2009 AAMBC for Magazine of the Year

Most women get excited when Valentine's Day rolls around! Whether you are in a relationship and plan to wine and dine your significant other or swing solo and look forward to an evening out with your girlfriends, this day definitely calls for romantic, sexy fashion.

This season, paler, softer hues are gaining momentum (lavender, peach, baby blue, cream), but rich tones are definite dos on Valentine's Day. Shades of red, purple, pink, chocolate, or turquoise can make a sensual statement...when worn correctly. Remember that there is such a thing as going overboard with a color, and the last thing you want is to be known as that clueless girl who does tacky on holidays. One of the best ways to balance color with an outfit on Valentine's Day is to include black where it counts. Black is also a sexy statement, while being an easy go-to-piece and versatile as well. You can wear black pants with a colored blouse, a little black dress with a colored heel or colored shawl, a black drapey top with a colored mini skirt, or all black with colored accessories and a clutch. Of course, what you wear is based on several factors, such as your personality, environment, and budget (Do you have the money and time to go shopping for something new?)

But if you're thinking that black is too safe of a color and want to go all out, than be very conscious of the cut, the fabric, and sizing. Black is slimming we know this, so be sure to select pieces wisely if you go for the full monty in color.

A tip for your boyfriend or husband: Wearing color, such as with a shirt, vest, tie, or pocket square handkerchief, can embrace Valentine's Day while showing off their fashionable side. And incorporating black works just as fine for them too (as it is most likely their natural move) when paired up with a rich hue.

Happy Valentine's Day!

“Peace, love, and cute shoes!” 

Every season has its own essentials – its own list of must-haves for both fashionable and practical reasons. Winter is one of those times where the practicality factor comes first. and forces us all to evaluate own own wardrobe before shopping for new the season's basics. I suppose that summer, spring, and fall is really the same, in that the weather guides our decisions on what to wear. It's just that winter can be the most overbearing and in-your-face (pun intended) chill to work with.

So how you do you look cute and stay warm, all without spending a fortune? Here are the top 3 essentials that all women should all have, just in time for winter.

Boots: Never out of vogue and available in a diverse selection of styles, boots are a woman's best friend. No doubt that we all have at least one pair in our closets from last season, or even two or three seasons ago. I'm sure many of these pairs are still stylish and wearable. But are you feeling bored? Maybe you wish you could actually break away from the color black once in awhile, or maybe you wish that you mustered up enough confidence to try the over-the-knee style. Boots can be one of the most exciting types of footwear you will own. Therefore, having fun and uncovering cute styles shouldn't have to be a headache. So if you are already comfortable in your everyday, black sludging-in-the-snow boots, fashionable boots should be next on your list. Visit Target, JCPenney, and Kohls if you wanna save.

Scarves: You can wrap them around your neck once, twice, three times...depending how chilly you are and your style for the day! Yes, scarves ladies. This is the most chic accessory you will have in you closet, no matter which season. Just as there are a variety of boots, with new styles that crop up per each season's demands, scarves are a great way to look cute and stay warm. One of the best places to find this accessory for a fraction of what they cost at department stores, high-end boutique, and online shopping outlets is at a shoe shop. From Payless to the Nine West outlet, the scarves sold at these stores may be sold at a less expensive cost, but the quality is still good. Fabulous fashion can be cheap and brag-worthy.

A black coat: You may be thinking, “Of course I know a black coat is an essential. Are you kidding me?” There are actually many fashionistas who get so caught up in new trends that shopping for basic must-haves can be overlooked. Whether you prefer a black peacoat or a short, black, leather motocycle jacket is up to you. It is just important to have some sort of black, quality coat or jacket that keeps you all fuzzy and warm inside while still expressing your personality. If you are also the same gal who is gonna head on down to Target, JCPenney, and Kohls to check out the new boots, you may want to throw a black coat or jacket on the list and do a 2-for-1 shopping trip. And if you really, really want to save a little more money, pop in one of your local thrift shops or consignment stores. One of my recent, favorite purchases from the Goodwill is a black, Forever 21, blazer-style coat for five bucks. 'Nough said?