Valentine's Day: Sweeten the day

Posted by shopgirl

Posted: February 13, 2009 - 7:53 am

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Here's a little Friday the 13th quiz for you: What's more frightening than Jason at Crystal Lake, seven years of bad luck or any other reason superstitious folks could possibly scare up so they can stay in bed today?

Answer: Waking up tomorrow (in case you haven't looked at a calendar, it'll be Valentine's Day) without anything for the lady you love.

It may be Valentine's eve, but it's not too late to score the perfect little token of your love and affection. I scoured the city to find a collection of gifts and create a roundup of last-minute shopping spots where you can load up on choices for her that are sweet, sexy or shiny.

f the lady in your life beats a path to Anthropologie every time you set foot outside Alaska, scoring a proper Valentine's gift at Cosette (2217 E. Tudor Road, Suite 20, 770-5200) shouldn't be a problem. My top picks include any Nashelle jewelry pieces. The selections range from simple to spunky, and the prices range too: $20-$150 depending on the metal and precious stones used.

For a funkier and more powerful V-Day punch, check out the Glenda Gies handbags ($229-295) crafted from vintage upholstery. If you scoop one of these up now, she'll be one of the few in Anchorage to have one.

While practically any product Serendipity (3030 Denali St., Suite 2, 561-2626)carries offers sweet scents, there are a few that will be sure to help light a passionate fire or spread amorous aroma. Archipelago Botanicals Excursion Collection 60-hour candles ($19) burn clean (insert your own "dirty" Valentine's joke here). Try Madagascar for a romantic scent or Luna for more excitement.

Serendipity specializes in bath, body and home decor and is also chock-full of body products that will leave her smelling luscious. Try Jaqua's line of body butters, creams, lotions and washes ($9-26) in Pink Champagne or Pink Buttercream frosting scents. Think Betty Crocker's Cherry Chip frosting right out of the carton but better.

The wide range of vintage-looking Twist Style jewelry options at eco-chic boutique Circular (320 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 132, across Sixth Avenue from Nordstrom, 274-2472) are good for all kinds of gals, but the sweetest selection by far is the Corsage Necklace ($68). Gemstones are delicately knotted together and capped off with a Millinery flower that, when worn, rests off-center on the collarbone. It's reminiscent of your prom, but this time you don't have to sweat her parent's curfew.

Another sweetheart-appropriate Circular option: Zazou bamboo scarves ($16) in a myriad of soft colors.

Any combination of the Neve Designs gear at The Sport Shop (570 E. Benson Blvd., No. 23, 272-7755) will work for women more into Gore-Tex than lace. Each piece is crafted from 100 percent merino wool, and the chunky knits and bright colors put the "fun" in functional. My picks: the Penelope hat ($40), the Daisy scarf ($56) and the Suzanne scarf ($56).

Local lingerie, bath and beauty boutique About Face (720 D St., Suite B, 279-3223, and 1005 E. Dimond Blvd., Unit 2B, 336-3223) will be your one-stop shopping savior for all things Valentine's. Both locations will be open until 8 p.m. today and offer refreshments, giveaways and specials. The South Side store will also host mini lingerie and loungewear fashion shows from 4 to 8 p.m. -- perfect to help those who are lucky in love but unlucky in shopping.

Need a few early suggestions? The Hale Bob Intimates ($62-$145 for individual pieces) are a mix of modern styles and vintage glamour; and the Freya Jessica bra ($70) and thong ($39) in red and white polka dots are totally Mary Ann.

Other offerings that make About Face a one-stop spot: MarieBelle Gourmet Chocolates and Kama Sutra skin care products such as massage oils and body powders. You can even cap it off with a sweet or sassy Valentine's card because About Face has some of those too.

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