Is it possible to wear your heart on your sleeve (or anywhere else) all year round? As you know, Valentine's Day is this week, although we've been inundated with heart-shaped Everything since January. Is there a way to celebrate the love without everything looking like a heart-shaped mess? The Magpie is here to save the day with some sweet, smart heart-themed jewelry that makes you feel like a Valentine 365 days a year.

Won't you be my Sweater Sweetheart Valentine? I know, it's not Valentine's Day anymore, but now that the flowers have wilted, the chocolate has been eaten (and regretted), where does that lovin' feeling go? How about something that's calorie-free and isn't shedding petals every ten seconds. I used to love patterned sweaters as a kid. Big shapes and patterns incorporated into the knitted weave -- loved 'em. And it wasn't even the Dr. Huxtable/insane pattern sweaters, I liked the simple, childish shapes of big hearts, stars and flowers, and I'm happy to say my childhood love has finally come 'round again! I've been admiring all the cute retro-styled sweaters, as well as ones with metallic threaded patterns. The look might be a little nerdy, but despite the Valentine sweetness, we're still in winter weather. Instead of being buried in drab, dark wool coats, put a little love in your heart... or just wear it on a sweater.

Here's some sweaters that are just a real sweetheart of a find: {1} Intarsia Dog Sweater by Boy. by Band of Outsiders, {2} White Label All Over Love Lennon Sweater by Wildfox Couture, {3} Sloane Dot Cashmere Sweater by Equipment, {4} Lurex Flame sweater by Lucca Couture, {5} Spray Paint Metallic Cable Knit by Christopher Fischer, {6} ASOS Cat Sweater, {7} Collection Handknit Fair Isle Sweater in navy hickory poppy by J. Crew



Jaunty Fine Print: Images from shops listed above

Valentine's Day is upon us! This Bird isn't much of a stickler for the hearts n' flowers stuff -- truthfully, I have a hard time taking a greeting card-invented holiday all that seriously, but I do appreciate the sentiment. It's a good idea to recognize a special someone in our life. But what's with the red rose fever?? It's the one day of the year that the price of roses triples, and as beautiful as they are, there are so many other gorgeous flowers out there that still say "I love and appreciate you," all the same. 

I had to show off one of my favorite photos I took on a recent visit to Maui. Orchids are incredible flowers, no? Difficult to grow in colder climates, true, but what a showstopper. I haven't had the best of luck keeping these delicate beauties alive, but I do love them for their color, exotic and fluttery shape, and frankly, they give any ol' rose a run for its money! So as you're considering heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and wondering if that bouquet of roses is worth the holiday upcharge, take a stroll outside the Valentine's Day box and consider a living plant, something a recipient can enjoy and care for, much like a beloved relationship. 

The Birdy wishes you all a very happy Valentine's Day -- you don't need a sweetheart to feel loved and appreciated, and don't be shy about letting someone else know they are loved and appreciated.    


Jaunty Fine Print: Photo by Denise Sakaki

Are you sick of lacy pink hearts, red roses and fluffy tulle coming out the yin-yang? It's funny how February's a month festooned with Valentine's Day cotton candy colors, yet its birthstone is the regal amethyst, which can range from rich purple tones, to subtle shades of lavender, all the way to being almost colorless and crystal-clear. So to shake off the Valentine Hangover, how about Mood of regal purple hues, to celebrate not only this new month, but a color that is truly flattering.

It's true, everyone can totally wear purple. You have to find just the right hue, but it's got a wide range of cool to warm tones like any color and it just gives a look such richness. Surely it was no coincidence that The Purple One has the stage name "Prince." Who knows what that crafty devil is calling himself nowadays, but his heart was sure in the right place when he first rocked out on Purple Rain. Even Grimace from the Ronald McDonald gang looks put together -- everyone looks good in purple! So get some worked into your wardrobe, be it small hints or bold, all-over color.

{1} Flyaway T-Straps in navy from Anthropologie, {2} Amethyst and Diamond Ring by Roberto Coin from Bergdorf Goodman, {3} Embroidered scarf in plum by Chan Luu from Nordstrom, {4} Purple cotton 120th Anniversary doll tote by Lanvin on Bluefly, {5} Metallic skinny belt in Grape from J. Crew, {6} Blue Topaz and Amethyst Bangle by Marco Bicego from Neiman Marcus, {7} Purple Chain Embellished Cardigan by Milly from Stylebop.com, {8} Mini Stardust and Eyeshadow Primer Potion Duo by Urban Decay from Sephora, {9} Portola Valley Quinn in Mauve by Kate Spade, {10} Penelope Silk Dress by Elizabeth and James from Cusp

Jaunty Fine Print:  images from listed shops above

It's Kismet that a Jaunty Post Day falls on Valentine's Day, so this Birdy is making the most of it! Sending you all warm n' fuzzy thoughts of hearts, flowers and plenty of smooches and air-kisses. Valentine wishes to all you sweet darlings who visited the Jaunty Magpie today, amid the holiday rush of making sure your dinner reservations are set or a last-minute rush to find a gift for your sweetheart. Even if you're not with a Special Someone on this day, don't ignore the opportunity to reach out to a loved one -- all holidays should be a great excuse to celebrate an open heart. Yes, even Arbor Day, if the mood strikes you.

