Understated Valentine's Inspiration
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Perfume (Currently Unavailable, But I’d Get This One) | Life’s a Ball Hoop Earrings | Carrie Chain Huggies Earrings | Lipstick | Nail Polish
Valentine’s Day isn’t an opulent or extravagant holiday in my house, so I try to gravitate toward celebrating subtly. I love spritzing a mist of perfume (not an everyday thing) and pulling out one of my few rare tops. I stack up the jewelry perhaps a bit more than usual, slide on some lip gloss, and viola! That’s how I do Valentine’s Day.
I find it very difficult for myself to purchase clothing and accessories that are narrowed down to a specific day or holiday. You don’t want to know how long it took me to buy an Ugly Sweater for Christmas (for years I was the grinch on spirit days and at Christmas parties). To call my philosophy “sustainable” would be flattering, because in all honesty there’s an element of laziness too. I just don’t feel like keeping up with dressing for each and every holiday. This is why I struggle a little bit for Valentine’s Day.
My favorite ways to get in the spirit (without actually spending) is to accessorize, glamorize, and reach for pieces I already have. If I’m going to treat myself and spend money in honor of Valentine’s, I’d rather get a red manicure than buy a lower quality heart-patterned sweater at Target.
Valentine’s Day is all about romance so I love wearing silkier, luxe fabrics in dramatic (yet timeless) ways. Cream, beige, black, ivory, and brown are all perfectly perfect for a date night look with your Valentine - it does not need to be pink or red! I also love going out of my norm, like doing a romantic updo with hair pins or wearing statement jewelry that is a bit dressier. I also think it’s fun to celebrate Valentine’s with things other than clothes - perhaps some high-quality faux tulips (something different than roses) or a beautiful set of pink glass champagne flutes.
I put together this inspiration board of both sartorial, beauty and home decor pieces that can help you subtly and elegantly celebrate Valentine’s under $40!
