1. Kiki de Montparnasse by Julia Restoin Roitfeld Chantilly Corselette Bra, $325 US at Barneys.
2. Deborah Marquit Lace Bikini Briefs, $115 US at Barneys.
3. Rodarte Rohearte Sweatshirt with Heart, $155 US at Opening Ceremony.
4. In God We Trust Bitty Heart Ring, $60 US at In God We Trust.
5. New Kid Dreamcore Boots, $179.95 US at Solestruck.
6. Karen Walker Bunny Sunglasses in Crystal Fuchsia, $180 US at Garglye.
7. Butter London Disco Biscuit Nail Lacquer, $14 US at Butter London.
8. Momofuku Milkbar Cake Truffles, $16 US at Momofuku Milkbar.
9. Deadly Ponies Mr. Dipalopagus Tote Bag, $580 NZD at Deadly Ponies.
10. Lavender Hyacinth’s arranged in a vase, from $125 at your local florist.
It’s getting pretty close to that special (read: arbitrary, obligatory) holiday and cupid’s arrow has us all a glow with ideas for the tasteful fashionable lady in your life come February 14th, because what better than fancy dinner? A fancy dinner with gifts of course!
1. Lingerie is always a go-to gift for couples, so don’t skimp with something cheap and red from Victoria Secret, go for something that exudes sexy luxuriousness like this truly incredible collaborative Corselette bra designed by style icon Julia Restoin Roitfeld for french lingerie brand Kiki de Montparnasse.
2. We know $325 US seems like a lot to pay, so we thought we’d offer a itsy bitsy pair of hot pink lace panties which are a tad more cost-effective that’s equally as luxe and well made from Deborah Marquit.
3. Rodarte is always a solid bet as well gents, fashionable ladies know and covet it, and what better unassuming item (to wear with possibly nothing else underneath) than a cozy Rohearte heather red sweatshirt with a cute heart over the capital logo.
4. Diamonds are overrated, not to mention over priced, so we thought this lovely little Bitty Heart Ring from New York’s In God We Trust was the perfect was to give jewellery that she can wear again and again without breaking the bank. It’s hammered brass construction is both elegant and understated and comes in sizes 5-8, available on their website.
5. For the girl you know well and love, who lives and breathes for shoes, we suggest these effortlessly cool Dreamcore boots in a new summer colour block from New Kid. You might remember these boots from our holiday gift guide which were shown in black. They’re just as sexy as high heels, but they won’t make her feet ache and are more likely to fit (they’re come true to size) her lovingly for a long time.
6. Next up Karen Walker Eyewear. The shades all the girls want, and why not be daring and give her a pair of crystal fuchsia ‘Bunny’ frames so she can think of you when she rocks something outside the usual black wayfarers.
7. You might as well pamper the girl while you’re at it, and why not give her suggestive nudge with some hot pink sparkly nail lacquer from Butter London along with a spa certificate so she can unwind and listen to Disco Biscuits.
8. Guys, don’t you dare give her pot-of-gold, lindt, or any chocolate from the drug store because she’ll melt, yes, melt when she eats one of Momofuku Milkbar’s fabled cake truffles. They’re probably the best thing she’ll ever eat, and you’ll go down in history for introducing them to her. Can’t get you hands on any? Buy her Bobbette & Belle‘s vanilla and chocolate artisanal marshmallows as they’ll have a similar effect.
9. Feeling like a splurge? Spoil her with a new bag from our favourite Auckland leather brand Deadly Ponies which ships worldwide. We suggest the Mr. Dipalopagus Tote Bag in magenta and black because it’s a simple yet thoughtful design any gal would dig.
10. Last but not least, perhaps the most traditional of all options on Valentines day, flowers. We recommend steering clear of boring and overrated red roses and babies breath, towards something with a romantically subdued colour and scent like lavender hyacinth arranged in clear glass vase without filler flowers or greenery. Most high-end florists will have a lovely selection on hand at this time of year, but if you’re having trouble finding hyacinth, hot pink anemone’s, deep burgundy ranunculus, soft pink parrot tulips or sweet peas always impress when arranged on mass. They won’t be inflated in price like red roses, and you’ll get extra brownie points for thinking outside the rose box.