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Valentine’s Day essentials

Jennifer Geisman
Haute Alpine Couture
FEED Love Tote ($50, Roxy).
Special to the Daily |

The day for declaring giddy love is this Friday, Feb. 14! Although Valentine’s Day gifting is forever known as the monotonous grocery store florals and nauseating chocolate truffles, take a chance and go beyond the predictable, spice-up the repetitive and reap smiles across town with something exceptional. Whether you’re looking to spend the big bucks on an OMG-“it”-gift or a cozy date night at home, the Vail Valley has your Valentine’s Day gift that won’t disappoint.

Shades of Valentine’s Day



Red is the notorious hue for Valentine’s Day and symbolizes passionate energy and deep, unwavering love. Red roses are fine for the finishing touch, but a true couture queen adores a vivid Valentine rainbow.

On and off the mountain, the Tsunami Mountain Tech Jacket ($410, Bridge Street Ski Haus) is designed to endure both blue-sky powder days and low-visibility conditions, while at the same time giving you a sleek silhouette as you gracefully ski down the mountain. Our super-snow crush, Joel Gratz, says the storm leading up to Friday is a “game of inches.” With that in mind, après ski festivities will still call for copper-mugged Moscow Mules and warm toes — both of which the Tecnica Moon Boot Bang ($130, Vail Boot & Shoe) in red and the Bully Ranch can deliver. The moon boots holler toasty comfort and will give your all-black ski ensemble a pop of effervescence.

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If painting the town red is on your love itinerary, the Rachel Zoe Antonia Leather Dress ($595, Perch) in cardinal is red hot and will look beyond breathtaking when you and your beau heat up the dance floor at the Sonnenalp Hotel Valentine & Tango night.

For daytime saunters through the Village, sport a pair of rose-colored sunglasses (not the beer goggle kind!) and look Valentine-chic in the Minnie Rose “Gold Frames” Sunglasses ($167, Roxy) in pink and use the FEED Love Tote ($50, Roxy) to stash them in during your romantic mid-day tête-à-tête. Spread the love when you buy the FEED Love Tote — each purchase goes towards providing meals in HIV-affected regions.

Cold temps on the mountain could result in ditching out-on-the-town Heart’s Day pursuits and translate into necking on the couch. Cozy up in the super-sweet Peace Love World Pullover XoXo Comfy hoodie ($148, Roxy) or a pair of Peace Love World Dreamy pants ($88, Roxy).

Dripping in jewels

A girlfriend-approved bauble is a Valentine’s Day gift that will get her all fired up. Show your undying love with one of four stacking TAI Love bracelets ($63, Roxy) or give her the ‘ol Cupid nod with the mega-cute Dogeared “It’s The Little Things” Arrow Earrings ($40-$44, Roxy). Charm her with a “Mad Men” inspired charm bracelet — the All My Love Charm Bracelet ($115, Bella Italia) is part of celeb jewelry designer Shelley Cooper’s exquisite vintage collection.

Sometimes guys find themselves in the doghouse and if you need a strategic vehicle to put you back on her A-list, invest in a stunning trinket from the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry collection. The Metropolis Necklace with Diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold ($6,950, Betteridge) and the Patras Ring with Rainbow Moonstone and Diamonds in 18kt yellow gold ($3,200, Betteridge) will help her quickly forget what landed you on the couch in the first place.

Valentine’s Day isn’t always about gifting others it can also be about spoiling yourself. We’ve fallen head-over-heels for the Kenda Kist Jewelry X and O stackable rings ($120, Double Diamond Shoes). Available in sterling silver, 14K gold, 14K rose gold, these endearing rings are classically-chic with a trendy flair.

Once you are full of glitz, the Beatriz Ball Collection Vento Heart ($69, Annie’s in Vail and Slifer Designs in Edwards) is the perfect sized bowl for holding your bling.

Bouquet of aromas

The gift of a fragrant home is perfect for any loved one. The Agraria AirEssence ($110, Annie’s in Vail) diffuses an aroma of balsa wood and flowers and will surely last longer than the mail-order variety. For the Valentine who appreciates luxury, Agraria Aromatherapy Bath Salts ($45, Annie’s in Vail) are filled with indulgent essential oils and Dead Sea salt for a whim-worthy bath.

Love affair

Sometimes expressing love doesn’t need to be an expensive bauble. Instead, a day of “showing” your adoration may be the picture-perfect cocktail for celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Take your love life to a whole new height and give your mate a Vail Valley Discovery Flight Lesson ($199, xperiencedays.com). The thrill of flying an airplane first-hand during the scenic flight lesson is breathtaking.

Valentine’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, not only focuses on love, but also on a cozy feast for two. Vail resident, Jennie Iverson is the author of the “Ski Town Soups” cookbook ($29.95 Gorsuch, Colorado Ski Museum, Bookworm of Edwards, Kitchen Collage and Larkspur Market) featuring signature soups from world-class ski resorts. A recipe for love? Iverson suggests the “Creamy Tomato Basil Soup” — it will warm your heart and the color is apropos for the Feast of Saint Valentine.

The tango is a dance of passion, love and lust. Put your sizzling hot dancing shoes on and head over to the Sonnenalp Hotel Valentine & Tango event ($85). On Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) from 6 to 9 p.m., lovers can enjoy a romantic four-course dinner at Ludwig’s and Après Tango at King’s Club with live music and dancing until 11 p.m. Reservations are required, call 970-479-5429.

With an eye for uncovering the most sought-after trends, Jennifer Geisman is a self-professed product junky. Geisman fuses her expertise in PR and the beauty and fashion worlds to deliver quintessentially modern hot spots, styles and trends. Email comments about this column to cschnell@vaildaily.com.


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