Float On

Happy Valentine's Day!

My sister wanted to do a Valentine's shoot with balloons, so naturally that meant digging out a few pieces that would work for the pink and white color palette, and standing in the middle of the road in New Haven to take some fun photos.  

Last year for Valentine's we had a fun Galentine's party, this year was of course a bit more low-key, just a viewing of Crazy Stupid Love, a chocolate cake, and lots of wine.  

Hopefully we won't have to endure socially distanced celebrations too much longer, until then, sending you all virtual hugs!

The Rundown
Pointelle Sweater J.Crew similar
Color Block Pleated Skirt Express
Havienne Stiletto Boots Rebecca Minkoff
Bag Rebecca Minkoff
Heart Necklace Jennifer Zeuner via TJMaxx
Pearl Hoop Earrings Mejuri similar
Deco Fan Pearl Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Gold Ring TJMaxx
Nail Color "Sun-Day Style" Essie

What to Wear for Valentine's Day

I haven't done much in the way of celebrating Valentine's day the past few years, however this year my mom, sister, and I are hosting a Galentine's Day, and when I reviewed my closet for potential outfits, this maxi dress stood out. It has only been worn once, Christmas Eve of 2018, and never properly photographed, so it seemed like a perfect choice.

Another small nod to the occasion with my double heart earrings, and topped off with this vintage inspired faux fur coat; I will be the most glamorous single girl drinking wine and eating chocolate at home with her girlfriends this February 14th.

If you have actual cause for celebration or an outing, I found a few similar maxi dresses and bold heart shaped earrings which I've linked below.

What are your Valentine's plans?

      

The Rundown
Color Block Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Brown Faux Fur Coat Banana Republic
 Jeweled Strap Mule Banana Republic
 Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Bracelet Vintage
Pearl and Pave Ring Forever 21 similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Valentine's Gifts Under $50

Valentine's Day is nearly two weeks away, and whether you like to celebrate in a big way, or go with a more low-key approach, a little (affordable) romance is always welcome.

Lace Bra, $18 at H&M
Lace Panties, $8 at H&M
Mrs. & Mr. Guest Towels, $5 at H&M
XO Earrings, $42 a ApplePear
Happy Plugs iPhone Case, $25 at H&M
Tybee Solid Cologne, $42 at Fulton & Roark
Moleskine All You Need is Love Notebook, $20 at Amazon
Heart Shaped Ring Dish, $10 at Target
Golden Hearts Mug, $13 at Starbucks
Dual Heart iPhone Charging Cable, $15 at Kikkerland
Voluspa Candle, $20 at Anthropologie

Hold your breath

This weekend we got a taste of winter at it's coldest, temperatures barely lingering above the teens during the day time, and below zero in the evening. I nearly didn't take any outfit photos at all, but I decided to grin and bear it on Valentine's Day, while also trying to refrain from exhaling while the shutter clicked to avoid the mist of my frozen breath around my face.

I know my outfit might seem sub-par for the weather conditions, but I have on tights and socks and a slip under the skirt, along with a thermal under my sweater. Not that I was overly warm, but I was only dying a little.

The only redeeming factor of the frigid weekend was the unwavering sun, that could almost trick you into believing that it was warmer than it was.

The Rundown
Black Merino Wool Sweater Gap similar
Pleated Maxi Skirt c/o Simply Bridal similar
Black Leather Moto Jacket Express similar
Studded Booties Guess via TJMaxx similar
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Black Gloves J.Crew similar
Fur Collar Thrifted similar
Crystal Flower Necklace Ebay identical, similar

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Fizz & Frosting's Mix it Monday

and

Monday Mingle

His & Hers Valentine's gifts

I may have forgotten just how quickly Valentine's Day is approaching, but thankfully in a world where a great gift is just a click away, one week is plenty of time to purchase something for your sweetheart, or for yourself. I'm all about the self Valentine's gift... flowers, chocolate, jewelry... I go for the classics. I do happen to think that rhino vase is all kinds of adorable too, and would go perfectly with those flowers I'm already buying.

Sean's recommendation for the gentlemen is the key ring, which also functions as a bottle opener, and both of us give our stamp of approval to the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne.

Hers
Earrings, $50 at J.Crew
Rhino Vase, $39 at West Elm
Shoulder Bag, $298 at Kate Spade

His
Fossil Watch, $195 at Nordstrom
Unclip Keychain, $25 at Unsettleco
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, $125 at Nordstrom

Monday night is date night

Most people don't look forward to Mondays. The weekend is over, you have to go back to work, Friday might as well be a million years away, and there isn't even anything good on television.*

However, Monday night is my date night and no matter how I might lament the end of the weekend, I always look forward to Monday. Last Monday Sean and I celebrated Valentine's day and this is what I wore.

