Valentine's Day today has become a very large, commercial affair, but it remains a time for us to tell those we love how important they are to us. Every year, as February 14th approaches, candy, flowers, gifts, and cards are exchanged between loved ones, but where did this holiday actually originate?

Quite obviously, one would first assume that there was in fact a man named St. Valentine, who somehow was responsible for creating this day of romance. In fact, it is said that the Roman Catholic church recognizes at least three saints named Valentine, or Valentinus, all who were martyred.

Espresso, caffè normale, cappuccino; sometimes it seems that there are as many types of coffee in Italy as there are pastas. And just like pasta, Italian coffee is an art form with many customs and traditions. Whether it's a caffè corretto thrown back like a shot, a cappuccino and brioche for breakfast, or a granita di caffè con panna to cool off from the hot midday sun, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.

caffè (espresso)—a small cup of very strong coffee, i.e., espresso
caffè Americano—American-style coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large cup
caffè corretto—coffee "corrected" with a shot of grappa, cognac, or other spirit
caffè doppio—double espresso
caffè freddo—iced coffee
caffè Hag—decaffeinated coffee
caffè latte—hot milk mixed with coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
caffè macchiato—espresso "stained" with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino
caffè marocchino—espresso with a dash of hot milk and cacao powder
caffè stretto—espresso with less water; rocket fuel!
cappuccino—espresso infused with steamed milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
granita di caffè con panna—frozen, iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it authentic) and topped with whipped cream

As we continue my comments on Italian Style - a friend of mine sent me an e-mail with a few of her opinions - and trust these are only opinions, Style is of course what you make it.

Note that Italian women do not wear flip-flops while parading the streets like a model. Flip-flops, in the picturesque and magnificent Italia, are viewed as only footwear for only the beach, a nail shop for getting your toenails done and for the health spa. So, only wear them to spas, beaches and nail shops.

Do not wear gym sneakers. They are considered to be a fashion passe in the world of France fashion and etiquette. No Italian woman nor man would ever wear this kind of shoe, under any circumstances. The women wear brands like Converse or Diesel which are more of a pluralistic street sneaker with different colors, designs, and fabrics.

Avoid the short, short clothes. Miniskirts, micro-miniskirts, short shorts are a no-no. Italian women do not wear that as in old times and of today, that shows distaste and symbols prostitution. You can still wear shorts, but only to the beach and spa.

Do not put the hair up. Italian women do not wear their hair in a ponytail. It is viewed as a fashion faux pas because rarely an Italian women has her hair up. And women, according to Italian men and tourists, are more wolf-whistled and cat-called when their hair is down and about.

Another common factor on the Italian street wear scene is denim. Jeans are no doubt an American creation but it is the Italians who stylized them into something worthy of having the terms 'style' and fashion associated with them. The Italian women are most particular about the fit, for instance this season the jeans should look like a part of your body. Stone washed jeans too are rather popular and it's almost a sin to wear jeans in the wrong color and fit. However, it's not merely the jeans, Denim jackets and skirts are equally popular. Searching for the perfect jean is no doubt a huge struggle, I have spent hours trying on jeans trying to find that perfect fit, look and style - it is at best an adventure. Needless to say, nothing feels better than a perfect fitting jean! And certainly nothing is as easy to accessorize and make that perfect personal style statement.