Heart’s content

MANILA, Philippines – Love is in the air — or so the Hallmark company tells us. It’s that time of the year when choosing the right gift can help you avoid even the stickiest of situations. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 can bring with it a whirlwind of emotions — let’s face it, nobody wants to be stuck in the doghouse for a slip-up that could easily be avoided. Here’s an idea: ditch the rainbow-colored roses and the life-sized chocolates (for good) and get the one you love a cheeky gift they can relish.

This is a gift guide for the men and women who have run dry on ideas and are pressed for time. Sunday is just around the corner and who better to do all the digging for you than your official YStyle correspondent?

YStyle puts your mind at ease and collates a list of stores that can get you out of that V-Day stump. Earn those brownie points: we’re rooting for you.

LCP

Sometimes, having the right accessories can add that extra zing to a look. Men, kindly take note. 

Love, Candypie’s boutique offers more than just apparel but also toppers and jewels to match your woman’s either feisty or demure attitude. Inject some glamour to her life by gifting her a Eugenia Kim topper and Nicole Romano earrings that’ll remain 100 percent luxe all year round. If choosing a style proves to be difficult, then head on over to their boutique at Bonifacio Global City to see their well-curated selection. P.S.: They’re on sale!

Items: Eugenia Kim Brigitte Hat, Arme De L’Amour Stripe Bracelet and Nicole Romano Earrings

Ronnie & Joe

Regardless of the season, sunglasses are a staple in every wardrobe. Develop his growing collection from a retailer that has the

coolest collection on the market.

Ronnie & Joe carries premium eyewear brands like Moscot, Thierry Lasry and Matsuda in a series of silhouettes and finishes that your other half wouldn’t mind sporting. Our favorites? These Thom Browne and Eyevan numbers.

Cop it before it’s too late!

Items:

Thom Browne and Eyevan

Joanna Preysler

Every woman needs to own at least one piece from Joanna Preysler.

This is for the woman who has a membership card at almost every store where she shops. The crocodile card case comes in a series of shades with a glazed finish. The Kelly Suede clutch on the other hand is available in a buoyant shade of blue that’s a striking piece in its own right. Treat her to something nice this V-Day from the boutique that carries exotic leather pieces.

Items: Kelly Suede clutch and CC album

Origins

You know how ladies are with their skin regimen, right? Upgrade her skin care system with a set we’ve made specifically for her (don’t worry, you can take credit for it).

Origins is a skincare brand which sources natural ingredients from all over the world to help bring the best results for all skin types. The Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash is a great cleanser for both dry and oily skin, leaving it feeling comfortably refreshed after every wash. Seal it by layering on the Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief  Soothing Treatment Lotion and the Ginzing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer to lock everything in place. Lastly, use either one of the masks alternately once or twice a week to detoxify and achieve that summer-ready glow.

Items: Checks and Balance Froth Face Wash, Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion, Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay  and Energy-Boosting Ginzing Moisturizer

Ac+632

Shopping for the men in your life can prove most challenging; don’t deny it. It’s either they’re too picky or they probably already own it.

Get him something that’s travel-sized and worth lugging around in his man purse from AC+632. Every guy likes to play a game of poker; or maybe something to sparkle his shoes on the daily; maybe even groom his beard. It’s all good, so get shopping.

Items: Ridley’s Games Room Texas Hold’Em Poker Set, Gentleman’s Code Shave Oil, Gentleman’s Code After Shave, Gentleman’s Code Beard Balm, Musgo Real Men’s Body Soap in Orange Amber and Gentleman’s Hardware Shoe Shine Kit

Jo Malone

Match scent and style, and she’ll love you forever.

It’s no secret that perfumes and candles have a way of improving our mood and sense of well-being. With that said, have your other half take a whiff of Jo Malone’s extensive line — you’ll instantly make her a convert.

The British brand opened its doors in Manila last October and is mostly known for their luxurious candles and fragrances. As a layering-friendly line, you can tailor your own scent by layering multiple fragrances over one another to create a dynamic scent. We highly recommend Red Roses for that crisp and clean aroma.

Item: Red Roses Cologne

Lab Series

Getting your man to follow a regime can be tricky — make things easy for him and get him a simple three-step skincare routine from Lab Series.

Made specifically for men, this basic skincare regime will help clean, treat and brighten dull skin. Start off with the Multi-Action Face Wash to exfoliate through the oil and grime on the skin; follow up with the Power V Lifting Serum and seal it with the Power V Lifting Lotion to give him a lifted, youthful look.

Items: Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash, Lab Series Max LS Power V Lifting Serum and Lab Series Max LS Power V Lifting Lotion

Signet

If your man is a sports aficionado and you feel the need to take his sports training to the next level, then maybe you should head over to Signet.

The men’s specialty store carries a skip rope by The Superior Labor that is anything but ordinary. It’s made from 100-percent leather with brass detailing, and on top of that, it’s crafted in Japan. Pair it with  Full Count’s knitted socks that come in a variety of shades. Apart from sports luxe-inspired items, Signet carries fine bottles of whiskey and even semi-formal suits.

Items: The Superior Labor Leather Jump Rope and Fullcount Knitted Socks

Photos by KOJI ARBOLEDA