Valentines Day, whether you love it or hate it, is coming around ASAP. I’m not going to lie to you all, I’m a Valentines Day “Grinch.” No matter what fun event/show/dance/performance is going on that day, I’m going to be walking around Duke with a huge scowl on my face. I blame it on two things: my perpetual single-ness and my traumatizing high school encounters with Valentine’s gifts (which is material for another story, so Watch This Space!) However, if I’m going to be doing all that walking, I might as well look good, right? No matter how you feel about the big V-Day, never let that get in the way of you exuding the confidence and charisma that you radiate every other day, and one of the best ways to ensure that is… to go shopping. Retail therapy, as I like to call it, can cure any Grinch-like symptoms, and Her Campus Duke is here to give you some fashion prescriptions before you make the big shopping trip.
1. Dinner-Date/Movie
Now, I’m not just talking about the typical, cliché boy-takes-girl-on-date-to-the-movies, I’m talking about movies with girlfriends, boyfriends, old friends, and new friends. Let’s make Valentine’s Day a day where we celebrate the people in our life, whilst still looking like we just came off a plane from Milan.
For the first outfit, I decided to play up the typical V-Day colours, pink and red. Now usually, people would assume that these two colours wouldn’t go well together, but with the right shade of each—you can have a perfect Valentine’s Day outfit. Pair this fresh coral blouse with burnt orange shorts, and voila. To spice things up a bit, accessorize a little bit with leopard print—one of this season’s hottest trends.
Shorts: $58 (http://www.nastygal.com/whats-new/working-girl-shorts-coral)
Blouse: $38 (http://www.nastygal.com/whats-new/hampton-blouse)
Shoe: $119.95 (http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=64512&np=127_282-155_448)
Bag: $68 (http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=58698&np=687_731)
Second Option:
Now, it may be a little chilly to be walking around in a blouse and shorts. So just in case it’s colder outside this Valentine’s Day, here is a second option.
Joe’s Jeans are incredible. Seriously. They are the ultimate place for Party Pants. They boast a collection of 55 colours—one for almost every occasion.
For this Valentine’s Day, I’ve picked a ruby red pair that I believe offsets the traditional red quite nicely. Paired with a casual tank and (splurge!) Wildfox couture scarf, your outfit is almost complete. If you’re anything like me (5 foot 1 and a half but pretends to be the tallest person at Shooters by wearing heels that increase my height by at least 5 inches), then you’re going to love these Steve Madden’s. While they may not be 5 inches, they’re pretty darn close—and to incorporate a fashion trend that we haven’t seen since the 90’s—clear plastic shoes. But I have to tell you—I love them. Not only will they match with just about all your wardrobe, but also they’re bound to be easy to clean!
Top: $28 (http://www.nastygal.com/clothes-tops/newport-racerback-tank–white)
Pants: $158 (http://www.joesjeans.com/shop/product.php?productid=2952&cat=66 )
Shoes: $89.99 (http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=88750&np=127_282-155_448)
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2. Date Function
Ah yes, the Valentine’s Day date function—a classic in the Duke social scene, so why not spice it up with a little bit of colour? In the next two outfit choices, I’ve decided to play around with the red and pink traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day. Now I’ve added a splurge hand-bag with each of the outfits, which probably isn’t plausible with our college budgets—but it’s fun to pretend sometimes anyway.
Up first: Pink. If you know me, you know that I can’t resist anything pink (you should’ve seen my freshman dorm room), but there’s a way to class it up without looking like a giant candy wrapper—and the key is in the accessories. First pink accessory: shoes. Wedges are awesome—not only do they look great in a stand out colour (for proof, check below), but they are a lot more bearable to walk in than the classic stilettos. I’ve paired these hot pink wedges with a similar shade lipstick (playing up this part of the outfit is my favourite thing to do right now). Although hot-pink lipstick-wearers beware, here’s a warning: this make-up is not conducive to long, make-out sessions with your date (just a friendly reminder). Pair these pink accessories with a plain black dress—and you’re set for the night.
Dress: $90 (http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=4653213&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208634&parent_categoryId=208580&pageSize=20)
Bag: $455 (http://www.nastygal.com/whats-new/eden-satchel)
Lipstick: $18 (maccosmetics.com in “Pink Pigeon”)
Shoes: $99.95 (http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=58670&np=127_282-143_384)
Second Option:
Red. The color most associated with love, seduction and sultriness. For this outfit, I’ve decided to go all or nothing—red lipstick, red shoes, red romper, and for kicks, the adorable Mandy Coon Bunny Bag that’s making it’s way around Hollywood right now. With this ensemble, trust me, you can’t go wrong. Why be boring and cliché and wear a dress to a date function? Swap the dress for an elegant, classy romper (like this one from ASOS that I wish I’d found in time for my Valentine’s Day date function. Hmph), paired with an equally classy pair of red wedges and bright red lips. This outfit is sure to turn heads—so hey, if it’s a Valentine you’re in search of, this outfit is sure to get you one.
Romper: $37.60 (http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Playsuit-with-Strappy-Back-Detail/x2k5q/?iid=1858968&cid=7618&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Rich+red&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1QbGF5c3VpdC13aXRoLVN0cmFwcHktQmFjay1EZXRhaWwvUHJvZC8.)
Shoes: $100 (http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/shoes/wedges/80716796-calcagni/61)
Lipstick: $14.50 (“Lady Danger” maccosmetics.com)
Bag: $435 (http://www.mandycoon.com/the-bunny-bag/)