Galentine’s Day is here! And despite it being a relatively new holiday, this one is one of our absolute favorites, right up there with Thanksgiving. If you’re unfamiliar with where Galentine’s Day comes from, you need to look no further than to the iconic episode of “Parks and Recreation” where Leslie Knope (as played by Amy Poehler) declares that February 13th should be a day that she and her gal pals get together and celebrate “ovaries before brovaries”. She explains in the episode, "Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas."
All joking aside, there’s nothing we love more than celebrating and uplifting women. We know that we are always stronger together, whether it’s at work, at home, or out in the community. KIM+ONO is an online shop and kimono store built by two sisters who know the power that comes from a community of strong and like-minded women coming together in service of a larger mission. For us, that mission is to elevate your every day and make you feel like the queen you are. And what better day to do that than Galentine’s Day? So this February 13th, we’ve got a round up of five ways to throw the perfect Galentine’s Day for your beloved besties and to do as Leslie Knope says and be “ladies celebrating ladies”. Learn how to celebrate Galentine's Day your way as you read our Galentine's Day ideas below.
There may be nothing that brings you back to your adolescent self more quickly than shopping with a gal pal. But now that you’re an adult, you can upgrade wandering around the local mall to boutique hopping with your bestie! We love find local shops with great stories where we can hop in and out with our best friends, discovering handcrafted goods and unexpected treasures. If you’re San Francisco, our kimono store is one place to hop into this Galentine’s Day. Try on this red kimono robe or a black silk kimono robe like the ones above or discover our collection of wellness tools, candles, and teas to elevate your senses. Finding a little street where you can stroll and talk and pick up something special makes for a perfect pal date.
Be honest. When you were a teen, did you ever rock out with your best friends and pretend to be Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera? Did you know all the moves to every music video? If you’re nodding your head, then, like us, the nostalgia for those musical days is real. Our suggestion? Create a Galentine’s Girl Band Album Cover and do a photoshoot! Whether you’re draped in gorgeous kimono style like above, or rocking your early 2000s jeans and camisole tops, get together with your gals and do a photoshoot that represents all the things you still are: fun, inspired, maybe a little goofy, and best friends.
On the other end of the spectrum, maybe your Galentine’s Day should feature a beautiful and classy cocktail party for your group of gals. Sip champagne and toast your years of friendship. Order in from your favorite restaurant for a small gathering or serve light hors d'oeuvres for a bigger group. Play your favorite music and light a few ambient candles. Slip into your kimono cardigan for a lightweight layer over a simple dress and elevate every part of your party with the little touches of detail that mark the occasion as the beautiful day it is.
If you really want to wow your ride or die friends, gift them something they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Each one of our kimono styles is as unique as your friends. Whether you gift a short kimono cardigan that your best friend can wear to work or out on date night, or a gorgeous pink kimono robe that your other best friend can lounge around in, there’s a little something for everyone. With a mix of materials from a charmeuse-polyester that can be washed at home, to 100% silks, to washable silks, and even plus size kimono robes, the designs and lengths make the possibilities almost endless. And what better way to tell the women in your life that they deserve self care, love, and a little luxury every single day?
If the thought of throwing a party or heading out on the town makes you sleepy already (by the way, we get it!), then a hygge night at home is the perfect Galentine’s Day treat! Call for a babysitter or tag out so your partner can watch the kids and have a sleepover! Get your ladies together to watch a movie, make a pizza, break out the red wine, and sit back and relax. We won’t tell if you even decide to wear matching green kimono robes, but we would love a photo! Taking the time to carve out a moment to tell your ladies how important they are to you, and that just hanging at home is a luxurious treat, is truly the best way to continue to strengthen friendship and love. Take time for the important women in your life by staying in, chatting, and connecting face to face.
We love the idea of Galentine’s Day, and thank our lucky stars that Leslie Knope brought it into our lives a decade ago. Whether you are celebrating this February 13th, or swapping out Valentine’s Day for this woman-powered holiday, we hope you are feeling all sorts of love this weekend. And remember, if you do get together with your gals and happen to be rocking your kimono style, show us! Tag us on Instagram @kimandono_ and #swaythisway so we can celebrate you and the love you share with your best friends. Happy Galentine’s Day!
