Hey, guys! Step it up this Valentine’s Day!

Curious about the history of Valentine’s Day I started doing a little snooping.   In doing my research I actually found something that is a little more interesting than the history – the present.  Apparently there are one billion Valentine’s Day cards sent each year and women purchase 85% of all valentines. 

So, guys, this Valentine’s Day, step it up.  Get the woman you love (or just like a lot) a card and something special to go with it – and I’m not talking drugstore chocolates or overpriced flowers.  Get her something that will last, that she can look at and appreciate for years to come.  Something that will remind her that you’re in the small percentage of guys that actually buy their gals Valentine’s Day gifts.

If you’re short on ideas, here are my picks for substitutes for the traditional gift of flowers (and hubby, if you’re reading, I’d be happy with any of these):

The Floral Branch Necklace by Lisa Hopkins.  $96. Hand-cut of sterling silver and hung from a 16” silver chain.  Just like real flowers, since this piece is handmade, no two are exactly alike.

 

Hydrangea Cluster Necklace by Patrick Irla. $164.25.  A few years ago my husband bought me the beautiful Blue Topaz Hydrangea Necklace and the delicate and organic flower makes a wonderful piece for daily-wear.  With a few more blossoms, the Hydrangea Cluster necklace could easily be dressed up or dressed down, and these flowers will last a lifetime.

Dogwood Lidded Vessel by Whitney Smith. $50.  Give this handmade lidded vessel as a gift on it’s own or fill it with chocolates, or a piece of jewelry – say, a handmade engagement ring for a Valentine’s Day proposal?  Any way you give it, this vessel is a charming gift.

Good luck, guys!  And, happy Valentine’s Day.

Caitlin

Bee Still My Heart

 

We first found these looks in Vogue’s guide to Spring 2013 fashion.  Whether you’re the fashionable bee keeper, the garden party honeybee, or the queen bee herself, Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2013 is buzzing with looks for the entire hive.  This line includes magical dresses that exude the sweetness as well as tailored looks that incorporate the perfect geometry of the honeycomb.  Our favorite are the looks that include both, such as the little yellow dress (lower left, above) that  wraps a full, pale yellow, dress over a honeycomb print bodice.  This piece is the fusion of the sweetness of the bee with a hint of the sting.

If you can’t go full-on apiarist with your look, how about pollinating your wardrobe or your décor with a few bee-themed pieces instead. 

The Honeycomb Modern Wall Clock by Pilot Design (top) has the sheer beauty of the Alexander McQueen skirt, but instead of showing off your legs it will show off your wall color.  The individual honeycomb pieces are cut out (just a few remain in a neutral color), letting the background show through.

Or, for a more wearable honeycomb, DesignERica has both a Hive Cuff (above lower left) and a Honeycomb Ring (above lower right).  These modern bee-inspired accessories remind us of Alexander McQueen’s yellow dress – let the bracelet peek out from beneath your flower shirt, showing you’re sweet as honey but with a little bit of a sting. For the apiarist, we say go for both the ring and the bracelet!

Then for the queen bee, there’s nothing better suited than Lisa Hopkins’ Honey Bee Necklace.  This hand-cut sterling silver necklace has a beautiful bee cut out of an oval shape and hung on a 16'” sterling chain.

So, with the hive fashion in place, we’re ready for spring!

Cheers,

Caitlin