Blog About Prom, Prom Dresses, Etc.

There is a way to bring an added touch of detail to your prom outfit/dress without over-doing it. By simply finding those little perks you can easily add texture and intensity to an already stunning outfit. Simplicity is the key but with simple design sometimes come effortless appearances. You want to make sure that your dress has an allure; a certain charm.

Chic can be easy to achieve with the right touches. Tassels can bring to mind certain pictures of design; we’re not talking about gypsy design or belly dancing skirts. Tassels can be used in a way that creates class, refinement, and a free spirited influence. Now, tassels are usually spotted on the hem of a skirt or dress. This would seem like the most obvious choice because it is the thickest area that is to be covered, but this is not the only place that these decorative details can be positioned. The majority of designers do use this locale for the tassel placement but for a unique look search for dresses that are not tassel-bias. For a sweeter look, when relating to a dress that is hemmed with tassels, shoot for proper spacing. When a dress’ hem has tassels that are spaced too far apart it can look more like a salsa dancer’s dress instead of reflecting a solid elegance. So search for hem-tassels that are closer together.
Another style that is hitting the runways is the tassel shirt combinations. A strapless top-design with an elegant long tassel drape-over cover. It is a style that can be seen as a 1950’s inspired look. With the tassels on the top the style can be exquisite but the tassels should never completely cover the skirt; that look could end up causing you to closely resemble a hula dancer. Tassels can actually bring a sweet appeal to a dress with a front V-strap. Using an “O” clasp (of gem or rhinestone), with metallic tassels, from the front can add a charming accent to any style dress.

A tassel can even consist of a single (fabric) thread running through the neckline, or waist, of a dress. Once you have decided on the tassel effect of your outfit it is time to decide on tassels accessories. The accessory options are phenomenal; there are tassel handbags, tasseled jewelry (earrings, necklaces, ect.), and even tasseled, peep-toe platform heels (such as Bakers Orion leather ankle boots). Options are there to make you look incredibly set-up and put-together. So go for a sleek, minimal all-over tassel theme and go away with an updated eighties fab-look. You can pull it off and dazzle the crowd.

You have been invited to the prom; you are working on the minimal details and other plans that will be circling and affecting your evening otherwise. So far, you haven’t really thought about your dress but as you are roaming the local strip-mall in search of the address to your chose hairstylist, you see a dress in the window of a small boutique and your heart skips a beat. You run inside to scope it out, you fall in love instantly, the trim is amazing, the spaghetti straps are wonderful, and the vertical-back lace is more elegantly designed than anything you’ve ever seen. You have to have it; you will be lost without it. The main problem, you find out, is the cost! Your Mom was gracious enough not to require you to pay for the dress, but would she cover such a large expense? This is the time to question-your-first-impression!

We all have those moments when choosing a special dress, especially the perfect prom dress, where we find ourselves drooling over the “One”. There will always be one dress that will shine above all the others and attract our attention more than anything. But in these moments we have to take a breather. We have to come back to our sensible judgment and realize the over-all picture to this crazed painting. We want what we want, but sometimes unless we are a princess with a fortune of gold awaiting us, then we may need a reality check. Money can be hard to come by; if your parents have agreed to pay for your prom attire then you may want to be as compromising as possible. They will want you to look ravishing, but the expense will need to be decided upon before you run to the closest, and most expensive, boutique.

Never jump into the first decision without a second thought. You should always do three things: Stop, breath, and think. If you do these three things in a moment such as this then you are guaranteed to make a better decision than if you had just grabbed the credit card and went to town. The first impressions we receive are the initial indicators as to the direction we should go in, not the place where we should stop thinking and act! If we reacted on impulse for every decision we made where would the world be today? Even though it is only a dress, the bigger picture may involve your parents trust with their money, or the amount of common-sense and decisiveness you display when given a certain responsibility. There may be more details tied to your decision than you realize. So keep your head clear and your credit cards in check.

