ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE, OH VALENTINES THERE, WHAT SHALL I WEAR?
I have never felt such a heated topic when asking about people's Valentine Plans, some throw the “commercialism is taking over” in your face, others stare far away in a quiet, depressing mood whilst others laugh at you, while planning a huge party to fight this day made for love. Maybe they are right, why have only one day celebrating love when it should be celebrated each day? Somehow the Mothers Day topic doesn't seem to evoke such strong opinions.. However, for me, the idea of having a day complete with a bouquet filled with red roses and a card saying “I Love you”, is something I rather cherish.
Isabella wearing her Valentines dress by Gauge81.
Did you know, the 14th of February has been celebrated since the 8th-century? It was a Gelasian celebration of Saint Valentine, a christian martyr who was sainted. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th century, when notions of courtly love are said to have flourished, apparently inspired by the "lovebirds" of early spring. Some say that "Saint Valentine brings the keys of roots", meaning that plants and flowers start to grow on this day, and therefore the work in some vineyards commences on this day.
A Valentine's card, c. 1909
This year, it is my first Valentine’s as a wife. I found myself planning ahead of this day weeks in advance, (mostly because I thought it was two weeks ago), however after getting a bit too excited about the gift ideas, I realised If, read when, we were to have a date on that special night - what should you wear? Should you go for slutty wild wife vibes, or something more sophisticated, sexy but still with a classy vibe? Where are the guidelines for this? Confused by my google research ‘valentines dress’ featuring mostly half naked girls with yep those boobs, I was astonished. What was love about? Was it only sex? And most importantly of all, how do you show what you feel in an outfit without seeming desperate for the celebration itself?
Collagerie’s Lucinda preparing her Valentines table at home
Compared to your wedding where, yes you want to look attractive but mostly in the more elegant and beautiful way, this day on the other hand, is probably the most personal day of the year, a day where you can indulge in what you think is attractive - the most important decision of I guess in any outfit ever. So after some research I went for an elegant (ish) red dress with a sexy twist made of a mix of silk, acetate and cupro which turns out to be cotton waste! Happy Valentines!
VALENTINE’S DRESS SHOPPING GUIDE
Gravia draped wrap-effect silk crepe de chine mini shirt dress. Made with 60% acetate, 40% cupro (cotton waste).
£238 (sale)
Midi dress with a V-neckline and bow. Adjustable thin straps. Opening at the back. Made with recycled polyester.
£35.99
This dress is cut from crepe to hug your curves and has an origami-inspired fold at the strapless neckline.
£850
Silk shirt with mother of pearl buttons. Wear it with jeans or pencil skirt for that ultimate chic but not understated look.
£230
This midi dress is made from smooth crepe and traced with cascading feather trims along the cuffs for that extravagant yet chic look.
£1,505
For those aiming for the chic and elegant Valentines vibe this dress made from red wool-blend, it has a sweeping off-the-shoulder neckline and voluminous fabulousness.
£2,912
Glossy silk satin dress, with a thoughtfully placed rosette at the neckline and a back vent for comfortable movement.
£298
Short, double-breasted blazer dress in softly draping satin with peak lapels and buttons at the front and shaping darts at the waist for a defined silhouette.
£44.99
Short, fitted dress in stretchy fabric with one open shoulder and one long sleeve and pleats at one side of the waist for a flattering, gently draped effect. 55% recycled materials.
£21.99
The dramatic plunge-front of this red crepe mini dress that's offset with bold padded shoulders, is the perfect power yet sexy Valentine’s statement.
£756 (sale)