Tuesday, October 31, 2023

American Girl Samantha Parkington Halloween Costume Reveal

Samantha Parkington American Girl Costume

Meet Samantha! I've always been a huge fan of the American Girl dolls, but Samantha Parkington was unsurprisingly my favorite. Not only do we share a first name, but we also look quite a bit alike! I've been unofficially leaning into American Girl-core style for the last few years (and, more broadly, my whole life), so it seemed fitting to put together Samantha's birthday outfit for this year's Halloween costume!

American Girl Doll Samantha Parkington Halloween Costume
Happy Birthday Samantha American Girl
Samantha American Girl Doll Costume Idea

Costume Details
Pink striped dirndl dress: Vintage (found here)
Flower crown: Marta Shishkova Design
Knee-high socks: Amazon
Black Mary Jane flats: Amazon
Teddy bear: Amazon
Fan: Amazon

American Girl Samantha Paper Doll
Samantha Parkington Molly McIntire Costume

I have to say that I'm really proud of the work I did on this. I even dug my doll and her birthday tea set out of storage to make this vision come to life! It's always really satisfying when the end result reflects the idea in your head. Plus, Emma (my business partner at Dear Blossom Studios) dressed up as Molly this year to complete the American Girl concept!

American Girl Doll Samantha Costume

Happy Halloween!
(and Samantha)

Monday, October 23, 2023

The Soubrette Brunette's 35th Birthday Party Giveaway!

 

the soubrette brunette birthday giveaway

princesscore princess dress

It's pretty surreal to think that I turn 35(?!) this week. Turning 30 felt kind of scary – mostly because of what was going on in my life at the time. But 5 years later... I feel so much calmer, so much more content, and so much more settled into myself and my life. And while societal pressures still exist, I'm not all that preoccupied with them. I'm just determined to celebrate myself and figure it all out as I go at my own pace.

I actually had a harder time figuring out the theme for this giveaway than with turning 35. (When you've hosted so many themed giveaways over the years, you start to run out of ideas.) But I finally decided to throw a party with this year's giveaway – and you're invited to celebrate with me in style!

blogger birthday giveaway

One (1) winner will receive a birthday party-themed prize package that includes:
  • Betsey Johnson "Stack of Gifts" crossbody purse
  • Kate Spade cake pendant necklace
  • Packed Party confetti belt bag + cake sipper
  • Jenny Lemons cake-shaped hair claw
  • Colourpop Feelin' Bubbly eyeshadow palette
  • Lauren Conrad rose gold bow earrings
  • Pastel Mickey balloon keychain
  • Pink sprinkle knot headband
  • Ban.do cake de-stress ball
  • Vintage Parties book
  • Eos birthday cake lip balm
  • Pink confetti nail polish
...PLUS some extra party-themed treats!

    But if you want to win, be sure to follow the rules below.
    blog giveaway rules
    As usual, all giveaway participants must enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. (If you have trouble getting it to load, please try on desktop instead of your mobile device!)

    ** You MUST complete ALL REQUIRED ENTRIES EXACTLY AS WRITTEN to be eligible to win. I'm funding 100% of this giveaway myself this year, so I will be a stickler about this. Triple-check to make sure you've completed all necessary entries and followed all directions. (I will disqualify you if you're missing any, sorry!) **

    This giveaway is open worldwide and will close at 11:59 PM (EST) on Sunday, October 29th, 2023. One (1) winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email; no other platforms will be used to contact winners for this giveaway. Remember to include a valid email address in your blog post comment! Anonymous commenters must identify themselves clearly so I can contact them. The contacted winner must respond to my email within 48 hours of message receipt or a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be displayed via the widget.

    This giveaway is hosted and sponsored by The Soubrette Brunette. No other brands or businesses represented in this giveaway's prize selection have contributed to or are otherwise associated with this giveaway. Note that in the event of stock or availability issues, comparable prize selections may be made.

