How To

There’s nothing like the last minute. Many of us perform best under pressure—which is why we’re still here feeding you Valentine’s Day tips the day before the big event. (IT’S TOMORROW, GUYS.) The moral of today’s story is that a little thought goes a long way: Something as simple as jotting down an inside joke, or renting her favorite movie on your way home from work, can score you more points than fancy-pants reservations made months in advance.

In another example of brains over brawn (see our notes on Serge Gainsbourg from the other day), esteemed playwright Arthur Miller won over Marilyn Monroe. Their romance may have been tumultuous, to put it lightly—but just imagine the kind of profound Valentine’s Day cards that guy probably wrote. No pressure or anything. Your wife or girlfriend will appreciate whatever you do—so long as you do it with feeling. Read on for more ideas from Norma Jeans here at Nordstrom HQ.

1. EGGS & ART (PREFERABLY HOMEMADE)
Courtesy of Danielle B. – Visual Merchandising Graphic Design Manager

GO: “Hmm, my favorite Valentine’s Day date destination…Not out, no no. Too many love birds frolicking around, cooing, staring into each others eyes. I’m not above staring at a boy with googly-eyes, but I’d rather do it in the comfort of my own home (or his—if it’s clean). So, my ideal date destination would be dinner at home. Wine and dine me, please. My favorite meal is breakfast for dinner—somewhat fail-proof and always delicious.”

WEAR: “Well, Date, you’d better look cute. Since it’s pretty clear that I prefer a more casual V-Day, here’s what my imaginary date would be wearing: Well-fitting jeans, a nice button-up and maybe a shawl-collar sweater—like this one from Obey, because I’d like to steal it. Since we’ll be dining indoors, we’ll skip the shoes—but nice socks are important. Some Happy Socks; no Goldtoes, boys.”

GIVE: “Something handmade, not purchased. A silly drawing or card would do.”

[Ed. note: Above left is a drawing by one of Danielle's favorite illustrators, Marc Johns, and the saliva-inducing over-easy up top is courtesy of Danielle's best bud/food photographer Yossi Arefi. Check out Danielle's own work at her website: BDR-Studio.]

2. CHOCOLATES & CHICK FLICKS
Courtesy of Nupoora R. – Cosmetics Marketing Manager

GO: “My favorite V-Day date would be cuddling up on the couch with a good movie, a home-cooked meal, a bottle of wine, and a plush blanket. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be an expensive extravaganza; with my crazy schedule, time spent together is priceless in itself!” [Ed. note: Nupoora is a rare gem who named Independence Day as one of her favorite movies. Some of her other faves—like Amelie, Love Actually, and Shawshank Redemption, might be better received by your own date.]

WEAR: “I love guys in casual, fitted, button-down shirts and soft crewneck sweaters. But, if it’s a stay-at-home kind of a night, nothing beats a soft T-shirt and sweats! I also have to admit that I’m a big fan of Brooks Brothers and Lacoste men’s cologne—I’m a sucker for these scents!”

GIVE: “Chocolates! They are the way to my heart. Nordstrom Makers Chocolates would be perfect—dark chocolate, please.”

3. THANKSGIVING IN PARADISE
Courtesy of Molly B. – Women’s Site Merchandising

GO: “Anguilla in the Caribbean. I went there shortly after Valentine’s Day a couple of years ago, and there’s something pretty romantic about being in paradise with no one around. Get blissed out! If not on the beach, I like a good, dark, speakeasy-like, hole-in-the-wall restaurant or bar.”

WEAR: “No matter where we are, wear clothes that fit! A great patterned button-down shirt that fits you well, and jeans that accentuate…ahem…your assets are instantly hot and will make you feel good, which makes you feel confident, which is oh so sexy. A little flair, like a leather jacket or some statement-making kicks add instant style/confidence as well. Is it cheesy to say that a genuine, happy-to-see-you smile is also a must?“

GIVE: “The best gift I’ve gotten was Thanksgiving dinner! It’s my favorite, and getting it on Valentine’s Day was rad. It showed he cared and knew me pretty damn well.”

4. LIVE MUSIC & A SYMBOL OF LOVE
Courtesy of Jodi T. – E-Commerce Stylist

GO: “My favorite Valentine’s destination would be one that’s connected to my date’s personality and interests. It could be cooking a meal or going out to a favorite restauraunt or a great show, as long as you make it special. As far as shows, at home in Seattle I like smaller venues like The Moore—and I love the burlesque show at The Pink Door. I recently saw Poliça at Brooklyn Bowl [pictured above], which was an excellent show. I’m also trying to go see Sleep No More (an interactive theatre experience) while I’m here in New York currently.”

WEAR: “Dress appropriately for the destination, but choose something you really feel good in, and it will bring out your natural confidence and charm. I would also encourage attention to detail—the right pair of shoes and the right grooming make all the difference!”