To inspire you on this J'adore-worthy Valentine's Day, here are some quotes you can jot down to impress your date tonight:

Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!
- Thomas Hood

Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee.
- English saying engraved on poesy rings

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.
- William Shakespeare

Who, being loved, is poor?
- Oscar Wilde

As a special treat for all you Anti-Valentine's Day folks or for those who are as much in love with the site, Handmade Ryan Gosling, as I am, here's a peek at a special Handmade Valen-RyanGosling-tine I made for a friend. We often peruse the craft supplies and say with our best Ryan Gosling voice, "Hey, Girl..." whenever we see baker's twine, glitter or a super-pack of gluesticks. Don't take the note too seriously, I still think Bradley Cooper is cute, it just sounded really funny. 

Jaunty Fine Print: graphic design by Denise Sakaki, quote by John Lennon

Valentine's Day?! But Maggie-Pie, it's still January, have you totally lost your Bird-Brain? Let it never be said this Bird is not thinking ahead. Also, Valentine's Day really sneaks up on you -- we have the end of December and November for typical holidays, but February 14th is coming up faster than you can say, "box o' chocolates." The holiday is about as stealthy as a Cupid's Arrow being shot right into your behind, so get your tailfeathers moving, Lovebirds, and send some sweet St. Valentine notes to Special Someone's!

I was blessed in early January, by my good friend and fellow blogger, Radish and Rose, who sent me an early Valentine, a sweet stand-up paper doll card made by illustrator Brigette Barrager. This totally inspired today's post, because it was a sweet reminder that Valentines don't have to be romantic -- give a handmade or hand-picked note to a BFF, a relative, a totally awesome workmate who always buys your latte when you hit the Starbucks. We are all blessed with Special Someones, so why not send them something clever in the mail? 

So here are some Jaunty picks that I thought would fit anyone, be it friend, family or the one who is lucky enough to have your precious heart: {1} Guitar Valentine Card Kit from Paper Source, {2} Dress Shoppe, 12 Paper Doll Notecarcds by Brigette Barrager on Chronicle Books, {3} Hand-drawn Valentine cards from Creation Faeries on Etsy, {4} XOXO Robbie Robot Mini Valentine note cards by Papertivity on Etsy, {5} Love: King and Queen of Hearts stamps from US Postal Service

Jaunty Fine Print:  images from listed shops above - get those Valentine's Day notes ready!

Blame the candy aisle of the grocery store on this one. With Valentine's Day coming up, I was faced with an endless stream of red and pink confections that lodged themselves into the Bird Brain, including the old classic, Red Hots. The little cinnamon-flavored candies that you can often find in heart shapes during February reminded me of a pretty necklace I have. It's a long silver chain festooned with heart charms and is totally a Valentine's Day kind of accessory. It got me thinking about what to wear on a sweetheart Date Night.

Rummaging through the Jaunty Wardrobe, I pulled some simple favorites. I love a basic color block and the rule about No White After Labor Day is just a silly thing. I picked some sweet, candy-Inspired things and put this outfit together that may come out around February 14th!

From the Jaunty Wardrobe: white skirt from Macys, nude heels from BCBG, straw and ivory belt from Banana Republic; jewelry, red blouse and clutch were all gifts.

Jaunty Fine Print: photo from Martha Stewart, photos of the Jaunty Wardrobe items by Denise Sakaki

Who says Valentine's Day is only for sweethearts? Not this Birdy. The Magpie believes one should celebrate any special person you love with all your heart! Can't a best friend or beloved family member be as much the apple of one's eye? It's only a few days until the big V-Day, which is unfortunately falling on the most un-loved day of the week: Monday. Really, now -- way to break the Mood, Monday.

But there's still time to pick something out for your special someone! I found some Jaunty Valentine gift ideas specifically for friends and family, including one from a very Jaunty Bird, the crafty and sweet Alexandra Hedin - a local lifestyle expert who has an adorable book full of sweet ideas. I used her recipe for peanut butter chocolate squares and made my own Valentine sweets for friends this year. Sometimes the sweetest gifts are the ones made by hand.

Here's the skinny on the Valentine goods: {1} Octopus, 8.5" x 11" limited edition print by Juri Romanov from Green Optimist, {2} Rose dial pink leather strap watch by GUESS from Macys, {3} Gravity's Grasp treasure box from Anthropologie, {4} Double finger sparrow ring by Juicy Couture from Piperlime, {5} Mustache Valentine card kit from Paper Source, {6} Poppy red cashmere rosette scarf by Magaschoni from Bluefly, {7} Entertaining at Home by Alexandra Hedin, {8} Heart lock diary from Tiffany and Co. 


Jaunty Fine Print:  images from shops listed, candy photo by Denise Sakaki

 

This Bird wanted to celebrate without roses, chocolates or sparkling baubles. This Valentine's Day was about heart-shaped thoughts and memories.

Human beings, vegetables or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.
- Albert Einstein

I pray thee, O God, that I may be beautiful within.
- Socrates

We were given: Two hands to hold. Two legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else for us to find.
- Anonymous

In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.
- Mother Teresa

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos by Denise Sakaki