Ready or Not

© Flic

With Valentine's Day looming like a heart-shaped helium balloon on the horizon, there are a lot of mixed feelings floating around. But whether you're planning a romantic weekend with your sweetheart, moping because you don't have one, or hoping to finally snag that certain someone we, have the answer to the most important question of all: "What are you going to wear?"

Friday: Sex in Unusual Places

What: SEX Exhibit: OPENING RECEPTION
Where: CANDO Arts Co-Op
When:  7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

© Vivienne Westwood, Anya Himarch, Dolce Vita, Aldo, Betsey JohnsonIf “SEX” in capital letters doesn’t get your attention, then the work on display at CANDO Arts Co-Op definitely will. Featuring dozens of local and international artists, SEX seeks to explore our fascination with procreation (in the human and animal kingdoms alike) through painting, sculpture, video, multi-media installations and live performances. This Friday’s opening reception also promises Aural Pleasures by DJ Inga Ambrosia.

An art opening on SoBe is a little ritzier than your regular Wynwood walk, so step out to SEX in a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania New Ariana Striped Dress. The deep pink and navy combo is fresh and unexpected, and a great backdrop for a chunky gold Big Links Chain by Betsey Johnson. Accessorize with a metallic blue snakeskin Anya Hindmarch Luce Clutch, ALLBRITTON mix-and-match bangles and beaded bracelets from Aldo, and big, sparkly Bette Platform Sandals by Dolce Vita for a look that will take you out on the town, after SEX.

Saturday: Party Over Here

What: Art Walk After Party
Where:  Villa 221
When: 9:00 p.m.

© Madewell, Topshop, Alexis Bittar, Jessica Simpson Collection, NotifyMFb was stumped when we saw the anonymous-looking flyer for this after party. Stark white on black lettering boasted FULL BAR/GUEST DJ’s/NO COVER, 9:00 P.M. at Villa 221. Sounds good to us, but we were still a little confused. Turns out Villa 221 is that beautiful, sprawling Spanish villa on desolate NE 17 street, a special-events venue that we’ve always been curious about. Finally, an excuse to check it out. Whether you go to Art Walk or not, be sure not to miss this mysterious (and mysteriously early) after-party and see what all the hype is about.

Something else we’ve also been curious to try is the 70’s-throwback trend. We’ve been hearing a lot about it, and seeing it on all the runways but we’ve yet to see some diva strutting her stuff in bell-bottoms here in Miami. So try it out for yourself in Notify Opium High Rise Flared Jeans – don’t fear the flare! What’s old is new again and we predict that skinny jeans might be on their way out. Pair them with a Madewell Structured Silk Tank in black, and a Metallic Silver Leather Skinny Plait Belt from Topshop for a simple silhouette up top. Wide-leg pants like these call for super-seventies Dany Platform Sandals by Jessica Simpson, and fierce red Beaded Hoop Earrings, also from Topshop. For a little modern glamour, slide on the Alexis Bittar Miss Havisham Oversized Ring and you're good to go.

Sunday: Wine & Dine

What: Valentine’s Dinner
Where: Vino E Olio
When: Dinner served from 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

© Twenty8Twelve, Lova, Alex and Ani, Diane von FurstenbergSo technically Valentine’s Day isn’t until Monday, but with your busy week we’re figuring that a lot of couples are going to do their V-Day dining over the weekend. Luckily, Vino E Olio planned ahead and is offering their Due Cuori, or “two hearts” menu all weekend long, featuring seared seafood in rosemary and garbanzo cream, heart-shaped ravioli, and spiced chocolate pie. Yeah, a sensual Sunday soiree sounds good to us, too.

 Valentine’s Day should be all about romancing your sweetheart, so do it up right in a classic, pretty dress. The Mairead Dress from Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller is made from swishy silk-chiffon, and its fitted scoop-neck bodice and whimsical, flowing skirt is about as romantic as it gets. Accessorize delicately with gold Diane von Furstenberg Envy Pumps and Alex and Ani Cat’s Meow Expandable Wire Bangle Set for stylish accents that won’t overwhelm your own natural sexiness.  And because it’s Valentine’s Day, wear a pair of Arena CPH Lova Gold Heart Studs – they’re chic, not cliché.