The Little Things: A Short Valentine’s Day Shopping Guide for Couples
The Little Things: A Short Valentine’s Day Shopping Guide for Couples
No, not the kind of couples you’re thinking of! For this Valentine’s Day - a holiday that can be just as much about loving yourself and loving your friends in addition to loving a partner - I think a shopping guide dedicated to doubling up on special treats is the perfect diversion. After all, the best things come in twos.
Sweet Delights: La Maison du Chocolat and Ladurée
I wouldn’t call myself a chocoholic, but I do love the occasional cacao confection. At La Maison du Chocolat they offer the usual red hearts, chocolate samplers and boxes of truffles. However, I prefer the original boxed collections. Chocolate tile mosaics are arranged in carefully arranged patterns, like edible modern art.
On the subject of macarons, those sweet bite-sized almond meringues, no one outdoes the iconic French patisserie Ladurée. My go-to is the raspberry flavor and the packaging is elegant enough to give as a gift on its own. In case you are a vegan or have other dietary restrictions, Laduree also offers macarons without egg whites.
Romantic Reads: The Ripped Bodice and Kindle Unlimited
Despite being one of the most famous literary genres, I didn’t start reading romance novels until the early days of the pandemic, when I needed something hopeful in a sea of dark news. The Ripped Bodice, a Los Angeles boutique, was responsible for my introduction. Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or a beginner, The Ripped Bodice can edit and ship a selection of romantic reads just for you.
On the digital front, Kindle Unlimited is many a romance reader’s preferred platform, especially for “spicier” fiction. Without being too specific, I’ll just say whatever you’re interested in probably has a book all about it on Kindle. Plus, since Kindle Unlimited books are exclusive to Amazon, you’ll have access to the most extensive romance library available.
Loungewear: Natori and Catherine D’Lish
There is nothing more glamorously cozy than slipping into an extravagant robe or silken chemise for an evening of lit candles, a glass of your favorite sparkling beverage and that new romance novel. My robes and caftans from the brand are among my most treasured pieces with their unstudied, easy elegance. For an exceptional experience, consider one of their especially limited pieces embellished with hundreds of hours of hand embroidery.
Burlesque icon and beauty queen Catherine D’Lish brings her unique brand of drama and glamour to an exclusive, in-house designed line of very limited edition, floor-length robes reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden age. From silk velvet to silk charmeuse (in addition to synthetic options), D’Lish is the designer behind the viral internet “widow robes.” You know, the one with sleeves down to the ground that you’ll wear as you walk down the marble staircase when the police come by to investigate a “mysterious disappearance.”
Accessories and Jewelry: Bijoux Indiscrets and Betony Vernon
While Vernon offers a made-to-order, customizable collection of over 400 pieces - all produced in Italy - if you’re interested in instant gratification (and who isn’t?), you can order from a selection of her most popular kink-inspired pieces from 1stDibs. The sterling silver and black pearl version of the “String of Pearls” ring, which can double as a sensual massage tool in addition to a bold fashion statement, happens to be the one I prefer.
In my former life as a lingerie writer, I had the opportunity to try many brands, but Bijoux Indiscrets minimalist approach to lingerie-as-outerwear sticks out in my mind. Versatile, accessible, wearable in a variety of sizes and configurations, and inexpensive enough to not have a panic attack if it breaks, their body chains, harnesses, and chokers are the ideal sexy accessories to heighten a steamy vibe for a date night out or an evening in.
Romantic Cinema: Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Bridgerton, Season 2
At two different ends of the romantic spectrum, these recommendations span a range of romantic intensity.
At one end of the cinematic range is 2005’s Pride & Prejudice. Though I’ve been a longtime devotee of the BBC’s take on the classic Jane Austen romance, I’ve recently come around to considering this may be the superior adaptation. With its foggy, romantic visuals shot over the green hills of England, a confident heroine who refuses to settle for less than she deserves, and a besotted, love-struck lead, this is the romantic benchmark.
Conversely, if a day-long television binge is more your style and you’d prefer something more upbeat and playful, Season 2 of Netflix’s Bridgerton is one my most beloved television seasons of all time. The costumes! The characters! The passion! The yearning! The classic enemy-to-lovers trope (my favorite, by the way). And, of course, the necessary happy ending. I re-watch this series at least once a year, and enjoy it more each time.
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