Tips & Trends | Where To Go And What To Wear: Valentine’s Day

Only four more days until cities all around the world turn into the ultimate playground for the hopeless romantic. That’s right, it’s Valentine’s Day yet again and we can almost already feel the love bubbling in the air. Bakeries all over Toronto are crafting I love you cookies and restaurants are serving up heart shaped ravioli just for the special day – it’s nearly impossible to avoid the red roses flooding the city’s streets.

Casual or fancy, drinks or dinner, we have some ideas of where to go and what to wear, so as romantic or cheesy as you think it may be, spend Valentine’s Day with the people you love this year. Whether that be your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friends or family, enjoy your night – after all, it does only come once a year!

Drinks

Where To Go: Barchef, 472 Queen Street West, Toronto

Going for drinks is a great icebreaker, especially if it’s one of the first few dates. Finding a place with a great atmosphere is important, but hitting a spot that serves coconut snow and vanilla hickory smoked manhattans is even better. This dark and mysterious mixology bar is a perfect place to sit and chat and get to know one another.

What To Wear:

Drink dates are a tough one to dress for – do I dress up, do I stay casual? In this case, it’s best to dabble in both areas – we’re aiming for a semi casual here. Leather leggings are a girl’s best friend. Throw on a longer top and slip your leathers on and you’re good to go, super simple but very classy – when done right. A pair of high heeled booties are great for this time of year and they’ll help ‘fancy’ up your outfit, rather than a flat shoe that might dress your look down. Remember that it’s Valentine’s Day so don’t hesitate to throw on some pink lipstick or this super cute pink Bvlgari bag from the DS shop!

Dinner

Where To Go: Oretta, 633 King Street West, Toronto

What is more romantic than sharing a wood oven pizza with the one you love! Oretta is a brand new Italian spot in Toronto’s west side, serving up perfectly made pizzas, pastas and more. The pink and gold walls will have you and your lover slipping into a romantic trance in no time.

What To Wear:

It’s always fun to dress up for a dinner date but it’s Valentine’s Day, it’s appropriate to go a little more over the top than you normally would. Slip into a sexy off the shoulder top and a skirt to show off your legs – no one will be able to take their eyes off of you! Feel extra glamorous by wearing a diamond choker and metallic red lips; Valentine’s Day glamour is a must! Pointy toe heels give the appearance on a longer leg and sticking to the bootie family is a good idea, since there’s always a chance of some snow. You can find this burgundy Chanel bag at the DS shop. It’s the perfect clutch for a date night out on the town!

Dessert

Where To Go: Cacao 70, 28 Gristmill Lane or 485 Queen Street West, Toronto

Wouldn’t sharing a chocolate fondue be the best date ever? Well we’re in luck because thanks to Cacao 70, thats an option. Head over to either Toronto location and get ready for the best chocolatey experience ever.

What To Wear:

Dessert dates are casual but that doesn’t mean track pants is an option. A good pair of denim and a silky blouse are the perfect combo. Black is always a good idea if there’s a chance of getting dirty, in this case, chocolate flying around would likely count as a chance to get dirty! Fur is fun for outerwear – it’s flirty and feminine. As for accessories, head over to the DS accessory shop and check out some chokers – playing with different colours and patterns can take your outfit from zero to 100, real quick.

Let us know where you’re heading for valentines day!

Designer Swap is Canada’s online luxury consignment shop and Toronto-based fashion blog. We sell authentic and pre-loved designer pieces and write about the newest fashion and beauty trends. Make sure to check us out on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

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