05 February 2013

Ziga Zig-Ah

black zigs, white zags

I think I really need to get my head out of the computer more often because time seems to be flitting by in a blink of an eye. This coming weekend is Chinese New Year and next week is Valentine's Day! Already!

I'm totally outing myself here, but I am probably one of the worst V-Day people out there. I think I am romance-deficient, because as soon as February 14 starts rolling around, my emotions tend to vacillate between "oh crap, I haven't planned anything" and "I refuse to pay market price for shoddy roses and chocolates no one likes." So that means I pretty much don't do anything and end up often with a whole lotta nothing come the big love day.

black zigs, white zags  black zigs, white zags

My go-to V-Day something is usually a quiet dinner at home to avoid catered chaos and a splurge on some nice vino with good ingredients from Whole Foods (aka, whole paycheck). I guess you can tell I am not one for grand gestures, I like to keep things laid back and easy. Plus doing my own dinner means that I'm not trying to find a non-midnight dinner reservation somewhere.

How do you gals celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you do anything special - tips and ideas would be appreciated! - or do you think of February 14 as an over-blown Hallmark holiday?

black zigs, white zags

black zigs, white zags

Sweater: Asos blanket wrap (worn here - sim, ivory, sim)
Top: J.Crew (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Jeans: J.Crew hipslung (worn here - sim, deal, sim)
Earrings: Amrita Singh (sim, sim, pricey, neon)
Belt: J.Crew embossed (sim, sim, pricey)
Bag: H&M (worn here - sim, sim, solid, solid steal)
Shoes: Kimchi Blue by UO (worn here - sim, sim, peep)

♥    ♥    ♥   

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75 comments:

  1. Patrick and I don't do VDay because our bdays are too close to it. Plus, we think it's stupid too. I mean, we have Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries--we love each other but we don't need another day to celebrate it. I love your b/w today Lisa!

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    1. I like that - "we love each other but we don't need another day to celebrate it." Well said.

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  2. Valentine's Day is not nearly as important to me as our anniversary or our birthdays. We made a bigger deal out of it before we were married when we were dating long distance. I have no idea if we'll do anything for it this year. Haven't made any plans yet and my hubby probably doesn't even know it's coming up, ha.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Necklace Giveaway!

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    Replies
    1. One of the reasons I kind of don't like V-day is that my mom's birthday is near it and I like sending her flowers as part of her gift, but because it's around V-day, the cost of pretty much all flowers get jacked up!

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  3. "I think I am romance deficient". THIS. I am missing the romance gene, I think. So much so that I was chatting with a gentleman on a place recently, and he told me: "Boy, you must be the man in your relationship". Indeed, I let my husband plan our wedding. I am preparing for eye roll season (how I like to call it)! Ok, I admit, I got double cynicism gene to make up for the missing romance one :)

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  4. Overblown Hallmark Holiday - but if my husband didn't buy me a card and bring me flowers he'd be in trouble ;-)
    We don't go out - I usually cook family dinner and make something chocolate for dessert. A few years ago we got reamed at fondue restaurant as my DH was trying for romance and booked the dinner without realizing it was a price fixed menu. Result-family of 4-2 kids under 10 - $300 and I had to cook the darn food! Never again.

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    1. Exorbitant restaurant pricing is another main reason I don't like V-day - merchants hold us hostage because they know that we've got to do something to show our love.

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  5. My husband and I are usually pretty low key about Valentine's Day, but we do usually try and find eachother a nice card and something special. I've always been a fan of the saying, "it's the thought that counts." :)

    xo
    www.seemomogo.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Cards are nice touch - I think small gestures are more thoughtful and mean more.

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  6. The boy and I are pretty romantic but neither of us cares that much for V Day. We WILL acknowledge it - cards and some chocolate - but we generally skip the fancy dinners and big gestures.

    ps - thank you for putting Wannabe in my head today!

    www,indulgingmywanderlust.com

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    1. I dig have to totally Google how to spell "ziga zig-ah" though!

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  7. Love this sweater paired with the stripes! Super chic :)

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  8. I definitely think it's an overblown Hallmark holiday. We usually make dinner or go out to eat and that's about it - no gifts, flowers, cards, etc. I prefer that stuff when he doesn't feel obligated to do it :) I say all that... but this year we will be in Paris for Valentine's Day, so I am pretty excited about Vday for once!

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  9. We don't celebrate valentines day & never have! It just doesn't interest us at all, I'd rather we went out for a meal on another, quiet night & surprise each other with gifts or flowers without being told to do so by Clinton Cards or Thorntons!

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  10. We don't really celebrate V-day either. Just give each other a nice note :-) Love your purse and the bright belt!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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  11. My boyfriend and I have been together over 16 years and have yet to acknowledge Valentine's day. We don't celebrate it. I find it so cheesy. I think it's important to make an effort once in awhile to do something nice for each other but I refuse to do it on that day. It is just such a cliche. Everything is overpriced that day. If you go out to dinner, you probably pay more and get worse service and it's crowded. I also think roses are cheesy. I'd much rather have my BF give me some unusual flowers and have a nice dinner together on another day.

