It’s that time of year again. The one that either makes you swoon in anticipation of romantic treats or balk at the very sight of red roses. Of course Valentine’s day can be spent which ever way you choose: whether you prefer to curl up at home with your dog, cat or house rabbit; head to the pub with your favourite bunch of mates or book a table at an haute new restaurant with a significant other. It’s that date mid Feb when you can justifiably treat yourself, a friend or drop big hints to a loved one. With that in mind we’ve done a store sweep at Marks and Spencer and found that if it’s not just pretty little lace things that float your boat – there’s a plethora of other beauties in store to do all of the above. Without further ado…
Staying in – cosy night in with the cat? Wear your heart on your sleeve – literally. Cashmere heart jumper £109, Autograph at M&S (#thestylishstuffloves) worn with the prettiest silk and French lace high leg knickers £12.50, Rosie for Autograph at M&S; light grey (sumptuously soft) socks £10 for a pack of five, M&S Collection.
Not Going Out – You’ve been to the gym – you feel great, you look great so why not ditch the vest and pjs for a little romance chez vous? Blush pink cardigan £39.50 M&S Collection; silk and French Lace plunge bra £27.50, knickers as before, Rosie for Autograph at M&S.
Girls’ Night In – fairy lights, popcorn and a movie with mates – revere long sleeve pyjama top with piped trim (so good you can wear this out as a shirt with jeans or smart black trousers) £35 (part of pj set); vintage inspired, embroidered bustier £35, both Rosie for Autograph at M&S; soft grey joggers £25, M&S.
Spontaneous Cocktail-Crawl with your girl gang – yes it’s that bra again, so good a peak under a classic white shirt is pretty much law. Vintage lace bra, as above worn with ruffled sleeve, button-down white shirt £27.50, M&S Collection; black mid-rise skinny jeans £35, M&S Collection and trophy buy (or borrowed from your boyf’) men’s black DJ jacket £80, M&S Collection.
The black skinny jean – your figure flattering friend.
Pick-me-up – when a good friend deserves a little treat. Pretty little lace bralet £27.50, Rosie for Autograph at M&S.
Pretty in Pink – keeping date night well within the blush zone. Figure flattering, dress with fluted sleeve detail £69, Autograph at M&S
Keeping it Casual – well, an lbd is more of a fling than a romance so for date night this gingham trench is definitely the real thing. Lilac gingham trench £89, Limited Edition for M&S; white Westwood kick flare jean £90, Jigsaw and the perfect v-day shoe – red strappy heels £35, M&S Collection.
Say it with flowers – the enduring kind. Pretty garden droplets necklace £19.50, M&S Collection .
When the lights go low – here’s one to woo in. The ‘Unwrap-Me’ black, lace body £22.50, M&S Collection.
Present-to-self – a bang on-trend, super cute, little red bag to stuff your essentials into. One to bring a little colour to the proceedings even if Valentine’s Day goes way under your radar £29.50, M&S Collection.
Spa date with self.
Whether staying at home or heading out, make up artist Frances Prescott lets us in on her tips to create a blissfully-blushed natural look;
In your make up bag…
Frances Prescott Tri-Balm; Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter; Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Hangover Primer; Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette; Milk Make up Lip + Cheek; Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon; Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara; Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz.
All beauty products featured are #crueltyfree.
In association with Marks & Spencer for Valentine’s Day.
Fashion and words by Shelly Vella
Photography by Emma Sweeney
Hair and Make up by Frances Prescott
Model Daisy at Models 1
Fashion Assistant Karla Morales
Shot at Flora and Fauna Studios, Columbia Road.