The Valentine Edit
Valentine's Day has always been a girl's affair in my family. My mom and I have gone from exchanging candy, cards, and stuffed animals when I was a kid to using the day as an excuse as I got older to get each other little luxuries - a splurgey lipstick, a piece of jewelry, or a nice bottle of champagne. I have carried on that tradition with other women I am closest to. In high school, my best friend and I always spent Valentine's girls days together - getting each other small silly gifts in all pink and exchanging the sappiest cards we can find (we have kept this part going - not a year goes by without mailing each other a Valentine). In college, my group of girlfriends always made an ordeal of getting dressed up and going to a fun dinner on Valentine's day, then heading to the bars because everyone knows that Valentine's Day is the most fun day for singles to go out - all the couples are on dates! As I grew older, even when I was in a relationship, Valentine's Day always felt to me more like a celebration of my best female friendships. I am an admitted girly girl at heart - I love the decorations of hearts and pinks, the candy, the cute little cards. Valentine's Day sparks a simple joy left over from childhood for me - a manifestation of everything pink and sparkly and girly that I loved when I was young, and an excuse to celebrate it.
Even though my Valentine's Day celebrations have looked different throughout the years (and in the pandemic, this one is certainly unique!), one thing that has stayed the same is my excitement to dress for the occasion. When I was little that meant wearing everything bedazzled in hearts, and as I've gotten older it's been an excuse to put on some heels and wear a bright pop of Barbie pink. No matter how you are spending Valentine's this year, I have some favorite trends for you if you are still looking for that last minute Valentine's Day look!
Winter White
I am obsessed with the muted look of soft whites blended with beigey neutrals for winter, and when it comes to Valentine's Day, there's no better pairing in my eyes than this neutral canvas and a small pop of bright (a pink heel, a purple clutch, a red lip).
I'm dying for the Square Neck Dress by Stillwater paired with the Oversized Cardigan by Joah Brown. If you have a Valentine's date night planned with your bffs or your one and only, this duo is sexy and simultaneously polished and undone. Just throw your phone in the cutest phone tote by Cleobella and slip on a pointed toe stiletto (in white, nude, or a color pop) to elevate the look to the next level. The best part about this cardigan is that even if your Valentine's does not involve a night out, this baby is versatile and will be just as chic (and cozy) over whites meant for lounging.
Layer on the whites and neutrals in the comfiest fabrics - all you need is a pink or red lip to make you feel festive, pop open that bubbly and you'll be ready for a girls' video chat or a date night in.
Soft Reds
If you are more drawn to the reds for Valentine's Day, I have a new take for you. This season, softer reds leaning towards rust, copper, and brick are all the rage.
I love these two unique takes on the shirt dress - both in warm earthy hues! The best part about these soft reds is that they are much easier to incorporate into your every day wardrobe than a cherry or fire engine. While there are some bold babes that can do bright red on the daily, for the rest of us this is an easier way to blend the rich color into our style - so even if you get these pieces with Valentine's in mind, you will be re-styling them on the reg. There is something so classic and effortlessly chic about a shirt dress - pair the Shirting Mini by Stillwater with a block heel bootie and roll up the sleeves to show off a wrist full of gold bangles, or go with the Zoe Dress by Whimsy & Row for a long hemline that radiates grace when put back to a slim heel or a slingback. Both are so cute with the Mariah Bag by Cleobella - the beading and wood adds just a hint of texture and interest. The best thing about this trend - she feels like a grown up version of the Valentine color pallet and can be dressed up or down depending on the direction of your evening!
Pops of Pink
Calling fellow girly girls out there, it's our time to shine. A holiday planned around pink, hearts, and flowers - yes please! Take the excuse and run with it by bringing out your spring color pops and florals early.
Valentine's Day is a reason in and of itself to bring your blushes, peaches, and lavenders in the dead of winter. If you are spending your V Day in a warmer climate, The Toluca Midi by Show Me Your Mumu, the Daffodil Dress by Merritt Charles, or the Harmony Blouse and Mini by Arnhem are romantic and bright perfection all on their own. If you are still stuck in frigid temps, never fear! You can do these beauties underneath a teddy coat, or any outer layer in a light shade. We love these pinks, purples, and florals with a pop of that winter white - you can accomplish this with a white pump or bootie or a playful tote like the Raipur by Cleobella!
As you probably have figured out by now, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite celebrations of the year. But even if Valentine's Day is not normally your jam, I hope this might inspire you to see it in a different light, and celebrate in the lighthearted way we did when we were little. Send that gift to your mom just because, make your bff laugh with an old fashioned Valentine's card and some candy, dress up in something that makes you feel beautiful and splurge on that fancy bottle of wine, even if all you are doing is cuddling up on the couch.
For more of our picks to wear or gift this Valentine's Day, don't miss our Valentine's Collection and remember - every order between now and February 14th will be sent with candy and a Valentine's card! Happy Valentine's Day!