WELCOME TO FASHION AS A 2ND LANGUAGE: ARE YOU FLUENT?

FA2L is for anyone who cares about beautiful things–clothing, shoes, accessories, home furnishings–and the interconnected tribes of those who make, sell, market and desire them. If something speaks to you, buy it now or hold your peace: there are links in each story, so the item you want is just a click away. I'd like to hear from you, too: please view my profile, use the email button and send me your comments.MG

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Valentine's Day Surprises for Him, Her and You

Valentine's Day–there, we said it. It's a freaky holiday that can be utterly sublime or incredibly ridiculous, depending on your partner's taste (or lack thereof). Two dozen red roses? No thank you. Chocolates? Perhaps–but only if they come from La Maison du Chocolat. Red silk undergarments? Not our thing: but while we're talking underwear, we wouldn't say no to a sexy little something from Armor-lux, Zimmerli, Roberto Cavalli or Missoni (please, no baggy plaid boxers or ugly briefs with logo waistbands). For the woman in your life who's partial to lingerie, we recommend Sabbia Rosa (which essentially requires a trip to Paris), La Perla or the super-chic ERES. If a bit more oomph is required, try Agent Provocateur (which just opened its second New York store, on Madison Avenue).

But there's no reason to stick with chocolates or lingerie. For your chic boyfriend, anything from
Balmain's men's collection, Lanvin, or, if he's on the preppier side, Alexander Olch (not to mention Band of Outsiders) will make him smile. Your chic girlfriend? What could be nicer than devastating pumps from Christian Louboutin? Finally, if price is no object, something extraordinary–like the Cassel Pink Diamond (4.71 carats), set in an antique ring, above, and currently available at Rau Antiques in New Orleans–is the way to go. Especially if your Valentine happens to be...yourself. Fashion is fleeting, love burns hot (and may die,) but diamonds are everyone's best friends.