There's not much that makes sense about Valentine's Day. For starters, the history of 14th February is disputed by historians and no one knows what Roman martyr St. Valentine has to do with Me to You Bears. Even the rhymes we sing don't make sense: some roses are red, but violets are most certainly not blue. Talk about fake news.
So while most everyone is busy wondering whether they should get their partner a box of homemade, personalised brownies, take them out to the new immersive theatre event or just sack it all off and spend a night on the sofa, how about we make up some alternative traditions. Like the one in which Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love, it’s about all kinds of love. So why not….self-love?
Self-love on Valentine’s Day is your chance to go next level. It's a time to treat yourself with anything from lavish presents to little pick-me-ups, all with the view of reminding yourself just how great you are. It is still only February after all – you need something to get you through the rest of winter.
Click through to see our picks of what to gift yourself this Valentine's.
The Gorgeous Silk Dress
As Cupid would surely tell you, the best clothes are the ones that make you feel incredible. Which is exactly what freelance designer Amber Wyles had in mind when she came up with the idea for her brand Maimie.
With it, Wyles set out to make clothes that are as comfortable as they are luxurious, and this floral wrap dress is no exception. Buy it, wear it, feel like a goddess – and thank us later.
Maimie Athena Florence Dress, £375, available at Maimie
The Stylish Cat Eye Sunglasses
Now that you’ve made it through Dry January and Veganuary and whatever else you’ve been doing to make yourself feel pious, isn’t it time you remembered how to have fun?
These sunglasses from Le Specs are just the ticket. Stylish and inexpensive to boot; put them on and pretend like spring is already here.
Le Specs Rapture Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses, £35, available at Net-A-Porter
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The Sustainably Sourced Gemstone Necklace
You know that investment piece we mentioned? Well here it is. The Seraph Halo necklace with Gemfields' responsibly sourced Mozambique rubies on 18kt gold.
Gemfields produce 25% of the world’s emeralds and 70% of the world’s rubies, and they’re about to be even busier than usual because gemstone jewellery is experiencing something of a renaissance.
Gemfields own their own mines, meaning they can guarantee that their gems meet strict business, social and environmental standards and are sustainably sourced. All the more reason to fall in love with this dainty little beauty.
GFG Jewellery by Nilufer Seraph Halo Necklace, £975, available at GFG Jewellery
The Romantic Adventure Book
Love a bit of gothic fiction? What about stories featuring fearless young women, love, loss and romance? In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein ticks all the boxes. In this captivating story, writer Fiona Sampson uses diaries, letters and public records to celebrate the life of the famous author, just in time to mark the 200th anniversary of the publication of Shelley’s most famous work, Frankenstein.
In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein, £12.01, available at Amazon
The Party For Your Feet
While you’re still freezing your arse off and dealing with the "will it, won’t it snow again" British weather dramas, there’s only one thing for it. Buy more warm clothes. Like these pink cashmere socks. Who needs to go out when you can stay at home with these on your feet?
The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks, £36, available at The White Company
The Classic Scarf, Reimagined
The Burberry check is back, in a big way. And you know what that means? It’s totally okay to be seen wearing the iconic-turned-copycatted-turned-great-again print. Now the luxe look is back with a vengeance and there’s no need to stay beige either – we’ve got this pink number on our wish list.
Burberry Giant Check Cashmere Scarf, £350, available at Selfridges
The Chance To Give Something Back
On 4th February – World Cancer Day – GIRLvsCANCER launched their new Have Heart Collection, featuring three styles of T-shirt designed with breast cancer sufferers in mind.
The new Tit-Tees proudly display a heart over either the left, right or both breasts. Women can wear a tee to represent the breast or breasts that were affected, and raise awareness around other people checking theirs more often.
GIRLvsCancer Have Heart Collection, £28, available at GIRLvsCancer
A Delicious-Smelling Face Oil
There is nothing that says 'me time' quite like a delicious-smelling face oil. Now, during some of the hardest months of the year, your face needs all the TLC it can get. We can’t recommend this classic (from the godmother of skincare, Liz Earle) enough. Sweet dreams.
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate for Night, £39.50 for 28ml, available at Liz Earle
The Pillar Box Red Lipstick
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Then let us introduce you to the final self-gift suggestion, a marvellously inexpensive indulgence – this bright red lipstick. This iteration comes from beauty-favourite Glossier and gives enough colour to make your lips pop without making it look like you’re about to go on stage in Chicago.
Glossier Generation G in Zip, £14, available at Glossier
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