The tacky flowers, plastic novelty gifts, slushy cards and good ol’ cuddly toy are distant hazy memories that don’t exactly evoke a romantic feeling, even the Milk Tray guy has had a revamp!
Today’s romance rests on themes, styles and experiences rather than garish gifts. Roses have always been considered the flowers of love but when thinking rose think fashion. The ‘Time to Bloom’ shoes (£250 from www.shoesbyshaherazad.com) reflect rose inspired fashion and are ideal for going from desk to dance floor!
The little black dress aka ‘the LBD’ is classic for date night wear, for styles with a current twist check out www.aym-studio.com
The Boom Boom ‘Take Care’ Split Dress (£85) works for all occasions, team up with Rose Gold Hammered Heart Earrings (£20) and Bracelet (£20) from HihoSilver, visit www.hihosilver.co.uk
Essential accessories are a must for the right look. Charnos Hosiery have updated fishnet tights with sparkle, visit www.charnoshosiery.co.uk For something with a lacy edge Jonathan Aston Sweet Roses Ankle Socks can bring romance to any outfit, from www.jonathanaston.co.uk
For make-up, Jane Iredale’s mineral make-up range has the tones to put you in your best light, including soft pinks, mauves and peaches. The Spring Collection’s Eyeshadow Trios (£28 each) and Peaches and Cream Bronzer (£29.95) are available from www.janeiredale.co.uk.
Fragrance is a must for the air of romance, the Bloom Perfume Continental Roses sample pack gives you a range of fragrant floral choices to suit your mood, £12 from www.bloomperfume.co.uk
If you are feeling anti-romance then fashion has embraced that too, Ellie Ellie has a range of anti-valentines clothing including the ‘Fries Before Guys’ Women’s Sweatshirt Jumper, £29 from www.ellieellie.co.uk
Rose gold has taken hold as a huge trend in the home, the warm tone is exactly what is needed to give a room a romantic feel. The VITA Acorn Polished Copper Light (£55 at www.vitacopenhagen.com) gives the perfect ambient setting, while you can take a comfy seat and relax with the Extended Curve Lounger in Rose Gold from Pouf Daddy (£145) which can also be used outdoors (just think of those dreamy summer nights in the garden), visit www.poufdaddy.co.uk
For the finishing touches go for some home accessories, La Petite Maison Blanc Linen Storage Boxes are just the thing to clear away clutter and can be personalised too, from £16.50 at www.lapetitemaisonblanc.co.uk
Floral fragrance can be added to your home with the Rose Soy Candle by Cozy Glow, £7.50, from www.Amazon.co.uk/handmade
The romantic mood would not be complete without music, whether you are listening to Shaggy (Mr Romantic himself), some Moments in Love, or a more current romantic melody the Urbanista Melbourne Bluetooth Speaker is ideal, £79 at www.urbanista.com
Your choice of romantic drink may be a cool but classic wine or perhaps you are going all out for the sexy cocktails, either way OXO Good Grips have lots of fun kitchen tools and barware that look great in the home including the Vertical Lever Corkscrew (£45), and the Press and Pour Cocktail Shaker (£35), visit www.oxouk.com
For a really cool but romantic drink Edgerton Pink Gin is not only seriously on trend but contains 15 unique botanicals including Damiana, an ingredient infamous for it’s aphrodisiac qualities, £24.25 from www.31dover.com