PERFECT VALENTINE GIFTS: from Tiffany to Chanel to Dior: eyewear, jewellery, fashion and beauty dreams…

This fashion and beauty piece is by our resident style reporter, Nancy Buckland-Kirk

This month is a time when we celebrate Valentine’s Day – it’s an occasion for joy, that’s for sure. Whatever your relationship status, I’m going to run something past you. Gabrielle Bernstein, the hugely popular writer and podcaster, suggests that we put more friendship into our romance, and more romance into our friendships. What can we take from that? If we have a day that’s all about raising a glass to love, then let’s include all of us.

Now, onto the goodies. Blankstone are celebrating with Tiffany & Co. this month as it would seem rude not to – this is an aspirational jewellery label whose blue boxes are especially welcome at this time of year. (It’s also a huge month for them in terms of engagement rings – no surprises there!)

The Tiffany & Co. Trio of Dreams

If a budget was something that didn’t need to be considered in any way, then this is the jewellery equivalent of paradise. The Tiffany T T1 Ring in Rose Gold with Diamonds, the Tiffany Knot Double Row Hinged Bangle with Diamonds, and the Tiffany Hardwear Double Link Pendant with Diamonds are just exquisite. Part of their #LoveIsBlue campaign they are all equal works of beauty.

Tiffany & Co. Hardwear Eyewear

If you dial the budget down from diamonds, then sunglasses, or optical glasses, are just as lovely, in that famous blue box. We always associate Tiffany & Co. with dressed-up glamour, but their new campaign is more about casual elegance. The campaign, featuring luxe sportswear and key pieces from their Hardwear jewellery range, features two new models which are new-in at Blankstone. I have seen them with my own eyes – they are just delicious.

The Blankstone Tiffany & Co. 3082

Featuring the new signature Hardwear detail, these oversized frames have fine, metal rimes, gradient lenses, and that iconic blue detail on the arms: sunglasses that combine contemporary style with Tiffany glamour.

The Blankstone Tiffany & Co. 2217

These optical glasses also have that similar, oversized frame, with the Hardware trim and casually chic tortoiseshell shading. In close up, these are just stunning – I had a good look! (And don’t forget you can always choose a Blankstone Gift Voucher, for anyone you love, up to any value, then they can choose their own ‘Tiffanys’…)

Next up, I thought I’d look at some of the brands I love to browse through at Blankstone, and see the type of beauties they are launching this Spring/Summer 2022 to complement all of my favourite new-in eyewear pieces. I have veered towards more accessible gifts, in the full understanding that a Chanel 2.55 bag never goes out of style. That goes without staying, right?

Chanel No. 1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm (£38)

Chanel launching an entirely new range is quite rare, and so beauty lovers awaited the new No. 1 range with much anticipation. This freshly-minted selection is based around the label’s distinct camellia, and this gorgeous balm is just the thing to give your skin, and lips, a lift after months of cold weather and central heating. In 6 shades, I adore the Red Camellia shade, and the oil from their signature flower is really hydrating. The whole No. 1 range includes luxury skincare, make-up and fragrance. This is an absolute treat for a Chanel beauty lover. Just add Chanel shades to complete the look.

Dior Toile de Jouy Sauvage Mitzvah Scarf (£180)

This silk beauty shows off that Christian Dior signature logo and print to perfection and comes in this colourway, or in a really pretty pink and cream design. I love this shape of scarf, as it is so versatile: you can use it as a traditional scarf, tie it around a ponytail, wrap it around your wrist or your favourite bag. This is an investment piece: it will last forever. Just add some huge Dior sunnies.

Gucci Poudre De Beauté Éclate Soleil Powder (£46)

If your skin is feeling a little lacklustre, this luxurious bronzer by Gucci Beauty is a complexion warmer as well as being something pretty to keep in your bag. In 5 shades, it’s cream-to-powder formula glides on seamlessly, giving you a natural flush of colour. Just add some Gucci eyewear for a hint of Italian chic.

