Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day always feels like a long way off (I mean, it's still January!!) but now is actually the time to start thinking about it. If you live in a big city and want to go out to dinner, you're going to want to start thinking about getting a reservation now. Seriously, I have had problems in the past looking a week or two in advance!

I don't like to do anything too crazy for Valentine's Day (and heck, this year we may be spending it with a brand new baby!) so I usually pick a lower key restaurant near our house so we don't have to go too far in the inevitably terrible Chicago weather and so that we don't have to deal with overpriced prix fixe menus. We've done the cooking something together at home, but since Jeff and I are both not the most relaxed chefs (I usually have forgotten to do some important prep work ahead of time and am scrambling, and Jeff is usually so focused on following the directions he won't speak!) so going out is usually more relaxing and romantic.

If you've got Valentine's Day on the brain already, here are a few cute things I found!

Pink earrings / Mug / Velvet Slides / Kiss Graphic Tee / Silk Cami / Heart Bag / Sugar Rose Lip Balm / Kiss Me Candy / Travel Case / Heart Pillow / Bow Earrings / Silk Sleep mask / Cat Wallet / Coco Rose Set

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The Cutest LBD

Dress (sizes keep popping in and out of stock so keep checking! I also love this one and this one) - Felicity & Coco / Heels (these are surprisingly comfortable, I also want them in black!) - Sole Society / Earrings - BaubleBar / Clutch (similar and budget option) - Target (this is the insert from another bag)

How did we get to Thursday again?! I swear, the weeks go by so fast these days - not that I'm complaining that we're almost at the weekend. I get Monday off of work for President's Day (which was a surprise to me - I just realized it haha ;) which means three day weekend!! Jeff doesn't get the day off so I'm planning on using it for a lot of me time - hopefully a barre class, a mani pedi, and a little organizing are on the menu.

I think part of the reason why this week felt so short was because of Valentine's Day. Jeff usually works from home most weeknights (and I'm usually busy freelancing or blogging!) so our weeknights usually follow a pretty standard routine. It was so fun to break up that routine with a mid-week date night!

Let me tell you, I heard so many people complaining this year about how they didn't want to go out to dinner for Valentine's Day because of the crowds and the prices, but that was not the reality I experienced. Seriously, the restaurant we went to wasn't even full (and you usually need reservations even on a weeknight!) and didn't have a fancy special menu. Maybe all of the Valentine's Day haters out there helped us out because we ended up having a great night (thanks in part to that bottle of wine we shared ;)

I don't usually dress up for Valentine's Day - Chicago is seriously so casual that I really only ever see people dressed up for New Year's. I decided to go for it this year though, because, you know, dressing up is fun. Plus, I managed to snag this pretty bell-sleeve dress on sale - it was initially sold out, but I stalked it obsessively enough to notice when my size was available again and jumped on it. The dress is really just a simple black shift, but the pretty lace-trimmed sleeves make it! Paired with some pretty blush accessories (would you believe that the clutch is actually the insert from one of my work bags?!) and I was Valentine's ready. Well, my hair helps too ;)

Dress (sizes keep popping in and out of stock so keep checking! I also love this one and this one) - Felicity & Coco / Heels (these are surprisingly comfortable, I also want them in black!) - Sole Society / Earrings - BaubleBar / Clutch (similar and budget option) - Target (this is the insert from another bag)

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Casual Valentine's Day

Tee - LOFT / Coat (super similar, I also love this budget-friendly option) - Mark New York / Scarf (similar) - Hinge / Jeans (I'm wearing a tall) - Madewell / Heels (currently on sale for $65!!) - Sam Edelman / Bag (similar) - Coach Factory / Necklace - BaubleBar / Bracelet - Michael Kors

In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, I find myself adding a lot more pink into my everyday wardrobe than normal. What can I say, it's fun to get into the spirit of things, plus all of that pink is a great distraction from the gloomy weather outside. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself. So when I saw this adorable blush bell sleeve tee I just had to snag it. It's a tee shirt that looks like a blouse so you get the best of both worlds - a pretty drape but in a comfy, cozy fabric. Plus the sleeves!! I haven't been super into the bell-sleeve trend, partially because sleeves are usually too short on me and I'd rather not put more attention on that issue, and partially because I can't manage everyday tasks while wearing them, you know, like eating. But a short bell sleeve? I'll take one all day every day!

What are you up to this Valentine's Day? I always swap between not really wanting to do anything and scheduling a full-on date night. Of course, every time I go the date night route, Chicago gets a freaking blizzard. Seriously, last year we had a reservation a mile or so away and it was snowing and crazy windy, so we ended up celebrating a romantic evening in snow boots and puffer coats. This year I decided I still want to go out, but we're doing it the easy way - we're just heading to a restaurant across the street! That way there's no worry about finding a cab or needing to dress weather-appropriate. It'll just be me, the hubs, some yummy food, and a bottle of wine. Oh, and hopefully chocolate, because what's Valentine's Day without chocolate??!

