As Diane Harris of My House of Style peruses her wares in her inviting Birmingham boutique, she contemplates the popularity of the color red.

“Red is such a beautiful and strong color,” notes the purveyor of jewelry and great boxes and bags in which to keep one’s jewels. The shop features everything from bangles and cuffs to necklaces, rings and earrings and various accessories that would make any woman happy, especially on Valentine’s Day.

“We have a special program where a woman can come in and register her favorite items in the store and then her significant other can come in and check the list if shopping for a gift,” explains Harris.

My House of Style joins dozens of stores and boutiques that are displaying great accessories for Valentine’s Day, whether as a gift for someone or for yourself.

Favorite picks at My House of Style include a bright-pink fabric jewelry box that opens into several departments and could be used for both travel or at home; vintage china-turned-jewelry trays made by a local artist; and of course the jewelry, all of which is unique and suits those with an expressionistic bent (read: this isn’t your typical diamond-stud earring store).

Other inspiring apparel and accessories are red-y for the picking at a variety of metro Detroit shops.

Gifts for Men

Men’s gift ideas include red boxers that are all over the map with a map-print pattern, at Tommy Bahama in the Somerset Collection in Troy or in various departments at Macy’s and Nordstrom.

At J. McLaughlin in Birmingham, pick up a pair of red socks flecked with black hearts.

Red also shows up for Valentine’s season in Eddie Bauer’s Fast Fleece pull-on as well as the company's classic pique polo, both awash in a cheery red. EB stores are located in Troy, Rochester Hills and Novi.

And for the Lady

For women, a closet full of pink-and-red apparel awaits at several stores. The tassel-style fringe animal spot scarf at Tommy Bahama is a wild and playful nod to the Valentine’s theme.

If smelling good is as important as looking good, get her a new scent at Perfumania or Paris Bleu, both located at Fairlane Town Center.

A little something for her jewely box is always nice. Heart-shaped, red-and-pink necklaces and rings gleam in the Swarovski collection, available at Macy's. Stop by Sophia's Giftique in Dearborn for a selection of more unique pieces for the fashion-conscious woman.

But a review of Valentine’s trinkets and treasures wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Tiffany & Co. at Somerset. Set your eyes upon the shop’s pink spinel and diamond earrings. Exquisite is not a strong-enough word to describe these luminescent baubles. Through skillful hand cutting, the spinels’ radiant color is as bright as the smile you might get if you wrap up a bit of red, pink or sparkle this Valentine's Day.