valentine

Valentine Essentials: Chocolate!

Valentine's Day just wouldn't feel right without chocolate, and although those cardboard heart boxes full of waxy chocolates are certainly nostalgic eating them can leave something to be desired. Take the romance up a notch this Vday with decadent, luxe chocolate from one of the best chocolatiers in the country. Whether you and your sweetie prefer truffles, chocolate blends that are specially formulated to go with your favorite wine, or even hot chocolate, there's something out there for every taste. And most of them are so pretty to look at you might find yourself hesitating to eat them (just for a second).

Gallery: Romantic and Luxe Valentine Chocolates

Valentine Spice Truffle Collection by Hedonist Artisan Chocolates

Gift Box Extraordinaire by Chocolat Céleste

Tags: chocolate, chocolates, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, vday09

Valentine Essentials: A Little Black Dress

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Have you decided yet what you're wearing this Valentine's Day? February 14th is one day of the year when every woman wants to look her best and if you have plans for a hot date why not go with the classic little black dress? The LBD has been around forever, and for good reason: every figure and every skin tone looks good in it! If you don't have one hanging in your closet already you officially have our permission to go out and go shopping (as if you needed a nudge). There are countless styles and versions of the LBD out there so see some of our favorite picks in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Designer Little Black Dress

Tags: black dress, BlackDress, dress, lbd, little black dress, LittleBlackDress, valentine, Valentines day, ValentinesDay, vday09

Giveaway: 10k Amethyst and Diamond Necklace in Time for Valentine's Day!

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Ladies and gentleman, it is our pleasure to offer you a beautiful Valentine's Day gift for free!

Luxist is giving away this elegant 10k Amethyst and Diamond Necklace (valued at $249, at right). Donated by the wonderfully helpful folks at DiamondShark.com, the necklace is sparkly and bright, and dangles gracefully from its delicate silver chain. This is for any woman who likes color, especially if she shies away from wearing gold. It appears gothic worn with black, and exquisite with white -- and I'm sure you can think of other color combinations!

Diamond Shark runs daily deals on diamond necklaces, watches, and fine jewelry -- just one at a time. You can read all about what they do here on Holidash, or just visit the site and see what great item they have today.

We have the 10k Amethyst and Diamond Necklace here in our office and are happy to get gift to you via Fed Ex in time for the big day, even if it's secretly for yourself! All you have to do to enter is tell us what your favorite gemstone is.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment (telling us your favorite gemstone and why you love it) below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, January 30, 2009 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive the Amethyst and Diamond Necklace valued at $249.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.

See complete contest rules here.

Tags: amethyst, diamond, diamonds, giveaway, necklace, valentine, valentines, valentines day

Immortalize DNA, a Fingerprint, or a Kiss for Valentine's Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Art

From the same people who brought us the gorgeous Kiss Portraits, DNA11 also makes portraits of DNA (above) and fingerprints. These too make great Valentine's Day gifts, just in a less overt way than the Kiss Portraits.

Putting your loved ones' fingerprints or DNA on your wall or desk not only shows you love them, but that you value their uniqueness and want to know every part of them. It makes them feel special.

DNA11 sends you a lip-print kit with a M.A.C. Viva Glam lipstick (which happens to be a great color), a fingerprint kit, or a DNA kit to make the print. Don't worry, DNA extraction is not scary; you just have to swab the inside of your cheek.

The DNA11 portraits are available in wall sizes or desk/shelf sizes, which we really love. The mini portraits start at $169. The Fingerprint Portraits start at $190 and come in three different sizes. The Kiss Portraits start at $290. You can choose from a wide variety of colors. Check out the Gallery below for ideas!

Gallery: DNA, Kiss, and Fingerprint Portraits

A fingerprint in a gorgeous color combination

Tags: art, dna, fingerprint, fingerprints, gifts, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, warhol

Blancpain Valentine's Day 2009 Watch

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It's not even Christmas yet but Blanpain has already introduced their Valentine's Day watch. The Blancpain Women "Saint-Valentin 2009" is an exclusive edition of 99 Flyback Chronographs with a mother-of-pearl dial decorated with ruby heart. The 34 mm case has front and back sapphire crystals and houses Calibre F185 which drives the chronograph functions, the hours, minutes and small seconds, as well as the date display. The wintry display is finished with a white alligator leather strap.

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Tags: blancpain, timepiece, valentine, watch

What Your Expensive Car Says to Your Dates

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

So if you're single chances are you've either got a big date tonight/this weekend, or you wish you did. It's a story lived by millions everyday all over the world who are looking for love. We tend to worry and agonize over what we wear and what we do in an attempt to make the right first impression, but have you ever thought about what the car you drive is saying to those potential dates? From "well-rounded and stylish" to "determined and driven to succeed" it may be telling them a lot before they even get a chance to meet you in person. Check out some of these examples and see if your car is saying what you thought it was.

Gallery: What Your Car Says About You

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Tags: automobiles, cars, dating, love, relationships, Valentine, Valentines Day, ValentinesDay, wheels

The Noka-Riedel Experience

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

Red wine and chocolates, you can't get a much more perfect pairing for romance than that. The inspiration for the NOKA-RIEDEL Experience came from 10th generation glass maker George Riedel and his exquisite glassware, and it includes one of two combinations of chocolate and glasses. There's the "2-piece Vintages with 2 Cabernet Glasses" or the "4-piece Truffles with 2 Champagne Glasses."

