It seems that most people with a love of vintage also are old romantics too. We have an appreciation of traditional values, old fashioned courting and the appreciation of manners and wooing.
For those who are still struggling with ideas for Valentine’s gifts, whether you are already in a relationship or planning a surprise attack of romance, hopefully I can help a little!
So… Firstly roses. Traditional, beautiful and unfortunately expensive at this time of year. People seem to think that a dozen red roses is a must have, but a single red rose can say just as much as it’s 11 counterparts. So save the pennies for something else and opt for 1 flower to symbolise the only love in your life.
Romantic meal for two? Depending on what your finances are like, you could opt for the first restaurant you went to together, make an epic paella together (a wonderful culinary bonding technique) or a carpet picnic for two! Imagine sticking on an old film like Some Like It Hot, laying down a rug and some candles on the floor and a feast of nibbles. Just make sure you have a fantastically norish dessert too!
So, onto a Valentine’s Day Card! You will find original vintage Victorian, 1930’s and 1940’s cards at antiques markets and online (Ebay etc) for anything from £2.50 to £6.00. If you think how much you usually pay for a card, that is pretty fantastic, don’t you think? And heaps more meaningful than a modern card too! Even if it has a romantic message written inside from the original recipient, just add your name! When you start giving each other vintage cards, you can put them out every year as Valentine decorations too.
Valentine Gifts for Women…It is always lovely to receive presents…as long as they aren’t your classic body paint and naff cuddly toys from the supermarket. Vintage girls love romantic gestures, sweetheart brooches, love letters, theatre tickets, a new hat or some special repro lingerie from What Katie Did! Why not get your gal a 1940’s sweetheart pin or lucite brooch? Maybe a vintage locket with both your photos inside! Think old fashioned romance!
Valentines Gifts for Men…Difficult if you don’t want to get too mushy, but perhaps buy him a 1940’s mug and serve him breakfast in bed, a special tie bar and vintage tie, or perhaps a vintage style photo of you in pinup lingerie taken by the amazing Kate Donovan! Imagine his face as he unwraps a cheeky photo of you in seamed stockings and your hair all done up! Kate can do all your hair, makeup and styling, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the experience.
So there you have it. Hopefully some of this has given you some ideas. Just don’t forget that although we are caught up in an amazing world of emails and instant text messages, there is NOTHING like receiving a handwritten love letter or card through the post. So please, make the effort this year whether you are sending it to your loved one’s work place or the home you both live in! Slip it into their shoe, briefcase, lunchbox or letterbox.
Kitten von Mew taken by Candee Photography 2011
1940's Pin-Up Entertainer Kitten von Mew 