Juan Carlos Miranda
Special to El Observador

Valentine’s Day is a day to spend with your loved one(s), creating memories, cherishing those magical moments that take your breath away… Shoot; who am I kidding? Valentine’s Day is a day to overspend, overindulge and overthink.

Seriously, how many times have you gotten a headache because you couldn’t figure out what to wear to that very first date with—whom you hoped to be—your future husband? Something sexy that didn’t scream slutty or desperate but made you feel like you were a Victoria’s Secret model. That outfit that simply said “yes, I know I’m fierce, now eat it!” Yet the only thing you were able to come up with was that boring same-old Forever 21 dress you’ve worn for the umpteenth time.

Hasn’t this happened to you more than once?

I know it has. It’s definitely happened to me—and no, I don’t dress in women’s clothes; I was referring to choosing the right outfit. Since I know you’re going to be breaking your pretty little heads trying to figure out what to wear for Valentine’s,  I have decided to dedicate this week’s column to exploring some of the factors you have to consider for this special occasion so you won’t  overdo it.

What’s your goal? Depending on what you want to get out of the night will pretty much dictate the entire planning process. If you are going on your very first date perhaps you want to accomplish a great night and a second date. If you are married, you might want to rekindle your romance. Or if you’ve dated the same person for a while, you might just want him to finally pop the question. Whatever you want to accomplish on Valentine’s will depend on what you are wearing. Just like my dear friend always says, “dress for the time of your life!”

Choose your character. By character I mean what you want to portray. Do you want to look sizzling hot, or just pretty sexy? Perhaps you’re going for the innocent look? How about sultry diva? Trust me, once you decide the character and mood you’re going for it’ll be easier to choose the outfit, plus adopting certain traits associated with that character will boost your confidence level.Choose the fabric. Depending on your character you’ll be able to figure out what fabric is right for the personality. If you’re going for just pretty, choose a light fabric, preferably pink or white with short-heel shoes. If you choose sultry diva, a satin red or black dress with 5-inch heels will do the trick. Now, if you’re going for the Sasha Fierce look then choose lace and leather—did you watch the Super Bowl half time show? Can anyone say perfection?

Once you’ve defined your goal, chosen your character and figured out the fabric, it is time to pick the shoes.

Small heels say “I like you, I’m innocent and I don’t take risks”—or “I simply don’t know how to walk in high heels.”

Stilettos say “I’m confident and sexy and command your attention.”

Really, listen to what your shoes are saying about you. Choosing the right shoes will make or break your outfit, so pay close attention and choose wisely.

If any of you are big fans of Beyoncé, like I am, you’ll know she is not successful because of how talented she is. She is successful because she is a confident and a strong woman who goes for what she wants and is not afraid to take it. Beyoncé commands attention because she knows what she’s got and she aint afraid to flaunt it. After all she is Sasha Fierce. What’s your alter ego?