Skip to Content

valentines

Big Heart Zip Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

marc jacobs big heart clutch
Tis the season for love, hearts, and girliness, and the Big Heart Zip Clutch by Marc Jacobs doesn't fail us! Leather appliqués in varying shades (of pink and purple of course) and textures generously cover the front and back, and almost look like they're floating around the bag as opposed to being stuck on it. Other than the hearts aplenty the design is pretty simple, featuring a gold hardware zip-tip closure, fine textile lining, and an interior patch pocket.

I really like it, although the color scheme gets on my nerves a little (I think red, white, and black would be awesome). $795

Fancy Candies and More from Dylan's Candy Bar

Filed under: Apparel, Dining, Celebrity Design

Annie Scott at Dylan's Candy BarWe headed over to Dylan's Candy Bar to check out what's new and what's hot for Valentine's Day and found a ton of amazing goodies - edible and otherwise!

There's more at Dylan's Candy Bar (the upscale candy store and lifestyle brand created by Dylan Lauren, a.k.a. Ralph Lauren's daughter) than just sweeties for your Valentine's Day sweetie. We found a great line of canvas bags, the most adorable little raincoat, scented reeds, jewelry, and a gym bag we very nearly stole (at right - that's me in my "going to the gym" pose. I don't know why it's like that.). We liked the bright yellow towel in there, too!

So have a look through our gallery and see which treats spark your fancies. There's a lot of see at Dylan's Candy Bar!

SUSHISAMBA 7 Shares their Valentine's Day Cocktail Recipes

Filed under: Dining, Spirits, Events

Sushi Samba 7SUSHISAMBA is a staple restaurant for many New York sushi lovers. Though Japonais normally has my vote for best sushi, SUSHISAMBA 7's Valentine's Day plans look amazing.

SUSHISAMBA 7, at 87 Seventh Avenue South, will be featuring a number of delicious dinner specials, including Maine Lobster Taquitos, Tuna Tataki, Lobster & Palmito Salad, Oysters & Pearls, Pan Seared Foie Gras, Austrialian Wagyu Beef Tataki, Kobe Gyoza, Japanese Style Salt & Pepper Mongo Ika, Broiled Alaska King Crab, Seared Muscovy Duck Breast, and Braised "Bone In" Short Ribs. Yum!

Best of all, they're featuring Naughty and Nice Valentine's Day Cocktails, and we have the recipes. Here you go:

Naughty
3 strawberry halves
1 piece of watermelon rind
Muddled jalapeño peppers
1.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz creme de fraise des bois liqueur
0.5 oz sweet and sour

Muddle fruit and jalapeno peppers in glass until pulverized. Add liquor, shake vigorously and strain. Serve in martini glass and garnish with a pierced strawberry and jalapeno.

Nice
3 strawberry halves
1 piece of watermelon rind
1.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz creme de fraise des bois liqueur
0.5 oz sweet and sour

Muddle fruit in glass until pulverized. Add liquor, shake vigorously and strain. Serve in martini glass and garnish with a pierced strawberry.


You can keep those delicious drinks on the books all year! If you haven't finalized your Valentine's Day plans yet and are in New York, call 212-691-7885 for reservations.

How Do You Feel About Hearts?

Filed under: Jewelry


I have a friend who mentioned the other day in passing (I think she might be secretly hoping that her boyfriend hits me up for hints about what she likes) that she loves hearts in jewelry, especially heart-shaped gems. When she said that I couldn't help but remember a situation years ago when another friend actually cried when her boyfriend got her a heart-shaped amethyst pendant for her birthday, saying "how could he not know that I hate hearts in jewelry?"

Some women see hearts as corny and immature, while others see them as a universal and age-old symbol of romance and love. What's your take?

Hearts in jewelry: Love them or Hate them?



Valentine Essentials: Sexy Lingerie

Filed under: Apparel, Holiday Guides


The thought of confused men wandering aimlessly around the lingerie sections of department stores this time of year makes me laugh, and it also makes me wonder how many men actually buy lingerie as Valentine's Day gifts? I think these days it's more about women buying it for themselves, and then the wearing of it is the gift for the man in their lives. Lingerie can be expensive, but I think it's totally worth the splurge. After all, it's one of the few things that makes both people happy.

So ... red, white, or black? That is the question.

The Armand de Brignac Champagne Experience

Filed under: Wine

Armand de Brignac Prestige CuveesWe were delighted when Armand de Brignac offered to send us one of their Prestige Cuvees (right).

