Red + Leopard = Valentine’s Day Perfection

I love Valentine’s Day. In fact, I wrote the Valentine’s Day chapter in this book about celebrating the holidays and family milestones throughout the year. And to me, part of celebrating this “lovely” holiday is putting together a festive outfit just for the occasion. So today I’m sharing how a dash of red + a splash of leopard print = the perfect Valentine’s Day ensemble.

Recently the gracious folks at Slimsation offered me the opportunity to try a pair of their pants in exchange for styling them for Valentine’s Day. I chose the slim ankle pants in stone. These same slacks come in a beautiful variety of textures and colors.

I ordered the size 8, which is my normal size in pants, but I’m wondering if I might should have gone up a size. These fit me, but they do tend to ride up a bit around the knees as I walk, and I think that’s because they’re a little snug in the leg. However, be advised. I have fairly thick calves. So if you are thinner in the leg, you might want to order your normal size. These 8s fit wonderfully in the waist, so the issue for me really is just in the calf.

I love the clean, slenderizing lines of these ankle pants. And the fabric is pleasantly thick and silky, with plenty of stretch. Also, keep in mind that I’m 5’8″, so if you are less tall these pants would probably be a little longer on you. But I love the length on me. That’s the beauty of ankle pants. There’s such a wide range of acceptable length.

Would you like to know the secret to enjoying Valentine’s Day? It’s a matter of focus. Where is your focus on this red-letter day? Do you anticipate what others will do for you or are you busy planning a special day for the “somebodies” in your life?”

~ Kay Harms, The Godly Business Woman Magazine Guide to Cooking and Entertainment, p. 234

I paired my stone colored ankle pants with this red v-neck sweater. It’s still available in a size medium. I’m wearing the small.

Oh, and this classic sweater is reduced in price significantly. And if you do shop Talbots right now, be sure to register for the Classic Awards program if you’re not already signed up. You’ll get 15% off your first purchase, plus now through February 6, you’ll get 25% off your full price purchase and 3x rewards points with code CA25. AND there’s a one-time 100 bonus points offer, too.

In a day when many families are broken into fragments due to loss, separation and divorce, your family can offer a special valentine to another family on this emotion-packed night. Whether your family is a traditional mom, pop, and kids unit, a blended household, or a single-parent family, you have something to give to someone else that may feel left out, abandoned, or hurting on February 14.”

~ Kay Harms, The Godly Business Woman Magazine Guide to Cooking and Entertainment, p. 237.

But I think the ingredient that takes this outfit from every day to Valentine’s Day is the leopard print. Of course, I added my block heel leopard print pumps (still available on Amazon), but you could also wear animal print flats with these slenderizing ankle pants. If you’re finally ready to take the plunge, you might want to check out these and these. Or if you’d rather go with some strappy animal print with spring and summer coming on, you could consider these. And while these wouldn’t exactly complement this particular outfit, aren’t they just the cat’s meow?!

Getting back to these pants for just a moment, these ankle pants are extremely comfortable and versatile. But you’ll find a full range of Slimsation pants here. Be sure to check out their website for more sizing information, prices and variety. These pants are sold in retail shops, too, and you can find a retailer near you here.

This Valentine’s Day why not consider a fresh approach to romance? … Remember that your relationship is unique and the elements that build romance for the two of you are unique as well. Perhaps a moonlit stroll with a flashlight and a thermos of hot chocolate is right for you and your honey…”

~ Kay Harms, The Godly Business Woman Magazine Guide to Cooking and Entertainment, p. 240.

Keeping the outfit simple and elegant, I added my tortoise link necklace (picking up hints of the animal print) and tiny gold hoop earrings like these at Gorjana. This similar tortoise link necklace at Talbots is now marked way down.

Finally, I carried my Fossil crossbody as a clutch. Sometimes I forget I can do that! You, too? Somehow, just taking that strap off and carrying it as a clutch really elevates the look.

Finally, watch your focus. Even as you enter into the romantic phase of your Valentine’s Day, whether it is a breakfast in bed or a late-night dance in your socks, make it your goal to please rather than be pleased. In giving of yourself and thinking of your true love’s feelings above your own, you will find the true satisfaction of a Valentine’s Day well spent.”

~ Kay Harms, The Godly Business Woman Magazine Guide to Cooking and Entertainment, p. 240.

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You can shop the look through the links in the copy above or through the shopping widget below. Sale prices are not always reflected in the widget, so click through to get pricing info. Remember, if you purchase anything through these links I potentially earn a commission, but at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through Dressed for My Day. I am grateful!

I also shared excerpts from this book in today’s post. If you enjoy hostessing and celebrating life’s cherished moments with family and friends, you might enjoy it!

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day here at Dressed for My Day. While Slimsation did provide the ankle pants for this post, and I am grateful, I have expressed my sincere opinions about the product. I value my readers and the trust you give me, so I will always offer you truthful assessment of anything I review.

I’m linking this post to Jo-Lynne Shane’s Fashion Friday Link-Up, so be sure to check out some of the great fashion ideas there.

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Blessed for My Day

Several places in God’s Word we are instructed to “rejoice in the Lord,” even amidst difficult circumstances. Have you ever questioned what that means? To rejoice in the Lord doesn’t mean to slap on a grin and pretend you’re happy about the difficulties you’re facing. Instead, it means to demonstrate visibly your trust in the Lord despite those circumstances.

How do we do that? By declaring our confidence in His character – He is good, capable, willing and sovereign. By relinquishing control and going on with the tasks at hand rather than obsessing over or trying to control things that are beyond us. And by praising Him to others who ask how we are doing during our difficulties. Today let’s choose to rejoice in the Lord. Again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ~ Philippians 4:4