Valentine's Day is approaching and with love well and truly in the air, many of us are searching for the perfect outfit to make us feel and look incredible for the occasion - it's the perfect excuse to indulge in a little retail therapy.
However, the thought of hitting your nearest shopping centre on a bustling Saturday and navigating the snaking queues of shoppers is not exactly our idea of a relaxing weekend - plus, those changing room lights are never forgiving after a delicious brunch. But that doesn’t mean you can’t snap up the latest make-up products and viral dress before February 14 hits.
Enter Weekend Wishlist: a carefully curated edit of The Mirror fashion and beauty team’s top picks from the high street this week. We've sought out the viral sensations, soon to be sell outs, and have uncovered the gems that deserve a spot in your shopping bag (and ours), from the likes of New Look, River Island, Anthropologie and H&M.
This week, we’ve picked out some of our favourite high-street picks that'll help you put together your Valentine's Day outfit - whether that's for celebrating with your best friends or your lover.
Here’s what we’ve been loving this week:
Frankie Bridge hits back at criticism as she shares snap of puppy wearing nappyNothing screams Valentine's Day date more than a bright-red, bodycon dress like this one for £45. Made from a ribbed knit fabric, the dress is both chic and comfortable and features a gorgeous waist tie to accentuate your figure. The V-neckline is super flattering and balances out the ankle length and fluted long sleeves.
The sleeves have a cheeky slit on the cuff too, to add some drama to the outfit. Paired with some silver kitten heel sandals, statement earrings like these rose shaped ones from H&M, and a handbag, you're sorted for a drop dead gorgeous date night.
Get it here from River Island for £45.
If you're not wanting to channel Valentine's Day with a pop of red but still want to nod to the occasion in your outfit, this subtle but sweet heart shaped tortoise shell handbag from Anthropologie is super cute and the perfect accessory to liven up your monochrome or neutral outfit.
Coming in at £88, the bag is loved by Loose Women panellist Frankie Bridge and last weekend she shared a series of date night outfits, one of which was paired with this bag - an oyster coloured satin slip and a black cropped top from Pull & Bear, £12.99. While the bag doesn't come cheap, it is durable thanks to its plastic casing and features a magnetic clasp closure, to ensure all your belongings remain safe.
Get it from Anthropologie for £88 here
For something other than red, this LBD from H&M has a gorgeous, slanted asymmetric high-pleated neckline that is a feature in itself, as well as a skater skirt and ruched waistline, making it totally flattering. Coming in sizes XS to XXL, the dress is made with a heavy jersey fabric that hangs beautifully and is great for wearing with knee-high boots or your favourite slingbacks. For £27.99, it's a little black dress that is great for a capsule wardrobe - especially if you're not a fan of fitted dresses.
Get it from H&M for £27.99 here.
Look sweet as cherry pie in this bandeau jumpsuit from PrettyLittleThing. Currently on sale for £28, this flattering is the "ultimate showstopper" and is sure to turn heads. With a deep cherry-red colourway, the fit of the jumpsuit hugs your figure in all the right places thanks to its corseted style and ruched detailing. The pointed neckline adds a whole lotta sass to the piece and needs minimal accessories to make an impact.
Get it from PrettyLittleThing for £28 here.
Frankie Bridge describes 34th birthday celebrations as 'best night'This sheer knit dress from Karen Millen is sleek, sexy and perfect for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. On sale for £57.85, the turtleneck piece has a gossamer finish that oozes with elegance. Pair it with high-waisted black shapewear to wow your partner - Frankie Bridge paired a similar dress from MissPap last week with high waisted knickers and a triangle bra which looked fabulous. Brighten the look up with some metallic heels and big earrings.
Get it from Karen Millen here for £57.85.
We're all about the heart shaped accessories this week - and why shouldn't we be? These gorgeous gold earrings from Mango are only £15.99 - although they look way more expensive - and are relatively large, meaning they can truly make a gorgeous impact on your outfit. Why stick to red and when you can channel lover's day with your earrings too?
Get them from Mango here.
We had to get some PJs in here for those of us who are happy staying at home tucked up in bed with a blanket, hot chocolate (or glass of vino) and a takeaway. But why should you settle for boring long johns when you can dress up for bed in this hot pink satin cami set? Perfect if you're going away for the night with your partner and want to make yourself feel beautiful as you snooze.
Coming in sizes six to 18, the cami set, £32, has a number of different colours to choose from - black, red, pink and blue - and is made from delicate recycled polyester for a satin finish. The lace trim is soft and romantic.
Get it from Boux Avenue here for £32.
Need to brighten up an outfit? Slap on some red lipstick and you've got yourself a romantic, head-turning look that'll instantly give you confidence. This particular shade from Charlotte Tilbury's latest launch is a gorgeous bright scarlet colour that is good enough for the red carpet itself. It leaves your lips silky smooth, soft and utterly kissable - and doesn't come off easily. The transfer is minimal and lasts for hours on end.
Get it for £27 on Charlotte Tilbury here.
This dress is one The Mirror fashion writer Bethan Shufflebotham chose for one of her go-to Valentine's look as a result of its gorgeous plum colour - and we can see why.
She said: "Coming in at £45, the AX Paris dress features a rich colour palette in a one-shoulder design with a ruched front and beautiful draping. The soft stretch fabric seemed to ‘suck’ me in, and left me with a flattering hourglass figure . The underskirt detail ensures you won’t flash anyone, while the split hem elongates the legs, and the ruching on the back makes your behind look insane."
She added: "Whether you’re going on a Valentine’s date, Christmas party or an autumn wedding - this is a look that will see you through any special occasion and make you feel cool, confident and suitably sultry while doing so."
Get it from New Look for £45 here.
For my monochrome lovers out there, this diagonal striped dress from River Island is elegant, flattering, feminine and bang on-trend. The scoop neck will create an illusion of a longer neck and highlight your collarbones while the bold stripe pattern will certainly make a statement.
The soft, satiny fabric drapes effortlessly and is cinched in at the waist by a delicate, thin tie. The maxi length and long sleeves are perfect for winter and the wide cuffs add something different.
Coming in at £60, the dress is available in sizes six to 18 and also comes in two different colours - brown and satin - and one other pattern, a floral design.
However, we're in love with this striped version, which can be bought from River Island here for £60.