    Now that you've read the rules, go ahead and enter the giveaway:

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    puff sleeve princess gown

    Thank you for celebrating with me! I truly appreciate all your support. Best of luck!

    Friday, June 30, 2023

    DIY Ren Faire Costume Ideas: How to Create Your 2023 Renaissance Festival Outfit

    diy ren faire costume ideas

    Huzzah and Happy Friday! The 2023 Ren Faire season is upon us here in Western New York. Taking a trip to the Renaissance Festival is one of my favorite pastimes; I've been going since I was a little girl, and I'm tickled that it's become more popular in recent years.

    Whether it's your first time or your thousandth... After you've figured out which Ren Faire you want to attend and decide when you want to go, the question becomes: What to wear to a Ren Faire?

    There are a lot of ways you can go here. Some people don't dress up at all, while others opt for something vaguely reminiscent of a bygone era. Still others spend months devising the perfect get-up. Anything goes, really. But unsurprisingly, I tend to go all out!

    Personally, I prefer to create my Ren Faire outfits from pieces that I already own and wear in real life or can use in other situations. They aren't strictly costumes! They're items I can and do use in multiple ways for all kinds of occasions. I also love wearing something different each time I visit, which is partially why I don't want to spend $500 on a complete outfit. I love the flexibility and creativity involved in a DIY Ren Faire costume. While I don't consider myself quite crafty enough to make things like shoes and shields, I've made my own flower crowns before and really enjoy figuring out which pieces I want to wear together.

    In most cases, I'll take a base dress that's already in my closet and add things like belts, corsets, hair accessories, bags, and period-looking shoes to turn it into something that's at least somewhat Renaissance-y. Personally, I don't care if there are anachronistic elements. That all adds to the fun for me!

    There are a lot of examples of what to wear to a Ren Faire online (and I'm planning to post videos of my best Renaissance Festival costumes for this year, so keep an eye on my social media!). But it can sometimes be tough to know where to start sourcing costume pieces. I've created this post to give you a good jumping-off point!

    If you're looking for very easy Ren Faire costumes, this may not be the way to go. But if you want the creative satisfaction of putting together unique Ren Faire outfits, you can start with my picks below.

    Please note: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) that helps to run my blog. I appreciate your ongoing support of The Soubrette Brunette!

    Best Ren Faire Dresses

    When I'm putting together Ren Faire outfits, I'll usually opt for a base dress. Since I already own so many of them, this is usually the easiest route. (If you're the type of person who prefers separates, stay tuned!) I've chosen some dress options that are adorable for daily life and would make an excellent foundation for your DIY Ren Faire costume. Note: Many of these come in multiple colorways!

    ren faire dresses

    a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e   ||   f

    renaissance festival dress
    g   ||   h   ||   i   ||   j   ||   k   ||   l

    FYI: Hill House ("h" and "k") is having a 20% off sale this weekend! Use code 20FORYOU at checkout.

    Selkie Dresses for Ren Faire Outfits

    Here's my two cents: As much as I love Selkie dresses, I might not spend hundreds of dollars on something I'd wear only to the Renaissance Festival. That being said, if you already own one of these dresses or know that you'll find other occasions for them, I think that they can be great options for Ren Faire costumes. Even some of the shorter, more pastel styles would make a great base for a fairy costume. While some of styles lean more toward the Regency era than the Renaissance, I think the ones I picked out would work beautifully with other pieces. Just note that the longer styles will undoubtedly get dirty unless you layer and use skirt hikes (see the "accessories" section for examples of those)!

