Glory of Love — Part 1 of our 2016 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Is Here!
Gals’ hearts will race should they be so fortunate as to receive one of these romantic gifts come Valentine’s Day. On a day meant to celebrate the power and beauty of love, give your sunshine something that will make her face light up the room. After all, she lights up your life!
Baublebar Phlox Collar Necklace, $68. Available at Baublebar.com
All women love getting a stunning bouquet (okay, except those with serious allergies), but most would forgo the fragrant petals if they could receive blossoms in jewelry form. Made of gold-plated metal and soft carnation pink acrylic, this flower-themed necklace costs less than the $90 average florists charge for a dozen long-stemmed roses, so it’s a more affordable option and, of course, one with true longevity. The blossom-themed necklace nods the ’70s Flower Child generation while giving the theme a modern spin. The way the sculptural flowers overlap gives the piece a dynamic quality that will spice up any ensemble. Added bonus: there’s no watering necessary!
L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Kaity Floral-Appliquéd Stretch-Tulle Basque, $200, and Kaity Appliqué French Tulle Thong, $45. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Every woman wants to feel like she can exude sexuality as perfectly as Sophia Loren in Marriage Italian Style — and she wants to be reminded of how much you enjoy seeing her naked (yes, even the most confident among us need some positive reaffirmation). Dressing for seduction, however, does not involve oversize T-shirts and striped cotton panties. To feel like a lioness in the bedroom, a woman needs the proper accoutrements — such as these glamorous lingerie pieces from L’Agent by Agent Provocateur, which strike the perfect balance between elegance and eroticism. Designed by Monica and Penelope Cruz as part of a limited-edition collaboration, the Kaity basque is crafted from black stretch-tulle and features pastel pink flower appliqués all along the cups for a romantic touch. The matching low-rise thong also features these dainty appliqués, along with elasticized straps with tiny bows for an added feminine flair.
Nila Anthony Heart Core Box Clutch, $40. Available at NastyGal.com
Edgy gals who recall playing with Legos and 8-bit games will appreciate the ’80s vibe of this Nila Anthony clutch, which features a hard shell in a glossy white shade and a 3D textured red hear along the front.
La Soula “Créme de la Créme” Gold Bar Necklace, $98. Available at LaSoula.com
Give the heart-shaped charms a time-out and, instead, express your affection and admiration through a simple necklace that conveys how you regard the gift recipient. If she’s in a league of her own, then, communicate that with this gold bar necklace, with features the phrase “Créme de la Créme” etched across it and a tiny diamond-shaped stone punctuating the thought.
TOMS Poppy Textile Sandstorm Varchetta Leather Del Rey Sneakers, $89. Available at TOMS.com
A perfect way to kick off the spring season, the TOMS Del Rey lace-up sneakers feature textile uppers with a cheerful poppy print, along with tan leather quarters and heel panels that make the design sturdier and slightly dressier. Not only do these constitute an innovative way to give someone flowers, but they’re truly a gift that continues giving: as with all other TOMS shoes, for each pair purchased, one will be donated to a child in need.
Angela Roi Jules Bucket Bag in Wine, $145. Available at AngelaRoi.com
The rampant ’70s fashion revival has translated into a popularity surge for the bucket bag that was once a staple in every folks-y style maven’s closet. Angela Roi’s take on the bucket, however, is decidedly modern thanks to the minimalist design and streamlined silhouette. The premium vegan handbag measures 16.5″ in width along the top and 12″ in width along the bottom, as well as 11″ in hight and 6″ in depth, making it roomy enough to accommodate an iPad, 13-inch laptop, makeup bag, and all of your on-the-go essentials. Perhaps the most clever details involve the hidden top snap and rope tie closure, which are a much more elegant alternative to traditional drawstrings. Available in this stunning wine color, the Angela Roi Jules bag is a thoughtful gift in more ways than one — after all, for every red bag sold, the company donated 5& of the profits to Keep A Child Alive, an organization devoted to providing medical treatment, food, and support to children and families with HIV in Africa.
Alex and Ani Romance Wrap Ring, $28. Available at AlexandAni.com
Two hearts are better than one. Show the object of your affection that your hearts beat in time with this dainty, adjustable Alex + Ani Ring, which can accommodate fingers with a circumference ranging from 2.2″ to 2.6.”
Rafe Alicia “Kiss Me” Clutch, $495. Available at Rafe.com
Who needs a sporting event Kiss Cam? Tell your buttercup to pucker up with this cheeky yet luxurious Rafé clutch. Made of lucite and equipped with a detachable 24″ gunmetal chain strap, this 7″long clutch features a marbled, shimmering, silver backdrop and the words “Kiss” playfully spelled out in larger-than-life teal, black, and storm gray letters along the front. The word “Me” is stamped on the other side, completing the smooch-centric theme.
