So obsessed with these shoes! They are under a $100.

DETAILS: BLACK FIT AND FLARE DRESS | BLACK TURTLENECK | RED FRINGE SANDAL HEELS | SILVER HOOP EARRINGS | SUNGLASSES | RED GUCCI CLUTCH (SIMILAR HERE) |  LIPSTICK (COLOR: RUBY WOO) | SILVER WATCH

CODY: BLACK WOOL BLAZER | WHITE PRINT BUTTON DOWN | DENIM (SIMILAR HERE) | BLUE LOAFERS (OLD – SIMILAR HERE) | SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR HERE) | NAVY WATCH

Cody is surprisingly really romantic. He keeps every card I’ve given him, brings me flowers home just because, leaves notes for me on our bathroom mirror in the morning, I really got lucky with him! When Cody and I were dating, he arranged an elaborate treasure hunt with cards awaiting me at each stop leading from one spot to the next: Starbucks, inside jokes, my favorite lunch spot, shopping spree, our favorite place to look over the city with a CD of all our songs, ending in dinner and cinnamon rolls waiting for me at home. It is still one of my all-time favorite dates (although admittedly I was convinced there would be an engagement ring waiting on the other end, but the cinnamon rolls were a close second 🙂

The treasure hunt was hands-down one of the most memorable dates I’ve had. Cody did it just because but I thought it would make a great Valentine’s Day date. You can adapt a treasure hunt for any wallet, whether you include budget-friendly ideas or go for the gold with extravagant ideas. Below are a few ideas to inspire your own treasure hunt this Valentine’s Day.

• FREE – Make a playlist of ‘your’ songs: There’s nothing like having all your favorite songs in one spot and this will be sure to be on repeat.
• FREE – Clues to take him/her to meaningful places from your relationship: Whether it’s where you first met or the spot of your first kiss, a walk down memory lane will be a definite hit. 
• $ – Favorite drink at your go-to coffee shop: Nothing says you’re paying attention like getting your S/O’s drink order right at your favorite coffee spot. Make them proud and have their favorite drink waiting for them. 
• $-$$ – Shopping at his/her favorite store: Who doesn’t dream of a shopping spree? Have a gift card waiting at your S/O’s favorite store and let them indulge a little. I’m loving Express‘ collection for date night looks right now, especially their dresses. I just got this dress and love the eyelet detail at the hem (also got this one). And I love this red fringe heel that’s the perfect festive touch for Valentine’s Day, whether you add it to your LBD or dress up boyfriend jeans. 
• $$ – Pampering: Whether it’s a massage, manicure/pedicure, or another one of their guilty pleasures, your date won’t refuse an opportunity to unwind. 
• $-$$$ – Dinner at his/her favorite restaurant: If you’re S/O’s favorite restaurant is one you save for special occasions, there’s no better time than the present (or Valentine’s Day 😉 
• FREE-$$$$ – For an extravagant treasure hunt, go big by checking off items of your date’s bucket list. Whether it’s free or something more adventurous like skydiving, swimming with sharks, or a helicopter ride, it will be a truly unforgettable date.

XX, Christine

*Photos by JessaKae. In collaboration with Express.