    It just so happens that Selkie is running a Summer Solstice sale now through July 2nd and some of these dresses are included! (I don't earn any money from this – I'm just sharing so you can save some $$!) Use code 2023-SOLSTICE at checkout for 25% off select items.

    selkie ren faire
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    Skirts for Ren Faire Costumes

    Separates, anyone? If you're the type who loves a swooshy maxi skirt in summertime, this can be a great way to get more for your money. You can even layer a couple of skirts; playing with different hemline lengths or styles will add fullness and textural interest. Note that these may not be the most authentic options, but I think you could create some really cool and relatively cheap Ren Faire outfits with these.

    skirts for ren faire

    A   |   B   |   C   |   D   |   E

    ren faire maxi skirts

    F   /   G   /   H   /   I   /   J

    Renaissance Faire Costume Tops and Blouses

    Peasant blouses and other staple tops can come in handy when you're going for separates, but they can also be layered under sleeveless or strapless dresses to give a modern piece a period look in a pinch. I think a lot of these would look cute IRL outside of the shire, too. Keep in mind that even if a blouse looks shapeless, you're going to add more structure to your final Ren Faire costume by adding on other layers!

    peasant tops blouses ren faire

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    what to wear to a ren faire

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    Ren Faire Costume Ideas: Corsets, Belts, and Bodices

    My favorite Ren Faire outfits for women usually feature an exaggerated shape (i.e., lots of cleavage and a cinched-in waist). However, I think that wearing an actual corset is a big commitment – especially because it can get sweltering hot during the festival. I like to be comfortable and be able to eat as much as I want, so I often opt for corset belts or bodices that are more forgiving. If you're really dedicated to the bit, just don't lace yourself in too tight. I'd also recommend swapping out flimsy ribbons for stronger laces. You don't want your DIY Ren Faire costume breaking down on you! My picks below span the spectrum of super-stretchy cheats to more restrictive bonafides.

    ren faire corsets 
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    corset for ren faire

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    Ren Faire 2023 Hats, Crowns, and Hair Accessories

    I'm picky about the hats and hair accessories I wear, but there are SO many options available when crafting your DIY Ren Faire costumes. There are more traditional hats, hair chains, circlets, flower crowns, snoods, clips, sticks, and much more to choose from. I've included just a sampling below of some of my favorite picks to bring your look together. (Figuring out a hairstyle is a whole other challenge!)
    ren faire flower crown hat
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    Ren Faire Costume Jewelry

    Even a cheap Ren Faire outfit has to have a bit of sparkle and shine. I usually like to layer different necklaces and add some rings, but let your imagination run wild here! If you've got pierced ears, earrings are an excellent way to show off your commitment to the theme. For those who are emulating nobles at court, there are plenty of finer costume jewelry pieces to be found – but I personally enjoy a more whimsical approach, as seen below.
    renaissance festival jewelry

    a   ~   b   ~   c   ~   d   ~   e
    f   ~   g   ~   h   ~   i   ~  j   ~   k

    Ren Faire Bags, Pouches, and Purses

    Here's a very important addition to your Renaissance Faire costume: A bag to carry around all your treasures in! If you have a belt as part of your costume, you can typically find pounch-style belt bags that can slide right onto it and be on your person all day. Cross-body bags and backpacks are good options, as well. I'd advise against anything that you have to carry in your hands – and avoid anything really heavy and bulky if you can! All that being said... I'm a sucker for a novelty bag! Here are some of my favorite thematic and (somewhat) practical purses.

    best bag purse for ren faire

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    ren faire bags

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    Best Accessories for Ren Faire 2023

    When it comes to costume ideas for Renaissance Festivals, the accessories can really make the outfit. Those little details can turn something basic into something awe-worthy. I love looking at all the little trinkets that attendees add to their costumes. The best Renaissance Festival costumes are personal to the wearer and tell a captivating story! I've included some ideas to get your imagination going.

    ren faire trinket ideas

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    Easy Ren Faire Costume Footwear

    Finding the right Ren Faire costume shoes can be tough. Unless you're a pro and have feet of steel, I wouldn't recommend wearing heels or anything too constrictive. Something with good support is best. You'll be doing a fair amount of walking up and down hills at most festivals. Don't forget that there'll be plenty of discarded food and other muck on the ground, so don't wear pristine pumps. All that being said, you'll still want the right shoes to go with your Ren Faire costumes. I've rounded up a variety of options that still fit the theme but that are (hopefully) comfortable enough to get you through the day!

    best shoes for ren faire

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    General Ren Faire Tips

    Now that you know where to buy Ren Faire clothing and what to wear to a Ren Faire in your area, I'll leave you with just a few general tips and tricks for your trip.

