How We Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Let me just preface this post by saying the insanely gorgeous dress shown here is not what I’ll be wearing for Valentine’s Day (sadly.) I borrowed it from Rent the Runway for a shoot with my dear friend Leah Beilhart (check out her gorgeous photos on Insta) at the Sweet Root Village studio a few months back! I'm holding their stunning flowers here and if you're in the market for wedding or event flowers, THESE ARE YOUR GIRLS. 

It was a fun, spontaneous project we all worked on together - simply for the joy of collaborating with other women, supporting our passions and enjoying each other’s company.

So - Valentine’s Day. I know the feelings on this holiday run the gamete - from loathing the expectations surrounding this one day to baking heart shaped cupcakes for everyone in their office. I lie somewhere in the middle.

In our early dating years, I put the most unrealistic expectations on Valentine’s Day. You want everything to go JUST RIGHT, conversations to go swimmingly, the bubbly and laughter overflowing. 

And after years of finding the right balance for us as a couple, we’ve come up with what seems to be a tradition for Valentine’s Day.

First off - we don’t really do gifts (minus the bouquet of flowers my hubby loves to send!) It’s so close to the holidays, hubby’s birthday just ended a couple weeks prior, it’s too much. Instead, we pick out a meaningful card for each other. I prefer a handwritten card over gifts any day.

When we get home from work, we turn on the tunes (John Legend is our fave) and cook dinner together. Usually we’ll pick a recipe from our Positano cook book (where we honeymoon’ed) the night before. Almost always, it involves a fresh French baguette and some sort of delicious cheese, usually eaten while cooking. It’s a relaxing way to wind down from a busy day and really focus on each other.

Before dinner, we’ll take turns getting ready. We’re usually pretty casual - jeans and a cute top or sweater usually win out for me. I have an abundance of cute little candles from our wedding 5 years ago so I’ll usually light a few of those around the table, pop open a bottle of wine and we’ll spend a quiet evening together. A little old-lady like, but it’s just the way I like it.

Now I’m SO curious - how to you celebrate Valentine’s Day?! 

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Trends To Try For Valentine's Day

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day or even if it's just another workday for you, I've rounded up a few fun outfit ideas and trends to try for Valentine's Day this year!

Plus, you can click on each image to see the full outfit post!

THE LACE DRESS
It’s no secret that lace has totally taken over the romance homefront. This classic style has staying power, making it a top trend to invest in now and all year long.

THE STATEMENT PUMP
While I have quite a bit of neutrals in my closet, I always like to make exceptions to my own rules. I love this fuchsia pair and these blush calf hair pumps - both are from Banana Republic!

DARK FLORALS
This is another trend with staying power - the maxi dress is something I bought a year ago, but it's remained on-trend (thankfully!) Try a maxi dress for the ultimate romantic statement or one with ruffles for a fun, flirty look.

THE MIDI LENGTH
There's something eternally timeless about the midi-length dress. The modern silhouettes feel less 20's but still give off that forever classic vibe.

THE CULOTTE
Speaking of midi-lengths, the culotte is another fun trend to try. While my hubby isn't behind this trend 1000%, it's still something I love to dress up for a work celebration or a friend date. 

FAUX FUR
If there's one trend we're seeing on street style stars this fashion week, it's BY FAR big, faux fur. The bigger, the better. Guaranteed to make a statement and keep you warm. 

SILK SCARVES
Get in touch with your inner French girl and sport one of my favorite trends of the year - the silk scarf. While bandanas are the trend's more casual younger sister, the silk scarf reigns supreme when dressing up an outfit.

TRENDING COLORS: BLUSH & BURGUNDY
I'll admit, not much has changed on the trending colors homefront over the past year. Blush is still relevant as ever and burgundy has slowly made it's way into my closet a couple pieces at a time. It's a great combo to pair together or apart!

12 No-Fail Outfit Combos for Date Night

I'll admit, I've gone a bit gaga this Valentine's season (it really is a season, isn't it?) But here's why: Because days like Valentine's Day can STRESS ME OUT. I always end up deciding on an outfit at the very last minute (NEVER works) and end up ruining my mascara in a puddle of tears sitting on the floor of my closet. Not cute.

