There are tons of options out there. You might choose a strapless mini, a simple sheath, or a trendy one-shoulder ruched number. The hue you choose is up to you obviously, you can find plenty of styles in a classic ruby red, but you can also find everything from bright tomato reds to deep wine reds on the rack.

If you really want to up the ante, try a red lace dress. While it might bring to mind attire better suited to the bedroom, red lace doesn’t have to be racy. The trick is to opt for a body-skimming (not skintight) cut with a higher neckline and knee-length hem. A full slip underneath will keep the look appropriate. Try classic silhouettes, like an empire-waist or a long-sleeved sheath, for the perfect blend of sexy and ladylike.

The accessories you choose for a red dress are as important as the dress itself! Look for leg-lengthening nude pumps; black shoes can feel too heavy and dated. A matching nude clutch is an understated pairing for a fiery dress. Keep your jewelry simple, now is not the time to load up on bangles or try a pair of heavy chandelier earrings. Simple studs and a cocktail ring are elegant and understated.

As for your makeup, there’s no reason you can’t pair red lips with a red dress! Adding red nails can push the look into matchy-matchy territory, though, so opt for a classic nude or blush manicure instead. Remember to add plenty of volumizing mascara for fluttery lashes, and just a hint of blush to warm up your skin! Finish with bouncy bombshell waves or a soft updo, and you’ll be ready to melt your valentine’s heart.

Luckily, with a few tweaks and some handy organizing accessories, you can get your closet ship-shape in no time, making it easy to see what you have, no digging required.

Consider installing a double rod in your closet, which allows you hang two rows of clothes, one above the other. This is great if you wear mostly separates. If you have lots of long dresses in your closet, you can choose a hanging double rod for one half of the closet and leave the other half open for longer items.

Clear shoe boxes let you see each pair without opening every box. Put the boxes with everyday shoes (flats, kitten heels) on the floor where they’re easy to reach. High heels and out-of-season shoes like flip-flops or boots can go on the top shelf.

Those over-the-door multi-pocket organizers are perfect for stashing scarves, clutch purses, and other small items. You can also find over-the-door racks with hooks to hang robes, handbags, and scarves.

If you have shelves for your folded items, like sweaters, make sure to space the shelves so you’re stacking only four or five items on top of each other. No one wants to dig through a stack of a dozen sweaters, much less refold them all and place them neatly back on the shelf.

Don’t forget organizer trays for your lingerie drawer, cedar rings for any hangers with wool items on them, and a tie rack to hold long necklaces. If you don’t have a chair by your closet, put a small step stool in the closet so you’ll have something to sit on when you need to put on your shoes.

Voila! You’re organized! Now, doesn’t that make it easier to get dressed each morning?

Related Article: How to detox your closet and get organized (part one)

Start by taking everything out. Anything that’s too dirty or torn for repair should be tossed out.

Try on everything that’s left, then make two piles: clothes that fit and clothes that don’t. Unless you’re losing or gaining weight and know your size will fluctuate over the next year (say, after a new baby), put the clothes that don’t fit into a box. They can be donated to a local thrift store.

Now sort the remaining clothes into three piles: one for the clothes you love and wear often, one for dressy pieces you rarely wear, and one for clothes you haven’t worn in a full year.

Clothes you wear often, like favorite jeans or blouses, should be hung at the front of the closet. Pieces you love but don’t wear for everyday occasions can go to the back. Organize items by type (pants, tops, skirts) and then by color for easy selection.

If you haven’t worn an item for a full year, ask yourself why you keep it. Do you think you’ll need it? Is there a sentimental attachment (like a gift) to the item? Set these items aside. Once you’ve hung up all of your “like” clothes and seen how much room you have, ask yourself if you really want to pack in that pile of unworn clothes. If you realize that you probably won’t get around to wearing them, add them to the donation box.

Look at how much more room you have! Now it’s time to organize with fun accessories and containers like double hanging rods, clear shoe boxes, and over-the-door clothes hooks. Once you’re organized, choosing outfits will be a snap.

eDressMe.com is currently offering 25% off site wide until September 8, 2011, in celebration of Labor Day. Customers can visit the eDressMe website http://www.edressme.com and enter coupon code: “Labor25″ at checkout.

Sale excludes Aidan Mattox, Blush, Dave & Johnny, Faviana, Jasz Couture, Jovani, La Femme, Mignon, Scala, Sherri Hill, Terani, Theia, Tony Bowls and Sale items.

Clothing catalogues like Kaleidoscope offer a wide range of fashions for the modern woman, including office-appropriate separates, casual wear, party dresses, jackets, swimwear, intimates, jewelry, shoes, accessories, and more.

The best part about these companies? Many now offer articles in their clothing catalogues (or blogs online) that keep you up-to-date on the latest fashion trends and tricks of the season. For example, at Kaleidoscope, you can read Style Scoop, their style-savvy blog about the latest fashion trends and your everyday style dilemmas.

Shopping from clothing catalogues is a bit different from shopping in a traditional brick-and-mortar store. Since you can’t try on the clothes before buying, carefully read the fit/sizing guide and measure yourself so you can choose the proper sizes. Remember, sizes fluctuate widely across brands, and a 2 from one company may be an 8 from another!

You’ll also want to read up on the company’s shipping policies. Many companies regularly offer promotional discounts on shipping, so it’s wise to keep an eye out for these codes to save a bundle on your orders.

