There’s about three weeks left till Valentine’s Day, but there’s no need to start panicking about what to get your girl this year (unless you’re planning to put a ring on it). First, let’s get a couple things straight; to really wow the socks off her, skip the gross drugstore candy, forced red roses, and dumb stuffed toys (these are super tacky and scream last minute). Second, you’ve gotta start thinking outside the box, beyond just red roses and fancy chocolates, to an unconventional place where sexy meets decadent and elegant meets sweet.
After you’re done making that dinner reservation, start to get those wheels turning about what to get her to really make an impression. Not sure what we’re talking about? Well we’ve rounded up ten awesome items sure to hit your Valentine right in the heart.
1. KARA – Shearling Backpack, $575
Fluffiness is the way to your girl’s heart this Valentine’s Day and this shearling backpack by New York brand KARA is an exclusive product you can only get at Opening Ceremony (wherein we believe you can always find an awesome gift for any fashion lover). The petal pink colour of the bag is oh-so apropos for a Valentines Day gift, and unlike more mainstream designer bags, it’s actually quite reasonable in price.
2. Diptyque – Valentines Day Rosaviola Candle, $84
There are few girls that don’t own a Diptyque candle (or long to own one). The brand has recognized this yet again this year releasing a special edition Rosaviola candle just for Valentine’s Day. Created in collaboration with fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan who is well-known for her use of the colour pink as well as her passion and mischievous sense of humor, the Rosaviola candle combines the mystery and allure of a lady’s bag. Diptyque describes this mystery as the “predominance of rose, traces of lipstick, and the subtle warmth of leather.” Talk about a sure-fire hit, sealed with a kiss.
3. Nugateau Éclairs,
In the past few years we’ve tried to steer you clear of the contrived boxes of chocolates, opting for Momofuku Cake Truffles, Glory Hole Donuts, and other non-boring options when it comes to sweets. This year we’re delighted to recommend a new trend in the confectionary game, Nugateau’s absolutely stunning array of éclairs. Not only are there a ton of different flavours to suit every palette, they also come beautifully packaged.
4. Stella McCartney – Pink Falabella Heart Shoulder Bag, $1080
Yes, this is the second bag on our list. Because what girl doesn’t love bags, amiright?! This one might seem a little cutesy at first but we’re certain that it would make any girl pretty much squeal with excitement. It’s expertly made in Italy from cruelty-free non-animal materials, and features gunmetal hardware for that perfect balance of cute and badass.
5. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Mink Brule, $35
The next best thing to a mani pedi certificate at her favourite spa might just be the perfect pastel shade of designer nail polish. Like this one in Mink Brule from Tom Ford.
6. Pearls Before Swine – Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Ring, $550
Why is it all men are afraid to give a girl a ring that isn’t THE ring?! Girls love rings, even if they don’t come with a popped question. Take note dudes because this Tahitian pearl 14k gold ring by Pearls Before Swine is beyond dreamy and would totally complete her winter look. It’s the perfect balance of fashion and quality that won’t exactly break the bank.
7. Spring Flowers On Mass, From $250
There’s something kind of magical about spring flowers in mass quantities, especially in winter. Firstly they almost always have an intoxicating scent and secondly because they’re perfectly rubbery nature is different than the petals of a contrived rose (wherein what you see is what you get). Look for tight green tinged bundles Hyacinth that transform over a day of two into yellow, peach orange, dark purple (not the generic blue) and hot pink, as these are the most uncommon colours to find. Make sure to get at least forty or fifty stems to fill up a vase and really wow her.
You’ll not only score points for your untraditional choice, but you’ll probably pay less than you would for that amount of red roses, which are in high demand at this time of year. If you’re unable to find Hyacinth, try to find Muscari, Narcissus, or Parrot Tulips on mass.
8. Dries van Noten – Glitter Asymmetric Pumps, $590
Every girl needs a little glitter in her life. Especially when that glitter happens to be fuchsia and made by Dries van Noten. These real life Cinderella pumps feature a chunky heel and an asymmetric topline and tapered, but not pointed toe.
Now go do some soothing before you order them so you can make sure the shoe will fit.
9. For Love and Lemons – Flower Blossom Bodysuit, $185
If you’re unsure of her bra size but still want to get her some super sexy lingerie a bodysuit is probably the right choice. We suggest this one from For Love and Lemons which combines lace, tulle, velvet, and flower appliqués as well as nude side panels and a low back.
10. Perrier-Jouët Cuvée Belle Époque Brut Champagne 2007, $189
You really can’t go wrong with good champagne. But let’s veer off from the classic Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot, shall we? Your girl deserves to try something new this year, like this Perrier-Jouët Cuvée Belle Époque Brut from 2007. It’s a little more expensive than a standard bottle of Veuve Clicquot but 2007 was an exceptional year for Perrier-Jouët because of its mild winter and early spring. Their cellar master Hervé Deschamps describes the Belle Epoque as “an epicurean wine.”
Plus the bottle is just too pretty to resist.