Can’t buy me love

Can’t buy me love…but you can start with these gifts. Here’s my edit of Valentine’s Day gifts for your loved one, or, of course, for yourself…

Can’t buy me love…but you can start with these gifts. Here’s my edit of Valentine’s Day gifts for your loved one, or, of course, for yourself.

I’ve photographed them in two colour stories, pale pink for those who like it pretty, and racy red, for those who like it red hot.

And because money can’t buy you love but sometimes we spend a lot trying, I’ve tried to include a variety of prices, so I hope there’s something for everyone here, from around $20 up.

But to start off, here are five totally free things that would impress me at Valentine’s.

1. the modern version of a mix-tape. This works on everyone.

2. breakfast in bed.

3. a foot massage using fragrant body oil.

4. watch a favourite old DVD movie together.

5. use a bar of soap to write a love note on the bathroom mirror for them to find.

Valentine’s Day – red

Intro image left: Kagi red coral necklaces $199 and $229 in two lengths, and bracelets $129 at www.kagijewellery.com, Orly nailpolish in Red Carpet from pharmacies and department stores nationwide.

Thick As Thieves red leather satchel available online at www.thickasthieves.co.nz and selected stockists. These bags are genuine leather, and designed by Stacey Jones, and look amazing. They are unisex and come in a variety of colours.

Pictured with M.A.C Viva Glam Rihanna Spring ’14 Lipstick, Clinique Chubby Stick in 03 Mightiest Maraschino, and Elizabeth Arden 02 Red Door Red Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick.

Close-up of detailing on Thick As Thieves satchel www.thickasthieves.co.nz so you can see the heavy-quality leather, and top stitching detail. They’re strong enough to carry books and all your techie bits without letting you down – and look fabulous to boot. There’s a handle as well as a shoulder strap.

Thalgo Indoceane Relaxing Candle $71.80 for the large 140g candle, Thalgo Indoceane Silky Smooth Cream $99.40 for 150ml tube, Thalgo Precious Milk Bath Effervescent Sugars $64.40 for 6 x 48g. Clarins Splendours Shimmer Body Oil.

JOICO Colour Endure shampoo and conditioner and Treatment Masque. Divine crimson bottles for your shower, plus beautiful hair care to treat coloured hair.

JOICO Colour Endure Treatment Masque $31, JOICO Colour Endure Violet Shampoo and Conditioner $31 each, JOICO Smooth Cure Leave-in Rescue Treatment $31 available from selected salons nationwide.

This is a great men’s hair product in fabulous bright packaging. My guy uses it all the time and it is his favoured gym-bag-staple-hair-product. Dominate Original Waxx strong hair hold. No parabens. no animal testing, and cheap at $9.99.

Valentine’s Day – pink

Natalie Chan pink hair flower clip from $50 at her store on Parnell Road and online at www.nataliechan.co.nz, Ecoya sweet pea & jasmine candle Metro Jar $49.95 www.ecoya.com, Zoe & Morgan galaxy star earrings from www.zoeandmorgan.com and stores nationwide and at selected stockists worldwide, see website for details. Petal cupcake from their store at 8 Teed St Newmarket and various locations see petalcupcakes.co.nz, Citta Design vase from www.cittadesign.com

Below: Allan Scott Les Joues Rouges Sparkling Rose $26 at www.allanscott.com and Glengarry stores, wearing a Karen Walker silver heart and arrow necklace $296 from Karen Walker stores, and www.karenwalker.com and www.walkerandhall.co.nz and other selected stockists nationwide.

Below: The Aromatherapy Co. Therapy Range has released Valentine’s packaging with soft pink and shiny golden hearts and a cardboard heart tag to write your name on. Natural Wax Candle $29.99, Diffusion set $39.99. www.thearomatherapyco.co.nz

Idea: Why not give chocolates creatively in a charming cup and saucer they can keep after the sweets have all gone? Pip cup and saucer from Madder & Rouge with Cadbury Old Gold Continental chocolates.

Below: Essie Jam n Jelly nailpolish. Dreaming of Dior by Charlotte Smith, published by Harper Collins.

Below: M.A.C Galaxy Rose Lipglass, How To Be Adored by Caroline Cox from Quadrille publishing.

Below: Bobbi Brown sheer lip colour in Pink Flash. VOGUE ON Elsa Schiaparelli from Quadrille Publishing. Read more about the fabulous VOGUE ON titles on Thread here.

BONDS have released these pretty-yet-a-little-bit-saucy lacy undies – Bonds Hipster Lacies Racer Crop bra and bikini pants. Benefit Lollitint Lip & Cheek Stain $57 is available at Smith & Caughey’s stores Queen Street and Broadway and at Auckland Airport at JR Dutyfree and you can read all about it from thelaunch we attended, here on Thread. Clarins Graphic Expression Face & Blush Powder $76 is an ultra-fine, silk smooth face powder that combines a blush and a bronzer – brilliant! It is a limited edition at Clarins counters nationwide from 24th February 2014.

Happy Valentines.

Megan Robinson, 6 February 2014