Happy Valentine’s Day

Vivienne Westwood Lychee Ladydragon Heart peep-toe pumps

Trendy Lingerie and Sweet, Everyday Underthings from Stanley Korshak for Valentine’s Day

Stanley Korshak’s got a collection of sweet, and surprisingly affordable, Only Hearts undergarments perfect for the upcoming love fest–and, obviously, for the rest of the year. I love these on-trend bralettes that are pretty and practical.

sweet: So Fine lace bralette ($48) and So Fine lace thong ($43)
trendy: Coucou soft cup bralette ($84) with Whisper Sweet Nothings lace knickers ($68)

Four Pretty La Perla Sets for Valentine’s Day from Neiman Marcus

Italian lingerie purveyor, La Perla, is the celeb of the high-end underwear world, and it’s earned that spot with its years in the business (nearly 60), innovative (and often avante-garde) designs, quality creation, and extensive coverage in every major fashion publication. Find these four Valentine’s Day-worthy sets at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.

photography by Matthew Shelley

photography by Matthew Shelley

sweet: (left) Studio lace chemise ($144)  and thong ($55) and (right) Madison Soirée bra ($98) and thong ($44)

edgy: (left) Shanghai San chantilly lace bra ($249) and boyshort ($160) Baronessa bodysuit ($734)

Shop now, spend $200, and get a gift with purchase through Valentine’s Day: a red La Perla logo g-string thong.

On My Love List: The Woods Pink Druzy Circle Drop Earrings at Forty Five Ten

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

Normally, I think of The Woods jewelry as being earthy and slightly witchy, but these pink druzy circle earrings, surrounded by pavé diamonds are kind of darling. The weathered-looking gold and dainty size keep them wearable for everyday. $1,100 at Forty Five Ten.

Four Perfect Lingerie Sets for Valentine’s Day from Trousseau of Dallas

I could spend days in Trousseau of Dallas, marveling at all the exquisite lingerie sets. I love pretty under things. When it comes to editing a collection down to the best, owner Nasrin Hormozi has mastered it, stocking her silk and lace-filled boutique with the best lines, both well known and locally under-the-radar. If you head in TODAY, Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5 pm to 7 pm, you’ll find all merchandise at 20 percent off along. Plus, there will be champagne, makeup touch-ups courtesy Blushington, and goodies from Chocolate Secrets.

playful: Damaris Vegas bra ($148) and knicker ($120)
sweet: (left) Mimi Holliday Bloss bra ($110) and hipster ($75) and (right) Les Jupons de Tess ruffle bra ($235) and tie-back thong ($185)
hot: Les Jupons de Tess Culotte balconnet bra ($298) and panty ($228)

A note regarding price points: I went with my whimsy, picking all my favorite pieces regardless of price tag, but there are items for budgets across the board.

On My Love List: Sethi Couture Diamond Ring

photography courtesy of Ylang23

I’m dreaming big with this week’s love list, so I have no qualms adding this stunner of a diamond ring by Sethi Couture to my collection. Ylang23′s got this pretty thing with a 2.89-karat red/brown diamond in blackened white gold surrounded by champagne diamonds. $5,000 at Ylang23. Who wants to be my valentine?

On My Love List: Virgins Saints & Angels Dragon Crown

photography courtesy of Virgins, Saints, and Angels

Because I’m obsessed with royal history, because I went to see Snow White and the Huntsman twice in a row when it came out, because I’m just a little (or maybe a lot) Gothic at heart, and for, about, one million other reasons, I love the newest Virgins Saints & Angels collection, inspired by ABC’s Once Upon a Time, at SWAG. The collection full of crystal pendants, ornate hair pins and and combs, and cocktail rings, is elaborate, whimsical, and okay, a tad bit silly. (There are spider cuffs and dagger earrings.) But hand over that Dragon Crown (see above), and I swear I will wear it nonstop. Like, when I’m Swiffering and stuff. (It’s only $450.) If you want to check out the full Once Upon a Time collection and meet the designer, Cheryl Finnegan, head over to SWAG this Thursday, February 7, from 4 pm to 7 pm for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and snapshots of you adorned in these jewels.

On My Love List: Le Métier de Beauté & Ken Downing Fragrance Necklace

photography courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Le Metiér de Beauté and Ken Downing are, like, besties. The high end beauty line, which is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus, partners with Neiman’s head honcho on limited edition items (like nail polish and lip stick colors) and is now re-touting their holiday edition Pampille de Seduction fragrance necklace for Valentine’s Day. So, what’s a fragrance necklace? Exactly what you think: a piece of jewelry literally infused with scent. But not just any jewelry, naturally. This baby is 24-karat gold with hand-cut carnelian stones. Scents are a mix of the following (because PR people always say it best):

Gardénia: Playful and sweet, this classic fragrance projects hints of orange blosson and jasmine.
Orchidé: Spicy seduction, this fresh aroma captures the deepest scent released by the orchid just after sunset.
Ambre: Warm, exotic and sensual. Earthy wood notes mixed with deep, sweet tones give this scent vintage charm.

