When preparing for any good date, I always start with the proper foundation and I'm of the firm belief that all men love black lace lingerie. I love this set because -- like most Calvin Klein underwear -- it's sexy but also comfortable enough to actually, you know, wear on your date. The LBD is obviously pretty simple, but I love the drapey, flattering neckline and there's almost nothing that feels better against the skin than silk. Love it.

Since I'm not attending a fasionable funeral, I'd go ahead and layer on some color: I selected a beautiful multi-colored floral d'Orsay pump from Kate Spade. The beauty of a shoe like this is that you can pull a variety of colors from it (black, pink, red) so it really is a lot more versatile than you might initially think. For a coat, I love Boden's purple bow coat. I honestly don't understand why most people buy black outerwear. I always found it a lot cheerier to throw on a bright coat day after day than a drab black one. Besides, throw on a purple (or pink) coat and you look instantly chicer -- even if all you've got on is your sweats underneath. Believe me, this was pretty much my M.O. in college. For accessories, I selected Boden's clutch to echo the floral detailing in the shoe. In black, however, the bag becomes more architectural than cutesy and doesn't compete with the shoe. For jewelry, just some lovely small hoops (again with some floral detailing -- after all, if you can't be a little bit cheesy on Valentine's Day, then when can you?) and a big floral cocktail ring, both from Juicy Couture (who have a surprisingly nice costume jewelry line).

And finally, a little something for the senses: my favorite perfume courtesy for Christian Dior and a spicy candle from my favorite modern alchemist. If the scents of spicy pink pepper and exotic pink jasmine don't get me in the mood for love, I'll try playing a little of this on the old iPod. Always works.