    1. Wear Layers: Not only will a layered look at more visual interest, but it'll make it possible to remove pieces throughout the day if you get overheated. Lighter fabrics + layers are preferable to heavy materials that you're stuck in for hours!

    2. Expect to Get Dirty: Ren Faires are usually located on large parcels of land and are meant to look relatively untouched by modern-day technology. You'll walk over lots of hills, cobblestones, and dirt paths to get from one area to the next. Some shows involve water and mud. You'll probably step in discarded food or spill a drink on yourself. You might get caught in the rain or sweat through your blouse. When in doubt, don't wear something you'll be upset to get dirt on.

    3. Bring a Fan: The act of fanning may make you feel warmer, but I bet you'll still be glad you brought a fan along. Whether it's a basic one made of paper or a fancy one of feathers, make room in your bag or on your belt for your cooling apparatus. (If you want to get anachronistic, a battery-powered neck fan or handheld fan might be worthwhile.)

    4. Establish a Meeting Place: Ren Faires are notorious dead zones. Regardless of your cell provider, you'll probably be hard pressed to find service for most of the day. It's fitting, but a bit inconvenient. If you're in a group, establish a meeting place where you'll reconvene if you get separated. You probably won't be able to text or call each other to find out where someone is. (I've heard some folks bring ye olde walkie talkies to combat this problem!) Don't plan on posting much to social media or responding to emails until you're out of the shire.

    5. Be Careful With Fake Weapons: Real weapons are a no-no, but even fake weaponry might be confiscated at the faire due to safety concerns. If you tie it in a way so it's inoperable, you should be okay – but be sure to check out the FAQs for your own Ren Faire if you plan on bringing faux knives, swords, or other items.

    6. Put On Your Fit in the Parking Lot: It's a time-honored Ren Faire tradition to get dressed in the parking lot of the festival. Some folks wait until they arrive to put on everything, while others delay putting on corsets and other restrictive pieces until the last minute. Depending on how far you are from the faire, you won't want to risk wrinkling (or even breaking) your Renaissance festival costume pieces. Err on the side of caution and at least save the uncomfy elements for right before you go through the main gates.

    Are you planning to go to a Ren Faire this summer? Be sure to share your outfit with me on social media and let me know about your experience! Happy festival-ing!

    Friday, May 26, 2023

    Friday Favorites #168: Memorial Day Deals and Steals

    I'm quickly popping in to wish you a happy Memorial Day weekend *and* to share a few of the things on my wish list that are currently on sale! This is a great time for relaxing and shopping – and I plan to do a bit of both over the next couple of days. 

    Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) which helps me run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

    memorial day sales wishlist

    There's lots more to see and shop: Check out everything else on my Memorial Day sales wish list!

    Friday, April 21, 2023

    Friday Favorites #167: Mother's Day Gift Guide 2023

    Long time, no see! It's not always easy to keep up with blogging on the regular, but I do like to share things when I can. (If you're missing my posts, I'm more active on Instagram and TikTok these days – but I'll never leave this blog behind!) 

    I just looked at the calendar and realized that Mother's Day is just a few weeks away. I enjoy gift-giving in general, but I especially love shopping for my mom. Finding the perfect present brings me a lot of joy.

    But since I know not everyone feels the same way about gift-giving, I thought I'd put together a little Mother's Day gift guide to provide some inspiration. (You can also check out my previous Mother's Day gift guides for even more gift ideas!) Take a look at my 2023 Mother's Day gift guide below and start shopping for the mama or mother figure in your life.

    Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) that helps me run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

    mothers day gift guide

    a.  "love you a bunch" trinket dish
    b.  floral arm-protecting gardening gloves
    c.  hummingbird stained glass sun catcher
    d.  peonies book
    e.  the world of Jane Austen puzzle
    f.  mama mug
    g.  lavender perfect pot
    h.  100 things to do with mom bucket list book
    i.  love you, mom ducks in a row necklace
    j.  suitcase vases
    k.  fresh cut flowers tote (for your mother's day bouquets!)
    l.  snail watering can
    m.  glass travel mug
    n.  calming lavender heat pillow
    o.  menopod cooling device for hot flashes
    p.  birth flower wine bottle stopper
    q.  floral catch-all tray
    r.   birth flower tea towels
    s.  puffin in bloom book collection
    t.  tulip key fob
    u.  mother's day tea sachets
    v.  floral cosmetic pouch
    w.  thank you, mom candle


    Thanks for checking out my Mother's Day gift guide for 2023! Happy Shopping!

    Monday, February 6, 2023

    The Soubrette Brunette's 10th Blogiversary Giveaway!

    the soubrette brunette blog giveaway
    the soubrette brunette blog giveaway

    I cannot believe it's been 10 years since I started this blog.

    Holy cow.

    When I began toying with the idea of blogging, I just wanted a way to show off all my outfits and stay creative when I wasn't performing. This space still fulfills those desires, but it's become a much more important part of my life than I anticipated.

    And although some things haven't changed much (like my love of pink dresses and novelty prints, for example), I look back and see a lot of growth.

    Both my photos and my poses have improved a lot (thank goodness). But beyond that, my career trajectory and priorities have shifted. My relationships have grown and evolved. People have entered and exited my life. I've loved and lost. I moved into my own apartment. I started a business. I bought a house. 

    Things look different than I thought they would. But I'm grateful for that. And I'm grateful that you've joined me on the journey. I can't wait to see where it takes us next.

    the soubrette brunette
    You've come a long way, baby.

    Of course, it wouldn't be a blogiversary without a big giveaway. I racked my brain for weeks to figure out what the prizes would be for this momentous occasion. Then, I thought: why not curate a prize package based on my most important memories and events from the last decade?

    I think I've outdone myself with this year's prize package, if I do say so myself. It's a big giveaway for a big milestone! This awesome prize package is a little sentimental and a little symbolic – but I hope you'll love all these goodies as much as I do. 

    There are prizes to represent my theatre background, my cat, my jobs, my hometown, my portrait photography business (Dear Blossom Studios), my house and garden, things I love doing (like fruit picking and going to Trader Joe's), and things I've learned, as well as my blog and the important relationships I've formed with so many brands and creatives over the years. I think it's a pretty good representation of what The Soubrette Brunette is all about. 

    With that, here's a breakdown of the important stuff: what's up for grabs and how to enter the giveaway!

    the soubrette brunette giveaway

    One (1) winner will receive:

    • Kate Gabrielle white Ella cupholder purse
    • $50 gift card to Heart of Haute
    • Winner's choice of Sophie skirt from Timeless London
    • Betsey Johnson pink camera necklace
    • Rifle Paper Company floral journal
    • House of Disaster house-shaped planter
    • I Heart Revolution Tasty Peach eyeshadow palette
    • Break an Egg!: The Broadway Cookbook
    • Pink ceramic cat mug and spoon set
    • "Sip Tea and Set Boundaries" sticker 
    • Typewriter and telephone salt & pepper set
    • Lilac flower lapel pin
    • Assorted snacks from Trader Joe's
    Yes, 1 person will win ALL of those prizes! But if you want to win, you need to pay attention to the following guidelines. 
    As per usual, participants must enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. (If you have trouble getting it to load, please try on desktop instead of your mobile device!)

    ** You MUST complete ALL REQUIRED ENTRIES to be eligible to win. I'm a stickler about this and will make sure you've done them all. I've disqualified a lot of folks in the past for not following directions! :( So be sure to triple check that you've done everything you need to! **

    This giveaway is open worldwide and will close on 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, February 12, 2023. One (1) winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email (and not through any other platform). Remember to include a valid email address in your blog post comment; anonymous commenters must identify themselves so I can contact them! The winner must respond to my email within 48 hours of being contacted or a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be displayed via the widget. 

