Nothing makes me happier (and sexier) than a gorgeous red dress, especially right in time for Valentine’s Day. This Karen Walker Red Race Dress with a flowing circle skirt, fitted and buttoned bodice, tightly tied waist, cap sleeves, and adorable bow is perfect for a romantic date night with a lover. It reminds me of a sexy housewife from the 1950s, a lazy picnic on a sun-filled day, or a good little girl who’s looking for a naughty night …

Even if you’re spending V-day out on the town with your gal pals or home alone on the sofa, don’t forget the purpose of Valentine’s Day is to celebrate love. And what better way to celebrate the love in your life than to express some self-love with a fabulous new look-at-me-I’m-HOT cherry red dress!?

The day after Barack Obama’s presidential win, the headlines weren’t just about the new milestone our country had just experienced … it was about Michelle Obama’s dress on that historic night.

I applaud our future first lady for this choice and others she has made, that push the envelope and introduce the country and the world to designers they wouldn’t have necessarily come across otherwise. Her bold choices are a sign of independence, confidence and gusto … BRAVO !!

The future of our country seems to be laying in the hands of Obama …Mrs. Obama that is.What will decide this future? The dress she dons on January 20, 2009 for her husband’s inauguration. Of course, we all know what you wear makes a huge impression, but to have so much riding on it is unprecedented. Her choice will signify hope, promise, and for sure influence women everywhere in their fashion choices. Designers will use Michelle as a muse, and inspiration will trickle to the runways for seasons to come.

Oscar de la Renta

Many believe her choice should be an American designer, and I agree. It should stimulate excitement for the garment industry in the US, which is especially feeling the strains of the economy. There is a very delicate balance to focus on. The coveted choice Michelle makes shouldn’t be too over the top, alienating the more conservative mass, yet with her obvious youth and spunk … a fun, fabulous, slightly risky pick would be perfect.

Oscar de la Renta has been a first lady favorite for years, with Laura Bush as a huge fan and before her Hillary Clinton.

Tracy Reese

There’s Diane von Furstenberg,  Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Rodarte, Nicole Miller, amongst others.

Tracy Reese would be an amazing choice; being a successful, accomplished African-American woman, very similar to our future first lady. Not to mention her designs are simply stunning.

Nicole Miller

Michael Kors has national recognition with his Project Runway fame; his designs are clean, classy and crisp, sophisticated and spectacular. He also is accessible, with a bridge line Michael Michael Kors … making him attainable for the masses, and the pick I am pushing for !!

Carolina Herrera

Quelle colour? Michelle looks amazing in most tones. Purple seems to be her color of choice. Blue would be absolutely appropriate, Red might be too much after her election night pick, and Black might be too basic.

Rachel Roy

In this case, and always: Understated elegance is always best.

She also has her two daughters to keep in mind, Sasha and Malia. They always seem to blend perfectly, with few words; their wardrobe often speaks to their individual and unique personalities.

Rodarte

Now that the election is over, and our choice for president has been made, the question is: What will Michelle wear? I can’t wait to see for myself …

Article written by Alana Kelen, Head stylist for VH1