That's why I share a ton of outfit ideas...so you don't have to be a nut case like me and stress out about what to wear! And if I'm feeling this way, maybe you are too? Sound off in the comments if I'm wrong, but I find myself to be highly normal (most of the time!)

In case you missed any, I've included 12 no-fail outfit ideas for Valentine's Day or any date night, really. (PS if you're looking for fun things to do on Valentine's day, check out my post on 10 Date Ideas for Valentine's Day!)

Statement dress + white pumps + chunky jewelry (see full outfit post here!)

Burgundy Dress, Faux Fur Coat + Pumps (see full outfit post here!)

Burgundy skirt +turtleneck + platform boots (see full outfit post here!)

Sweater dress + skinny scarf + fringe boots (see full outfit post here!)

Tweed Dress + chunky necklace + boots (see full outfit post here!)

Blush dress + loafers + oversized clutch (see full outfit post here!)

Black + white dress + leather belt + black pumps (see full outfit post here!)

Pink faux fur vest + silk blouse + jeans (full outfit coming soon!)

Blush dress + floral clutch + grey booties (see full outfit post here!)

Midi skirt + bold cardigan + boots + statement necklace (see full outfit post here!)

Slip dress + leather jacket + studded pumps (see full outfit post here!)

High-slit skirt + bold t-shirt + statement lip (see full outfit post here!)

Date Night Video in Mosaic District

I'm super excited to bring you a short little video about my perfect date night (err, day!) It starts with coffee (obviously), is filled with pretty little details, and ends with eating out at a yummy restaurant. In this case, I dragged the hubby out to my favorite date spot, Mosaic District, for a little pre-Valentine's date! I grabbed coffee at Mom + Pop (their lattes are ON POINT you guys), did a bit of shopping and met up with bae at Requin, one of my new favorite spots! (Last week we even got to meet Top Chef star, Jen Carroll while dining there!)

ANYWAY I'm basically giving away the whole video so I'll just let you enjoy! ;) Let me know what you think! I've been considering video more and more - is that something you guys would be interested in seeing? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. How great is the artist singing in the video! Danae is out of Nashville and she's letting you download her latest song for free when you visit her website!

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See full outfit post here. Wearing See by Chloe dress, Badgley Mischka clutch and Lele Sadoughi bracelet via Rent the Runway, Sophie Blake earrings, Rachelle Celine rings c/o, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar) and Ciate nail polish.

Videoby Jen Eun, music by Danae

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Romantic Night In

Hi guys - more Valentine’s day goodness here. This time, I’m taking you inside our home for another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Yesterday, I shared a few fun ways to celebrate the day of L-O-V-E, so today’s post is sort of a prequel to dinner…what better way to end a day of love than with the food group that everyone loves - CHOCOLATE AND CHAMPAGNE! (If this is not a food group please don’t burst my bubble over here k thanks!) ;)

But Julien, a prequel to dinner? YES. I’ll use any reason or excuse I can to eat chocolate and drink champs, LET’S BE REAL. This could also totes be dessert, but I made a promise to myself when I was a kid…I decided that when I’m an adult, if I want to eat dessert before dinner, I totes can. Adulting can be hard and stressful, but it’s times like this that make it all worth it!

To set the mood before dinner, I picked up some fresh flowers, chocolate and champagne while I was out getting my hair done at Hair Cuttery. It’s so convenient that they’re literally a 4 minute drive from my house. I had very little time (as someone who typically waits until the last minute to do anything), so I popped in for a quick style (only $20!) When you're running a million miles an hour, it's always so nice to have someone else do your hair!

Next I changed into this darling dress from Just Female. I tried it on through Lyon + Post (my favorite way to shop) and paired it with a simple pair of Everlane loafers the hubby got me for Christmas. And per usual, couldn’t help but add a little Sophie Blake into the mix. ;)

So tell me! How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?!

Wearing Just Female dress, Everlane loafers, Sophie Blake earrings and bracelet.
Painting by Heather Kehney
This post was done in partnership with Hair Cuttery. Hair styled by Megan at Hair Cuttery in Purcellville.