5 Spicy Red Finds to Wear (and Gift) on Valentine's Day

Monday, January 23, 2012

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Red, the color of passion and aggression, represents Valentine's Day beautifully. Whether you have a significant other or not, why not get in the spirit of St. Valentine? You could always celebrate like I did last year. It was the most awkward Valentine's ever because I spent the evening sitting between my parents at a romantic Italian restaurant, which reminded me of how I spent my Valentine's Day when I was 12. Anyhow, this year I have vowed to make Valentine's Day less weird and I plan to go to dinner with girlfriends or be spirited at home. Either way, I like to be festive and up my red and pink during this time, and try to find my mom and good friends little gifts to show them that their love has made life easier for me.

A perfect gift for dear friends is this bangle from Betsey Johnson. It is a simple, girly gift that can be sassed up with a stack of gold bangles to give it a more va-va-voom factor, but, simply put, it relays a thank you with heart.

Betsey Johnson Skinny Heart Bangle Bracelet

→ Buy the Betsey Johnson Skinny Heart Bangle Bracelet, $30.00, at betseyjohnson.com.


If you are unlike me and have a hot date for Valentine's Day, then strut your stuff in BCBG's back cutout dress. This dress is great because it's sexy without being uber risqué. It's a simple dress that would look stunning with a nice, sophisticated up-do. Keep it classic with dark eyes and light lips.

BCBGeneration Back Cutout Dress

→ Buy the BCBGeneration Back Cutout Dress, $98.00, at bcbg.com.


Another option to floor him would be Bebe's backless red dress that has a drape like design on the back. I love the dress because it has a "wow" factor. The dress looks so deceivingly conservative yet sexy from the front and as soon as you walk away and give your audience your backside, they'll be sure to be impressed.

Bebe Backless Drape Dress

→ Buy the Bebe Backless Drape Dress, $129.00, at bebe.com.


Did you think I forgot about red shoes? I would never dream of leaving out my favorite accessory. Valentino's ultra feminine patent leather glossy red shoes have a flirty bow tie on top that make this shoe a stunning center piece to any outfit. The oversized bow balances out this attention hungry shoe. Dress this down with some black, sleek capris and a simple button down shirt. Some ladies may not be able to wear a shoe so overbearing and, for you ladies, I can find a simple version -- don't you worry.

Valentino Couture Bow d'Orsay Pump

→ Buy the Valentino Couture Bow d'Orsay Pump, $645.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.


Stuart Weitzman's patent leather red pumps are simple and wearable over the years. Take this out for some exercise every time your outfit requires a bold color. I like the shorter heel, making them more versatile and a better office choice.

Stuart Weitzman Platswoon Pumps

→ Buy the Stuart Weitzman Platswoon Pumps, $298.00, at bloomingdales.com.


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Kim Moshtaghi
Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.