wear your love story

As soon as valentine's day rolls around, we are bombarded with messages of seduction --- mostly from retail stores.  Every one seems to have found the perfect gift, and it's always heart-shaped + saturated in fuchsia, baby pink, blush or blood red. 

Trust me, I'm not complaining. I love Nordstrom + I love love. But I always have the same thought as I scroll through the slide shows of lingerie + perfume: if that someone is really so special, doesn't she deserve something not featured in a generic roundup of romantic cliches?

As much as we love opening up jewelry - and trust me guys, we definitely do - the well-thought-out words that accompany the gift is always the best part. Even more amazing (maybe for it's elusiveness) is the long-lost handwritten love note, in all of it's crossed-out, misspelled glory. 

With that in mind, here is my valentine's advice: definitely don't lose the jewelry - just pick a piece that combines it with the one other thing we'd most like to get, on v-day or any day.  Take a look: 

<><><><><><><><> one <><><><><><><><>

  

  

<><><><><><><><> two <><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><> three <><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><> four <><><><><><><><>

  

<><><><><><><><> five <><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><> six <><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><> seven <><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><> eight <><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><> nine <><><><><><><><>
  
 

Whether it's tucked inside an envelope, rolled into a locket or written on the page of your very own book, these lovely finds are the perfect way to write your love story - and wear it - this valentine's day. Just call me cupid --- I think I can already hear the "awww".

[all photos via catbird + sellers' etsy pages - see numbers for links]