thrift throb

Ish. Valentine's Day. Love it or hate the epitome of a capitalized-on-by-Hallmark, economy boosting celebration. Only after taking a quick jump to Wikipedia did I find the holiday officially known as Saint Valentine's Day was established in 496 AD by Pope Gelasius, thereby making the holiday nearly legit. Almost. Valentine's Day used to throw me into angst-ridden, teenage revolt; absolutely no red or pink clothing was allowed on the fourteenth, that'd be, like, sooooo lame, and, OMG, where the fuck is my black nail polish??

There was a more innocent elementary school era when I couldn't wait to disperse my hand-drawn Valentines which read, "Bee Mine" with the obvious cartooned bee to the five, yes, five boys I had a crush on whose names all started with the letter "J" (I thought it was a neat observation at the time). I'd wear my baby-tee with a big, red, screen-printed heart across the chest while I handed them out. Surely that'd win them over. J,J,J,J,J + S = FOREVER.

As I approach my mid-twenties thirties (hah, almost gotcha there, right? Right?!?), you won't find me wearing the obvious red or pink (still so, so lame, but all systems go for anything coral) or an offensively-sized heart applique across my mid-section (unless you pay me... any takers?) as a flag that my heart's wide open, that I've succumbed to the prospect of an entire day dedicated to honoring two hearts joining as one. As a newly married woman, Valentine's Day is no longer a day reserved for sealing the deal on brimming short-term crushes. Just, sealing the deal. Elbow jab, elbow jab, wink, wink.

My husband recently revealed he likes my look most on those dreaded days I don't have time to give a shit what I throw on, thus settling on simplicity. So, Hubby, I dedicate this outfit to you, sans all the bells and whistles, lipstick transferable smooches (maybe just a little tinted gloss?) and arm jingle-jangles. I'm aiming high for a Celine-imbued minimalism, which by the way, is everything nowadays. You didn't think this was 100% about you, did you?

Right on time, then, that Buffalo Exchange of Minneapolis invites me to style a promotional Valentine's Day outfit in store. At any other age I would've been stumped for non-Valentiney, yet Valentiney inspiration, but today I've got My Man as influence, and a gift card as boost. But, before we jump in, let us revisit the good ol' days when we anti-Valentined, when loving meant aching and you wore your lover's blood as token around your neck (just playing around, Angelina Jolie... sorta).

Exhibit 1a and 1b: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Okay, so maybe monochromatic black was a step in the wrong direction. I just couldn't resist being, well, resistant, which has nothing and everything to do with Valentines Day. To all of you tortured souls out there, this one's for you, baby, but not for me, unless of course, my husband married an axe murderer. Everything pictured above was found in store, except the boots.

Exhibit 2: Better, closer, warmer

I'm trading out most of the black for something a bit more optimistic and less grouchy.

An eyelet peplum corset insinuates innocence, a suggestion at most, I know. Chambray plays down the seriousness of pleated trousers, and a little pop of orange on a dainty shoe makes the look interesting.

Also, I'm keeping the biker vest, but I'll wear it for drinks with my BFF, not my date. Everything found in store, except the heels.

Remember earlier when I banned anything red, pink and massively heart-shaped? Well, in my magical little land of Valentine's Day Ensemble Rules, I now declare that miniature prints are a-okay, including teeny, cheesy little hearts, a small victory for die-hard Valentiner's (you know who you are). Might I also state that my rules are strictly an opinion, and if you're dying to wear red or pink, by all means do it. I'll only judge silently to myself and in small whispers to the person nearest to my right. Insert emoticon winking smiley face here.

Exhibit 3: Thrift Throb

A collection of a billion tiny little hearts says the same thing one over-sized heart says, only less garishly, which is why this pussybow top fits the bill. It says, "Look, I'm not as pessimistic about Valentine's Day as you thought, and, kind waiter, I'm celebrating, so can you please point me to the most expensive steak on the menu, I haven't had enough chocolate today, thanks."

I kept the chambray trousers and the heels, using a matching white clutch with metal details as my only accessory, my favorite thrift find of the day. We're keeping accessories simple for the boy, because I'm not supposed to sound like Santa's reindeer when I walk, right, Honey? Once again, everything was found at Buffalo Exchange except the heels, and that mega hot super model body (where did she get that?!?!)

How will you sartorially celebrate this Valentine's Day?

Thanks, Buffalo Exchange of Minneapolis, for letting me ransack your store!

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