There are some simple rules that you will need to follow in order to see your prom night fly by without a hitch. Simply speaking, by learning from other girl’s mistakes, you can make an incredible impression, along with some wonderful memories, on prom night. No bad hair day, no make-up mess-up’s, and certainly no wardrobe malfunctions. Not tonight. Not prom night.

When it comes to trying new things there is an underlying rule for charting new territory in a fashion sense. You can get a ‘cutesy’, gentle make-over, or try a new eau de toilette, and be within the reasonable limit of change. But going too far past this you are risking the element of terror and surprise involved with sudden changes. Never try anything that is too outlandish within one week of your prom. This is to help save-face and keep you from avoiding the prom because of an unexpected screw-up. To be safe you should avoid new colors of hair-dye, new hair removal lotions or facial waxing, no dramatic haircuts, no untested dental whitening systems, no excessive or unprofessional eyebrow plucking or waxing, and you should also avoid all experimental foods, and gas station sushi, the night before your prom (stomach issues can also ruin your prom).

You should also keep in mind the amount of time in-between purchasing your dress and the night it is to be worn. Our weight can fluctuate, from day to day, hour to hour depending on what you’ve eaten or had to drink in the previous hours. But imagine what can happen in a few weeks or months. We can not predict our weight, unless we are monitoring it with diet and exercise, so if you have no plan in place then it would be best to wait for the purchase of your dress until a month or so before the actual event. If you actually purchase your dress six months before the prom, your eager attitude may stick you in a dress two sizes too big, or even five sizes too small. If you make this mistake, and are running out of time, then you need to contact an emergency seamstress who can alter your dress on a whim; otherwise you may have wasted your money. Dress-shopping for prom may seem a bit redundant after the second purchase. So use caution when dealing with anything associated with weight.

If there is one thing you can do at prom without question it is all about sporting your flare. Showing off your personalized style and careful planning. From the dress to the shoes all of the above was picked, displayed, and perfected by you. So what about taking your flare to a very literal place, and wearing the flare while showing your flare.
The flared dress is the hottest trend. It comes attached to many dress styles and displayed by many top designers. House of Wu, La Femme, and even Mori Lee find the flare to be a stunning addition to many dresses base.
The idea is that no matter what the dresses top looks like, it always comes down the thighs to the knees, and then makes a dramatic flare outward, past the knees, and generally to the floor. This creative emphasis gives a luscious look to any body hugging design.
Some designs have varying lengths in which they turn to a flare base, but no matter where the flare begins, as long as it is below the waist, it gives a special twist to the most basic design.
So take a trip down fashion lane and show off your own twists and twirls with this awesome addition. If you have the curves to suits, then this is the style for you. Even big busted, wide waist and thick thigh women can pull off this elegant trend because the elongating appeal adds inches to anyone waist, legs, and brings in the hips. So short, tall, thick or thin, wear this gown and show the trend.

The best part of the prom is the evening of the dance, but the runner up is finding the perfect dress. You spend hours searching, shopping, trying on dresses, searching the web, talking to seamstresses, and putting it all together.

You spend so much time figuring out the main outfit that you almost forget that there is more to it than this. You are having such a good time showing off the most beautiful dress you’ve ever worn that you put the accessories on the back burner.

The prom is about the dress, yes, but the completion is not possible without the entire combination of the ensemble plus the additives. The necklace, the shoes, and maybe even the shawl. You have to figure out how to make the dress you’ve just spent hours deciding on stand out in the crowd. You have to turn your dress into the eye-opening, mouth dropping outfit that will show off just how fab and stylish you are.

Whether your dress is classical elegance, or cute and sassy, the accessories will make the dress itself stand-out more and help it to be more visible. You want your date to be able to find you after getting the punch, right? So show off your style and your runway accents and you’ll be the highlight of prom night.

It is all about texture and accessories. For the classy look don’t be afraid to sport that glitzy tiara you’ve been eyeballing for months. Plus, you can use a small cluster of diamond-set brooches to glam up your one color, classic dress. By placing a brooch at the center point of your bosom you can add a touch of class to a simple styled dress. And shoot for the simple heels.

