CheekyChicago

If you’re single-and-ready-to-mingle, cozy in couple-dom, immersed in wedded bliss or, maybe gushy mushy love stuff makes you basically want to barf, we at Cheeky don’t discriminate.  We know that Valentine’s Day is unavoidable and everyone celebrates it in their own way, for their own reasons.  So we’ve chosen to ‘tis the season of romance with as many unique, innovative, romantic and anti-romantic ways, tips, gifts and insights to make this year’s V-Day the exact kind you need.  And whatever way that may be, with this list, we know it’s sure to be nothing if not the Cheekiest.

INDULGE

For You and Your Honey:  The Couple’s Massage at the dana hotel and spa

Find your way to this lush urban oasis on the fourth floor of the industrially chic dana hotel, slip into a buttery soft robe, choose from a selection of aphrodisiac-enhanced essential oils, let go during your aromatherapy deep tissue massage and emerge from relaxation with a glass of Champagne and Godiva chocolate truffles in the spa’s lounge. Your boyfriend will enjoy it, too.

For You: The Chocolate Facial at the Spa at Equinox

Chocolate is evidently the ingredient of romance, courtship and self-indulgence, not to mention it’s down right delicious.  But did you know that cocoa beans are rich in antioxidants, fats in cocoa butter are natural moisturizers and caffeine in chocolate awakens the skin to leave you feeling invigorated and revitalized? We didn’t either. Ditch the boyfriend (whether he’s existent or not) and go get pampered.

SHOP FOR GIFTS

For you: Cheeky’s Signature Necklace

While this may seem like a shameless plug – and maybe it is – our Cheeky necklaces are pretty darn adorable. In our signature gold ($79) and classy silver ($59), they are simple and stylish, not to mention fabulous throwbacks to the nameplate necklace a la Carrie Bradshaw, but  most of all, they sum up in just one little word the exact kind of chick you are.  Purchase them here.

For You.  And Him.  (But Really More Him Than You.): Ta-Ta-Toos

Love (if you’re lucky) lasts forever. These racy, sexy and surprising temporary tattoos fortunately do not. Surprise him in the bedroom (or the kitchen, hotel room, dinner table or whatever tickles your naughty fancy) with these extra-personal, newly discovered, Ta-Ta-Toos. With verbiage like: “Bite Me,” “Happy Anniversary,” and “Guess What? I’m Pregnant,” it’s one of the Cheekiest expressions of love we’ve ever seen, and sure to make for one memorable Valentine’s day… moment. $12.95 retail.

For Your Best Friend: Erin Gordon Bracelets

In a word: gorgeous. This local-based jewelry designer knows how to blend glamorous chic with casual hip. Gordon uses all kinds of beautiful stone beads, embellished with sparkling balls and charms like mini-Buddhas, feathers, skulls, flowers and crowns that can play up your cocktail dress or give your jeans added style. With a touch of Eastern flair and a signature look unlike anything else in Chicago, nothing says “I love you, girl” like an Erin Gordon bracelet.  Sold exclusively at SARCA.

For Your Best Friend Who Just Got Dumped: Bitter Little Dutch Boy T-Shirts

“Really?” “Wtf.” “Oh Snap!” “Whoa.” “Omg.” Let her get out her aggression/confusion/fury/relief with these super soft, cotton jersey, fitted baby tees from Nashville designer, Ray Di Pietro. They are cute enough to rock out at a bar (when she’s on the prowl to pick up her next prey) and comfy enough to lounge in around the house (when she’s crying her eyes out over said ex).  It wouldn’t hurt to pick one up for yourself…. just in case. We’re not sayin’, we’re just sayin…

GET PRETTY

For Your Big Night Out: Blo Dri Salon

So you’re the girl with the hot date. We’re excited for you! And we know as well as you do that you’ve gotta have the hot hair and hot make-up to go with your hot dress, hot shoes and hot honey.  Make an appointment at our favorite salon for the best blow out you will ever get, a vixen-like hairstyle of your choice and flawless make-up from the fun, flirty and pin-up-esque brand, Too Faced.  Confidence is the hottest accessory of them all. Get it, girl.

For Your Cheap Night Out: Do It Yourself with Twisted Sistah

If you’re on a beauty diet this year and a trip to the salon isn’t in the financial cards for you, stop by your nearest Walgreens for this super Cheeky new line of fab hair products to get yourself pretty for your big night out.  (Yes, you heard us. We said Walgreens). Inspired by London-based hair guru Stephen Durham, curly girls, frizzy femmes and sleek sisters will enjoy products like the Relaxing Straightening Cream, 30 Second Curl Spray, Different Strokes Serum and the Curl Activator. The formulations include good-for-you ingredients such as Vitamin E to protect against UV damage and Panthenol to strengthen and protect against breakage, as well as naturally-derived emollients to boost shine. For less than $5 per product, you’ll have room in your budget to pick up some chocolates and maybe even a Hallmark Card.   And while we know nothing says “I love you” like a Hallmark card, we also know that nothing says “I love me” like great hair.

To learn more about Jessica and read about how Jessica herself feels about Valentine’s Day this year, check out her personal blogs and bio.