By Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Every Jan. 14th, my husband makes the grand romantic gesture of making the call bright and early to the latest new restaurant we’ve been dying to try out, in hopes of nailing down a reservation for dinner on Valentine’s Day. This whole ritual has two immediate effects on me: I’m completely turned on by his planning ahead, and equally as excited about finding an outfit that’s worthy of this gesture.

And while I haven’t always had someone playing the role of Thoughtful Husband to help me plan out my Valentine’s Day, I long ago made a pact with myself never to spend Feb. 14 by myself — a decision that’s always served me well. So whether your options include going out for cocktails with your best friends or tucking into a night on the couch with a new beau, this is your perfect excuse to give yourself a little something (think red!) to look stunning in.

Going to the Hot New Restaurant

When you’re talking a $200 prix-fixe menu and elbow-rubbing with local celebs, you’ve got carte blanche — nay, the responsibility — to show up at dinner dressed to kill. Tracy Reese’s Rose Garden dress fills the demure/sexy order perfectly, and Jill Stuart’s drop-dead red strapless number is the kind of dress I’ve been fantasizing about since I was in grade school. Top it with a sharp little cropped jacket from Diane Von Furstenberg then watch your date catch his breath when you peel it off at dinner, and he realizes for the second time that night that he’s sitting with the hottest girl in the restaurant.

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