Yeah, yeah, yeah, so V-day is a mass marketed Hallmark-induced holiday designed to make you feel alone. Erase the tack-factor and make Valentine’s weekend your own whether you’re spending it with your favorite fling, your devoted doll, or your best friends.

Clockwise (l-r): Cotélac, The Treats Truck, 105 Riv, and THREAD

You need the perfect party dress, and just in time, French designer Cotélac [92-94 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.) 212.219.8065] recently opened its first store in NYC. What better way to play dress up than with rich fabrics and designs inspired by the most romantic city in the world?

For brows that wow this weekend, book an appointment at the spanking new downtown salon THREAD [140 Nassau St. (@ Beekman St.) 212.608.9232]. The incredible Sadia and her team does precise work (the Murray Hill salon has been bustling since 2006), the results are amazing, and the price? Eyebrow threading is only $8 and if you’re in the market for a little more spring cleaning, do a full face threading for $27. The new spot is bigger and offers facials and the best Brazilians south of any border.

Just because you may not celebrate Valentine’s Day with Mr. Right is no excuse to spend it on the couch with Ben & Jerry! Leave The Notebook for another night and take it to the streets with The Treats Truck (212.691.5226 for locations). Better than the ice cream man, this mobile bakery is a dream come true whether you’re suffering from the munchies or need to medicate that nagging sweet tooth. Pick up a Be My Valentine Box ($15) or a Hearts & Dots Goodie Bag ($6) filled with special heart-shaped cookies, cookie sandwiches, and brownies and indulge.

Want to hit the bars instead? Put on that dress from Cotélac and check out 105 Riv [105 Rivington St. (Essex & Ludlow Sts.) 212.475.2600] for a Good Night And Good Luck cocktail—you may need it in more ways than one. It’s officially the Year of the Rat and it’s all about new beginnings…maybe you should be ready for yours tonight.

~Lisa Raphael and Michele Zipp