“Will
you be my Valentine?” Five simple words can make a difference in
someone’s day. This simple question can elicit a smile, an accelerated
heart rate or even an epiphany.

I
vividly remember the anticipation in the room when the long-stemmed red
roses were distributed to each classroom in high school as we waited to
find out if we might be one of the lucky recipients. Now that I’ve got
my sweetheart, there’s no longer a question of “who” my Valentine might
be, but V-day still holds plenty of mystery. What will ignite the
romance from our first Valentine’s Day together? What will we do? What
token of love will we share? And my favorite: What will I wear?

Photo: Open-back zipper LBD $65 from Hallelu

To ensure that he can’t take his eyes off you, keep these things in mind when you’re getting ready for your V-day date:

• One
  of the most important decisions you’ll make that night is deciding what
  you will wear underneath your outfit. Bypass your go-to standard,
  seamless t-shirt bra. Instead, bring sexy back with anything delicate
  to the touch, lacy and a bit racy. (If you don’t have anything remotely
  like this, see Rochelle at La Bella Forma ASAP.)

• If
  your date details are a surprise, throw caution to the wind, denounce
  the arbitrary “dress code” and wear something you’ve been dying to wear.

Left: Engagement top $55 from Hallelu

Right: Thread Social romper from Beanie + Cecil

• Whether it’s a metallic jumpsuit or a demure LBD, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

• Add a sentimental touch: the bracelet he got you for your birthday or the lucky scarf you wore the night you met.

STYLE GIRL PICKS:

Pssst…. Here’s a few hints on sweets for your sweet:

Customize your gift by designing a pair of earrings for your sweetheart. Check out Edge of Urge’s
“earring bar.” I made a pair with pink feathers and double-sided
leather feathers – one side is gold metallic; the other is a black lace
print. $6 per feather.

Stainless steel “love birds” salt & pepper shakers $30 at Sawgrass Gifts

Chocolate delight – Satisfy her sweet tooth with The Dessert Divas decadent
24 “two bite” sized pieces for $24 (regularly $30) or the Gold Heart
Box filled with 16 handmade gourmet chocolate bon bons from South ‘n France for $32.95.

Or, any of the love-themed items at Hallelu

……………..

Discover

The Secret Garden

@ ORTON

2.28.10

11am – 4pm

Click HERE

for more details.

………………

Make a STATEMENT

with Bordeaux Jewelry

To shop, click HERE.

………………

Get your “Haute Hats”

Fashion Show

Tickets

TODAY!

March 6th

Caffe Phoenix

………………

THE DESSERT DIVAS

Treat yourself and the ones you love to a fabulous Valentine Dessert from

THE DESSERT DIVAS

* Chocolate Praline Ganache

* Margarita Squares

*Classic Dark Chocolate

* Vanilla Butter Cake

with our Signature Italian Buttercream Frosting

Click HERE to contact The Three Divas

910.399.6276

On
Friday, February 5th, the New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)
hosted the 5th Annual Red Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show at the
Wilmington Hilton benefiting women and
heart disease awareness at New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)
and in our community.

As part of the national “Heart
Disease Awareness Month” activities, this event, chaired by Sandy Best,
educates women about heart disease, currently the leading cause of
death among women. Emceed by Ms. Chelsea Cooley Altman, Miss USA 2005
and featured speaker Representative Becky Carney (D) Mecklenburg
County, The Red Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show proceeds are used to
fund
outreach activities and health screenings through the Coastal Care Van.

BELOVED ANTIQUE SHOP CLOSING SALE Castle Keep Antiques, one of our most beloved antique stores, is sadly closing its doors. After 35 years in business in Downtown Wilmington, Jim and Frances Nichols, decided it was time to take a break – “at least for now.” If you have yet to go treasure hunting at Castle Keep, don’t miss your chance! Until the end of February, everything in the store is 50% off (cash or check) and 45% off with credit cards. Vintage bow heels + vintage Saks snakeskin studded purse (sold), mink stole ($65) CASTLE KEEP ANTIQUES 507 Castle Street

Holy Ferragamos! I am always on the look-out for vintage Ferragamos. The
classic, ladylike shape, the bows, the sturdy heel, the gold hardware – what could be better?

The catch is that when I do uncover a pair, they are usually super tiny.

Not this time…. if you go to Bargain Box
now, there is a sensational selection of vintage Ferragamos from $12 to
$28. And if you wear a size 7.5 – 8.5, you are in luck!

