A bouquet of red roses is wonderful (a heart balloon not so much), but why not consider a Valentine’s Day gift your love will remember forever? From chocolates fit for royalty to jewellery or a ravishing new handbag, these presents are sure to make her go weak at the knees…
Jewellery: White Sapphire Lumiere Locket by Dower and Hall
Dower and Hall have been designing and creating beautiful jewellery since 1990, with stores in London and Glasgow. Their White Sapphire Lumiere Locket, available in either 23mm or 15mm sterling silver or gold vermeil, is on every girl’s Valentine’s wish list. Hand crafted by their team of skilled jewellers in Dower and Hall’s London studio, the Lumiere Locket, suspended from a belcher chain that is available in 16”, 18” 20” or 30”, features their signature hammered texture and is set with a modern, geometric line of sparkling white sapphires. Sapphires have been worn throughout the ages for good fortune, protection and spiritual insight, while White Sapphire is linked to the planet of Venus and symbolises love, beauty and partnership. More romantic still is that the interior of the Lumiere Locket can be personalised with a sentimental photograph or precious keepsake. The Lumiere Locket starts from £175. To make your purchase even more special, you can choose to have your jewellery packaged in one of Dower and Hall’s branded soft-touch travel pouches or a ribboned gift box. Free standard delivery on orders over £50. Website.
Leather: Betty Bag & Lipstick Holder in Red Croc by SageBrown
Surprise your heart’s desire this Valentine’s Day with the timeless SageBrown ‘Betty’ bag in striking croc-effect red leather (£255). A truly glamorous gift for the elegant lady in your life, the versatile Betty top handle bag will turn heads day or night and can either be carried or worn crossbody by attaching the included leather chain strap. Why not include the co-ordinating Lipstick Case in Red Croc, with its handy internal mirror for reapplying lippy on the go (£45). SageBrown, founded by husband-and-wife team Mehmet and Anita Pekdemir in the early 2000’s, specialise in luxury handcrafted leather goods for men and women, manufactured in their own workshop including handbags, briefcases, purses, wallets and small leather goods using the finest materials. An independent, family-run, quintessentially British company with locations in the heart of London’s Mayfair and historic Cambridge and an expanding online presence, the couple remain at the helm of the brand known for its lasting quality and style, enjoyed by other couples everywhere. Get an exclusive 15% discount with code: RLipkin15 valid in store or via the website. SageBrown London offer luxury gift packaging within all online orders. Last Valentine order date for free UK delivery Thurs 9th Feb, or by Monday 13th February 1pm with special delivery £6.99. Website.
Chocolate: Red Velvet Decadence Heart by Charbonnet et Walker
Chocolates are the way to everyone’s heart and Charbonnel et Walker’s Red Velvet Decadence Heart gift box is filled with their finest, most seductive selection of milk and dark chocolates. Their love for you will be well and truly tested when it comes to sharing this luxury assortment made from traditional recipes, including signature chocolates enjoyed for over 150 years such as the iconic rose and violet creams or chocolate crown; a nod to the loyal patronage of the British royal family ever since Mlle Virginie Eugenie Charbonnel and Miss Minnie Walker established Charbonnel et Walker on Bond Street in 1875, the most fashionable street in London. One of the earliest chocolatiers in Britain, when King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) fell in love with Mlle Charbonnel’s extraordinary chocolates in Paris he encouraged her to open a shop in London. The flagship store located within Royal Arcade is close to the original premises, while Charbonnel et Walker have always held a Royal Warrant, with Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and the late Queen Elizabeth II all known to have been fans, and before this Queen Mary’s younger brother Prince Francis of Teck is said to have courted his mistress with “Charbonnel et Walker chocolates.” We wonder if she shared? Order the Red Velvet Decadence Heart priced £85, available with or without alcohol, by 10th February in time for Valentine’s Day. Website.
Nightwear: Victorian Nightdress by Lunn Antiques
A flowing white nightdress is the dreamiest gift for the vintage girl in your life. Lunn Antiques (also available from luxury bedding company Cologne and Cotton) have been creating romantic, vintage-inspired nightwear since 1976 and are best known for their beautiful Victorian-style nightdresses, made from the finest and softest 100% cotton that are not only an utterly romantic bedtime choice but comfortable sleepwear throughout the seasons. With sleeveless, short or long styles, their timeless nightwear range features exquisite detailing including lace, embroidery and smocking to ruffles, broderie anglaise and pearl buttons, and because they are all one size you can’t go wrong with the fit. Our favourites are the ‘Victorian Long sleeve Cotton Victorian Style Nightdress’ (£39) with pretty frilled collar, pintucks, embroidery and mother of pearl buttons inspired by late 19th century styles and the ‘Lace Trim Cotton Nightdress’ (£46) with its square lace panel collar with ruffle detail and a deep frill at the hemline. Why not order a luxurious ruffle bedding set to go with it? Website.
Knitwear: Mini Love Heart Cardigan by Jayley
Established in 2008, eccentric British fashion label Jayley’s fun prints, bold colours and innovative fabrics are guaranteed to be noticed this Valentine’s Day. We adore Jayley’s fun heart print cashmere and banana peel knitwear range. Yes, banana peel is now a thing and is central to Jayley’s environmentally conscious ethos of providing fashion-loving customers with quality, sustainable fashion pieces, designed to be loved for years to come! Cosy yet chic, the Mini Love Heart Cardigan (£110) in pale print with red hearts features pearl buttons and a v-neck and with just one size (suitable for UK dress sizes 8-14) a Jayley cardy would make an ideal gift and would look great with jeans or a romantic pleated midi skirt for a romantic night on the town. Free delivery on orders over £50 and free returns on orders over £75. Website.
Where to celebrate: Brown’s Hotel
You can’t go wrong by taking your date to the intimate, memory-making Charlie’s in Mayfair, located at the five-star Brown’s Hotel where this classic British restaurant, which incorporates European influences and is famed for sourcing only the very best produce, is hosting a romantic candlelit Valentine’s Day evening to remember. Arrive early for a cocktail in Charlie’s Bar and raise a glass to love as the jazz trio play an amorous soundtrack to kickstart your night. Baked Rockerfeller oysters set the tone of the specially-created menu by Chef Adam Byatt, with a la carte dishes that will offer a touch of theatre to proceedings including the finest Scottish smoked salmon carved from the trolley and served with caviar, to Tournedos Rossini featuring Lake District Longhorn beef and an indulgent finale of chocolate profiteroles for two to share. Valentine’s Day at Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP. 2 courses £100, 3 courses £120. For more information and reservations visit the website.
