WITH LOVE ON VALENTINES DAY traditional = RED ROSES, CHAMPAGNE, A DINNER FOR TWO, SPARKLING JEWELS OR SOME SEXY LINGERIE. But there are plenty of alternatives - a posy of fragrant gardenias, pink rose with a fresh salmon lunch, a charm bracelet full of silver hearts or a pair of ballet slippers and even many more options, so check out the following for last minute gift ideas. Whatever your choice, enjoy your day!
Allegra – fashion & other snazzy bits
This is a relative newcomer to the popular Jl Kunti (shop 6, Seminyak, t:734019) Fabulous imaginative fashion & accessories set within what has to be an award winner for shop interior design. The perfect spot to make that last minute Valentine purchase, peek into the glass showcase where any number of items will surely take your fancy. Some very pretty frothy undies, a glam silver box holding what must be the prettiest bar of cherry blossom soap by Mor, divine body cream sitting in a ivory ceramic tub by Badgley Mischka, girly feminine pots of lip balm & powder compacts, Stella McCartney perfume vials, Grace perfume from New York, body cream by Salvador Dali, novel little love birds from Swaziland that are candles (Light from Africa) a range of delectable vintage earrings and a stunning silver neckpiece loaded with a myriad of crystals, mother of pearl, pearls, hearts & love birds, all vintage pieces from Ghost & Lola.
Tirta Naga – Tribal Art from around the archipelago
This is truly a treasure trove for the serious collector, or for many of us that appreciate ancient history art & antiques. Some massive bronze Chinese antique gongs, ikats from Sumba, engraved & colorful screens from Madura, carved totem rods from Boneo, bronze bracelets, masks and a collection of whale bone hunter’s combs & hair sticks from the Tanimbar Isles. I loved the small porcelain powder boxes (Sung Dynasty) miniature ceramic vases (Ming Dynasty) & a unique set of spoons from Timor & Toraja. And then from Suluwesi, a set of engraved silver boxes with chain (to hold tobacco) So put this gallery on your list, it will give you some variation between visiting all those frock boutiques and trust me that you will find a worthy gift for your Valentine. On the ground floor artfully combined & displayed within all this history, are bits ‘n bobs of fashion jewelry & other gifts for those that aren’t ‘into’ tribal art.
(Jl Laksmana/Oberoi 26, Seminyak, T: 737 650)
Heliconia – for the best in flowers & floral arrangements
Oh I just so love this store, go on in and take a look, the guys in here are such clever souls turning out such fantastic & fabulous arrangements. Not only for your regular weekly supply, but Heliconia do all the best parties on the isle, popular too for weddings & other events. Choose from red & green anthuriums, red & yellow banana heliconia, lobster heliconia & hanging sexy pinks. Red ginger, yellow beehives & mini pineapples on stalks. Exotic orchids, Chinese ‘lucky’ bamboo, red bamboo, loads of green leaves & more! Present 8 red anthuriums to your beloved this Valentines Day, (8 for your lucky Chinese number) Jl Raya Basingkasa, 88X Seminyak, T: 732 700
La Fleur De Lys - furniture craftsmanship & more
Again another newcomer, keep your eyes peeled, it’s the store opposite Lucy’s Batik at the top end of Jl Raya Basangkasa before you hit the busy Jl Kerobokan. Well, this is a surprising find, some rather incredible pieces of handcrafted furniture made from coconut pieces, some with marble, rattan or coconut inlay on the top. There’s a great modula table which houses four stools that can slide out when you need to sit! But we are onto Valentines ideas, so some stunning mirrors line the walls. There are two round ‘sun’ mirrors from the Louis XIV period with a special gold finish on the wood, there’s a most unusual square frame with hanging rods at the top which ‘hold’ gold curtains, from the Napoleon period. Another find is a collection of French Clichy crystal handmade ornaments, delicate glass containers & sweet bowls, these are just superb! And displayed throughout the store is a decorative range of traditional Songket woven fabrics made into cushions covers, bed and table linen ware. A most interesting store, well worth a visit to purchase your objet of desire!
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