If you are shooting for glamorous make your accessories a lighter tone than your dress (unless it is white), maybe even a metallic hue. Go ahead and wear the dangling diamond earrings, and show off the pedicure with silver heels. Accent your tasseled up-do with gemstone pins for that detailed glam.

Of course if you plan to shoot for exotic then the elbow length black gloves come to mind. Show off your style by wearing your pearls and go all out with a pair of fun, strappy platform sandals and a flower clipped behind your ear.

Prom night is one of the most important times of year for most teenage girls, so it’s important to be on top of the latest colors and styles.  For 2009, prom dresses in gem-toned colors – like ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue – seem to be all the rage.  If you’re looking for a great way to make a fashion statement, these dresses can definitely get the job done.  However, there are many things to consider when choosing the best gem-toned dress for your body and complexion.

Don’t Assume Any Color Will Work

Just because the dress looks great on the hanger doesn’t mean it will go perfectly with your complexion and hair color.  Make sure to take your friends or parents with you to help find the best color for you.  If you have a light complexion and bright red hair, a ruby colored dress may not be the best choice.  On the other hand, you may want to avoid lime green if you’ve been blessed with a rich olive complexion.  Make sure the color makes your complexion look good rather than washed out.

Choose the Right Style

In addition to choosing the right color, you’ve also got to choose the right style that’s flattering for your figure.  If you have long, beautiful legs, you might want to show them off with a short cocktail design. However, if you’re more concerned about hiding problem areas, such as your waist or hips, you might instead choose an A-line formal gown that skims over your bottom half.  Fortunately, gem-toned formal dresses come in many of the same styles and types as other formal dresses, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a style and color combination that you love.

Make Sure You Can Find Accessories

When choosing a gem-toned formal dress, you’ll need to put a little more thought into your accessories. Since pastel or bright colors will look out of place next to your dress, you’ll need to find shoes and a clutch that either match your dress color exactly, or feature neutral colors or metallics that look good with anything.  If you’re going for shoes and a clutch that match exactly, you may want to consider having the items dyed to match. T his can be expensive in some situations, but your formal dress shop should be able to point you in the right direction.

Make Sure You Plan Ahead

Gem-toned formal dresses are very popular this year, so don’t wait until a week before prom to start shopping, as you may be hard pressed to find a good selection.  In many cases, you can pick out your dress and put a down payment up for the dress to hold it until you are ready to pay in full.  You might also consider buying your dress online, since there are many great deals available on the internet.

In any case, make sure you find a dress that fits well or that can be adjusted in case of weight gain or loss.  This can save you a lot of hassle in the days or weeks before prom.  Also, make sure you shop around.  Don’t assume that the first store you visit is best when it comes to shopping for gem-toned formal prom dresses.  Choosing the best gem-toned dress is just like any other clothing purchase – consider price, fit, and style and shop around until you find something you love.

So you’ve found the perfect prom dress, but it just doesn’t fit quite right.  Don’t despair – it’s rather uncommon to find a dress that will fit you perfectly right off the bat without requiring any alternations.  However, in order to look your best on prom night, you’ll need to make sure the dress fits you just right.

What Exactly is the Perfect Fit?

Very few women will fit perfectly into a specific size without a few alterations to the dress.  While you and your best friend may each wear a size six, you may find that the same dress will look completely different on each of you.  Follow these tips for determining if a prom dress will fit perfectly after alteration:

A Size Larger – It’s much easier to take fabric out of a dress than to add it in to a finished garment.  If you find that you fall in between two sizes, it’s a lot easier to purchase the larger size and have it taken in to suit your unique proportions.
Length – If you’re shorter than 5’ 9”, you’ll probably need to have your perfect prom dress hemmed.  A word of advice – make sure you wear the shoes you’ll be wearing on prom night so that your dress isn’t hemmed too short.  If you’re measured in your bare feet, the seamstress won’t be able to accurately alter your dress, leaving you to either trip on a too-long hemline or tug on a too short skirt all night.
Fabric – Some fabrics are much easier to alter than others.  Taffeta and silk can be difficult to work with, so keep this in mind if you choose a dress that needs alterations.

