Our favourite holiday is nigh and no, we’re not talking about Valentine’s Day. We are talking about a day that celebrates a bond much more powerful than any romantic union: female friendship. Our gal pals. Our BFFs. Our girl-squad. Ourselves!

Yes, February 13^th– one day prior to the romantic celebration of Valentine’s Day – has established itself as a recognized holiday in different parts of the world, and it stands in the light of girl power. Invented by the fictional character, Leslie Knope, portrayed by American comedienne, Amy Poehler on the hit show, Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day ended up taking the world by storm.

Women from all across the globe related to the idea of celebrating the wonderful gals in their lives much more than the day that can quickly turn into a source of dread if you happen to be single, heartbroken or in a relationship with an anti-romantic. It’s the perfect excuse to get all your ladies together for a special day or night out – no men allowed! – to celebrate your unconditional love and support for and of one another.

If you want to follow in the Galentine’s Day inventor’s example, plan a waffle brunch – there’s no better day to indulge in high doses of carbs and sugar, than on this special day. It’s all about treating yourself and your ladies to whatever your bodies and minds are craving. Bottomless mimosas? No doubt. A dance-off? You go, girls. A brunch that stretches into the late hours of the afternoon? Eat your heart out.

You can spend your Galentine’s Day in whichever way you see fit, but there’s one thing you absolutely can’t do: rock up to it in your loungewear. If this day is a celebration of the best women in your life, it is also a celebration of you in all your beautiful, empowered glory. And, as such, you should take the opportunity to deck yourself out in your Sunday best – maybe even treat yourself to a mani-pedi– and allow your ladies to marvel at the wonderful creature that is you.

If you’re looking for the perfect outfit and accessories to impress your girls with, the kind that will take up at least an hour of conversation and brand/designer name trading, look no further. We’ve created the ultimate Galentine’s Day Style Guide with the best picks from the Fashionomics Africa shop!

The Perfect Dress by Virgin Bohème

Show up to your Ladies’ Brunch in this unique and flattering dress by Ivorian brand, Virgin Bohème, and you can rest assured that you’re rocking the look of an empowered woman who doesn’t need Valentine’s Day – she can get by on the love and support of her gals, thank you very much.

This green and salmon coloured wax-print dress features tulle accents on the straps and a fun wrap-around belt that accentuates the waistline. Voted as one of the Top 10 Ivorian Fashion Brands in the category, Best Collection, in 2018, the Virgin Bohème brand is not only a leader in sustainable design, but also e-commerce.

The Asha Pant & Subha Top Combo by COCOLILI

If you’re not really feeling up for a dress this Galentine’s Day, channel the subtle elegance of the Kenyan retail brand COCOLILI in this top and pant combo that is guaranteed to bring all the spring vibes to your breakfast, brunch or dinner affair. Known to be stylishly chic and playful with Africa-themed print motifs, the COCOLILI brand celebrates femininity and the African diaspora in all its natural warmth and beauty.

These mid-length Asha pants are available in white and green and feature pockets and zip closure. These high-waisted culotte pants fall attractively and are matched perfectly with the Subha crop top available in ivory and yellow. Short-sleeved and with a boat neck cut, this top can be worn as is on mild days or paired with a simple, uniform-coloured blazer on chillier days.

The Happy Feet Option: Nkrumahs Sneakers by ENZI

Opted for a pant/top combo rather than a dress? Then you’re probably out for stylish comfort rather than pinching stilettos and suffocating pantyhose. In that case, we have the ideal footwear for you – the kind that goes perfectly with the COCOLILI pant/top combo, should you have the height to pull this look off with flats rather than heels.

These Nkrumahs sneakers by the Ethiopian footwear brand, ENZI, will attract all the attention. The deconstructed take on the classic mid-cut sneaker was designed to offer both comfort and versatility – the two main ingredients needed for a fashionable day out with your BFFs. Available in brown, navy, blue and burgundy, these babies are made from full grain, chrome-free leather that is made to last.

The Lady Boss Bag: Koko By Khakasa

Regardless of how much time you spent planning the perfect Galentine’s Day, once you and your ladies get together, there’s simply no telling where you might end up. That’s the spontaneous magnificence of travelling in a girl squad, and this is why you’ll want to make sure you come prepared. This elegant and eye-catching Lady Boss bag by Koko By Khakasa will help you do just that.

Available in turquoise, chestnut and green, this hand-held leather bag will hold everything you might need for a day out with your girlies – keys, wallet, passport, phone, make-up etc. The inside is lined with Kitenge fabric features and is foreseen with plenty of storage compartments for easy access to your most important items.

The Hairdo: Wigs and Hairpieces by Sally Chivun Enterprise

Fancy getting your hair done for Galentine’s Day but don’t really have the time to spend three hours at your local salon? Never fear – the Sally Chivun Enterprise is here to hook you up with quality kinky/curly hair extensions and wigs made from human hair.

The Lagos-based brand of hair products is all about making your hairstyle dreams come true and is excited to help you look your best for this special day with your girlfriends.