GIVE: “The best gift is sharing time together, so no matter how big or little the gift is, remember it’s all about the love that it symbolizes. If I were to suggest a gift of jewelry from Nordstrom, I’d suggest Lana or Dogeared.”

NEED MORE IDEAS?
SHOP: VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS 
…And catch up on previous V-Day Tips: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Bianca Jagger once famously celebrated her birthday at Studio 54 by being escorted in by naked, mustached dudes on horses. You don’t win over a girl like that with sweet stage moves (and epic hair, and lips, and groovy lapels, and an endearing British accent) alone. Rest assured, Mick knew how to plan a killer Valentine’s Day date. If your plans for this Thursday are still up in the air, take a cue from some of our favorite women around Nordstrom HQ (and note—sometimes all it takes is tacos and a song):

1. TEX-MEX & FINGER BLING
Courtesy of Lily W. – Social Media Specialist

GO: “The whole ‘reservations-months-in-advance-prix-fixe-menu’ thing feels a little prescriptive to me. I think it’s important to acknowledge the holiday in the way that makes sense for you. This year, my boyfriend and I are going to a low-key mexican restaurant like Bimbos Cantina (tacos and no waiting—my fave!) and then meeting some friends for karaoke. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like singing off-key to ’80s pop music, am I right?”

WEAR: “I’m still a sucker for a guy in heritage brands. Bring the Filson, Pendleton, Levi’s and Red Wings by the truckload. Also love hand-me-down vintage: Throw on your grandpa’s sweater and I’m totally smitten.”

GIVE: “My sixth-grade boyfriend got me a Diptyque candle and wrote me a love note in French. Dude had Jagger moves. [See above.] Now? I wouldn’t say no to a Jennifer Fisher knuckle ring or a new Herschel backpack for my Mac Book.” [Ed. note: Jennifer Fisher is part of our new CFDA/Vogue boutiques.]

2. CHOPPER RIDE & RELAXATION
Courtesy of Angela S. – Video Producer

GO: “I’m not a fan of dining out for Valentine’s Day, and I’m easily annoyed by forced outings for the sake of the holiday (contrived romance makes me nauseous—there’s probably a scientific term for this somewhere). I think it’s much more enjoyable to have a rich culinary experience at home, where my man is trying to dazzle me with some sort of food concoction that we both can’t pronounce. However, a romantic toast in a helicopter over the city lights wouldn’t be that bad either.”

WEAR: “I love a guy who is (nicely dressed) in his element. What’s sexier than a featherweight T-shirt and his favorite jeans?”

GIVE: “I like gifts from the heart for Valentine’s day. A helping hand, a day of relaxation, or a little pick-me-up that lets you know someone cares. The best gift I ever received along those lines (besides a Spa day) was a really cool rustic canvas print that read ‘good girls rarely make history’—it was such a sweet surprise from the traditional chocolates and flowers. It was truly ME, and still hangs on my wall today.”

3. DINNER & DIAMONDS
Courtesy of Ashley W. – Women’s Site Merchandising

GO: “I think it’s all about putting thought into the experience for your Valentine. I love wine and trying new restaurants, so my perfect date would be some combination of those. One of my favorites recently was Revel in Seattle for dinner in a more fun atmosphere, and I’ve been dying to try Matt’s in the Market for a more romantic spot.”

WEAR: “Straight-leg jeans—I think Citizens of Humanity are a great fit on guys for this look—and a jacket with a button-up shirt underneath in a great color or plaid (loving the Calibrate plaid shirts right now; my husband just bought 3 colors, I’m hoping he wears the pink one on V-day!). I’d definitely like to see both the shirt and jacket in a slimmer, more modern fit for going out.”

GIVE: “I feel lucky that my guy is an awesome gift giver. The best part is when he writes in the card about why he chose it, because it gives the gesture even more significance. The most amazing gift I’ve ever gotten from N.com was these Bony Levy diamond earrings, which I wear every day, and still think of what he wrote in that card every time I wear them. The next thing I have my eye on is this diamond-bar necklace, simple and gorgeous but still updated and on-trend.” [Shown above, second from right.]

4. KEEP IT SIMPLE (BUT DRESS RIGHT)
Courtesy of Deniz A. – MEN’S Site Merchandising

GO: “Sitka & Spruce for a date destination. After-dinner drink at Still.”

WEAR: “Something you’re comfortable and confident in. I’d say dark denim with a shawl-collar sweater—or a trim-fit button-down shirt under a cotton blazer. A good chukka boot (in a dressier, dark suede) goes with everything.”

GIVE: “Flowers from Marigold and Mint, next-door to the restaurant.”

NEED MORE IDEAS?
SHOP: VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS 
…And catch up on previous V-Day Tips: Part 1 | Part 2