VALENTINE’S DAY WISH LIST: TOP 5 PICKS HIM & HER

We´re celebrating our 9th Valentine´s Day together this year (can you believe it!?) and as a couple, it´s something we´ve always recognized. I mean, yes, one should celebrate each others love every day, not just on this single day, but with every day life and stresses come in the way, it can be too easy to forget to make that extra effort. So it´s nice having this one day a year, aside from birthdays and Christmases, for another opportunity to really give each other that extra attention – be it with a sweet card, a bunch of flowers, a romantic meal (brownie points if he organises it, or even makes it!), or that extra special wrapped gift… Which by no means is a must or a necessity, but you know, just because… So from bigger to smaller gifts – Sam and I have together chosen our Top 5 Picks for Him & Her, in collaboration with NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER (in other words, you know it´s going to be good)…

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FOR HIM

Guys are not the easiest to buy for (talking from years and years of experience!). They tend to be that bit more selective than us ladies, and the fit, style and necessity of the gift, always needs to be spot on (no pressure then). Hence why I decided to leave the selection of the MR PORTER edit to Sam himself…

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1. THE TIMELESS CUFFLINKS

You just can´t go wrong with a pair of classic, stainless steel cuff links. Montblanc is an elegant choice, and I particularly like the sunray pattern of these ones, referencing the mechanical watch wheel; making them that bit for more unique, yet still versatile to wear to business meetings, dinner dates or other formal events.

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2. THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT

Finding that perfect white shirt, is certainly no easy affair (I know this too well). Especially if one is after that classic in-between shirt; which can work for more casual pairings with jeans – yet can so easily be styled with a blazer for an evening event. But I think I just found the one, with Drake´s Cotton Oxford Shirt – a traditional, slim fit shirt – which bridges that gap between casual and more formal.

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3. THE PERSONALISED FRAGRANCE 

We´re both a big fan of Byredo fragrances, and have a whole bathroom shelf dedicated to a number of unisex fragrances we like to share on a daily basis. When Byredo launched a nameless eau de parfum for their 10th anniversary, with “the promise of a story to write as your own” (it comes with a set of adhesive letters that let you completely customise the label yourself) – we were both pretty excited. It´s the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for both him and her, where you have the opportunity to really create something completely unique.

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4. THE LUXURIOUSLY UNDERSTATED SCARF

Finding that really good scarf for a guy, is not necessarily an easy task. It needs to be masculine with a timeless appeal, yet soft and easy to style up and down. But it also needs to be quite special and luxurious; something one won´t just throw around or loose. The virgin wool scarf from Acne Studios is the perfect choice; in a beautiful dark burgundy – it´s classic, dapper and relaxed, all-in-one.

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5. THE ICONIC WALLET 

Every guy needs a wallet, be it a classic, understated style, or more edgy and unique; with this monogrammed Saint Laurent style. The classic colours still makes this a timeless piece, and with the multiple card slots and a cash sleeve, it´s easy to stay organised; and with the slim fit style – it means you can easily just slide it in your back pocket.

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FOR HER 

Don´t get me wrong, us girls are probably (if not more) picky than the guys. But we´re also very easily pleased (give me a bunch of flowers any day, and I am sold). That´s not to say that wrapped presents (especially from the likes of NET-A-PORTER) would ever go amiss…

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1. THE KILLER HEELS 

These are by no means a necessity… But who cares? These killer navy suede heels from Gianvito Rossi in midnight-blue, are perfection in every way. I´m really into navy at the moment (which you might have noticed from my latest designer bag purchase); it´s such a contemporary, yet versatile alternative to more classic black styles. Wear them with everything from tailoring, skinny jeans or dresses.

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2. THE CONTEMPORARY EARRINGS

Diamonds never go amiss, whatever occasion. But personally, I only ever wear my diamond engagement and wedding bands (and some stud and drop earrings, every now and again). Owning and receiving more classic and contemporary jewellery, styles which I can actually wear every single day; be it for work or play, is not only a necessity, but a real good investment. It was love at first sight with these silver hoops from Sophie Buhai.

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3. THE ELEGANT BLACK LINGERIE

A safe bet and a classic Valentine´s Day Gift, would be some lingerie. But there´s good lingerie and (really) bad lingerie. A safe bet, and one of my personal favourites, due to the quality, feminine style, overall feel and versatile (who want´s lingerie you can only wear a few times?!), is Stella McCartney´s collection. This black lace set, with the soft-cup triangle bra (so classy) and matching pants, is just the prettiest, delicate set ever.

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4. THE ESSENTIAL CARDHOLDER 

I seldom carry a lot of notes or coins on me, and as I wear smaller, cross-body bags near enough every day – there is not much space for a large bulky wallet. The middle ground is this classic and super chic ´envelope` wallet from Saint Laurent. In supple black leather, the slim style enables you to keep your cards and bills organised for on-the-go.

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5. THE BAG OF THE SEASON (THE BIG SPLURGE)

The final pick, and definitely the cherry on the top with our designer wish list; is the iconic Gucci Dionysus. NET-A-PORTER are known for their killer handbag selection, but this is the one that stopped me in my tracks, and been on the top of my personal wish list ever since the original style released. It´s a classic investment piece, and I love the black suede detaling mixed with the classic coated, monogrammed canvas, and silver hardware. It´s a piece you will keep, and no doubt, cherish forever.

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Also featured…  

by Malene Birger Red Jumper
Frame Denim Jeans 

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Created in collaboration with NET-A-PORTER & MR PORTER. All words, opinions, styling & creative direction are, of course, my own.