  My favorite is the plumeria snake-embossed leather.  The pearlized leather Air Dana has a fully padded leather sock lining.  The stained leather sole with rubber forepart also has a mini stacked heel for some extra arch support. $148

I don’t think a girl can live without an adorable pair of flats with a bow or floral detail on them! I love the Lovely Flat from Børn, available at Nordstrom. An over-sized flower graces the round toe of a supple leather flat with a cushioned foot bed. The upper and lining are leather, with a flexible rubber sole. This one comes in pink, green, yellow, and black. I can’t even choose a favorite. Green or yellow?  Pink or black?  Decisions!  I may just need more than one pair! $84.95

These flats from Lucky Brand are hard to put into a category, but they are so fun and colorful I just had to include them in my list of favorites!  Lucky Brand’s Hazel flats add a pop of color to any outfit with their modern art-inspired patchwork and feminine shape. They go with so many things.  You can punch up an otherwise neutral outfit with the lovely accent shades of turquoise, orange, and even pink.  I am imagining them with skinny jeans in an uber dark wash and a cute hobo bag to take me from shop to shop in the City of Lights. $89

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and beauty rituals must be observed. How do you get ready for the romance equivalent of the Super Bowl? We from UpSpring PR’s Beauty Team are opening our Little Black Book just for you:

Cost-effective, painless and fast, book yourself a legendary Brazilian wax at J’Aime Day Spa for $30.

It’s time for your impeccable manicure, so here are a few of our favorite NYC spots:

Minx Nails Manicure at Vada Salon come in a variety of metallic colors and designs for $40.

Not looking for the Minx Manicure? Well, then your choice is Rescue Beauty Lounge. Just $30 for the best manicure in NYC!

It’s proven that men love to run their hands through sexy, touchable hair. That means you need to book that blowout post-haste. Make an immediate appointment for the best expert blow out in all of Manhattan at Concept Salon, for the bargain price of just $35.

So, now that the experts at J’aime have tidied things up, let’s take a look at a bit of lingerie! Let’s be honest what you wear on the date isn’t half as important as what you’re going to be revealing. Whether it lies beneath your clothes or you’re going to “slip into something more comfortable,” this is when the lingerie is the center of attention.

Step outside of conventional red negliges with Victoria’s Secret Mesh & Lace Bikini. Just $70 for the set.

And for the perfect finishing touch, we’ve turned to the experts at Agent Provocatuer for a garter belt sure to send chills up and down his spine.

Get the Love Garter for $50 and complete your Valentine’s Day outfit…well, the one that really matters that is.

Taking the evening from nice to naughty, our Valentine’s Day Essentials guide just wouldn’t be complete without after hours activities for two! Here’s our lust list of our favorite Babeland must-haves:

Be Romantic:

Babeland’s Massage Candle Trio ($28) sets the mood while warm, hot wax transforms into massage oil for a romantic rub down.

Be Seductive:

Another Babeland favorite, the Babeland Body Kit. Complete with edible oils, melting massage bars, bath fizz, a vibrating flash light and candles, you will be sure to have an out-of-body experience. All for just $25.

Be Playful:

For the adventurous ladies out there, get competitive with a game of Dirty Dice. With one die dedicated to body parts, and the other to action commands, let the dice decide where the night will take you.

You are running out of time, so book your necessary appointments now and indulge in a Valentine’s Day beauty binge! It’s sure to be a night you will never forget.

Ahh, Valentine’s Day. Has Cupid struck you with gift ideas yet? We’ve got the scoop on what to bequeath your lady friend on the most romantic day of the year. Even if she doesn’t pluck daisies or don pearl necklaces, your gal is sure to appreciate our handpicked goodies.

I’ll start you off with the Philosophy Flirty Girl Set ($35, Sephora). Inside, you’ll find three sweet surprises. The first is a good-sized bottle of all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and bubble bath to start your evening. Pucker up– the creatively designed box also comes with a shimmery Lip Shine. And instead of splurging on massage oil, you can use the yummy scented Body Lotion to work out those knots.

This vintage inspired mini-dress by Blaque Label ($148, Karmaloop) balances sexy and sweet. She’ll be impressed with your style when she sees the lacy cocktail frock, which can be dressed up with black tights and a funky fedora, or worn solo with a classic pair of black pumps.

If your budget is small, but your heart is big (we know, bad pun) consider these cutesy ankle socks from Topshop ($6, us.topshop.com). The black background gives an edgier kick to the white heart pattern, and the material will keep her tootsies warm and fashionable on frigid winter days.

If your lady loves rings (but you’re not ready to pop the question), take a peek at the Lulu Guinness Crystal Pave Ring ($75.50 at LuluGuinness.com). The white bronze ring has a lip-shaped design with red crystals adorning the top. Just be sure to stand upright when you hand her the box.

We know you think she smells great, but since variety is the spice of life, let’s take a gander at the Gucci ‘Flora by Gucci’ Eau de Parfum Spray ($80, Nordstrom). The scent is inspired by past royalty, and contains notes of citrus, pepper, and sandalwood. The fresh new scent comes in a delicate container with an elegant black bow.

Toying with the idea of lingerie? Figure out her sizes (make sure to get them right, gentlemen!) and pick up the Flirty Lace Balconette Bra ($28.50) and Flirty Lace String Thong ($12.50) at Express. The “Hot Stuff” color is perfect for your valentine, and although it looks expensive, the price is easy on the wallet.

Speaking of wallets, here’s a fun option from Wetseal. The Quilted Flower Hinge Wallet ($10.50 at Wetseal.com) is girlie, sweet, and will add a feminine touch to a sexy LBD. It doubles as a clutch and will keep her hard-earned cash safe in a zippered inside pocket.

Still stumped? If your girl adamantly refuses to be given anything Valentines-y (but you still want to look like a don), surprise her with these delicious scented candles from Henri Bendel ($35).  The frosted glass containers have Bendel’s signature stripe, and since it’s already in a pretty box, you don’t need to spend extra on gift-wrap.

Happy hunting, gentlemen!

Now through Saturday January 30th, 2010, spend $50 with Lancôme at Saks Fifth Avenue and here’s what you can walk away with: A black mini bowling bag filled with a slew of makeup samples, such as a Color Design eye shadow compact featuring several star shades, Color Design Lipcolor in Pale Lip and the always-popular Définicils Mascara. Choose your own anti-aging trio, including a day cream, eye cream and serum, from the Rénergie, High Résolution or Absolue Premium ?x collections.

This offer is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and only runs through this Saturday, January 30!  Don’t miss out – take advantage of a great opportunity for Lancôme goodies and samples!