How to Live Every Day Like It’s Valentine’s Day

    Rachel Waldman
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    Live every day like it’s Valentine’s Day, with all things prim, proper—and positively alluring.

    Objects of Affection To Live Every Day Like It’s Valentine’s Day

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    Photographed by Peter Lindbergh, Vogue, June 2013
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    Alejandra Alonso Rojas Virginia dress, $2,195, modaoperandi.com; Etro bag, $1,310, for information: etro.com; Manolo Blahnik Hangisi crystal buckle velvet pumps, $1,035, bergdorfgoodman.com; Francesca Villa prasiolite and yellow gold Easy Living earrings, $2,475, matchesfashion.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of modaoperandi.com; Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of etro.com; Courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com
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    Simone Rocha ruffled lace-trimmed tulle dress, $1,597, matchesfashion.com; Fleur of England sheer and lace satin balconette bra, $112, matchesfashion.com; Fleur of England sheer and lace satin classic briefs, $96, matchesfashion.com; Grainne Morton earrings, $750, for information: grainnemorton.co.uk
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of grainnemorton.co.uk; Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of matchesfashion.com
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    Raey V-neck fine-knit cashmere sweater, $241, matchesfashion.com; Rupert Sanderson Maeve cut-out leather mules, $625, net-a-porter.com; John Derian x Astier de Villatte coffee pot, $460, johnderian.com; Marni mixed-media skirt, $4,210, modaoperandi.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of johnderian.com; Courtesy of modaoperandi.com; Courtesy of net-a-porter.com
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    Tom Ford Boys & Girls Ultra-Rich Lip Color, $36, neimanmarcus.com; Gucci crystal bow dress with lace detail, $5,800, gucci.com; Michel Vivien Melanie heels, price upon request, for information: michelvivien.fr
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of gucci.com; Courtesy ofneimanmarcus.com; Courtesy of michelviven.fr
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    Brock Collection Tyler corset top, $1,690, modaoperandi.com; Need Supply Co. Cousin Fit jeans in Judd wash, $185, needsupply.com; Manolo Blahnik Ustria open-toe mules, $760, theline.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of modaoperandi.com; Courtesy of theline.com; Courtesy of needsupply.com
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    Louis Vuitton Rose Des Vents, $240, louisvuitton.com; Rosamosario Casino Royale ruffled silk-organza robe, $1,640, net-a-porter.com; Fleur du Mal silk-satin slip, $245, modaoperandi.com; Valentino mink fur sandals, $757, fwrd.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of modaoperandi.com; Courtesy of louisvuitton.com; Courtesy of net-a-porter.com; Courtesy of fwrd.com
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    Untitled Homeware gold-painted glass dessert plate, $34, barneys.com; Lori A. Stern signature cookies, $48 per dozen, for information: loriastern.com; Gucci floral-print leather headband, $1,180, matchesfashion.com; Vilshenko Geneve embroidered short-sleeved cotton dress, $1,171, matchesfashion.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of barneys.com; Courtesy of loriastern.com
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    The Vampire’s Wife Cate floral-print cotton minidress, $525, matchesfashion.com; No. 21 embellished cropped cardigan, $338, italist.com; Mark Cross bag, $2,495, markcross.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of italist.com; Courtesy of matchesfashion.com; Courtesy of markcross.com
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    Eli Halili round bezel-set ruby ring, price upon request, for information: elihalili.com; McQ Alexander McQueen pussy-bow printed crepe maxi dress, $665, net-a-porter.com; Gucci stud and floral appliqué velvet cross-body bag, $2,800, saksfifthavenue.com
    Photo: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy of net-a-porter.com; Courtesy of elihalili.com; Courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com

    Truth be told, I have never been particularly partial to Valentine’s Day and its grand, romantic gestures. While I certainly wouldn’t object to sweets (Lori Stern flower-pressed shortbread cookies call to me) or lingerie (Fleur of England’s sheer lace satin set would be heavenly), why not celebrate love across the spectrum all the time?

    If you’re not in love, February 14 is nothing more than a very public reminder that you are very, well . . . single. And if you’re so lucky as to be in love? That’s cool, too. Either way, though, here’s a wild proposition: Live every day like it’s Valentine’s Day. Indulge in all things prim, proper—and positively alluring throughout the year. Need a little reminder to stop and smell the roses? A spritz of Louis Vuitton’s Rose des Vents perfume—or a fresh-cut arrangement by Stemme Fatale in a John Derian teapot—sets the smitten mood, while Brock Collection’s bitty floral corset top elicits that can’t-live-without-you love and affection.

    Looking for an object of affection to self-bequeath? Mark Cross’s Benchley bag makes for a beloved companion day and night. Alternatively, if you need help crafting a list of gifts as a not-so-subtle hint to your special someone, Grainne Morton chandelier earrings are cool—but even more so when gifted with a super-special Simone Rocha ruffled lace tulle dress.

    After all, Valentine’s Day falls on the final night of New York Fashion Week, which gives you the perfect excuse to get all dressed up with someplace—or at least a fun fashion after-party—to go.

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