I’m a sucker for Valentine’s Day merch. Everywhere I look there are red and pink hearts, kisses and bows smacked on everything from cupcakes, to shoes, lip gloss, jewelry and handbags. Maybe the fact that my birthday is two days after Valentine’s Day makes me love the commercial holiday so much, but I like to think that it’s because I’m a lover of all things hopelessly kitsch in fashion, beauty and design. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I’ve compiled some of my favourite fashion items that get my heart all aflutter.
ALDO GIRIDDIN SHOULDER BAG
This cross-body heart-shaped bag by Aldo gives a new meaning to the phrase “arm candy.” The heart candy-inspired bag comes in light pink, green or yellow and reminds me of a similar-looking Charlotte Olympia clutch, but for a fraction of the price tag.
VON FOLLIES LINGERIE BY DITA VON TEESE
There’s nothing sexier than retro-inspired lingerie and Dita Von Teese does it right. I know most women would be hesitant to buy their lingerie online, but I purchased pieces from Teese’s Von Follies line through ASOS and found they were true to size. The quality is great, the price is pretty sweet and if you’re a lover of retro-tailored lingerie (high-waisted, slimming and smoothing) then give this collection a try.
KATE SPADE OOH LA LA TOBYN
Kate Spade is the queen of cool kitsch with a good dose of posh, upper east side, pretty sophistication. I just knew she would deliver a Valentine’s-inspired collection that would have me oohing and aaahing. One of my favourite pieces is the Ooh La La Tobyn cross-body bag with top handle, which has just the right amount of quirk and ladylike polish.
BATH & BODY WORKS SWEET SHOP CANDLES
The Sweet Shop candle collection from Bath & Body Works not only has a range of sweet, mouth-watering scents perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, but it’s also cute as hell. The Mason Jar Candles would look perfect anywhere in your home and the Sweet Shop Pedestals elevate your candles to chic new heights.
TOO FACED TEDDY BEAR HAIR 5 PIECE BRUSH SET
Don’t be fooled by the cutesy name or heart-print cosmetic bag, because this is one fierce brush set. These five essential brushes – powder, contour, all-over shadow, blender and liner – may be made of synthetic materials, but they feel identical to real hair.
BATH & BODY WORKS VELVET SUGAR BODY LOTION
Get super soft and smooth skin that will leave you irresistible to touch and smelling good enough to eat. This shea and vitamin E rich lotion smells divine thanks to its sweet blend of red velvet crème, golden plum, sugared musk, pink jasmine and strawberry.
MAYBELLINE COLOR ELIXIR BY COLOR SENSATIONAL
To get a look-at-me pout for Valentine’s Day – or any day of the year, for that matter – look no further than this lip product hyphenate from Maybelline that delivers the colour of a lipstick, the cushiony feel of a balm and the glassy shine of a gloss. I have a few shades on rotation in my makeup arsenal right now, including Caramel Infused, a neutral rose, and Dashing Orchid, a bright purple that’s in line with Pantone’s colour of the year.
– Jodi Goulart