For some singles, Valentine’s Day is the cherry on top of the festive season: just when you think the engagement posts, baby announcements and family Christmas photos, (complete with matching jumpers and unenthused dogs) are over, you realise it’s almost February and that the day of love is looming.
But in the year 2020, when women’s rights, feminism and the Me Too movement are in their full throws, why are we still letting a single – excuse the pun – date on the calendar consume us?
For years, women have been reclaiming Valentine’s Day with spin-offs such as Galentine’s Day – an evening with girlfriends, good food and perhaps a little too much wine – but for those who’d rather avoid the cliches, here’s a suggestion: continue to make Valentine’s Day about love, but change it from being specifically about romantic love and instead, choose self-love.
While that phrase can sound incredibly Goop-y and in a similar vein to Emma Watson’s recent meme-inducing “self-partnered” statement, the premise is simple and hard to argue with: be kind to yourself. When others are buying gifts for their significant others, buy yourself one – or shower your family and friends. Just like Samantha Jones on Sex and the City, buy exactly what you’d want to find from someone else – because really, wouldn’t you rather be reminded of yourself instead of them?
To start, we suggest sharing the love with your friends and family this Valentine’s Day by sending them Swarovski’s uniquely designed E-gift card, which features a bespoke illustration by renowned artist Sara Shakeel. The card will be sent out to marie claire subscribers on Tues Feb 4, so keep your eyes peeled on your inbox! Here’s a peek:
Once you’ve spoilt the people you love, it’s time to consider yourself – and you can’t go past the Swarovski’s Valentine’s Day collection, a range that is updated annually to include styles such as the incredibly on-trend Lifelong Heart Hoop Earrings – our favourite – and the Infinity Ring.
Whether you’re buying for yourself, your partner, your sister or your best friend this Valentine’s Day, remember, it’s a day about loving yourself and each other – and who can’t get on board with that? Now please excuse us, we’re off to shop – here are some of our favourites from the collection:
Swarovski Lifelong Heart Hoop Pierced Earrings, White, Mixed Metal Finish
Swarovski Infinity Ring, White, Rose-Gold Tone Plated
Swarovski Lifelong Heart Pendant, White, Rose-Gold Tone Plated
Swarovski Infinity Pierced Earrings, White, Rose-Gold Tone Plated
Masters of Light Since 1895. Swarovski creates beautiful products of impeccable quality and craftsmanship that bring joy and celebrate individuality. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures, and sells the world’s finest crystals, Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, jewellery, and accessories, as well as home décor.
