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Just in time for Valentine’s Day – Monica Vinader’s new Nura collection

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Nura-Monica-VinaderValentine’s Day is just over a week away! While I’m sure you’ve all already lovingly selected and wrapped your Valentine’s Day gifts (ha!) I thought I’d offer a last-second helping hand, for anyone who might still be in a bit of a panic.

One of the best things about blogging is that I get to really shout about my very favourite brands. It’s absolutely no secret that I’m a MASSIVE fan of jewellery brand, Monica Vinader. I mean really, it’s not a secret. I really love Monica Vinader. I mean really, really.

I love that the jewellery is luxurious but still within the realms of affordability, I love the subtle and chic aesthetic, I love the ease of personalisation — did I mention I heart Monica Vinader?

Monica Vinader Nura
Nura Heart Bracelet (left) and Nura Heart Necklace (right)

I also have personal and sentimental reasons for my Monica Vinader obsession. A Monica Vinader fiji bracelet played a big part in my own relationship history. The now Mr. STG bought me the bracelet as a birthday present just weeks into our relationship, and it was a defining moment for me as I began to realise the potential for our wonderful future together. He has bought me several cherished pieces throughout our relationship, each one a souvenir of a dearly held memory

Nura-Necklace-Monica-Vinader
Nura Heart Necklace  

So imagine my excitement when I heard about the launch of the latest collection, Nura. A perfect choice for Valentine’s Day given the heart-shape motif running through the collection, the fact that each piece is embedded with ethically-sourced diamonds — oh and the reasonable price point.

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10 Chic Valentine’s date night outfit ideas with Karen Millen

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Karen-Millen
It’s no secret that I’m a massive Karen Millen fan. I’ve been a loyal and enthusiastic customer ever since I can remember. I shopped there when I fancied myself as a glam London girl about town. I wore Karen Millen for dates in my single days and still wear Karen Millen for date nights with Mr. STG to this day. I wear Karen Millen to work events, business meetings, weddings (Karen Millen makes fabulous wedding guest outfits)… did I mention I’m a fan?

So I thought it was about time that I wrote my long-overdue love letter to Karen Millen on this blog — and since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I thought I’d make your Valentine’s Day outfit choices just that little bit easier (unless, like me, you fall in love with everything!)

Here are my top ten Valentine’s Day date night looks from the Karen Millen SS17 Collection.

Karen-Millen-Jumpsuit
Navy jumpsuit

A perfect work-to-evening look for date nights after a busy day in the office. Style it down with a blazer during the day for a more professional look and style it up with some classic jewellery and a sleek clutch to stun for a Valentine’s date.

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Karen-Millen-Floral-Pencil-dress
Lily print dress

We love this flirty, floral and feminine pencil dress. The off-the-shoulder design adds just a hint of sex appeal to a classic look.

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Karen-Millen-Frill-Blouse
Frill blouse

A casual date night go-to blouse for an evening at the movies or a post-work date. Dress up with a lovely skirt or culottes or dress down with a pair of skinny jeans and heels for a no-fuss (but all-frills) outfit.

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Karen-Millen-Burgundy-ruffle-midi-dress
Burgundy ruffle midi dress

With its sexy v-neckline and deep, sultry burgundy shade, this is the perfect dress for a chilly date night and a wonderful choice to wear from dinner to cocktails or anywhere else you might want to go.

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The 10 most romantic restaurants in the world that I’ve been lucky enough to dine at

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Most-romantic-restaurants-in-the-world
I’ll be honest, I’m a soppy romantic, but as much as  I love  Valentine’s Day (even though  of course  it’s a commercial gimmick), the whole manufactured element really isn’t my thing. Although  I do take great pleasure in buying creative  gifts and making  little homemade  surprises for Mr STG on Vally Day (and this year we are celebrating with a cheese fondue at home!) as a concept, it doesn’t sit comfortably with me to promote on the blog.

Personally,  I prefer my love and romance year-round, expressed in small ways daily, and surprising ways unexpectedly. But that’s just me, and I knew I couldn’t get away with ignoring Valentine’s Day, of all things, on a wedding blog. So I’ve decided to tell you about the top 10 most romantic restaurants in the world that I’ve had the pleasure of dining  at together with Mr STG, but do note, that  not one of these dinner dates fell  on Valentine’s Day!

I’m afraid I don’t have pictures of myself and Mr STG eating at all  of these restaurants as we were most probably  too busy enjoying the experience…but I’ve posted the ones that  we did take!

The restaurants are listed in the chronological order that Mr STG and I dined  at them.

I’d love to hear your recommendations too – tell me, what’s the most romantic restaurant in the world that you’ve ever dined at?

1. Meeru Island restaurant, The Maldives

Mr STG and I took our first ever holiday together in The Maldives  in December  2011. Meeru combines everything that the Maldives is famous for; gorgeous sun, expansive sparkling seas, an unbelievably relaxing vibe, and white sandy beaches. Needless to say we had a thoroughly good  time, and felt on top of the world  spending every evening sitting right by the water,  dining on the freshest fish, seafood, and steak. What we loved most about this restaurant was it’s casualness – Mr STG dined barefoot every evening! Whereas I could dress up or down according to how I felt. We had a truly magical time at Meeru, and have the most amazing memories of our time there.

Maldives Meeru
Top: Mr STG and I just before dinner one night :: Bottom: A  typical scene at Meeru

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