If you’re planning to spend Valentine’s Day snowed in with your sweetheart, then are a few things to remember.  Number One: Buy good wine.  Number Two: If you cook, he cleans up.  Number Three: Choose an outfit suitable for cuddling on the couch in front of the fire.

Studded Wrap Cardigan (Asos, $36)

Elizabeth and James Tank (The Outnet, $118)

La Perla Satin and Tulle Paneled Corset (Net-a-Porter, $325)

On top you have an outfit that says, “Cozy night at home.”  Underneath you have an outfit that says, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Honey.”

Paige Premium Laurel Canyon Jeans (Zappos, $183)

Steve Madden Kookiee Flat (Nordstrom, $60)

A simple jean and a basic flat complement the outfit, but like all good things, it’s what is underneath that counts.

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to cook more at home.  My mother went to great pains to ensure that I know how to sautee, simmer and chiffonade, and I should probably be using these skills. 

While searching for recipes that are perfect for apartment dwellers like myself, I came across a website called Smitten Kitchen.  And let me say, the web mistress over there is a domestic goddess.  How she produces such food in a kitchen the size of my closet is a subject of wonder and awe for the many friends that I have referred to her site.

Since this Valentine’s Day is going to be a snowy one for those of us in the Mid-Atlantic, it might be best if we opt to stay in for dinner.  And if you’re planning to be trapped in doors, there is no better recipe for a delicious, romantic, easy dinner than this one.  Bon Appetit.

Spaghetti Sauce with Butter and Onions

Serves 4 as a main course; makes enough sauce to lightly coat most of a pound of spaghetti

2 cans whole peeled tomatoes 
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium-sized yellow onion, peeled and halved
Salt to taste

Put the tomatoes, onion and butter in a heavy saucepan (it fit just right in a 3-quart) over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer then lower the heat to keep the sauce at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of fat float free of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally, crushing the tomatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.

Remove from heat, discard the onion, add salt to taste (you might find, as I did, that your tomatoes came salted and that you didn’t need to add more) and keep warm while you prepare your pasta.

Serve with spaghetti, with or without grated parmesan cheese.  Oh, and if there is any sauce left over, you’re going to want bread.  Unless of course, you want to lick the still hot sauce pan, but I don’t recommend it.

I love any reason to get dressed up, which is why it upsets Miss M that I don’t date.  ”Your clothes need to be shared with the world,” is her favorite argument.  This is why I’m such a big fan of girls’ night out.  

There really is nothing like getting all gussied up to hit the town with your fellow femmes.  And when I do, my favorite look is rocker chic.  I never get to rock the smokey eye and tousled hair at work, so I like to break them out from time to time for a night of cocktails and gossip.  I’m not an edgy chick, but I play one on TV.

Vince Asymmetrical Leather Jacket (ShopBop, $945)

The key to the rocker chic look is a good leather jacket.  My preferred style is the asymmetrical, folded collar jacket.  Sadly, Vince does not make one in a price range that doesn’t make me want to cry.

Taurus Seamed Party Dress (ShopBop, $182)

This dress is perfect for a pear shaped girl such as myself. Most people would think that adding volume is a bad thing, but with this dress the added volume functions like a type of structural camouflage.  As for the top, the corset lifts the bust and shapes the torso.  And how could you not love the vibrant mulberry color for a dull wintry day?

Nude Footwear Milan (Piperlime, $110)

While the stylist at ShopBop would no doubt choose a cage sandal for this look, I find that a sky high heel is more utilitarian.  Plus, I’m told that cage sandals confuse most men.  So if your goal is to find love on your girls night out, go with the stiletto.

Jeweled Swing Earrings (Forever 21, $5)

If I’m trying to project the rocker chic look, the last thing I want is sparkly jewelry.  A nice, black stone drop earring adds a little levity without shattering the illusion.

Halston Heritage Folded Clutch (ShopBop, $275)

Every woman needs a chic black clutch.  This bag from Halston Heritage is flexible, so it will hold a lot.  And the deconstructed shape isn’t too prissy for a rock chick.

If you can’t find a date for Valentine’s Day, don’t be ashamed.  Being single is no reason to miss out on the fun.  Simply grab your party shoes, a few single girlfriends and head out on the town.  

If you’re looking for a quiet place to have a quality cocktail and a little girl talk, there’s no place better than one of the city’s darkened speakeasies.  

If you want to make a night of it on U Street, try Gibson’s.  If you prefer a bar on the other side of the bridge, you can visit expert Mixologist Todd Thrasher at PX Lounge. (Todd’s the best, he makes his own bitters. Seriously, who does that?)  And if none of these appeal to you, the overflow bar at the W Hotel has a speakeasy like quality and one hell of a view.

These fine establishments provide the perfect opportunity to sip a cocktail, share a laugh and celebrate your singledom.  After all, why should the couples have all of the fun?

The traditional going-out attire for the modern woman is the little black dress.  But while this wardrobe staple is perfect for cocktail parties, professional events and cold-weather weddings, black doesn’t really scream, “Romance.”  If you really want to feel special on Cupid’s big day and set your man’s heart aflutter, you should try something decidedly lighter.

Since our restaurant of choice for Date Week: Day One has a romantic, candle lit vibe going for it, I thought we might try an outfit that utilizes soft neutrals and shine to create a look that is both sexy and elegant.

A.B.S Bow Neck Coat (Bluefly, $165)

Alice + Olivia Casey Dress (Nordstrom, $495)

For this look, I decided to match the coat with the dress.  Vintage fashions often came with matching or coordinating coats to create a complete look, and it’s just a shame that we don’t do that anymore.  Here we have a soft peachy, gold pailette dress with an ivory overcoat.  

Nina Ulexa Sandal (Zappos, $89)

I chose a simple sandal in the same peachy gold because I wanted something in the same color palette.  If you’re afraid of your tootsies getting cold in this frigid weather, you could easily add a closed toed or peep toed nude pump.  Because no one wants to get into bed with someone who has icy cold feet.

Pearl Jewel Box Earrings (J.Crew, $68)

Luxe Cocktail Bracelet (J.Crew, $98)

 Nothing says elegant lady about town like pearls, but these pieces offer just a hint of vintage spice to keep things interesting.  The pearls also provide a soft contrast to the shiny, pailette encrusted dress.  

Now that we have the outerwear, the dress and the accessories covered, we should move on to the underpinnings.  What?  It’s Valentine’s Day.  

Stella McCartney Whistling Lingerie Set ($195 & $90)

Because the bra is an underwire, it will give you the support you need to actually fill out the dress.  Unlike a jersey, silk or chiffon dress, a pailette dress is heavy enough to conceal the texture of a lace bra.  And lastly, unlike some more adventurous underpinnings, these are actually comfortable enough to wear the entire night.