    This giveaway is hosted and sponsored by The Soubrette Brunette, with generous contributions made by my friends at Kate Gabrielle, Heart of Haute, and Timeless London. Note that in the event of stock or availability issues, comparable prize selections may be made.

    I can't thank you all enough for your support over the past decade. Best of luck and lots of love!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Tuesday, January 31, 2023

    The Single Girl's Survival Guide to Valentine's Day

    Being single isn't always easy. And being single on Valentine's Day? That can be even tougher. It's something I used to dread. I'd do anything to prevent being alone on February 14. And then... something changed. 

    After spending a few years in an unhealthy relationship where I gave too much and received almost nothing in return, I realized that sometimes being on your own is actually a lot less painful than trying to keep things together with someone else. I'd so much rather be single and at peace than coupled up in chaos.

    Still, Valentine's Day for singles can sound depressing. But after spending last year's Hallmark holiday completely on my own, I have to report that it was actually pretty blissful. That surprised me at the time. I took steps to make it feel special, but I wasn't really expecting to enjoy myself quite so much. And now, I'm actually looking forward to being single on Valentine's Day again this year.

    After all, love isn't just for romantic relationships – and there's so much more to life than that one type of partnership. So if you're looking for ways to celebrate Valentine's Day when you're single, I'm sharing what I learned (and what I did) so you can reclaim this day and find the joy in it. 

    My Single Girl's Survival Guide for Valentine's Day


    single girl's guide to valentine's day

    Treat Yourself Like You're Your Own Soulmate

    I've been single for 4+ years now, but I think I've figured out why last year was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had: No one knows what I like more than I do! I can always count on me to buy my favorite candy or my favorite flowers. If I buy myself a little gift, I know I'll be thrilled to receive it. And if I make my own plans, I never have to worry about being let down. 

    If you want to know how to celebrate Valentine's Day single as a Pringle, treat yourself like you're your own soulmate. Buy your own chocolate and bouquet. Get yourself a gift that you might not otherwise buy for yourself. Make plans that you'll love, even if there isn't anyone in your life to experience them with you. Don't wait on someone else to make you happy. You can do that just as well (if not better) for yourself.

    Create Your Hype Girl Playlist

    Music is incredibly powerful. The right song can instantly lift my spirits. So whether you're feeling a little down or just want to keep the party going, I highly recommend making a single on Valentine's Day playlist to carry you through.

    I'm outing myself as a grandma here, but I don't use Spotify. (I literally still buy songs on iTunes – sue me.) Regardless of how you listen to your music, curate or find a playlist that makes you feel confident, empowered, and joyful. Here are some songs that are guaranteed to pump me up:

    "Good as Hell" – Lizzo
    "I'm Every Woman" – Chaka Khan
    "Made You Look" – Megan Trainor
    "Get Into It (Yuh)" – Doja Cat
    "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" – Shania Twain
    "No Scrubs" – TLC
    "Who Do You Think You Are" – Spice Girls
    "B*tch" – Meredith Brooks
    "Savage" – Megan Thee Stallion
    "abcdefu" – Gayle
    "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops)" – Blu Cantrell
    "Shake It Off" – Taylor Swift
    "Up"  – Cardi B
    "Shout Out To My Ex" – Little Mix
    "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" – Cyndi Lauper
    "Push It" – Salt-N-Peppa
    "Barbie Girl" – Aqua
    "Run the World (Girls)" – Beyonce
    "Lady Marmalade" – Christina Aguilera, et al
    "When I Grow Up" – Pussycat Dolls
    "King of Anything" – Sara Bareilles
    "Perfect Day" – Hoku

    What tunes did I miss? Let me know what songs you'd add to this playlist in the comments!

