So, this wasn't supposed to end up being a blog.
I'd told myself that I was only pulling together a few looks and that would be the end of that.
Several outfits later, we ended up here.
Valentine's Day is one of the most loved and hated holidays in America.
Some people live for it. They can't wait to celebrate romance with chocolates, dinner dates, cuddles, and love itself - fully indulging in the joy of having someone to share the holiday with. If you are in a stage of new love, it is one of the best times.
Then there are some that loathe it altogether and dread its arrival. It seems to bring with it the reminder of love they've lost, heartbreak, failed romances, or love that they have not yet found. Loneliness can loom heavier during the days before it's arrival, and especially heavy if Valentine's Day falls on a weekend.
It is the best and worst of days.
Ask me how I know!
I've been on both sides of the experience.
But before I get into showing you seasonal pieces, I want to challenge your perspective of Valentine's Day, whether you view it as being good or bad.
A mate is not required to celebrate this holiday.
A date is not required to celebrate this holiday.
Dinner plans, or fun activities are not required to enjoy this holiday.
Romance is not the only type of love that there is.
God is love.
And love is God.
The very nature of love, in its purest form (AGAPE) comes from God.
And if you've ever experienced this type of love, even if just for a moment, it leaves an indelible impression on you forever.
And with this experience, and belief in God - who is love, Valentine's Day is a day to appreciate what love truly is.
It is a holiday for everyone, believe it or not.
It's a perfect time of reflection.
And true love requires more than 24 hours to appreciate it.
It takes an entire lifetime to explore love.
Whether married or single, there are many ways to show a healthy appreciation for the theme of Valentine's Day.
When I was single, I STILL dressed up every day of Valentine's Week, and not to catch the eye of a man!
I was enjoying the festivities of the holiday season.
It's the perfect time to break out the hearts, pinks, and reds to look like LOVE.
I'd show up in hearts, pink Angora sweaters, a red lip, and a little black dress.
Whether I had a man or not, I wanted to look loved.
I wanted to look like I believed in love, and was worth of it in all the best ways.
You see, I loved myself. And I believed that the God that I loved would one day see to it that someone found me, prepared, and in love with him and myself.
I wasn't sitting around anywhere sulking and sad.
YES. I absolutely wanted love in the most romantic of forms.
But I also fully believed, IN FAITH, that one day it would be mine.
And in the meantime, I dared not view Valentine's Day as a negative.
On the other side of identity, I viewed it as a day that I'd be able to participate in romantically when the time came.
Until that time, I was looking like what I hoped to attract.
Hope is a necessary component of waiting.
I had hope.
And hope had me dressing the part!
So whether you have plans or not, a love interest or not, or love or hate this day, I'm still giving you a look at fun ways to celebrate the season.
Love is the very reason we live.
Celebrations, in the simplest of forms, are necessary.
I hope that you enjoy the looks that I put together.
I broke them down into color scheme themes that range from casual, to traditional, to romantic, to fun.
Enjoy,
Shaunee Brannan
RED - The Color of Love
Suit - Irregular Exposure Boutique
Moto - Pistola Denim
Checker Skirt - Dolls Kill
Wide Leg Pants - Rock'n'Remix (online)
Lace Shrug - Dolls Kill (also sold on Amazon)
Blazer - Zara
Tuxedo Blouse - Thrifted Salvation Army
Stockings - Ebay Purchase
Skirt - Boutique Purchase
Blouse - AliExpress
Belt - Yoox
Shoes - Miu Miu
Lace Duster - Custom Design
High Waist Pants - "Knot Your Girl" Pants Fashion Nova
Lace Gloves - AliExpress
Leather Moto - Muumba
Sequin Pants - Amazon
Tee - CHASER
Moto - Pistola Denim
Checkered Dress - AliExpress
Checkered Beret - AliExpress
Pumps - Jeffrey Campbell
Leopard Bootie - Schutz
BodyCon Lace-Up Dress - Fenty by Puma
Tee - Forever 21
Striped Flares - Free People
Textured Clutch - AliExpress
WINTER WHITE - Delicate
Dress - Fashion Nova Duster Dress
Poncho and Duster Flares - H&M
Caged Beanie - Betsey Johnson
SOFT PINK - Innocent
Puff Shoulder Sweater - Zara
Pink Cargo Jeans - Fashion Nova
Pom Pom Dress - Alice & Olivia
Heart Tights - Dolls Kill
Cropped Overalls - Levi's
Pink Moto Blazer - Zara
Sweater - Marbled (Marshalls)
Heart Stockings - Shein
Lace Shrug - Amazon (also sold on AliExpress)
High Waist Flares - Rock 'n' Remix (online)
Pink Corset - H&M
Jumpsuit - Free People
Spiked Beanie - Dolls Kill
Spiked Pumps - Steve Madden
HOT PINK - Passion
Dress - Zara Mohair/Wool Dress
Cocoon Duster - L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani Mohair Shrug
Sequin Crop Top - Zara
High Waist Pants - "Knot Your Girl" Pants by Fashion Nova
Platform Heels - AliExpress
Moto Jacket - 7 for All Mankind
Striped Set - "Private Yacht Set" Fashion Nova
Striped Beanie - TJ Maxx
Baby Doll Dress & Matching Headband - Sister Jane
Rhinestone Heart Tee - AliExpress
Neon Flares - Ebay Purchase
Sweater Duster - Fashion Nova
Tee - Shein
Flare Jeans - Pistola Denim
Cropped Sweater - Zara
Striped Beret - TJ Maxx
Tuxedo Pants - Karl Lagerfield
Rainbow Dress - Hearts Dress Farm Rio
WingTip Shoes - Vince Comuto
Fringe Ombre Hoodie - Shaunee Brannan Design
Flare Jeans - Free People
Denim Oversized Jacket - Fashion Nova
Platform Heels - Jeffrey Campbell
Heart Scarf - TJ Maxx
Cut-Off Shorts - Re-Done by Levi's
Hoodie Dress - Free People
Checkered Leggings - Ralph Lauren
Shoes - Air Jordan 1
Checkered Hat - Fashion Nova
Thanks For Looking and Happy Valentines Day!
(All requests for collaboration and partnerships can be sent through the contact form on my site.)