Where to Have the Alterations Done

Finding a seamstress can be one of the biggest hurdles for most women – unless you’ve used the services of a seamstress in the past, you may not have any idea where to start looking.  Recommendations are a great place to start, so ask your friends and family members where they’ve had good experiences.  Many will have used the same alteration shop for years.  However, a backlog of work can extend the alteration time, so you’ll need to call ahead to be sure the seamstress has some availability.

You may also find that one of your friend’s mothers or grandmothers can easily handle the alterations and for much less than a traditional alteration shop.  Even your own mother or grandmother may be able to finish the alterations as well, depending on how complicated the changes are.  If so, spend some time working alongside them – it’s a great way to spend some quality time with relatives and pick up a new skill at the same time.

Bridal shops are great place to get alterations done.  Most stores will be able to complete all the measurements there as well, and some will provide the alterations within just a day or two.  In order to make sure the dress fits perfectly, you need to be measured at the bust, waist and hem, so don’t be surprised when the seamstress pulls out her tape measure to get started.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure you have enough time to get the alterations completed.  Some seamstresses can have a heavy backload and many will take weeks to complete a job.  Also, be sure the seamstress you choose is familiar with the fabric that your dress is made of.  Your prom only comes once or twice, and you want to be sure you’ll look absolutely stunning in your beautiful dress.

Prom accessories come in two forms: ones that are seen and ones that are somewhat hidden. The visible ones include prom shoes, crowns, jewelry, and bags. These help you build that complete look you want. The hidden or secret prom accessories include things that cannot be outwardly seen on that special night, but can help you out tremendously. These items help you look great and feel wonderful throughout the night. Check out the items we have listed and see how they could work for you. Make sure that you try them before the special night. Give your body and feet some time to get used to them.

Double-Stick Fashion Tape

The last thing you need to worry about on prom night is cleavage and your falling dress. If you know what this feels like and want to avoid the embarrassment of wardrobe malfunctions at this special event, consider purchasing double-stick fashion tape to help you. These strips match skin tone and come in hypoallergenic form. Further, they will not destroy your dress or bra. They will help keep everything secure and in place. This will keep you from worrying and adjusting your dress all night long. Comfort is good. Comfort on prom night is superb.

Body Shaper

Some of us need help when it comes to the body department. Let’s face it: not all of us sport a toned and lean physique. In order to feel smooth and svelte, try some body shapers like the popular Spanx. These products will help control the flabby areas around your tummy, thighs, and behind. There are different types of shapers, including ones in camisole, underwear, and full-body form. They can really make a difference, but make sure you purchase them after (and not before) you get your prom dress, as different dress styles need different body shapers.

Blister Prevention Stick

Having blisters on your feet can be a prom disaster. If you have ever had them in your life, you probably know that they are the last thing you want to worry about on prom night. Do you want to risk sitting around while your friends are partying? We think not! Heels can be rather harsh on the feet and shoe straps can really cause pain. The best way to control this problem is to use a blister prevention stick. This oil-based product reduces the friction that can cause those miserable blisters. Try it out. Don’t worry, it won’t make your feet slippery.

Shoe Cushions

The high heel pounding on the dance floor is bound to play a number on the balls and soles of your feet. Show your feet some compassion and consideration and line the insides of your shoes with special shoe cushions. Not only are they comfortably soft, but they will help keep your feet from slipping forward (or backwards and sideways), which is especially important if you are wearing an open-toe strappy sandal. Further, these insoles absorb the shock that is created while you dance. These are definite prom accessory must-haves.