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    1. I've personally never had a good restaurant experience on V-day - most restaurants are just trying to run through as many people as they can on that day and there's really no time to linger and enjoy it.

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  12. This might be my favorite look I've seen you in. Love the mixed patterns and the pop of color.

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  13. Now I've got that spice girl song in my head LOL!

    I actually hate V-day to tell you the truth! I hate that it makes single people feel bad AND there's pressure for people to spend money. ALSO in high school we had "rose grams" from V-day and of course only certain girls would always get roses. I got one once and I nearly DIED of embarrassment ugh! I didn't find it flattering at all!

    I think the only think I like about it is the cute skin and makeup collections that come out haha!

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    Replies
    1. Haha, I think the only thing I thought was really cute about V-day was during elementary school where we traded Valentines with our classmates. Sure it was teacher-enforced cooperation, but it was sweet!

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  14. Our "meeting" anniversary is 2 days after Valentine's Day so we celebrate that instead. Also works out much better since if we want to stay in a swag hotel or eat out it is always 2 days after the rush.

    Loving the pop of neon orange : )

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://bisous.typepad.com/bisous/

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  15. I'm with you, I can't remember the last time we actually went out on Valentines Day. We did go overnight last year, but we waited until a few days later. I'm not a fan of huge waits or crowds. I LOVE your sweater!
    xoAmy
    www.dreamingincashmere.com

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  16. Oh, how I love this sweater!! I just checked and it's out of stock :(
    Anyway, I'm one of those people that is not really into Valentine's Day and I think it's kind of a dumb holiday. That's my suggestion - skip Valentine's Day ;)

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  17. No cards, flowers or candy for me--we don't "do" Valentine's either. We will go out to eat but not on Vday itself. (Tried that once. ONLY ONCE.) We don't cards and flowers any really--I'm more a cash or J.Crew kind of girl :)

    I've always loved that "Spice Girls" sweater. :) I even bought a Target huge scarf that had a bw pattern that reminded me of this!

    Taylor

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    1. Not a fan of dining out on V-day, that's for sure. It's noisy, crowded, over-priced, and you get rushed through so the restaurant can try to churn through as many people as possible!

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  18. Best title ever. Also an awesome outfit, per usual!

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  19. We exchange cards and smallish gifts (usually something on our "need" lists, like a tripod), and we'll usually have a nice dinner, out or at home. My husband misses so many occasions due to his career that we celebrate what we can.

    And loving that belt with the sweater!

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  20. We keep it pretty casual and exchange small gifts. A nice dinner and a card are the most important things for me! :)
    Fizz and Frosting

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  21. I'm the same way -- I rather spend a night out to eat together or night in instead of buying gifts. And since it usually falls during NYFW, we don't really celebrate it as much as our birthdays and our anniversary.

    Love that neon clutch :)

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    Replies
    1. Oh yeah, NYFW is way more a reason to celebrate than V-day, imo!

      Delete
  22. J and I don't do gifts, we usually just go to our favorite little Korean restaraunt for dinner. But they are closed for the month so I don't know what we'll do this year!

    Your sweater looks suuuuper cozy!

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  23. Your sweater is perfect.

    My husband's birthday is on V day and it's also our dating anniversary so it gets exciting in our household.

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  24. love this outfit. great sweater.

    and hmm valentines day, i have no clue what to do. we will both be in class and work until 7pm so maybe ill push it to friday. im not very helpful at this, but your plan sounds good to me!

    K

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  25. Love that sweater! We usually go out to the bar that we met, so it's pretty chill and laid back :)

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  26. i've been looking for a sweater like that... its gorgeous! valentines day we normally just go to our favorite hole in the wall indian spot and get each other cards. he usually sends me flowers. thats it. :)

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  27. Gung Hey Fah Choi! :) Well, Valentine's day is kind of an anniversary for my husband and me, since it's the day we officially got together after dating for a couple of weeks. We waited for my bus and kissed in the bus-shed while eight of my buses drove by, it was very romantic, haha. These days we don't hang out at bus-sheds but we do go for a meal and a movie - or to the theatre. (MacBeth on Valentine's day!!) We never buy Valentine's gifts, though - what matters is spending time together, not buying silly heart stuff.

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    1. Aw, how sweet! I think it's nice how you guys still make an effort to do something, but don't opt for the same ole.

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  28. I have a similar cardigan/sweater thing and I love it. It's the most cozy thing in my closet.
    Dinner on Valentine's day is always so crowded and expensive - but I do like flowers :D

    http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/

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    1. Yes, this is a strangely warm sweater - I snuggle in and never need a coat - though I don't think I'd be able to fit one over this thing anyways!

      Delete
  29. we don't really do V-Day - we usually homemake cards for each other and then make dinner at home. that's the life of poor, non romantics I suppose!

    and to the outfit: thank for the inspiration. I have a similar sweater and I would never have thought to pair it with stripes.

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  30. That sweater looks sooo comfy. If it falls closer to the end of the week like this year, I take the day after and/or the Monday off for a quick get away :)

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  31. I love the sweater! And of course they only have size L left :(

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  32. Love your post title! Gotta love the Spice Girls! Cute sweater!

