I’ve never really celebrated Valentine’s Day beyond buying and receiving chocolate. This year, though, I wanted to step up my game. So when I heard that a little boutique in East Rock called The Haven Collective was hosting a “A Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Shop,” I knew the perfect opportunity had presented itself. That didn’t involve a blind date.
From Sun., Feb. 1 through Sun., Feb. 14, a trek over to East Rock will present you with a variety of gifts from a “curated selection” of soy candles from a producer called Northeast Nutmeg, to different all-natural beauty products from Poor & Pretty, to kitchen supplies from Whisk & Brush. The windows glowed with twinkling Christmas lights, and the frames had an appropriately kitschy faux-rustic paint job.
Confession: When Claire Goldsmith, ES ’18, and I walked in on a recent Saturday evening, we were still trying to figure out how these products relate to love. Outside the door, a rosy-hued sign proclaimed that all red and pink items found in the store were 20 to 30 percent off—the perfect incentive to buy your significant other a vintage red corset before the big day. I’ve been to The Haven Collective quite a few times before, but never had I been so tempted by a pink pleated skirt that smelled like my grandmother’s closet.
Upon entering, Goldsmith and I were devastated to discover we had just missed a “Galentine’s Day pop-up shop + spa day.” I knew about the pop-up store, but not the unique opportu- nity to craft with my girl friend. (I had to be informed that “Galentine’s Day” is an alternative holiday dedicated to celebrating your gal pals, created by Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler’s charac- ter on Parks and Recreation). Owner and vintage-hunter Melissa Gonzales, who was tidying The Haven Collective’s snack table when we walked in, told me that if had I purchased a ticket in advance, I could have made my own bath salts and creams with “the lovely ladies of Poor & Pretty.”
Thankfully, the snack selection was still robust, as it’s been on each of my visits. The white wooden table near the entrance (now that I think about it, a great way to lure customers) boasts gourmet salted-caramel, hot chocolate mix, a vast array of tea bags, sparking water, candy, and usually some homemade baked good. Banana bread has been the best offering so far. I filled my pockets with Lindt chocolates adorned with little pink hearts and munched as I meandered around the store. Hand drawn signs for “Vintage Sign Lettering,” “Knitted Socks,” “Cookie Jars,” “Vintage Greeting Cards,” and “Handmade Aprons” were hung artfully around the displays.
Once I got to the register, I saw printed on a chalkboard a whole calendar of crafting events, including jewelry, woodworking, and knitting. They seem to cater to those who would rather craft in the company of others rather than alone with their cats. I promised her I would be back for the Feb. 15 make-your-own hanging notepad event. Disclaimer: Having my own hanging notepad was not a desire I knew I had until The Haven Collective presented this opportunity. But now I can’t shake the feeling that my first year at Yale wouldn’t be complete without at least one Sunday spent crafting in East Rock.
Having spent a full 45 minutes sipping The Haven Collective’s tea and eating the leftover pastries from “Galentine’s Day” crafting, we definitely needed to make some nice, local purchases that weren’t—this time—edible. So Goldsmith and I chose from the “Valentine’s Pop- Up” section, whose products didn’t differ much from the rest of The Haven Collective’s except by their position at the front of the store. I get the feeling that the “Valentine’s Day” theme was leaning heavily on the idea that lit candles equal cinematic lovemaking. Old Campus could use that extra spice.
After much deliberation, Claire went for the full-sized “Namaste Bitches” candle, redolent with the smell of lemongrass, patchouli, and sugar. Because I was unable to commit to just one scent, (smelling all of the bath salts on display as well all of the candles inhibited my sinus’s ability to choose a favorite), this lucky reporter instead got six. I went for a sampler pack of mini-candles: “This Little Figgy, “Laundry,” “Lavender Lemonade,” “Whipped Cream,” “Black Currant Tea,” and the one and only “Namaste Bitches.” I’m planning on trying each one until I find out which one is best poised to up my V-day game.
Happy Valentine’s Day, bitches