2 February 2009
Angel Heart
Valentine’s Day Recommendations
Seeing cute hearts and flowers and pink bunnies everywhere as the big ‘V Day’ approaches, you snarl and sneer and scorn. Stop moaning and complaining. (It’s a bit like the Borg really: resistance is futile).
Here’s a clever list of things to buy/do (and not do) for that special lady or man in your life, while escaping the naffness of the whole thing.
Jewellery
Every woman loves jewellery…especially if it’s one-off. For designs she won’t see on any other woman (and start a fight), choose Aida Pekin‘s cutesy ‘Love Boat’ necklace with an 1980’s vibe (0212 231 2778), or a futuristic ring—think 2080—by Şenay Akın (0212 511 8876).
For a romantic bird, get a Bige Tınaztepe ‘Angel’ charm bracelet or a ‘Heart’ necklace. (Available thru’ Bige at 0532 612 1064, or Evihan in Çukurcuma-0212 244 0035 and Midnight Express in Bebek-0212 251 1968).
But for eclectic and ‘really off the track’ kind of jewellery, look no further than Fingerprint Band by Camille Hempel, a former prosthetics-maker-turned-designer (really). Or go for a very exotic treat and check out this Elephant Brooch by House of Waris (available exclusively at Yoox.com, along with many other brilliant gift ideas); Waris being the Indian Sikh designer who also starred in Darjeeling Limited. Or check out gift-library.com to do all the leg work. All at the click of a mouse.
Perfume & Body
Boys…Secretly find out what perfume she really likes, or the one she already wears, and have the exact copy made by D&B Parfümüm in Beyoğlu. They have a wall of wiff (over 300) and each’s so good quality, she won’t tell the difference between this and the real McCoy (0212 244 4520).
For the eco-queen, opt for a Vie en Rose ‘Organic Coffee & Rose Face Scrub’ or ‘Energising Body Scrub with Greyfruit’, or any of their beautifully-scented candles (0212 252 0907).
Lingerie
Chuck out the idea of trashy heart theme underwear this year and remember this name: Else. The label has got some rocking silk lingerie in deep emerald and violet tones (with or without lace and Swarowski crystals), and comfortable enough to wear everyday. (Available at Debenhams in Cevahir AVM-0212 380 1199) and Naked Store in Istinye Park-0212 345 5555).
Or go for a funky one with a slogan by Agent Provocateur (0212-319 1155).
Experience
More into a memorable gift than something to be returned the next day? How about a Nua Spa wine therapy in Sapanca (0264 582 2100), or a romantic stay chez A’jia, selected as ‘the most charming hotel’ in Europe by Condé Nast (0216 413 9300).
For him
Hmmm… A tricky one, this one. How about a vest or shirt by the limited-edition Ümit Ünal mens collection (0212 245 7886)?
Or change the tune this year and instead of a paltry Valentine’s cookie (we know, you tried hard, but still…), ask a professional, Kutas Tülek—a ceramics artist playing a different ‘dough’ game—to design your very own cake for your significant other (0536 261 6355).
Or go for the full blast and show him that he means the ‘universe’ to you by a Bee Goddess moon and starcufflinks (0212 353 5204).
Love,
xoxo
Here’s a clever list of things to buy/do (and not do) for that special lady or man in your life, while escaping the naffness of the whole thing.
Jewellery
Every woman loves jewellery…especially if it’s one-off. For designs she won’t see on any other woman (and start a fight), choose Aida Pekin‘s cutesy ‘Love Boat’ necklace with an 1980’s vibe (0212 231 2778), or a futuristic ring—think 2080—by Şenay Akın (0212 511 8876).
For a romantic bird, get a Bige Tınaztepe ‘Angel’ charm bracelet or a ‘Heart’ necklace. (Available thru’ Bige at 0532 612 1064, or Evihan in Çukurcuma-0212 244 0035 and Midnight Express in Bebek-0212 251 1968).
But for eclectic and ‘really off the track’ kind of jewellery, look no further than Fingerprint Band by Camille Hempel, a former prosthetics-maker-turned-designer (really). Or go for a very exotic treat and check out this Elephant Brooch by House of Waris (available exclusively at Yoox.com, along with many other brilliant gift ideas); Waris being the Indian Sikh designer who also starred in Darjeeling Limited. Or check out gift-library.com to do all the leg work. All at the click of a mouse.
Perfume & Body
Boys…Secretly find out what perfume she really likes, or the one she already wears, and have the exact copy made by D&B Parfümüm in Beyoğlu. They have a wall of wiff (over 300) and each’s so good quality, she won’t tell the difference between this and the real McCoy (0212 244 4520).
For the eco-queen, opt for a Vie en Rose ‘Organic Coffee & Rose Face Scrub’ or ‘Energising Body Scrub with Greyfruit’, or any of their beautifully-scented candles (0212 252 0907).
Lingerie
Chuck out the idea of trashy heart theme underwear this year and remember this name: Else. The label has got some rocking silk lingerie in deep emerald and violet tones (with or without lace and Swarowski crystals), and comfortable enough to wear everyday. (Available at Debenhams in Cevahir AVM-0212 380 1199) and Naked Store in Istinye Park-0212 345 5555).
Or go for a funky one with a slogan by Agent Provocateur (0212-319 1155).
Experience
More into a memorable gift than something to be returned the next day? How about a Nua Spa wine therapy in Sapanca (0264 582 2100), or a romantic stay chez A’jia, selected as ‘the most charming hotel’ in Europe by Condé Nast (0216 413 9300).
For him
Hmmm… A tricky one, this one. How about a vest or shirt by the limited-edition Ümit Ünal mens collection (0212 245 7886)?
Or change the tune this year and instead of a paltry Valentine’s cookie (we know, you tried hard, but still…), ask a professional, Kutas Tülek—a ceramics artist playing a different ‘dough’ game—to design your very own cake for your significant other (0536 261 6355).
Or go for the full blast and show him that he means the ‘universe’ to you by a Bee Goddess moon and starcufflinks (0212 353 5204).
Love,
xoxo
Comments