Valentines Cynic

The list of holidays I haven't written off as frivolous wastes of calendar space has dwindled to three. Fourth of July, New Years Eve, Valentine's Day, all find themselves in my doghouse. Burned by years of expectations never living up to reality, I've come to treat them with reproach.

During my previous years of being single I tried to be nonchalant about Valentine's Day. I used to wear pink and dedicate blog posts to heart shaped confections. (Those go way back.) When I finally found myself in a relationship I fear my expectations were too grand. I clearly recall last year, the promise of getting home by 8 p.m. for a simple dinner, turned into 9, turned 10, leaving me starving, tired, and cranky. At that point no cute card or grocery store bouquet was going to remedy my mood. I accept at that point I made a choice. I could have made the best out of the delayed dinner situation, instead I chose to see the worst. But being single again, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

I know there are people out there having happy, romantic Valentine's Day celebrations. They must exist. The whole world can't just be faking it, right? Is it possible I've never really had one because I've just become to cynical towards Valentines?

This year, I've sent valentines to my nephew and niece, I'll give my mom chocolate, and perhaps in the subtlest of nods, I'll throw on this arrow necklace, because you know, cupid. But it will otherwise be a pretty unremarkable Wednesday. (And yes, I suppose I did get the cute cup at Starbucks.)

What are your Valentine's Day plans?

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The Rundown
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Tan Cardigan Max Studio via TJMaxx similar
Velvet Leggings Banana Republic
Fur Trimmed Mules Target similar
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine
Necklace Taken for Granite
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx similar steal




Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy's Trendy Wednesday
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14 comments

  1. I try to treat Valentine's Day like any other day - mostly because anytime I have made plans, they've turned out laughably badly. Besides, crowded restaurants with increased prices aren't really my thing, particularly in the middle of the week, when Valentine's Day almost always falls. This year, though, one of Ian's rare days off happens to coincide with Valentine's Day, so we'll be having a small celebration that he came up with: ordering pizza (because it's his favourite) and watching Pocahontas (because it's mine, and he hates it.) It's nothing earth shattering. But it also makes the probability of disappointment much smaller ;)
    xox,
    Cee

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  2. I essentially ignore Valentine's Day and mostly always have. We don't make plans or really every do anything. I've just honestly never had much patience for Valentine's, whether I'm in a relationship or not - I think the most I've ever gotten up to is ordering takeout and watching a movie at home. And that's been more than fine for me!


    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  3. I wish we had something romantic planned, but just dinner at home with a red velvet cake my daughter and I made yesterday. I think we should show love year round and not just on one day.

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  4. That is a cute starbucks cup, hehe. I love those jeans!
    I've always just had my own Valentine's celebrations eating chocolate and watching romantic movies. I've never been obsessed with having the perfect date but I did "celebrate" on my own because why not have an excuse to eat exra chocolate all day. Ha ha.
    So far this year is pretty good. We exchanged presents over breakfast (he got me my favorite British candy) and we'll go out to dinner. Nothing fancy, but it will be nice
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  5. I used to feel this same way, Lydia. Especially with my ex because there was no love involved. I think that's why I wanted to get married on Valentines Day this time since then I could really celebrate the day with something more meaningful!
    But I have gotten wise to the fact that love is not only about a spouse or partner. The fact that you sent items to your family is super special, and love is always a good thing!!
    Sending you tons of love today too!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  6. I love seeing your V-Day throwback posts :) Valentine's Day has become more about the fun/cutesy parts of the holiday for me rather than the romance. I'm looking forward to making pizza pasta with some heart-shaped pepperonis for dinner tonight and giving my kids little goodies. :) My husband did get me some flowers and a card, which I really appreciate, but I wouldn't have been upset if he didn't. But I also think that it can be a tricky holiday--so many people have really strong feelings about it both positive and negative. I think it's sweet that your sharing the love with your family today :)

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  7. Loving this cute laid back look! Those slides are the cutest! Love the fur!

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

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  8. I am with you, I am kind of a Valentines cynic myself. It really is just another day, and one of the only things that is good about it is knowing we are now half way through February. Love this look, I need those mules!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

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  9. I don't make that big a deal out of Valentine's- yes, a date night is nice, but it's really just another day. My boyfriend and I keep it really simple/laid-back (sushi and an action flick!), and I probably spend way more time planning outfits for the blog that aren't too Valentine's-obvious than I do thinking about what I'm going to do for VDay.

    Love those fur mules- I have a pair and they've been getting so much play this winter!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  10. First, I love the gold tassel on your bag, and the mix of textures with the cardigan and velvet pants is so nice! :)

    Valentine's Day really isn't a big deal here, there are a few stores that have some red heart shaped stuff but so few people do anything. I decided to skip cooking for the night and order takeaway but that was it, haha. Nothing momentous! Like any ocassion, you can get involved in it as much or as little as you want :)

    Hope you are having a wonderful week. The heatwave continues here unfortunately, so uncomfortable!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  11. I love your fur mules! So cute and such a fun trend from last year! I don't celebrate valentines day too much. I make it fun for my girls but my hubby and I keep it really simple.

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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  12. That's the cutest Starbucks cup I've seen in a while. Gotta get mine. ha!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  13. I totally agree that Valentine's Day is overhyped. I always treat it as a day to tell people in my life how much I appreciate them, not necessarily a romantic partner. On the fashion side, your shoes are so chic!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

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  14. You're not missing out - I have to say V's day is over rated. Period.
    Here all restaurants are full and the service that particular day is awful. I tried dining out with friends and husband several years in a row and every single dinner was worst than the previous one.
    This year I got home at 10pm as I was chatting with a friend and had a sandwich for dinner.
    BTW I would have been PISSED at someone being THAT LATE to dinner. You had all the right to be.

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