This little black dress was part of the Kirna Zabete for Target line that I scooped up off a clearance rack and I'm sad to say it has not gotten much wear. It's my fault more than the dress's - which has a great neckline, a unique textured fabric, and pockets.

Despite the freezing temps, I was resolved to wear a dress. Admittedly, the pumps were worn exclusively in the restaurant, I had to change into my snow boots to navigate the New Haven streets and the icy death trap driveway at home.

We had a lovely dinner at John Davenport's, followed by dessert at Union League Café, and drinks at Ordinary (all places I would recommend if you are in the area). I can't think of a better way to spend a Monday night.

*Living in the DVR bubble has made me completely forget that my favorite show, Castle, is on Monday nights. I just don't watch it until Tuesday.

Have you entered to win a $50 Gift Card to Target yet?

The Rundown
Little Black Dress Kirna Zabete for Target similar
Navy Coat Mark New York via South Moon Under

Red Suede Pumps Nine West thrifted similar

Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.

Black Leather Gloves J.Crew
Pearl Earrings Gift similar
Necklace "Greer V" Gorjana
Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo
Love Ring Avon similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Bordeaux" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle

Valentine's gift guide

This is sort of a gift guide, and sort of a wishlist. I'm not really one for over the top Valentine's gifts, but I do like the celebration and the sentiment and flowers and chocolate. But I like flowers and chocolate any day.

The bra and panty set is a representation of my desire to find lingerie that is as sexy as it is practical. Black scalloped lace with a molded cup, thick straps, and it comes in cup sizes up to G.

The pajama set is the super cheap Target alternative to this Eberjay sleep set I'd been coveting. For $20, I think it's worth a try.

For a black lacy little nothing that I think will be friendly to those of us with larger chests, this Only Hearts velvet and chiffon roper is my favorite, however I felt it was a bit much at $70. Some exhaustive searching yielded this ASOS teddy, coming in just under $50. Finding really cute lingerie on a budget is no easy task.

I love ring dishes. When I come home for the day, one of the first things I do is take off my jewelry and deposit it in a ring dish. I have one at Sean's house too, as I am a creature of habit. For couples who don't live together, I think this cute Lulu & Georgia spade ring dish would be a really sweet gift, meant to stay at significant others house. It would be even sweeter if this 14k gold ring from TJMaxx were in it.

The French Cade and Lavender candle by Voluspa has the most wonderful scent. I'm not a candle person myself, but I feel like I'm pretty much alone in that. For the rest of you candle lovers, I highly recommend this one.

There is no link for the flowers... they are just pretty.

Questions and Panthers

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have some exciting news I've been waiting to share; this year I have a date for Valentine's. I could not be happier.

As some of you know, this is my first Valentine's Date Night outfit post ever. Therefore, I felt it could warrant the purchase of a totally unnecessary, overpriced, ridiculously adorable dress: the Anthropologie panther print dress "on sale" for $100.

But I love it, and I really love that I get to take it out with someone special. I wont even mind being freezing, because I will have a warm hand to hold. (Too mushy? Oh well, it's Valentine's, I can get away with it.)

The Rundown
Panther Dress Anthropologie
Black Cardigan Gap similar
Black Coat Gap similar
Black Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout similar
Fleece Lined Tights c/o Kushyfoot
Gold Sequin Clutch Halston similar

Chain Link Bracelet Thrifted similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Antique Rhinestone Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Nail Color "Fair Game" Essie

Instant Crush: Cheeky Valentine's Day Cards

Some people like sweet sentiment, the "Hallmark card", filled with line after line speaking of enduring love and emotions that are likely more wishful thinking than reality.

I would much prefer a card that is honest. Maybe a bit blunt, a little funny, but certain to bring a smile to the recipient.

It is only Valentine's Day, and we mustn't take it too seriously after all.

Get out of My Dreams and into My Car, $4.50 at Greenwich Letter Press
Let's Make Out, $5 at Paperless Post
Nothing Says Classy Like a Dozen Carnations, $6 at Kate's Paperie
I Love You More Than My Cat, $4 at Ladyfingers Letterpress
Your a Fox, $4.50 at Rifle Paper Co
There is Nobody Else I'd Rather Lie in Bed and Look at My Phone Next To, $5 at Etsy
I'm Only in this for Your Cute Butt, $4 at Etsy
I Like You, I Love You, $5.50 at Urban Outfitters
Mine, $6 at Sugar Paper
Wanna Get Lucky?, $6 Sugar Paper
(Gin and Tonic) So Happy Together, $6 at Kate's Paperie
Let's Canoodle, $5 at Paperless Post
XO, $6 at Sugar Paper
I'm Head Over Heels (which just means I'm standing up if you think about it), $6 at Kate's Paperie
I Really Like You, $5 at Paperless Post
Wanna Spoon?, $9 at Papyrus