Only $4,500.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Day Treat: A Local Honey Love Pillow

Local Honey love pillow

How precious is this heart-shaped burlap pillow by Dallas-based designer Local Honey? Wool felt “Love You” letters are festive for upcoming love celebrations or, course, happy, year round encouragement on your couch. Just $42 on Etsy.

The Best Valentine’s Day Spa Treatments in Dallas

photography courtesy of spaweek.com

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re thinking of skipping the customary flowers and candy, we’ve tracked down major deals at some of our favorite Dallas spas. Treat your sweetheart to a day of luxury, indulge together in a few side-by-side treatments, or maybe even save some of that pampering for yourself.

EQUINOX SPA

Deep Tissue Massage, 3-Pack
Three intensive massages to be used within one year of purchase. ($294)

Chocolate or Strawberry Facials, 3-Pack
Rich chocolate conditions and moisturizes skin; strawberry evens complexion and reduces signs of aging. ($396)

Deep Tissue Massage and Chocolate or Strawberry Facials,) 3-Pack combination package ($690

THE SPA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON

Royal Retreat for Two
50-minute massage in the VIP couple’s suite, followed by Deluxe Manicures and pedicures (with champagne, of course). Couples who book their retreat for Monday-Wednesday in February will also receive complimentary bathrobes. ($600 per couple)

SPA HABITAT

Green Peace for Two Massage
Side-by-side couple’s massage, featuring hot stone therapy. ($200/50 minutes, $270/80 minutes)

Peace and Love Spa Package
Green Peace for Two Massages (50 minutes), Organic Foot Rituals for two, Little Green Facials for two. Allow 2.5 hours. ($490 for two)

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A Love-Filled Giveaway to Get You in the Mood

This Valentine’s Day roundup includes a handful of goodies from Knock Knock (who makes my favorite little to-do notepads): two “I Love You” chocolate bars, an XOXO sticky note pad, a Why You Really, Really, Deserve Candy notepad, and a What I Love About You fill-in-the-blank book.

Enter here to win.

So You Got Flowers for Valentine’s Day? Here’s How You Can Prolong Their Delicate Lives.

I got a beautiful bouquet for V-Day. How can I keep them alive longer? –Linda

Karen Myers, owner of Apples to Zinnias, has the secrets.

With very little effort, you can have beautiful flowers to enjoy for days and days. Keeping the water in the vase clean is the number one way to keep your flowers healthy and long lasting.

Apples to Zinnias' Mint Julep Cup

There are many recommendations that have been passed around.  A few are adding a copper penny,putting in a small dose of bleach, or adding an aspirin. Those things can change the pH balance a small amount to keep the water fresh.

To clear the vase of all bacteria, hold the vase over the sink, holding the flowers in place, and pour out all the water.  Immediately, replace with water that is a medium temperature.  Flowers are sucking air and closing off their future ability to drink when they are out of water, so it needs to be done quickly.  Doing this once a day is optimal, but even every other day will make a big difference in the life of the flowers.

Giving the stems a fresh cut will enhance their life even more. The larger the stem of the flower the more important it is to give it a fresh cut every few days.

You’re in Trouble if You Haven’t Made Valentine’s Day Plans Yet. But, We’ll Help You Out.

Check out our list of spa specials happening around town. You can never go wrong with the gift of spa time.

Wear These Sweet V-Day PJs from Betty Cupcake to Bed Tonight

The Snider Plaza boutique has some darling pajama sets to celebrate the Hallmark holiday tonight. Find the shorts, left, and the matching top and pants (see them after the jump), plus some other love-inspired styles. Head to Betty Cupcake today!

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The Best “Under There” Wear in Dallas is at Trousseau Lingerie Shop

I was reminded today why we editors selected Trousseau as the best lingerie store in Dallas. Every piece in this store is beautiful, and prices run the gamut. You’ll find flirty demi bra and panty sets for anywhere from $50 to $250, ruffled Honeydew bottoms for $10, and avant-garde La Perla pieces, like in the photo, right. If you’re looking for a set for Valentine’s Day, this is the best spot in town. If you’re not into the Hallmark holiday, you’ll find sweet stuff for everyday wear.

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