    We're pretty low-key Valentine's Day celebrators too. A nice non-cheesy, not typical (no chocolates or roses) Valentine's Day gift is a must, though.

    xoxo

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  33. That is a fantastic cardigan! I usually use V-Day as an excuse to eat chocolate, since I like any excuse to have chocolate.

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  34. We are definitely just doing dinner in and a movie, I think. I haven't had time to think much about it unfortunately. :(

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  35. ooh i love your cardi! such a cool pattern, very psychedelic especially paired with the stripped top :D

    katslovefashion.blogspot.com

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  36. you look awesome - that outfit is so fun!!

    we don't do anything particularly special for valentine's day. just hang out. :)


    phiphi's blog

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    Replies
    1. Being with loved ones is really what it's all supposed to be about, isn't it?

      Delete
  37. Love the sweater! Your post title reminds me of a line from a song :D I actually have no plans for the v-day. We might just go out and eat :)

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  38. Hear, hear! I'm with you on the 'quiet night in' deal. We will go out for dinner maybe the night before, just because (well, we kinda got things rolling on Valentine's day a long, long time ago, so it's a bit of an anniversary) and then treat each other to day-after sale chocolates! True romantics...

    Black and white and coral = Yum!

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    Replies
    1. Hey, after-sale chocolates are the best. Just as fresh, but half off!

      Delete
  39. Love the outfit Lisa....the sweater is fantastic! The BF and I usually don't have any major plans this year. My birthday is a few days before V-Day, so it's usually a combined celebration with dinner and maybe a movie. One thing that we always do is exchange cards. The cards are my favorite because we always end up writing a little something extra to express our love for one another. BTW...love the title.

    Moody Girl In Style

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  40. I super adore the sweater and i love your outfit Lisa. After being married for almost 10 years, I am slowly getting bad about giving gifts or card done on time. well my husband still never forgets but me that's another topic.

    xo
    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com

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  41. V-day is most definitely an over-blown hallmark holiday, but I still love it:) My husband and I typically spurge on a nice dinner and he usually gets me something sweet - a plant or chocolates, etc. So, I do like to celebrate the day of love, but we don't go over the top. Great sweater!

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  42. I've always tried to ignore V-Day. I love your stripes and pattern going on with that pretty coral pop of color! It's all very eye-catching and dramatic without being over the top! LOVE it!

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  43. Love this cozy look! And your shoes are TDF! Hmmm, at our house I literally have to bully the hubby into romance. Sounds crazy, I know. He is perfectly happy sitting at home on the big day playing video games. Errrr. I'm totally with you on the quiet dinner at home, getting out is just too chaotic. But I do expect at least a card, heck I'll even take the crappy flowers nobody wants....

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    1. Hey I'll take flowers almost any day - bouquets are total wastes of money, I know, they are so pretty!

      Delete
  44. I'm in love with this sweater and how you paired it with stripes! I went through the link but no more smalls :( but looks fantastic on you and what a great price.

    Vday - spent at home but dinner the weekend before. Although it is a cheesy holiday it is nice to have a day to spend time together :).

    Red Soles and Red Wine

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  45. This black and white cardi of yours is one of my faves; it looks terrific paired with a black and white top. Plus, you are so pretty and photogenic, it's always a pleasure to see your pics.

    I didn't get the Valentine's Day gene either. Hubby is way more romantic. We have a Trader Joes now, so we can get awesome wine for $4 dollars a bottle.

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    1. Ah, Three Buck Chuck ... except I think that wine is more than three bucks now. Shoot, it used to be Two Buck Chuck ...

      Delete
  46. Your cardigan is super great!
    About V-day,hmm don't know, for me it can be dinner in restaurant or at home)
    kisses)

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  47. Lisa, you OWN this cardigan! I could never pull of busy prints. I just look straight up frumpy! You on the other hand, look AMAZING!

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  48. Oh my! I love the post of color! Very pretty! Also, thanks for stopping by my blog!

    http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com

    Dawn

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  49. I love your sweater! The print is so fun and it looks so warm!

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechicblog.com

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  50. Love the blanket wrap and your clutch! Great outfit!
    Thank you so much for commenting on my blog.

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  51. The two prints go so well together - the stripes blend into the zig zag print perfectly! Love it.

    <3 katherine / of corgis & cocktails

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  52. You know I'm loving that zig-zag cardidgan! -Jessica L

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  53. The hubs and I are pretty easy going about valentine's day. Just a card, flowers and an I love you and I'm a happy girl:) We usually stay home and cook together. I love the black and white prints you have on today! Lookin good:) xo

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  54. OMG,i lovee this sweater!It's quite funny cuz i went to shenzhen over CNY and got this sweater that looks very similar to yours. It's got the exact same style but only different pattern,lol. I love the long collar and people keep thinking its a scarf when i wear my leather jacket over the sweater, lol.

    So did you end up stayin in and cook over V-day? Hope you had a nice one no matter what you did:D

    Cinz
    http://cinzee.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete

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