Happy Valentine

   

Whether you're celebrating with a special loved one or enjoying the day solo, taking a day to remember and delight in the love that surrounds us is always a good idea.  Even if romance isn't in the air for everyone, there are many kinds of love to rejoice in - certainly the love of friends and family is always something to be grateful for.  And certainly, taking some time to invest in loving and caring for yourself is always worthwhile too.  To that end, I've shared a few little bits and bobs that I think would be the perfect little treats for a love-filled day, whether your being treated or simply treating yourself!     If ever there was a "healthy" and beautiful chocolate bar, the new Chocolate Bon Bons palette from Too Faced (or any of their Chocolate Bar palettes, for that matter) is certainly one of them.  A gorgeous set of wearable shades that even smells like chocolate = perfection.     A sparkling and glittery bauble is something I love any day of the year.  I personally love this classic pavé chain-link bracelet from J. Crew.     It might be a little bit cheesy or kitschy, but I can't help but enjoy this sweet little heart-shaped Secret Admirer bag from Kate Spade - it's totally adorable.     I'm a huge fan of the Hello Kitty x OPI collection (more on that later), and this sparkling rosy pink polish, Starry-Eyed for Dear Daniel is absolutely gorgeous on, and especially perfect for a love-filled day like today.     There's nothing like a gentle aroma to lift the spirits, and so for me, a lovely scented candle is never amiss when relaxation and indulgence are the words of the day.  This rosewater, cherry and violet scented pick, Loose Lips, by Byredo, is just the ticket for a Valentine's Day scent.      Continuing on with beautiful scents, this new perfume from Miu Miu has been on my wishlist for a while, and it's not simply because of the totally stunning packaging (although as a lover of perfume bottles as much as perfume itself, it certainly helps.  I got a sample of this and used it up almost immediately - the central note, lily of the valley, is one of my very favourite floral scents, so it comes as no surprise that I love this fragrance.      So it might be a major splurge item, but I think this Cat Nap Set from Charlotte Olympia would be the perfect gift, or also the ideal way to treat yourself.  With sweet snoozy kitten slippers and matching sleep mask, what's not to love?
Lastly, it wouldn't be a true wish-list of mine without a book. Obviously. I am smitten with all things Paris (my dream to visit has yet to come true) and I would love to get my hands on this inspiring collection of chic looks, Paris Street Style. The ultimate inspiration for Parisian-chic dressing.     No matter what your relationship status, I hope you find yourself surrounded by love today.     Happy Valentine's Day!     Follow

Valentine's Gift Ideas for ... Treating Yourself

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February is not one of my favourite months.  It's cold, and snowy, and it just feels like winter is never going to end (especially when it starts out like this one did, with a 67 cm snowfall!).  Also, as an eternally solo lady, Valentine's day has never been one of my favourite holidays, although the romantic in me enjoys the idea of it.  So this year? When everyone is putting out their "Gifts for Him/Her" lists, I'm putting out a list of treats for me! Not that I will be getting them all for myself this February 14th, but I might treat myself to at least one.

1. The "Stay Home Club" sweater - because obviously.
2. I could and would wear these adorable heart-shaped earrings every day.
3. These soft-pink frames that are so perfect.
4. A personalized initial charm
5. This gorgeous shade of pink from my polish favourite, Essie.
6. A full-sized bottle of Carven's signature scent (I've used up my rollerball!).
7. Pretty pastel notebooks. You can never have enough.
8. I love pretty teapots and teacups, so this heart-printed  "Tea for One" set is ideal.
9. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to try the Chocolate Bar palette from Too Faced.
10. Last but not least - a clutch I can only dream of from Olympia Le-Tan. 

Never Have I Ever

With the quintessential romantic holiday approaching, I love the idea of celebrating Valentine's Day in style with feminine and love-themed pieces that will transition seamlessly to an everyday wardrobe. And for the day itself? I think it's worth remembering that single ladies (even perpetually-single ones, like me) totally have a reason to even it if is just about showing yourself a little love, or making this love-filled holiday about celebrating fantastic friendships and loved ones. 