Finally, it’s important to know the full return policy. How do you return an item if you’re not satisfied or the fit is wrong? Is there a time limit? What are the return charges? Know the rules before you submit your order to avoid hassles later on.

Now, fire up that internet browser and have a little fun virtually window shopping!

Coastal Contacts, the leading online retailer for vision-care products is currently hosting an awesome giveaway opportunity for first-time Facebook fans of the brand. They’re giving away 5,000 free pairs of eyeglasses to customers, simply by “liking” their page on Facebook.

Become a fan and use the coupon code: COASTALFREE2011 at checkout to get your new frames! Small shipping costs apply, but who cares, since it is such a great deal!

Happy Shopping! www.coastalcontacts.com

1. Foam mattress pad. Dorm room mattresses can be lumpy and uncomfortable, so treat yourself to this cushy extra.

2. Twin XL bedding. The standard dorm size, so don’t come with regular bedding, or you’ll have to run back to the store in the middle of move-in day.

3. Water filtration pitcher. Tap water in some areas can taste “off”, and bottled water is just too expensive!

4. Coffee pot with auto shut-off. Most dorms won’t allow appliances without this feature, due to the fire hazard.

5. Bed risers. If you don’t opt to turn your bed into a loft (a great way to gain extra space for a mini-fridge, dresser, etc.), at least bring bed risers. That extra several inches gives you space for under-the-bed totes to store extra clothes, books, etc.

6. Collapsible anything. Pop-up laundry hampers, folding papasan chairs, collapsible drying racks–all can be tucked away when not in use, as opposed to their traditional, bulkier counterparts.

7. Fabric freshener. Odors get trapped in furniture, curtains, etc., so an air freshener isn’t enough.

8. Personal fan. Remember, AC is a luxury, so a small fan by your bed or on your desk can make all the difference in the world on a warm day.

9. Mini or stick vacuum. Easy to clean up, easy to store.

10. Cork board. We may live in the digital age, but you’re bound to wind up with bits of paper floating around reminders of deadlines, phone numbers, receipts, library slips, etc. Tack them all up in plain view so you won’t lose them or forget anything important!

During the week before you dye, deep condition 2-3 times to make sure your hair is super-moisturized. And don’t wash for 24 hours prior to dying your natural oils will help protect your scalp.

Before you begin, perhaps while you’re doing a strand test to preview your color results, gather everything you need at the sink: two old towels, a wide-toothed comb, sectioning clips, a timer, all the ingredients from the kit, and a magazine. (To read while the dye sets, of course!)

Comb out your hair and clip up into four sections, two in the front and two in the back. Wrap one of the towels around your shoulders to catch the drips, and stand on the other towel (some kits can be super drippy). Smear a little petroleum jelly or hair conditioner around your hairline to prevent the dye from staining your skin.

Start your timer, following the package directions. Working from front to back, apply the dye to each section, starting up top and working down to the ends. (The ends tend to be drier and will soak up the dye faster.) If you’re really concerned about stripes, enlist a friend to do the back, or try one of the new mousse foaming kits that offer spot-free coverage.

Once the time is up and you’ve rinsed and conditioned your hair, avoid washing it for a few days, since your hair will be porous and the color more prone to leaching out. After that, wash no more than 2-3 times per week, and always use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Continue deep conditioning, too, since dry hair fades faster.

In the sun, use a UV spray or wear a hat to protect your color from fading. Refresh your color after two or three weeks with a shine glaze kit, to boost vibrancy between colorings.

If you’re dashing to the store, to revamp your summer wardrobe, don’t forget to stop by your local AVENUE store. Take an additional 30% off any sale or clearance item with this exclusive AVENUE shopping pass, valid both online and in stores.

With over 400 stores and online at AVENUE.com, AVENUE, the nation’s leading specialty retailer, provides stylish, high-quality fashion for curvy women in sizes 14-32. AVENUE offers a wide selection of apparel from career to casual as well as a collection of accessories, hosiery and intimate apparel. Check out their website to find a location near you.

For the professional Dad, there’s nothing like a sleek new watch to ensure he’ll arrive promptly for all those important meetings. One to consider: the Michael Kors Chronograph Bracelet Watch ($225, Nordstrom). The classic bracelet band and sleek gunmetal dial make this a versatile pick he’s sure to enjoy wearing.

For the Dad who enjoys kicking back and relaxing on the weekends, why not surprise him with the Pawleys Complete Hammock Package ($350, hammacher.com), which includes a two-person hammock, stand, and pillow.

Or, if Dad’s idea of relaxation involves something a little more high-octane, give him the gift of a thrill ride. Sites like racingadventure.com, offshoresailing.com, and gifts.com/ideas/experiential offer packages for racecar driving, sailing, skydiving, and more. (Prices vary)

For the adventurous Dad (or just one who routinely damages his personal electronics), it doesn’t get much better than this: the Olympus Stylus Tough-8010 Digital Camera is shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and waterproof, and features a host of features (like HD movie mode and 14-megapixel resolution) guaranteed to help him get the perfect shot, everytime. ($330, adorama.com)

Finally, for the cool Dad, you can go to converse.com to design a custom pair of Chuck Taylors, starting at $67. Choose a design and material, then select colors and patterns for a one-of-a-kind sneaker.