    Make a Spread of Your Favorite Foods

    When some people picture being single on Valentine's Day, they might think of eating a sad frozen dinner. That doesn't have to be your fate! While getting your favorite takeout (or an overpriced heart-shaped pizza) is an awesome option, I also like going the charcuterie-board-and-lots-of-desserts route. That's what I did last year and it felt super festive! I definitely went a bit overboard and got way more food than one person could possibly eat... but then I had leftovers for the rest of the week! Indulging in a favorite food – especially if it's not something you have all the time – can be a great way to celebrate being single on Valentine's Day. Think of it this way: you don't have to compromise on a restaurant or cook a big meal (unless you want to!). You'll get exactly what you want without having to consider anyone else. 


    Watch an Uplifting (or Distracting) Movie

    Watching a movie is one of my favorite ways to relax. But when you're a single woman on Valentine's Day, you might feel like avoiding conventional rom-coms and films that end in happily ever after. I'm at a point where I can enjoy watching a good love story at any time, but I wanted to share a bunch of movies to watch on Valentine's Day when you're single to distract you from reality (or give you hope for the future).

    • The First Wive's Club
    • Music & Lyrics
    • Austenland
    • Mrs. Henderson Presents
    • Amelie
    • The Break-Up
    • The Parent Trap
    • Never Been Kissed
    • Mean Girls
    • Charlie's Angels
    • Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
    • Ocean's 11
    • Legally Blonde
    • Miss Congeniality
    • 9 to 5
    • The Italian Job
    • Practical Magic
    • Ever After
    • Romy & Michele's High School Reunion
    • Knives Out
    • Julie & Julia
    • The Birdcage
    • Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day
    • Spice World
    • My Big Fat Greek Wedding
    • Clueless
    • That Thing You Do!
    • Drop Dead Gorgeous
    • See How They Run

    Set Aside Time For Yourself

    Since Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday this year, you might have to work for most of the day. I have more flexibility with my schedule, so I like to end my workday a little early and schedule some activities to avoid doom-scrolling or being too tired after 8 hours in front of the computer. This year, I might give myself enough time to take a hot shower, do a bit of pampering, assemble my snacky spread, and select my entertainment for the night.

    Even if you can't duck out early, don't treat the plans you made with yourself as an afterthought! When you're a single woman on Valentine's Day, you should prioritize what makes you feel your best. If you're planning to celebrate the weekend before, mindfully carve out some quality alone time. Surrounding yourself with friends or family can be helpful, but I eventually realized I was doing that out of fear. Once I actually took away the distractions, I was able to enjoy myself a lot more. It can feel scary at first (especially if you're not accustomed to being alone), but now I prefer it.

    Wear the Comfiest Clothes

    I love dressing up more than just about anyone. But if I'm planning to stay home by yourself on Valentine's Day, I'm all about being comfortable. I'm talking fleecy pajama pants, an oversized tee, a soft robe, and slippers. For something like this, a hoodie + leggings > a new dress. Of course, I still like to stay on-theme when I'm in lounging attire... but you don't have to follow suit. :) I think I'll be wearing these Old Navy heart pajamas this year! 

    Don't Make it Mean Everything

    Truly celebrating Valentine's Day when you're single can feel impossible at first. But really, it's just another day. It's not a reflection on your worth or on how desirable and lovable you are. I promise. Don't fall into that trap. 

    Being a single woman on Valentine's Day doesn't mean you've failed or that you should be ashamed of where you are in life. I've struggled with feeling this way a lot in the past. But remember: you never know what's going on behind closed doors. That "perfect" relationship you're envying might not be so idyllic. And getting the chance to connect with yourself and prioritize your wants and needs is priceless.

    If nothing else, you will survive being single on Valentine's Day. Even if it sucks, at least you'll have some chocolate and be wearing sweatpants. But it doesn't have to suck quite so much if you have this single girl's survival guide on-hand. And when you don't feel much like showing yourself some love, just know that I'm sending lots of it your way. 

    old navy heart pajamas