Apparently when George Riedel visited the NOKA Chocolates boutique in Dallas for a tasting he said that combining the chocolates with champagne in a RIEDEL varietal-specific glass resulted in an experience that was "beyond words." $96-$104

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Tags: chocolate, chocolates, noka, reidel, truffles, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, wine

Valentine Mugs by Graham and Green

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers, it's also a great time to show everybody you love in your life how much you care. Thoughtful tokens to family members and friends will be greatly appreciated, especially if they include one of these darling Valentine mugs from Graham and Green. Brightly colored and a little retro in design, there are 4 different patterns: doves (shown), birds, dogs, and bambis. I've got some tea and coffee lovers in my family so fill these up with goodies and they'll be perfect! £9.95

Gallery: Valentine Mugs by Graham and Green

Via Retro To Go

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Tags: love, mug, mugs, Valentine, Valentine's Day, Valentine'sDay

'My Beating Heart' for Valentine's Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

No, not the actual heart in my chest...that could be messy. Meant to soothe and calm one who hugs it close to them, My Beating Heart is fun, fuzzy and a great idea for Valentine's Day. Its rhythmic beat is said to mimic the thump-thump we hear deep in all our chests just at the touch of a button. There are even two sizes, since they have recently been redesigned, one being small enough for kids to enjoy. I should mention these are limited editions so once a style has run out, its gone.

I'm thinking my dog might even enjoy this! She's always climbing up on me trying to snuggle -- I bet when we are out of town it would be pretty comforting -- just have to train her to turn it on...

Gallery: My Beating Heart

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Tags: heart, my-beating-heart, valentine, valentine's-day, valentine's-day-gift

Where to Find Millionaire Love Online

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services

Attention gold diggers! Just kidding. Whatever your reasons are for looking for a millionaire love match (hey, we all have our dreams) you've probably realized with the rest of society that meeting quality people to date isn't easy, wealthy ones especially. Dating online is becoming more and more common for people of all walks, millionaires included. Sites like MillionaireMatch.com, SugarDaddy.com , and DateAMillionaire.com are some examples of what online dating services are out there, plus if looks aren't a priority there's also the hilarious Marry-An-Ugly-Millionaire-Online-Dating-Agency.com.

And, if you're not looking to be quite that obvious, according to Forbes sites like True.com and PlentyofFish.com are also good places to find dates with deep pockets.

Gallery: Where to Find Millionaire Love Online

Marry An Ugly Millionaire Online Dating Agency

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Tags: billionaire, billionaires, dating, happiness, internet, love, millionaire, millionaires, online, online dating, OnlineDating, relationships, Valentine

Single this Valentine's Day? Luxury Trips for One

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Hate being single on Valentine's Day? Some people don't care, but if you're somebody who can't help but feel bummed amidst all the lovey dovey couples why not take off on vacation? Take a luxurious trip for one to somewhere adventurous or relaxing (or both!) and leave all the sappy romantics behind. Ideas may not be what you're expecting, either, as some recommendations from Forbes include an African Safari, a 10 day biking trip through Morocco, or even a South American cruise. My personal choice would have to be the cooking classes in Tuscany -- see a beautiful country and learn a valuable skill in the process? Sign me up!

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Tags: journeys, single, travel, traveling, travels, Valentine, Valentine's Day, Valentine'sDay

Nam Cho Jewelry Designs for Valentines

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Reversible and detachable elements highlight this designer's beautiful work but truly her entire line currently at Neiman Marcus is stunning. Whether you prefer the Day & Night earrings and necklace, the feminine flower ring or the necessary gold hoops with a splash of sapphire or tsavorite, Nam Cho's work will bring the beauty out in you. Personally, I love the idea of jewelry that translates well from the work day to an evening out with just the flip of pendent...more likely I won't miss Happy Hour by fumbling for that other pair of earrings in the depths of my handbag.

[via Luxury Launches]

Gallery: Nam Cho Jewelry Designs

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Tags: design, diamonds, earrings, gifts, gold, jewelry, nam cho, nam-cho, NamCho, valentine

A New Look For Hearts and Flowers

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

The stylized heart that festoons Valentine's Day cards bears little resemblance to the truth beating inside your chest. Esque has created a new glass vase that strips away the illusion. It's pretty, it's just a different kind of pretty than what you are used to. The vase, which is designed and produced in oregon by justin parker and andi kovel, is part of a limited edition of 200 numbered and signed vases and sells for $450. It's striking but I wonder what sort of flowers could work in a vase like this.

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Tags: esque, glass vase, GlassVase, heart vase, valentine

Montblanc's Love Letter Ink 2008

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Writing Instruments

A holiday like Valentine's Day is all in the details, and in today's world of emails, text messages, and computerized everything what better detail than to write your sweetheart a love note by hand in beautiful rose colored and rose scented ink. Love Letter Ink 2008 by Montblanc is available either by the bottle or in cartridges, and although it's not clear how strong the rose scent is or how long it lingers (this reviewer says it's fairly short-lived) how great it would be for a long-distance lover to open a perfumed V-Day card along with a delivery of blooms (not to mention it would be so pleasant to write the note as well!).

Via LuxuryLaunches

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Tags: ink, love, love letter, LoveLetter, montblanc, valentine, valentines day, ValentinesDay, write, writing

The Best Places to Propose

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Whether you're after a breathtaking view, a secluded romantic getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to find it and a popular time to for many to pop the question and get engaged. Choosing the where and the when for your proposal really is a big deal, since all the rest of your days together start in that moment and in that place.

If you're looking for inspiration check out these ideas, all of which will have you making a memorable journey together to mark a memorable moment, and please add your own suggestions in the comments!

Gallery: Best Places to Propose