Fendi Mon Tresor Canvas Mini Bag (£1390)

This is pure indulgence in handbag form, and this little Fendi packs a stylish punch. The colourful, leather embroidered logo on this cute canvas bag is the kind of arm candy that any fashion lover would appreciate. It’s just the thing for warmer days – just pop in your phone, your lip gloss and then slick on some huge Fendi sunglasses.

Saint Laurent Long Scrunchie in Silk Satin (£190)

This is the queen of accessories. It can transform a simple white shirt and jeans into something dressy. Come festival time, it will dress up whatever you throw on with your wellies. Simply put, it’s a show stopper. Add some dark Saint Laurent statement shades and keep your ponytail sleek.

Chloe Woody Bracelet (£145)

This is a gift for the cool and collected style lover, laid-back arm candy inspired by the much coveted Chloe Woody mule. A real piece of Parisienne style heaven, layer this with summer bracelets and a luxury manicure. Oh, and a pair of Chloe’s seriously chic ice-cream shade sunglasses – the bigger, the better!

Celine Small Triomphe Belt (£290)

This beautifully smooth calfskin belt is the type of accessory you can wear often, and with pride, and will last for seasons to come. (I am still a great believer in the cost-per-wear advice: if you wear this 290 times, it’s £1 per wear!) This is an absolute classic – it will never date and is subtle rather than in-your-face. Pair with some new-in Celine classic black cat’s eye sunglasses.

Tom Ford Winter Soleil Lip Balm (£45)

Tom Ford cosmetics are a revelation – usually richly pigmented and dense, they are for beauty lovers who like a defined look. This lip balm is a little more subdued, and I love it, as the shades are still seen and pretty – Aster is my favourite, as it’s a cool peach tone. Apply, and step into some Tom Ford sunglasses to chase any winter blues into Spring.

Tiffany & Co. & Love Eau de Parfum (£77 for 50 ml)

This, quite simply, is the perfect gift for Tiffany lovers. It’s an absolute bouquet of flowers in a bottle, with subtle woody undertones, and a few surprises, including a hint of grapefruit and blue basil. It’s signature Tiffany blue packaging makes this fragrance front row on any dressing table. Of course, if you are a Tiffany & Co. fanatic, either of the glasses above would give you Fifth Avenue feels. (The jewellery, and eyewear, obviously are at the top of the gift list!)

This Valentine’s month, we do feel a bit pressured to create the perfect ‘day’ and if you are wildly in love, cheers to you. However, for everyone else, whether you are contentedly settled down, gloriously single, or at any stage in life or relationship status, it’s never too early in Spring for a beautiful, meaningful gift.

Invest in one for your bestie, always remembering that sometimes it’s fine to treat yourself as your own best friend, too: it’s a friendship win-win. If, like me, you’ve just finished And Just Like That, you’ll know that friends are soul-mates, too.

Chanel No. 1? Lead me to it…*

Nancy is a noted fashion writer, and now contributes her own style slant for our Blog every month: eyewear, trends and beyond

*I am also sending this piece to my husband. Just for reference purposes, obviously!

To view Tiffany & Co. jewellery head to: https://www.tiffanyandco.uk/

To view our full Tiffany & Co. eyewear range online go to:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/tiffany/

Our new-in styles feature on our Insta first, so head there for updates: https://www.instagram.com/blankstoneopticians/

For Chanel beauty go to: https://www.chanelbeauty.com/

For Dior accessories go to: https://www.dior.com/

Gucci beauty is at: https://www.gucci.com/

Fendi Mon Tresor bags can be found here: https://www.fendi.com/

Saint Laurent Scrunchie can be viewed at: https://www.ysl.com/gb/

Chloe Woody bracelet is available at: https://www.chloe.com/gb/

Celine Triophe Belts can be found here: https://www.celine.com/

Tom Ford Beauty is at: https://www.tomford.co.uk/beauty/

Tiffany & Co. fragrances are stocked online, in store and at all reputable luxury beauty and fragrance retailers