Heart Art Show

Jonkheer Jewelry Art Studio

WILMINGTON

WHAT:
Locally crafted new work by artists: Jeff Bridgers – forged iron, Clair
Hartmann – paintings, Julia Jensen – glass beads, Mitzy Jonkheer -
jewelry, Tuki Lucero – mixed media, Sandra Siemering – pottery

WHEN: Preview Party – Friday, February 12th, 4pm-8pm

Sale – Saturday, February 13th, 10am-6pm

WHERE: 4410 Wrightsville Avenue

WHY: Last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping for one-of-a-kind, locally made treasures.

February 12 & 13

56th Annual Bargain Sale

WHAT:
The Junior League is hosting their annual Bargain Sale featuring new
and gently worn clothing, children’s toys, furniture and houseware from
local retailers and from the homes and closets of Junior League
members.

WHEN:

Preview Sale – Friday, Feb 12 from 6:30pm-8:30pm

Bargain Sale – Saturday, Feb 13 from 7:30am – 1:30pm

WHERE: National Guard Armory / 2221 Carolina Beach Road

WHY: “It’s Fabuless!” Check out the JL’s Style Challenge: Can Style Girl find a Bargain? in the Star-News.

WANNA GO?: Preview Sale is $6 / Bargain Sale is $3 / CASH ONLY!

February 25

James + Dunne Spring Fashion Preview

WILMINGTON

WHO: “Style Girl” Jess James and Shannon Dunne of James + Dunne Styling along with Celebrity Stylist Steven Ward of Steven Ward Hair and beauty professionals at Wilmington Plastic Surgery.

WHAT:
An evening of fashion & beauty in an intimate setting…live
models, delectable bites from Private Chef Lori Eaton, sweet treats
from The Dessert Divas and wine & bubbly courtesy of Caffe Phoenix.

WHEN: February 25 / 7-9pm

WHERE: Hewitt @ Lumina Station

WHY:
Style secrets, age-appropriate essentials and deals you won’t wanna
miss! Plus, must-have looks for Spring from aMuse, Aqua Fedora, Beanie
+ Cecil, Bordeaux Jewelry, Edge of Urge, Hallelu, James + Dunne
Collection, Oliver and Personal Touch.

TICKETS: $17 – Limited Space. Get your tickets today at www.jamesanddunne.com!
First 25 guests to purchase tickets online will be entered to win a
“SPRING IN STYLE” grand prize: style consultation with James +
Dunne,  a custom garment from Fashion Designer Jessie Williams, a custom headpiece from Milliner Jan Wutkowski, beauty fixes from Wilmington Plastic Surgery + more…

February 28

Orton’s Secret Garden: A Wedding & Event Gathering

WILMINGTON

WHO: Orton Plantation Gardens, Reeds Jewelers, Party
Suppliers & Rentals. Designs and floral by: Salt Harbor Designs,
Stellar Events, A Beautiful Event, Kim Fisher Designs, Fiore Fine
Flowers and Fiore Designs. Photography: Millie Holloman
Photography, Bella Rose Photography, Matt McGraw Photography and KMI
Photography. Cakes: Nicki’s Cakes & Flower & Flour. Music:
Active Entertainment, Maura Kropke and Perry Smith. Catering:
A Southern Thyme, Culinary Creations, and Pine Valley Market. Life
Stage Films, The Fisherman’s Wife, Fountaine Bridals, aMuse: artisanal
finery, High Performance Lighting, Harborside Event Rentals and The
Wilmington Trolley Co.

WHAT: Orton’s Secret Garden event has taken the typical “bridal show” a
step further by creating an experience, all while showcasing the best
of the best wedding vendors in this area.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb 28 from 11:00am-4:00pm

WHERE: Orton Plantation Gardens / 9149 Orton Rd. SE, 15 miles over the Cape Fear Bridge

WHY:
Saying “Yes” was only the first step! A lucky bride could win jewelry
from Reeds Jewelers and a FREE WEDDING! Attend the event to register.
More details on www.ortongardens.com

WANNA GO?: Tickets are $9 at the gate. Listen to Z107.5 for your chance to win free tickets!

March 6

aMuse Haute Hats Show

WILMINGTON

WHO:
Milliner Jan Wutkowski’s hats, headpieces and vintage jewelry. Styling
by Jess James.  Hair by Frank Potter of Bangz. Hat Cake by The
Dessert Divas. Floral Design by Island Florals.

WHAT: Vintage
inspired fashion show featuring Milliner Jan Wutkowski’s handmade hats:
the must-have accessory for Azalea Garden Party, Kentucky Derby and
Easter.

Cocktails & canapes included.

WHEN: March 6 / 1:30pm

WHERE: Caffe Phoenix – 9 South Front St. / upstairs dining room / private parking lot

WHY: Learn how to bring out your “hattitude,” style tips for finding the perfect hat for your face shape and personal style.

WANNA GO?: Tickets are $15 in advance / $25 at the door at aMuse (397.9099) or www.hatshatshats.com