Date Night Outfits

Valentine's Day is right around the corner (can you believe it?! This year is flying by!), and the girls at Village are having a great time dreaming up outfits to wear out.We've got something for everyone, from classic to totally unique. What are you wearing this year?

Classic Valentine by village-shoes featuring Dallas by Eric Michael


We used the Eric Michael Dallas in this classic, vampy, Valentine's day look. Red lips, red dress, and a little sexy something underneath make this the perfect date night ensemble.

Ladylike Valentine by village-shoes featuring Sadie by Eric Michael

Pinks and neutrals come together seamlessly in this elegant and ladylike Valentines day look. We've used Eric Michael Sadie heels to add a little edge and interest to this flirty look.

Offbeat Valentine by village-shoes featuring Rockafellah by John Fluevog

Just because the shops are filled with pink and glitter doesn't mean you have to be. Show off your unique take on date-night with the Rockafellah by John Fluevog. Paired with a moto jacket and cropped pants, you're sure to seal the goodnight kiss.

Stay-at-home Valentine by village-shoes featuring Ida flats by Cobb Hill

Valentine's Day looking less like cocktails and more like takeout this year? Whether alone or together, treat yourself to a few glasses of wine, some good chocolate, a cozy sweater, and some ulta comfy memory foam Ida flats by Cobb Hill. You'll have an unforgettable night without having to brave the cold.

Wearing your shoes from Village Shoes out this Valentine's Day? Tag us on Instagram with @villageshoes!

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Chocolate, Chocolate, and Oh Yes...Chocolate!

Hi everybody, it's Stacey! I couldn't let Valentine's Day come and go without doing a blog about chocolate, because everyone loves chocolate and the two go together so famously. I want to start out by saying that I eat a gluten free plant based diet void of meat, dairy, egg, and of course gluten. Needless to say, I eat home a lot and in my endless search for new and exciting ways to eat, bake, and cook I scour food blogs. Recently I came across one that had me drooling, literally. Not only are the recipes to die for but the photographs are exquisite. So here are some delicious chocolate desserts from gourmande in the kitchen that taste sinful and are still somewhat healthy. Enjoy, you deserve it!

Chocolate Blackberry Mille-Feuille

Ingredients:

7 oz of good quality dark chocolate, finely chopped

7 tablespoons of coconut milk 

pinch of fine sea salt

1 teaspoon of blackberry liqueur

1 tablespoon of blackberry jam, naturally sweetened

2 oz of fresh blackberries

cocoa powder to finish.

Read here for further instructions: http://tiny.cc/e7b4rw

Cocoa Dusted Maple Glazed Walnuts

 Ingredients:

 for maple glazed walnuts:

2 cups raw walnuts

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

for the chocolate coating:

5 oz of unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil

1/4 cup plus tablespoon maple syrup

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

Read here for further instructions: http://tiny.cc/eao5rw

Chocolate Date Caramel Walnut Tart

 Ingredients:

 for the crust:

 2 cups almond flour

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup extra virgin unrefined coconut oil, melted

for the date walnut filling:

10 Medjool dates soaked in 1/2 cup of warm water 

2 tablespoons of extra virgin unrefined coconut oil, melted

1/2 vanilla bean, pod seeds scraped

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 cup of chopped toasted walnuts (divided use)

for the ganache:

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup extra virgin unrefined coconut oil 

1/2 cup raw organic cacao powder 

Read here for further instructions: http://tiny.cc/oqo5rw

Hopefully by now you've taken a look at Sylvie's blog gourmandeinthekitchen.com and maybe you were as inspired as I was by her decadent desserts and also some of her amazing recipes. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentines day - whether you eat chocolate or not. 

Post by: Stacey Larnerd

Photographs and Recipes courtesy of: Sylvie Shirazi, the author, photographer and real food lover behind Gourmande in the Kitchen.

 

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him and Her

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all roses and chocolates, ya know? Skip going overboard on the romance this year, and choose a gift that's practical and playful. Here's what I came up with...

Gift Ideas for Her:

This Spreading Landscape Throw from Anthropologie will add a fun pop of color to your home decor, and will be perfect for a snuggle session on a cold night. $168

A VS Gift Certificate is ALWAYS a fantastic gift!

How cute are these Dining Room Measuring Spoons? These would make for an adorable gift for a woman who loves to bake or likes tiny spoons. $24

Gift Ideas for Him:

Chances are your fella can use a new pair of shoes. The James Crepe Chukka by Frye is perfect for everyday casual wear. $248

This leather cardholder from Tanner Goods is perfect for business cards, or a few credit cards and some cash. The high quality leather will only get more interesting as it ages from handling. $65

"A swashbuckling Bourbon that requires a whip and a chair." Uh, sounds like any man (or woman!) could use a glass of Booker's Bourbon on a boring day. $50

Bonus Treats:

Custom made chopsticks make for a unique gift, huh? You don't have to go with engraved initials...maybe choose a risqué message instead! $20

If you truly love someone, you'd make sure their pizza leftovers have safe transportation. This Collapsible Pizza-To-Go Box ensures your honey's pizza slices remain unmangled, and un-fused by the time they're ready to enjoy it! $14

I had no idea highlighter pencils exist, but apparently they do. These Eco Highlighters come in a variety of colors and look...well, fun! Oh, and you can annoy your lover by writing them notes with them...strain their eyes like they (at times) strain your heart. $9

For the love of God, do not send your child to school with boxes of these Risqué Valentine Hearts to pass out to their classmates!! These hearts have messages like 'cute butt, beg 4 it, and strip 4 me,' which makes them, as advertised, shamefully delicious! $3

post by Amanda

 

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