The Journal

The Valentine’s Edit: Pieces She’ll Reach For Every Day

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29th January 2026

Valentine’s Day Gifts She’ll Actually Wear (Not Just Keep in the Box)

The best Valentine’s gifts aren’t the ones that get Instagrammed once and forgotten. They’re the pieces she reaches for on a Tuesday morning, like the trainers that go with everything. We’re talking wardrobe heroes that earn their keep – Citizens of Humanity denim that fits like a dream, ALOHAS sneakers for the school run, Anine Bing basics that layer under everything. The kind of gifts that make real life easier, not just look pretty in a box. Because isn’t that what love looks like? Knowing what she’ll actually use.

Trainers That Actually Go With Everything

Here’s the thing about ALOHAS trainers – they solve the ‘what shoes should I wear?’ dilemma. Clean lines, decent arch support, colours that won’t clash with her favourite coat. She can wear them to walk the dog at 7am or meet you for drinks at 7pm. No weird branding plastered across the sides, no neon details that seemed like a good idea in the shop. Just well-made trainers that look intentional, not accidental. The leather ages nicely. The soles actually grip. She’ll thank you every time she grabs them from the shoe rack. Which will be often.

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Anine Bing Basics That Do the Heavy Lifting

Some clothes demand attention. Others just get the job done. Anine Bing falls into the second camp. A white tee that doesn’t go see-through. Black trousers that don’t bag at the knees. Soft knits that hold their shape. These are the pieces that make everything else in her wardrobe look better. Layer a blazer over their tees for meetings. Throw their cardigans over summer dresses when the temperature drops. Wear their basics with vintage finds or designer pieces – they play well with others. Smart money says these will outlast trendier pieces by years.

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Rachel Jackson Jewellery for Every Day

There’s something lovely about jewellery you never have to take off. Rachel Jackson makes those pieces – the delicate gold chains that layer beautifully, the hoops that work with messy buns and slicked-back hair alike. Nothing here screams for attention, but catch the light just right and you’ll notice the craftsmanship. These aren’t the earrings that live in the jewellery box between special occasions. They become part of her daily ritual, like brushing teeth or checking the weather. The kind of gift that quietly reminds her of you every single day.

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Day Birger et Mikkelsen Knitwear Worth Investing In

Good knitwear is an investment, not an impulse buy. Day Birger et Mikkelsen gets this. Their jumpers improve with age – softer handle, better drape, the kind of patina that only comes from regular wear. No pilling after three washes. No shrinkage disasters. These are grown-up knits for people who’ve learned the hard way that cheap knitwear is actually expensive. Throw them in with the regular wash. They’ll come out looking exactly as they should. Consider it a gift that keeps giving, every time she reaches for something warm and reliable on a cold morning.

Shop Day Birger et Mikkelsen Knitwear

Valentine’s gifts don’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the best thing you can give someone is something they’ll actually use. The jeans that fit right, the trainers that go with everything, the jewellery that becomes part of their everyday uniform. These are the pieces that show you pay attention to real life, not just special occasions. And honestly? That’s worth more than a dozen roses.