Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: For You.

In keeping with what's become tradition on this blog, a few ideas for treating yourself on Valentine's Day. Instead of diamonds, why not wings? Instead of wine, tea?  In place of flowers, how about stained glass feathers or a perfume that smells like ghosts and roses? In lieu of lace, painted cotton?  (I obviously can't get enough of these.)

A personal favorite among this set: a little gray book called Dangerous Women, which features found photography commemorating mischievous girls. I like it as an alternative to a love poem.

Clockwise, from top left: Stained glass feather, $120; Wing earrings, $61.98; Striped britches, $36; Brushstroke mug, $26; Ghost Rose solid perfume, $34; Dangerous Women, $18.

Other ideas, no wallet necessary: write, paint, cook, wander. Plant a tree, make a fort, eat cookies for breakfast. Dance. Sing. Play hide-and-seek. Whatever you do, have a happy one.

Lace, Chains, Spikes, Studs.

And now for something completely different. Equipped with lace, chains, and spikes, industrial designer Tamara Bavdek creates jewelry that transcends necks, wrists, ankles, ears. I'm intrigued. I'm also a fan of the fact that the middle piece, pictured below, was inspired by Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Says Tamara of her work, "I am inspired by everything."

See more at Tamara's Etsy shop, This Ilk, here. (See also: unusual ear embellishments; a ring inspired by Charlotte's Web.)

Bookish Bauble.

For those suffering a case of post-weekend blues, a dose of gold. This ring, designed by artist Jennie Kwon, was inspired by one of literature's most enduring friendships. According to Catbird (my favorite Williamsburg curiosity shop), it's "woven from gold, diamonds, and magic." Charlotte would approve.

Available for purchase at the ever-excellent Catbird. See all Jennie Kwon has to offer (including the Moon and Stars), here.

Mel Scouts.

I don't shop for jewelry often - most of what I wear are family heirlooms - but I do love perusing flea markets and vintage stores when I can. So does Northern California-based Melody Yip, whose Etsy shop Mel Scouts is equal parts cute and quirky. And I love the oddball names (including the one given to this leather wallet: "Let Them Have Triple Decker Black Forest Cake").

A few favorite items: a charm bracelet commemorating the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, a grouse bird print silk scarf, and a gold cocktail ring riddled with holes. See more at Mel Scouts, here.

Also, I had the pleasure of submitting a travel-related guest blog post to Natalie's beautiful blog, which you can find here (if you're not already sick of hearing me talk about milking goats).

Happy Tuesday!