Are you into Valentine's Day? Do you have any plans?

Tee - LOFT / Coat (super similar, I also love this budget-friendly option) - Mark New York / Scarf (similar) - Hinge / Jeans (I'm wearing a tall) - Madewell / Heels (currently on sale for $65!!) - Sam Edelman / Bag (similar) - Coach Factory / Necklace - BaubleBar / Bracelet - Michael Kors

Photos by Victoria C Photography

Previously on KDTI - burgundy coat:

 

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(Almost) Valentine's

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day! What are your plans to celebrate? Jeff and I waited too long to make reservations (when I say too long, I mean still a month ahead of time, stupid Chicago) so we're going out to one of our favorite celebration restaurants tonight instead.

Valentine's Day dressing is always a little tricky in Chicago, I always have grand plans and then it snows or the temperatures are below zero and I'm stuck making a decision at the last minute. Here are a couple of Valentine's Day outfit ideas for inspiration, no matter what your plans may be (click the pictures to go back to the original posts):

  

  

  

 

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Love is

Happy Valentine's Day!  Whether you're spending the day with a significant other, family, or friends, I hope your day is filled with love.  Because love really is everything.

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Valentine's Day Gifts for Him (Part Deux)

Gifts for guys can be hard, no matter what the occasion is.  This year, Jeff and I decided not to do Valentine's Day gifts (you know, cause my birthday is two weeks later so I still get presents ;) but since my last Valentine's Day Gifts post was so popular, I thought I'd update it for this year.

Scarf: Because he definitely needs one, but he's never going to buy one for himself.
Multi Bar Tool: Ummm, because it's the coolest.
Book: My almost father-in-law got this for Christmas and it's hysterical - all of the tips and tricks you need to know to achieve the art of manliness.
Krups Beertender: What guy doesn't want fresh beer on tap all the time?  Just make sure you know your guy likes Amstel/Heineken/Newcastle, since those are the only kinds of beer that can be used with this.
Moscow Mule Mugs: Moscow Mules are everywhere these days, and this way you can buy the glasses outright instead of putting down a $30 deposit at the bar and then walking out with one.
Funny Mug: So he can think of you every time he gets his caffeine jolt.
Silly Boxers: Just because it's 2014 doesn't mean he still won't need a pair of these.
Fancy Man Bag: So that he has something nice to bring on weekend trips, other than his backpack from college.

What are you getting your guy for Valentine's Day?  Or are you skipping presents this year too?





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Things I Love...

A few of the things I love:

- Laughing until I cry

- Sparkles, glitter, and sequins

- Cuddling on a chilly day

- Pink, purple, and more purple

- A fresh manicure

- A full 8 hours of sleep (or 9... or 10...)

- Ice cream sandwiches

- Laying in the sun

- Anything tiny and cute (teacup pigs, cupcakes, fun size candy bars...)

- Socks straight from the dryer

- And of course, my family and boyfriend ;)

Happy Valentine's Day!  

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Ensemble: Pink + Bows

Apparently I've been on a real pink kick lately, it must be in the spirit of Valentine's Day.  I mentioned on Friday that I moved last weekend, when I was putting clothes in my new closet I realized just how much pink my closet now holds.  I actually wore this for our last-minute Superbowl Party, I don't particularly care about football so I decided to go super girly instead of attempting anything sports-related.  

Sweater - Old Navy / Tee and Jeans - Gap / Boots - Bandolino / Watch - Michael Kors / Bracelets - LOFT / Ring and Necklace - LC Lauren Conrad

I think this is the last outfit from my old apartment, I'll have to find a place to take pictures in the new place.  It isn't quite all put together yet, but hopefully soon!




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Free Valentine's Day Fonts

Love is in the air!  Here are a few of my favorite fonts for Valentine's Day: 

KG Eyes Wide Open / BlackJack / Rawengulk / Noteworthy / Shelter Me / Janda Elegant Handwriting / Honey Script / SkarpaLT / Just Realize / CAC Champagne / Aliquam / KG Love You Through It

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Current Pinsperations

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9. 

I certainly am on a Valentine's kick, huh?!  All of these lovely soft colors are just calling my name.  What's inspiring you?

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Wednesday Words

"When I first saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew." 

- William Shakespeare

I just had to get into the Valentine's spirit.  Do you believe in love at first sight?





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Ensemble: Pink + Stripes

Do you ever put something on and it instantly makes you happy?  

Shirt (similar here) + Chambray - Old Navy / Jeans - Gap / Shoes (similar here) - Steve Madden / Necklace - LOFT Outlet / Bracelets - LOFT / Watch - Michael Kors / Ring (similar here) - LC by Lauren Conrad

I'm all ready for Valentine's Day in all this pink!




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