Priced from $300 per bottle, these decadent champagnes come in three varieties: Champagne Rose, Champagne Blanc de Blanc, and the Brut Gold, which we tried. The bottles include pewter labels, and come in luxurious black cases. These would be an excellent gift for your Valentine; The Brut Gold for him, and the Rose for her (but we hope he or she will share it with you).

If you're not convinced, have a look at our gallery below to experience the excitement of opening the case and tasting the delicious champagne. We paired it with an appetizer of fresh strawberries, sweet pears, and tart apples, and an Organic Ceviche entree with scallops and ahi tuna.

We found the Brut Gold Champagne very delicate and subtle; a rosy scent with green apple and nutmeg. The flavor was not at all grassy, but earthy, with hints of white pepper and a smooth, long pomegranate finish. Because of it's shy complexity, we thought it would be excellently paired with a very mild cheese, and loved the way it was complimented by the pear and, eventually, the ceviche.

About half a glass and we were all saying how much we loved each other. Happy Valentine's Day indeed!

For more information and where to buy, visit armanddebrignac.com.

Valentine Essentials: A Diamond Ring

Filed under: Jewelry, Holiday Guides


Put "Valentine's Day" and "diamond ring" together and most people's minds will go to "engagement" next, but there are plenty of other reasons to give, get, or wear a diamond ring this Vday. There are anniversary bands, fashion rings, and of course the "Right Hand Ring" is growing ever more popular as women decide that they don't have to wait for a man in order to wear a beautiful diamond.

Engagement rings might be the most common type of diamond rings given and worn next week, but they certainly don't have to be the only type!

Valentine Essentials: A Diamond Pendant

Filed under: Jewelry, Holiday Guides


Whatever you're doing this Valentine's Day certain things are essential, and one of them is a pretty diamond necklace to complement your little black dress. Whether you hint around with hopes of getting it on vday as a gift from your sweetie or decide to treat yourself, a pretty new diamond pendant will not only make you feel beautiful this holiday but it will also be something you can wear again and again for years to come. Totally worth splurging on (this Harry Winston Snowflake is on my wish list!).

Valentine Essentials: Chocolate!

Filed under: Dining, Holiday Guides


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).

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

Filed under: Jewelry

10k Amethyst and Diamond NecklaceLadies 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.

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

Filed under: Decor, Art

Desktop DNA
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!

The Noka-Riedel Experience

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

Halcyon Jets Valentine's Package

Filed under: Journeys


Romantic getaways are one of the most popular ways for couples to celebrate Valentine's Day, and for those who have money a private jet charter is a pretty appealing way to get there. Even more appealing is a private jet charter with a cabin packed full of diamonds, roses, and all kinds of other goodies. On that note Halcyon Jets is offering the $1.5 million DreamDate package that includes a long list of high-end luxury gifts. You'll get a diamond necklace from Tiffany's, a bottle of 1996 Vintage Krug Champagne, Noka chocolates, Clive Christian's Imperial Majesty, a pair Christian Louboutin Sequin Peep-Toe Pumps, a 9 piece set of Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Luggage, and DreamSpa treatments for 2.

Whew! What a list. Anybody have $1.5 million I can borrow?

Luxe Getaways for You and Your Valentine

Filed under: Journeys


If there was ever a time of year where you could take off on an overly extravagant getaway without feeling guilty it's over Valentine's Day. Resorts and hotels know this too, with most of them putting together romantic and pampered packages in luxurious settings -- many times all-inclusive so minimal planning is required. Just decide where in the world you want to go, and if you'd prefer to stay in or go out, and finding a deal somewhere that fits the bill should be easy as pie. Here are a few we found that look particularly tempting:

A Valentine's Box for Pampered Pooches

Filed under: Pets, Green

A Valentine's Box for your dog. It does strike me as a little over the top, but then what's life without the simple pleasure of indulging others? And if there was ever anybody worth indulging it's that little (or big) companion that sticks by you no matter what -- ignoring your bad moods and loving you unconditionally. The box contains an assortment of dog-friendly chocolate-looking treats made of organic ingredients (not chocolate) and a big bouncy strawberry chew toy that's made of recycled materials. It's so pretty it looks almost as fun to give as it will be for Fido to get! $29.95


Join Luxist on Facebook!

Featured Galleries

Langham Yangtze Shanghai
Robb Report Limited Edition Series
House of Dog Cruelty-Free Pet Products
K-Swiss Classic High P in Limited Edition Colors
Bill Wrigley Jr. In Chicago
Bulgari Save The Children Auction
Felix Rey
Celebrity Pilots
Penthouse West