Born in Spain and raised in the UK, Rosa Crespo is a multilingual, multitalented, multifaceted and ultra-stylish Instagram star. But she is no mere influencer: she was educated at Cambridge and Central Saint Martins and first caught the eye of fashion insiders through her New York blog. Now, Rosa inspires over 360,000 of her followers with her impeccable outfit choices, partnerships with some of the biggest luxury fashion brands in the world, including Fendi and Dior, and travels to some of the world’s most beautiful places, which she reports on for Vogue.
And, as well as a keen interest in skiing, tennis and Formula 1, Rosa also has a particular knack for being able to find the perfect gift for those she loves. A talent that comes in handy for occasions such as Valentine’s Day.
Read on for Rosa’s take on the art of gift-giving and the best – and worst – Valentine’s Day gifts that she’s ever received.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself eagerly anticipating the opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms. For me, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic relationships; it is a day to celebrate all the love in my life, whether it’s for a partner, a friend, a family member, or even my beloved pet. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of the enduring power and force of love. It is a day to express appreciation, gratitude and affection for those who hold a special place in our hearts.
One of the aspects of Valentine’s Day that I particularly adore is the joy of finding the perfect gift for someone special. There is something magical about the process of selecting a gift that you know will bring a smile to their face and make them feel cherished. Whether it’s a thoughtful gesture, a heartfelt message, or a grand show of love, the act of giving gifts on Valentine’s Day is an expression of our deepest emotions.
I’ve had my fair share of memorable Valentine’s Day gift-giving experiences, each with its own unique charm and occasional mishaps. One particular Valentine’s Day stands out in my memory – it was the first one I celebrated with my current boyfriend. We decided to keep it simple yet meaningful, opting for a romantic dinner followed by a weekend getaway to Rome.
The ambience was enchanting, with soft candlelight illuminating the cosy restaurant as gentle melodies filled the air. As we exchanged gifts, I was delighted to receive a bouquet of red roses, a timeless symbol of love, from my boyfriend. It was the first time he had ever given me flowers, and the gesture filled my heart with warmth and affection. The weekend spent exploring the cobblestone streets of Rome together only added to the magic of the occasion, creating cherished memories that I will always hold dear.
Another memorable Valentine’s Day gift-giving experience took place when I was living in New York City. Despite being miles apart, my then-boyfriend went above and beyond to make me feel loved and appreciated. He surprised me with tickets to a concert by one of my favourite artists, creating a memorable evening filled with music and laughter. But the surprises didn’t end there.
As I returned from a trip to London on Valentine’s Day, exhausted from the long flight, I was greeted at the airport by my boyfriend holding a large handwritten letter expressing his love and devotion. His thoughtful gesture touched my heart in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And when I arrived home, I was greeted with yet another surprise – a beautiful piece of art that he had carefully selected just for me. The originality and thoughtfulness of his gifts left me speechless, overwhelmed with gratitude and love.
While these experiences were filled with joy and romance, not every Valentine’s Day gift-giving moment goes according to plan. While I have always appreciated the gesture, there have been rare occasions when well-intentioned gifts have missed the mark. I remember one hastily chosen piece of jewellery that didn’t quite resonate with me and highlighted the importance of thoughtful consideration when selecting gifts for loved ones. It’s not about the price tag or extravagance; it’s about the sentiment behind the gift and the effort put into choosing something that truly reflects the recipient’s tastes and preferences.
In the end, it’s not the gift itself that matters most to me, but the love and thought behind it. Whether it’s a grand romantic gesture or a simple handwritten note, the most meaningful gifts are those that come from the heart. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, I look forward to celebrating love in all its forms, cherishing the special moments and creating new memories with those who mean the most to me.
