Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.

Dear Manolo,

Valentine’s Day is next week, and my dreamy new boyfriend has promised me a romantic night out, with dinner and possibly dancing. I’m wearing a David Meister red silk dress that’s sexy-sophisticated. Now, I need some shoes. What do you suggest?

Stephanie

Manolo says, ayyyy! The Dia de San Valentin, it is upon us, like the wild hyena of romance and expectation!

Woe be to the dreamy new man who does not deliver the goods! Goods which might best be described as the sort of Chinese take-out menu of romantic items. (Please select any two from column A: Dinner at the Expensive Restaurant; French Perfume; Belgian Chocolate; Red Roses; Original Lyric Poetry; Heartfelt Expressions of Undying Love.)

Of the course, the Day of Valentines is not the walking in the park for the young womens either. They must spend literally days in preparation, thinking about the hair and the outfit and the shoes, having extended style consultations with their gay friends, and mulling over, at exhaustive length, the romantic dynamics of their relationship.

At this early stage of the romance, all of these details are so very important. Later, after our couple has been married the dozen years or so, all that will really matter is finding the competent babysitter to watch the kids while you enjoy the heart-shaped dessert at the Factory of the Cheesecakes.

Look! Here is the Consort metallic leather asymmetrical platform sandals from the B Brian Atwood. Bold! Sexy! Sophisticated!