VALENTINE'S ISSUE

I chose to do a Valentine's theme for my Delicious Dolls February column and thought this was the perfect opportunity to talk about my love affair with the 1940s and 1950s.

Entitled “A Love Affair With The 1940s/50s”, this is still one of my favourite columns and included 5 tips for traditional style dating. Steeped in authenticity and nostalgia, who doesn’t love some good old-fashioned romance? Honestly, sometimes, I really think that I was born in the wrong era.

A Love Affair with the 1940s/50s

Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite times of the year for a number of reasons, but particularly because, as many pin-up models will know, it provides the perfect excuse to experiment with all manner of different looks and shoot ideas – with hearts in your eyes, of course!

And this year, Valentine’s Day has even more of a significance for me, as it marks a personal milestone that I am pretty proud of… on the 14th of February, I’ll have been a pin up model for a whole 2 years. And, you know what, I’ve enjoyed every single second of it!

In my previous article, I mentioned that I loved nothing more than experimenting with playful looks from the 1940s and 50s. I love this era, because it is steeped in authenticity and nostalgia. What’s more, it also allows me to have lots of fun creating looks that really capture the essence of these fabulous decades. I honestly love nothing more than looking at pictures of vintage couples and pin up models from this period – I really do think that I was born in the wrong era!

Valentine’s Day is an age-old tradition, marked by people around the world as a celebration of love and romance, with couples exchanging gifts, cards and other gestures of admiration and love for one another. Ahhhh, it’s enough to make you go all warm and gooey inside, or is that just me?

So, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I decided to bring together my passion for the 1940s and 50s, with my soft spot for Valentine’s Day and put together 6 dating tips that were typical during these decades…

Manners are everything

Having good manners is important in all aspects of life, but particularly when it comes to dating. And it’s not just about remembering your please and thank yous, it’s about giving your date your undivided attention.

And that means putting your phone away, remembering to keep your eyes to yourself (this means ensuring that your eyes don’t wander when it comes to admiring the opposite sex!), and remembering to hold open the door. To all you men out there, pull out her chair and always remember to let your date order first. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t flirt with the waiter serving you – this applies to both ladies and gents!

Leave your ego at home

Nobody likes someone who constantly blows their own trumpet or has a high opinion of themself… so egotistical comments about how attractive you are, how many dates you’ve been on, or how many people fancy you, should definitely be left at home. There’s definitely a fine line between coming across sexy and confident, and having too much of a high opinion of yourself!

Make sure your car is sparkling clean

On a first date, first impressions really do count! So, if you’re picking up your date in your car, make sure it’s spotless. And, if you really want to wow your date, turn up with flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine for instant brownie points!

Oh and remember gentlemen, make sure you pick your date up at her door and always ensure that she gets home safely, regardless of how well the date went.

Appear dignified and composed

Ensuring that you are immaculately presented will always increase your chances of enjoying a successful date.

So for all you gents out there, this means ensuring that you arrive clean-shaven and well groomed. And your date won’t want to see caps, low-slung trousers, or dirty trainers! Think a well-fitted suit, shirt and smart shoes to instantly win her over.

And ladies, think sophistication and timeless class. Avoid plunging necklines, cropped T –shirts, and whatever you do, don’t be tempted to over-do it on the make-up.

Don’t air your dirty laundry in public – leave your baggage at home where it belongs

We all have a past and most of us will have experienced a bad relationship at some point. But, when it comes to dating, make sure that you leave your baggage at home.

Trust me, your date will not want to hear about your ex or partners you’ve been out with in the past.

I have to admit that I really am a sucker for a good old fashioned love story, and I’d love to step back in time to the days when it was customary for men to shower their partners with flowers and chocolates, take them out on romantic dinner dates, and enjoy dance dates with one another! You know, the little things that can mean the world…

After all, feeling important, loved and appreciated is everything when it comes to finding the perfect guy! Unfortunately a lot of these simple traditions have been lost on the men of today.

So it’s probably not going to come as so much of a surprise that my perfect date would definitely be a romantic candlelit dinner for two followed by snuggles on the sofa in front of an old film – I really am easily pleased!

Let me know what your ideal Valentine's date would include below :)

Heather xx