SHARING THE LOVE
Remember when we were kids and Valentine’s Day was about making cards for ALL of our friends? We sent our little “Be Mine” valentines out into the universe with reckless abandon—sharing hearts and candies and silly little coded messages. We may have even taken the time to make that one (or two; no judgement) extra special note for a secret someone. Such a fun tradition.
I’m still a fool for cards and love letters, the sappier the better. I’m so moved when someone takes the time to share their feelings by putting words on paper. Even if they’re telling me something I should already know, somehow seeing it in writing always makes it that much more tangible, real, and somehow meaningful.
-Henry David Thoreau
modern love
Today Valentine’s Day has an even more personal meaning for me beyond the conventional holiday. My husband and I had our very first date on Valentine’s Day. We met on a dating app (one that’s name is incredibly on the nose for this holiday), so we were complete strangers. It just so happened that the first date we were available to meet turned out to be V-day. In fact, we almost rescheduled given that it’s a day that’s so loaded with expectation. In the end we decided to brave it and meet anyway—at a favorite little bar in the mission. I bolted after one drink. Not because I wasn’t interested but I had other plans with a girlfriend, and I wasn’t about to bail on a bestie on this of all days. Anyway, it took many more dates for us to let our guards down enough (again total strangers!) to express our interest in each other. But here we are 8 years later. So, February 14th is just our day, and we love the tradition of sharing a margarita at that same little bar each year.
the can't-live-withouts
Spending years without a traditional Valentine though was undeniably just as fun. It gave me the chance to celebrate my friends and all the love we shared, without any expectations or strings attached. There are so many people in my life that I can’t live without. They’re the ones I want to celebrate this year—and of course, Loren’s at the top of that list. I’m feeling so inspired, it might be time to pull out the glue sticks and construction paper.
This year I hope the name at the top of your love list is your own. (I warned that I was sappy).
Will you be my Valentine?
xo
Rachel
gifts for your crew
In the spirit of sharing the love, here are my top picks for all the can't-live-without ladies (and gents) on your list.
For the most powerful, never-one-to-be-pinned-down person—4 rings in one:
The Getaway Ring
For the boldest yet beautifully understated gem of a friend—a striking dome ring with a refined vintage-inspired texture:
The Bombshell Stitch ring
For all the boys and girls in your world—a sculptural signet ring with an other-worldly pop:
The Mod Signet
The Mod Signet
For your adventurously colorful crew—the ultimate wearable art:
The Mad Mod Cuff
For the chicest of all your friends—an architectural silhouette in rich black ceramic and gold:
The Ceramic Edge Earrings
The Mad Mod Cuff and The Ceramic Edge Earrings
For the unfussy and ever-elegant love—a clean yet detailed cuff that easily stacks:
The Icon Cuff
For those that like their flash to be measured—sparkling huggies that pop just enough to be seen:
The Diamond Huggie
For the antithesis of a wall flower—a mighty cocktail ring with a richly colored pattern:
The Paloma
The Paloma
For the buttoned up but never basic—a modern link that wears like a classic and layers with anything:
The Baby Brazen Necklace
For the walking contradiction—a pendant that’s curvaceous and soft with an undeniable edge:
The Edge Pendant