I'm quite comfortably single at the moment, but it doesn't mean I don't love "love". And as my style tends towards the feminine all year round and not just when love is in the air as it is this time of year, I'm sharing some of my single-gal Valentine's day picks. If nothing else, read that book by my kindred spirit Katie Heaney (the subject of an upcoming book review post)!! It's a hilarious, relateable, and the perfect - and highly appropriate - read this February 14th.

1. Never Have I Ever - My Life (So Far) Without a Date - Katie Heaney
2. Bella Freud Kisses Sweater
3. Alice & Olivia Flats
4. Baublebar Romantic Text Necklace
5. Kate Spade Book Clutch
6. Hanky Panky Camisole + Shorts
7. MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick

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My Bookish Valentine

If I had a real, actual Valentine this year, you can bet that these adorably bookish cards would most definitely be what he'd end up with. As it stands, I'm sharing the Valentine's day love with all of you instead! Hope you are having a wonderful, happy, romantic day, no matter your relationship status!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Valentine's Day Three Ways

Dress: Modcloth Earrings: Betsey Johnson Clutch: Lulu Guinness Shoes: Robert Clergerie Polish: Deborah Lippmann

I must admit, I always do get caught up in the fun of holidays throughout the year, and Valentine's day is no exception. Since it's coming up so soon, I thought I'd put together three Valentine-inspired ensembles to suit a few different possible Valentine's day outings. First up? Formal evening. If you're going to a fancy dinner, party or dance, a long red dress with gold accents would be my pick. And to embrace the holiday to the fullest? You can't go wrong with a selection of love-themed accessories - I especially love the Betsey Johnson earrings that make some adorably cheeky suggestions.

Scarf: Comptoir des Cotonniers Dress: Modcloth Earrings: Jennifer Meyer Bag: Coach
Tights: Gerbe Glasses: Derek Cardigan Booties: Seychelles Polish: Essie Sand Tropez

If your ideal Valentine's day involves an afternoon spent sharing a favourite book and a warm cup of coffee with a loved one, I for one love this cozy burgundy turtleneck dress from Modcloth. Paired with tights, booties, a cozy scarf and a touch of Valentine-appropriate heart shaped earrings, it makes for the perfect casual-chic look for a romantic afternoon out.

Tee: Wildfox Couture Jeans Old Navy Rings: Topshop Sweater: Wildfox Couture
Polish: Deborah Lippmann Shoes: J. Crew Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Or, perhaps you're in the same boat I am for Valentine's day:  spending it solo (or at least, sans beau).  I personally don't plan to moon about wishing for a handsome gentleman to come a-calling. Instead, I plan to hang out with some fellow single ladies for an evening of good chats and definitely a little ice cream. I picked a cat-printed tee, a heart sweater and a pop of festive red for a bag. Best accessory in this ensemble? The aptly named "Single Ladies" polish from Deborah Lippmann.

Will you be celebrating Valentine's day? And what do you plan to wear? Let me know in the comments!

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Foolproof Nail Art: Heart Accent

Since Valentine's day is approaching in the coming weeks, I thought it might be fun to try a love-themed manicure to get into the spirit of things. However, since I'm admittedly not a pro where nail-art is concerned, I thought I'd try something simple I saw on pinterest a while back - a heart accent nail. If you have a nail art pen, this is seriously the easiest thing ever.

Want to try your own? Here's what I did in a few easy steps:

1. Apply your favourite base coat. (I use one by Essie that doubles as top coat = winning). Dry.

2. Paint on your shade of choice - since it's Valentine's day, I'd recommend something pink or red (I went with Coral from Joe Fresh). Allow to dry. If needed, repeat.

3. With a nail art pen (my trusty Sally Hansen pen is my favourite), outline a heart on your ring finger and fill it in. I'll admit that I only did my right hand, although I think both would look better. Unfortunately, I am not ambidextrous enough to make a satisfactory looking heart on my left hand.

4. Once dry, apply a top coat and dry. This is a key step since otherwise the polish from the nail art pen may rub off.

5. Admire your handiwork.

If you decide to give this mani a go, I'd love to see your results! Share them with me on instagram, twitter or facebook!

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Le Jour de la Saint-Valentin

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Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.  

1 Cor. 13:13

Wishing you love on this Valentine's day!