The prom committee has many major decisions to make regarding the special night. Among the most important is the prom theme. This decision is one of the first that needs to be made because the whole event depends on it. The theme is very important; it can make or break the feel of the prom. Thus, the committee needs to focus on coming up with a theme that can make the night memorable.
The first thing to do is to think of a general feel that you want to achieve. Do you want the night to be mysterious or fun, distinguished or carefree? This is the first step to deciding the prom theme. Some schools have a general and loose theme, while others adhere to the theme strictly by having the students’ attire and prom decorations (and everything in between) match the set guidelines. Regardless of the prom theme you choose, make sure it fits the students and school. After all, it should show your school in the best light and capture the essence of the student body.
As you brainstorm about the theme, be open to all suggestions. A solid prom theme will carry through the title, colors, decorations, and main song of the night. Make a list of all ideas that the prom committee comes up with and make sure you also consider the ideas other students offer. Keep your mind open. Think of favorite songs and movies, in order to come up with ideas. You never know when a good idea might hit you. Make sure you do not copy previous themes that were recently used. Further, always make sure that the theme fits the venue. Try to make the night believable by having the perfect theme for the venue and students. Remember that some halls lend themselves to a certain themes more than others. Further, always choose a theme that is easy to create. Make sure that you would locate decorations and accessories that would match it. A good idea would be to look through prom catalogs. These might help you find inspiration and direction.
Once you choose the prom theme, make sure you go public with it as soon as can be—and in a variety of forms. Play the theme song in announcements and during pep rallies that present the prom court. Further, play it in the background at the entrance of the venue on prom night. Of course, have it on as you announce the prom queen and prom king. The last song of the night should be this song. The theme song should reflect the special night. Whenever students hear this song, they should remember prom night. Besides the song, place emphasis on the posters and publications. Make sure each of them includes the theme title. You will naturally have certain prom colors. These should be the colors on the posters, decorations, table linens, balloons, and more. You can definitely make it a night to remember by having your theme run through all aspects of the night.

It is very normal to be nervous on the morning of the prom, as well as a week or two before the big night. Do not be surprised if your nervous months in advance, either. Prom jitters are definitely common. After all, it is a huge night for you and your friends. Unfortunately, we can’t turn nervousness off with a flick of a switch, but we can take a few steps to help us control the jitters. Check out these tips on how to keep you relaxed and ready for the night:

Exercise

You probably know how exercise helps your body. You hopefully take part in an exercise program, and it’s important to keep it up when your prom is around the corner. Some people get so overwhelmed with the event that they drop their exercise regimen, while in fact they should be exercising with no excuses during the days leading to the prom, as well as on prom morning. Exercise helps reduce stress. It releases certain hormones that help you feel happy and fresh. So, hit the gym, go for a jog, or dance around at home with some friends!

Write

You might be feeling all kinds of emotions before prom. It is a great idea to keep a journal and write entries about your thoughts and feelings. This special event comes with many issues and problems. You might be upset at your date, friends, the limousine company, and your parents during this time. It is always better to release your emotions on paper than to go and get angry at someone. Writing can really help you. It is a good aid for thinking things out. When you write something down, your stress may go away. Further, you can keep the journal for years to come. You may not want to read it soon after prom, but it will be a joy to read it a few years later.

Drink Water

The truth is that each cell in your body needs water to survive. Without enough water, a person feels tired and stressed out. Additional stress is the last thing you need during prom time. Therefore, do a favor for yourself and drink the necessary amount of water; this means a minimum of eight eight-ounce glasses per day. In the meantime, eliminate caffeinated drinks from your diet, as they affect your nerves. You probably know or feel what caffeine can do to your body.

Make a List

Another way to reduce stress levels during this special time of your life is to make a list of all the things you have to do and follow it. Have a long general list and then divide this list into smaller ones according to the day. This will help you put things in order and know what’s going on. Whether you need to take your prom dress to the tailor or make an appointment with the hairstylist, your list will help ensure that you get things done. It will also help you feel organized and relaxed in knowing that you have things in order.