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Cupid gets creative
This month we recommend a romantic wine getaway, plus several gifts guaranteed to get your main squeeze's heart pumping.
By Michelle Pulfrey and Amy DenoonPublished: February 01, 2009
Whether you’re single, newly hooked up or deeply entwined in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is always exciting. The anticipation of what’s ahead can’t be denied: Singletons seek “The One”; new relationships get “More Serious”; serious ones take “The Big Plunge.” And those off in the land of marital bliss find “Greater Meaning and Appreciation.” Whatever lies in store for you this Valentine’s Day, we’ll make sure you do it in style; just follow our quintessential O.C. Stylista Valentine’s Day Guide.
A romantic jaunt: Artiste Impressionist Winery and Tasting Studio
Ready to pop the question? Or just need the ultimate in Valentine’s Day romance? Take a jaunt up to wine country to celebrate in style at Artiste Impressionist Winery and Tasting Studio, located in historic Healdsburg, in Sonoma County. Proprietors Bion and Anna Rice have created a haven that celebrates the fusion of art and wine, with every bottle featuring gorgeous impressionist artwork – ensuring that each bottle looks as decadent as the treasure inside it tastes. It’s the perfect winery to visit for those wanting to express their love with a creative flair.
Can’t make the trip? No problem: The Rices still have you die-hard romantics covered. Try ordering their B.Y.O.W. – Blend Your Own Wine – kit online and create an intimate night at home mixing your own nectar. It all comes in a handy paint bucket with a 375-milliliter bottle of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon; a 100-milliliter graduated cylinder; a blending workshop booklet; and two placemats for sensory note taking (or writing sweet nothings to your loved one). Or, create your own custom wine label to compliment Artiste’s beautiful Cuvées – great for sharing your newly engaged status or a special anniversary celebration with friends and family. The B.Y.O.W. kit is priced at $75 a bucket, $60 for wine club members. 805.686.2626
Panty Shmanty: La Perla Black Label
This luxurious lingerie is nothing short of smoldering. With collections named Burn, Flame, Hell and Fumoir, among others, it’s easy to get lost in the sinful femininity of La Perla Black Label, inspired by the world of Dante. Silk satins, Chantilly lace and stretch 
tulle in absolute black, red and light blue ensure absolute decadence and sex appeal. Sometimes you just gotta splurge. $129 to $528.
La Perla at South Coast Plaza. 714.754.7500
Culinary Cravings: James Boyce Collection by Voluspa
Voluspa co-founder and fragrance designer Traci Arntsen introduces a collection of luxe candles in collaboration with California cuisine expert and Montage Resort Executive Chef James Boyce. Available in Spice Market, Vintage, Herb Garden, California Citrus, Chef’s Special (a blend of heirloom tomato, celery and fennel bulb), and Sommelier (a blend of Ruby Port, mission fig and star anise).
Montage Shops, Montage Laguna Beach. 949.715.6191
Sweet emotion: Sprinkles Cupcakes
The perpetual “perfect” cupcake debate continues, but we Sprinkles addicts know that those perfectly baked tantalizing treats are the only way to go. Want to get to her heart? Never mind the chocolate and flowers; we say it’s all in the Sprinkles Cupcake. Made using the finest ingredients, such as rich chocolate sprinkles from France and pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla, the decadent creations made by co-founder and Executive Pastry Chef Candace Nelson are nothing short of utter bliss. Traditional red velvet, sweet strawberry, milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, coconut … whatever the flavor, we’re in.
Sprinkles Cupcakes in Corona del Mar Plaza. 949.760.0003
Invitation to unwind: Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection
This set of six glass decanters offers scents of Amber & Lavender, Lime Basil & Red Roses, Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, Orange Blossom and Grapefruit. The oils will leave
your skin soft and lightly scented. Use alone or combine to create a scent that captures the senses. It’s a must for that romantic bath au deux. Priced at $85. Jo Malone in South Coast Plaza or Neiman Marcus in Fashion Island.
