Valentine's Day: Dress to impress for her
Valentine’s Day has traditionally been a special day for lovers, but we know better now. The definition of someone special is no longer a person of the opposite sex you are dating, are married to, or have a long-term relationship with. That someone can be anyone in your life who is special to you.
At any rate, with the worst of the pandemic seemingly behind us, shouldn’t we all grab every opportunity to celebrate with anyone special in our lives, whether it be a lover, friend(s) or family member(s)?
Whether you’re planning a romantic date, having a meal with loved ones, or even spending time on your own, make it memorable this year. And we can help you to dress up, or not, for the occasion. And you don’t have to face traffic or crowds to find the perfect outfit. You can find it right here on Local Threads. Here are some ideas we've put together to inspire you.
Saint Rose is a local label based in Melbourne. The Saint Rose outfits, including the stunning Adele wrap skirt and top, are designed for the modern Australian woman who loves casual clothes that nonetheless have quality and style.
The Adele wrap skirt is a flattering mid-long length, soft and feminine in a beautiful print. You can team it up with a matching top and complete the look with your favourite high heel sandals for an understated festive look.
Get the Adele wrap skirt for $29 and the matching Florence Ruffle top for $49.
For the ultimate in conscious fashion, the luxury lifestyle brand Chamani is on top of my list. Chamani uses certified fabrics and dyes in their products, as well as vintage and deadstock textiles. But my favourites are their garments fashioned from their own hand-woven and artistically dyed fabrics. A piece from Chamani is a piece forever in your cupboard.
Each garment is designed with an abundance of fabric, creating a feeling of luxury and femininity. For your romantic evening, go with one of their uniquely designed Parvi skirts. It's pricey, but you'll have a lifetime's wear out of it.
Get your Parvi skirt for $695. You can team it up with a matching Rekha Wrap Top for $650.
This well-known Australian fashion brand has something for every occasion. The brand goes for femininity and class. This season crochet clothing is a hot trend and perfect for Valentine’s as it is so feminine and light.
The brand’s Crochet Mini Dress features scalloped edges in a heart-shaped lace pattern. The airy long sleeves add style, but won’t be hot on a February evening.
Invest in one for yourself and wear it for years to come. The Irresistible Crochet Mini Dress is $199.95. Team it up with high heels for a sophisticated look.
This label is for the woman who expresses herself through the clothes she wears. This label uses artisanal as well as digital prints and embroideries, combined with contemporary styling to create unique pieces.
Any piece from this brand is an expression of individuality more than romance and femininity. We chose one of their kimonos for this Valentine’s as it is a stunning piece and can be worn over anything you already treasure. The Juana Printed Modal Kimono will stretch your wardrobe for years to come. Get it for $239.
This Australian fashion label makes fun clothing for the young at heart. This is how the creators put it: ‘’We exclusively design each piece to give a unique touch to trending styles.” There are many pieces that would look perfect at a romantic dinner table or just at home in your lounge, on your own, or with family and friends.
For this Valentine’s, we have chosen an off-the-shoulder mini dress in blue. The Amanda Off Shoulder Dress is made from a cotton and linen blend and costs $52. Finish off the look with a Dainty Drop Bar Necklace from Aaina & Co for $67.
The hallmark of Everly clothing is timelessness. Their classic, simple designs will add class to your closet long after Valentine’s 2022 is forgotten. Their skirts and dresses are cut on the bias to give them a perfect body-hugging drape that is both feminine and quietly bold.
Everly makes these slip-on style dresses in different colours, but for Valentine’s black add sophistication.
Get your Small Talk Slip Dress for $129.
For the woman who likes to make an entrance in a unique, attention-grabbing outfit, anyone of the Mackenzie Mode pieces will do. This Melbourne-based designer has her own voice that translates into clothes that are truly unique, managing to look both classic and free-spirited.
The Buttercup Blouse has long sleeves with an unusual ruffle feature and exposed gold zips accented with heart shaped zip pullers on the sleeves. The blouse also has an exposed zip in gold with a matching heart-shaped puller at the back. The tailored Buttercup pants, also with zip detail, finish off the opulent look.
Get the Buttercup Blouse for $99 and combine it with the Buttercup pants for $69.
This Brisbane-based label features a range of dresses, kaftans, skirts and pants from sustainable organic cotton and linen, perfect for the Australian summer.
The Kalani Jumpsuit features a one-shoulder ruffle that is flattering for various body shapes. The suit has a band around the waist to accentuate the female form. A beautifully made and styled jumpsuit like this is ideal for all occasions, whether you are dining out or entertaining at home. If you’re tired of dresses and don’t want to wear pants and a T-shirt for Valentine’s, this piece is the ideal choice. If you’re tired of dresses and don’t want to wear pants and a T-shirt for Valentine’s, this piece is the ideal choice.
Buy the Kalani Jumpsuit in terracotta for $89.99.
A pair of white pants are a staple in a woman’s summer wardrobe. The Arzano Pants from this brand is made from linen and cotton, high-waisted and slightly flared, designed to make you look tall and thin around the waist.
You can dress these pants up for your Valentine’s arrangement, and other occasions during the year, or you can wear them as daily summer pants. For that special occasion, team them up with a Corno Camisole.
Get your Arzano pants for $45 and your Corno Camisole for $17.
Are you a lady who wants to look womanly and polished? Do you appreciate glamour, but not in the loud, Hollywood way? The Melbourne brand Orocéo Castro has what you are looking for.
Dressed in their Señorita Dress, you will definitely stand out from the crowd on Valentine’s. The Señorita Dress drapes beautifully, with a short hem in front and a wide-cut long silhouette at the back. The dress features adjustable shoulder straps and fabric-covered front buttons. It is the ideal dress for the woman who likes to dance the night away.
Get your Señorita Dress for $340 and enjoy!
If you like casual clothing that makes a statement, you will love Why Mary’s clothes. Many of the outfits look as if they were thought up by someone who spends their days on the beach.
We chose the Summer Women’s Cross Over ‘’Glow’’ Dress. It’s a mini dress with a halter neck and features the ocean with a sunset - an iconic choice for the young Australian woman who loves nature and is environmentally conscious. This dress says: life is fun, let’s dance! Wear it with dressy high heel sandals to complete the look.
Grab your Summer Women’s Cross Over ’’Glow’’ Dress for $74.50.
You're sorted for an outfit, but you have a nagging feeling that something is missing. What you need is a bag to carry your belongings. Stitch & Hide has a range of Heidi bags, Juliette bags, Darcy and Cassie Clutches, and totes to satisfy whatever your need may be. Every piece is made from quality leather and meticulously sewn to create an item that will last you a lifetime.
The makers say their products are for the down-to-earth, eco-conscious consumer with a minimalist style.
We chose the Juliette bag in dusty pink; it's large enough to keep everything you need with you but not so large that it will dominate your look.
Get your Juliette Bag for $169.95.