Subtly sensual: Tom Ford Luminous Hair Perfume in Black Orchid
This unique way to wear fragrance leaves your hair smelling sultry and feeling oh so soft. We love this hair perfume as much as we adore Tom Ford. The custom-grown black orchid top note combined with warm woods and rich fruit are sensual, luxurious and lustful. The glamorous deco-inspired bottle is so pretty, you’ll want to leave it out for all to see. Priced at $80 for 1.7 ounces. Sephora, South Coast Plaza. 714.429.9130
IF YOU BUY ONLY ONE THING:
Christian Dior “Oui” Fine Jewelry Collection: YES! YES! YES! We recently spotted the Oui Collection at the Dior Harvesters event at Montage Laguna Beach and have been lusting after these jeweled treasures ever since. Designed by Dior’s Victoire de Castellane, this playful yet sophisticated collection of 18K gold rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces get a big oui! from us. We think they channel an irresistibly fun “Sex in the City” vibe that’s just too good to pass up. Guys, take note: This is one Valentine’s Day gift that will make her smile, while making her friends just the right amount of jealous. Pricing starts at $710, Christian Dior, South Coast Plaza. 714.549.4700
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A romantic jaunt: Artiste Impressionist Winery and Tasting Studio Ready to pop the question? Or just need the ultimate in Valentine’s Day romance? Take a jaunt up to wine country to celebrate in style at Artiste Impressionist Winery and Tasting Studio, located in historic Healdsburg, in Sonoma County. Proprietors Bion and Anna Rice have created a haven that celebrates the fusion of art and wine, with every bottle featuring gorgeous impressionist artwork – ensuring that each bottle looks as decadent as the treasure inside it tastes. It’s the perfect winery to visit for those wanting to express their love with a creative flair. Can’t make the trip? No problem: The Rices still have you die-hard romantics covered. Try ordering their B.Y.O.W. – Blend Your Own Wine – kit online and create an intimate night at home mixing your own nectar. It all comes in a handy paint bucket with a 375-milliliter bottle of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon; a 100-milliliter graduated cylinder; a blending workshop booklet; and two placemats for sensory note taking (or writing sweet nothings to your loved one). Or, create your own custom wine label to compliment Artiste’s beautiful Cuvées – great for sharing your newly engaged status or a special anniversary celebration with friends and family. The B.Y.O.W. kit is priced at $75 a bucket, $60 for wine club members. 805.686.2626 Panty Shmanty: La Perla Black Label This luxurious lingerie is nothing short of smoldering. With collections named Burn, Flame, Hell and Fumoir, among others, it’s easy to get lost in the sinful femininity of La Perla Black Label, inspired by the world of Dante. Silk satins, Chantilly lace and stretch tulle in absolute black, red and light blue ensure absolute decadence and sex appeal. Sometimes you just gotta splurge. $129 to $528. La Perla at South Coast Plaza. 714.754.7500 Culinary Cravings: James Boyce Collection by VoluspaVoluspa co-founder and fragrance designer Traci Arntsen introduces a collection of luxe candles in collaboration with California cuisine expert and Montage Resort Executive Chef James Boyce. Available in Spice Market, Vintage, Herb Garden, California Citrus, Chef’s Special (a blend of heirloom tomato, celery and fennel bulb), and Sommelier (a blend of Ruby Port, mission fig and star anise). Montage Shops, Montage Laguna Beach. 949.715.6191 Sweet emotion: Sprinkles Cupcakes The perpetual “perfect” cupcake debate continues, but we Sprinkles addicts know that those perfectly baked tantalizing treats are the only way to go. Want to get to her heart? Never mind the chocolate and flowers; we say it’s all in the Sprinkles Cupcake. Made using the finest ingredients, such as rich chocolate sprinkles from France and pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla, the decadent creations made by co-founder and Executive Pastry Chef Candace Nelson are nothing short of utter bliss. Traditional red velvet, sweet strawberry, milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, coconut … whatever the flavor, we’re in. Sprinkles Cupcakes in Corona del Mar Plaza. 949.760.0003 Invitation to unwind: Jo Malone Bath Oil CollectionThis set of six glass decanters offers scents of Amber & Lavender, Lime Basil & Red Roses, Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, Orange Blossom and Grapefruit. The oils will leave your skin soft and lightly scented. Use alone or combine to create a scent that captures the senses. It’s a must for that romantic bath au deux. Priced at $85. Jo Malone in South Coast Plaza or Neiman Marcus in Fashion Island. Subtly sensual: Tom Ford Luminous Hair Perfume in Black Orchid This unique way to wear fragrance leaves your hair smelling sultry and feeling oh so soft. We love this hair perfume as much as we adore Tom Ford. The custom-grown black orchid top note combined with warm woods and rich fruit are sensual, luxurious and lustful. The glamorous deco-inspired bottle is so pretty, you’ll want to leave it out for all to see. Priced at $80 for 1.7 ounces. Sephora, South Coast Plaza. 714.429.9130 IF YOU BUY ONLY ONE THING: Christian Dior “Oui” Fine Jewelry Collection: YES! YES! YES! We recently spotted the Oui Collection at the Dior Harvesters event at Montage Laguna Beach and have been lusting after these jeweled treasures ever since. Designed by Dior’s Victoire de Castellane, this playful yet sophisticated collection of 18K gold rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces get a big oui! from us. We think they channel an irresistibly fun “Sex in the City” vibe that’s just too good to pass up. Guys, take note: This is one Valentine’s Day gift that will make her smile, while making her friends just the right amount of jealous. Pricing starts at $710, Christian Dior, South Coast Plaza. 714.549.4700 |
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