February 2008 Archives

We all look forward that special night when we get to show off our million-dollar designer looks.  Unquestionably, the most important part is the gown. Choosing the right gown for that special night can be both fun and frightening.  We gathered some information to help you choose the right dress for any occasion and any body type.

First of all, we've got to talk comfort. Think about what you will be doing on that special night and choose your dress accordingly... Eating? Drinking? Dancing? Taking photographs? The limbo? All of these things are important to keep in mind when choosing a dress. Who wants to be adjusting, poking and prodding at their gorgeous gown all night long? The wrong dress for the right occasion can leave us uncomfortable and feeling awkward...and it definitely shows!

Here are a few flashback styles to bring a smile to your face and a little reminder of a few things to avoid for ANY body type or occasion. Luckily, you won't find these styles from this year's top prom designers.

Every woman's body is unique and beautiful in it's own way.  It is a good thing there are so many styles out there to choose from! The hard part is choosing the right style for your individual body type. Starting next week we will tackle several different body types and give some examples of the best looks for each using the top prom designers such as Sherri Hill, Jovani, and more!

Manicure

1. First thing's first- you have to get your nails nice and clean before you doll them up. Start by removing any old nail polish using a cotton ball and some remover. There is non-acetone and acetone remover, but the latter works much faster and better on dark colors. And make sure that your nails are left to their natural color once you've removed the polish. Some dark nail polishes can stain the nails and give them a yellow shade. But have no fear? There is a super great product called Bubble White that can get rid of the yellow-y tint in about five minutes.

2. Next step is to get those nails even and beautifully-shaped. You will need a fine-grit file with a 180 to 240 grit. Pick one of these up at any local drug or beauty store. As you begin to file your nails, work from the sides inward to create stronger edges and to avoid any splitting and breakage.  

3. Now it is time to buff up those nails. Well, not exactly. Basically, buffing the nails is the same as exfoliating to remove any unwanted particles on the nails. This will allow for the nail to be smoother and the polish to coat better. But be careful. Over-buffing will give you weak nails and the last thing you want is limp fingertip on prom night. Look for a really soft buff, preferably something smoother than 240 grit.  

4. After you've gotten your nails all shiny and smooth, it's time to fix the cuticles. The cuticles can often look very ragged and damaged, especially after working a lot with your hands. They too need to be even and smooth. Get some cuticle oil and a cuticle pusher from any beauty store. Then slowly work the oil into your cuticles with the opposite hand. Use the tip of the cuticle pusher to softly even every edge of the cuticles. Repeat on the opposite set of fingers.  

5. Once your nails are in tip-top shape, you can get them ready to paint. Use another cotton ball and the same polish remover to remove any excess cuticle oil that is still on the nail. You may also want to consider using a base coat on your nail before applying the colored polish. This will help the color to last longer.

6. After the base coat has finished drying, choose the color you want for your nails. Be sure to choose something that will match your dress. You do not want something that will clash and take away from your make-up jewelry or prom dress. You want to apply two coats of polish. Be prepared with an extra towelette to remove any excess polish that drifts onto your skin. The secret to getting even color is polishing 2/3 down the nail and firmly pressing the polish toward the cuticle. Make sure your brush strokes are equally soft and easy. 

7. To finish up your at-home manicure, use a top coat to protect the polish you just so carefully applied. This will prevent the polish from chipping or wearing off. If you have the time and patience, apply top coat every night to keep your nails looking great.

How do you describe a prom dress designer who has been in the business for more than 20 years with innovative style, quality products and extraordinary workmanship? It's simply Faviana with beautiful dresses for every occasion. Some of their best work comes with the red carpet look alike gowns that are a Faviana interpretation of celebrity dresses that is wearable and affordable for the average female.

Instead of going for the bright, solid-colored dresses or the plain black ones, go for a great print or pattern that can make you the most memorable on prom night.

There is the classic floral for a sweeter look, and then there are the lovable polka dots. Don't forget the playful animals print that just never goes out of style.  
When accessorizing a print dress, go for a subtle, simple jewelry pieces and shoes. No over-doing it.
Sherri Hill's prom collection has some of our favorite print dresses for this season.

For 40 years, Alyce Designs have represented gowns and prom dresses of distinguished excellence. Founder Alyce Hamm from France opened Alyce Designs in 1967. With her costume design training, Hamm was able to incorporate much of her innovation and ideas into the prom and special occasion dress industry. She has since shared the company with her brother and company CEO Jean-Paul Hamm. They've worked endlessly together to make the national dress industry into an "international trade." So many stars have been seen in Alyce Designs, such as Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally," Denise Richards in "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and even Britney Spears at her own high school prom! You can be spotted next in one of Alyce's elegant prom, bridal, pageant or quinceanera gowns.

Prom dress styles are getting sexier every year. Backless dresses and hyper-plunging necklines are more common at prom. We can tell immediately when looking at a dress that we are going to have some "bra issues". Some of us are blessed and can get away without wearing a bra under our prom dresses, but the rest of us need one at all times, even in a several hundred dollar gown.  

The goods news is that there are options. Some dresses have built in bras that may do the trick. Another option is a adhesive bra cup. There are self-supporting, adhesive bras that stick to your skin or dress and they can be backless, strapless or both. Another great thing about these types of bras is that they don't leave any glue residue and they can be worn multiple times.  

If you find yourself in a bra dilemma, these self-adhesive cups really seal the deal. Check out Tiza's self-adhesive bra. Many of our dresses come with a free bra. Click for Free Prom Bra with dress.

Interview with Alisha Hill about her popular prom and pageant shoe line.  

The internationally recognized bridal gown manufacture Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner does more than just make beautiful wedding dresses. Her award-winning prom collection is full of equally unforgettable designs for young and glamorous girls!  The classic prom dress collection is full of formal dresses that feature the signature Mori Lee ball gown. Our favorites are the strapless bodices with ruched skirts. Most of the pieces are embroidered or beaded. The sweetheart top and corset-tie back closure give the gown a modern, sexy touch to a classical piece.  
Mori Lee Paparazzi is a collection of very slim and sexy prom dresses. Each gown is different in the variety of fabrics, creative bead work, modern cuts and sleek design.
The Hush Prom Collection is the newest for Mori Lee, full of silk charmeuse dresses. These gowns were specifically designed to create a high-fashion look for prom with intricate bead work and smooth silk fabrics.
Mori Lee's Affairs Bridesmaid Collection also offers a variety of cocktail length dresses that would be suitable for a sophisticated prom night. These dresses come in a variety of tops, strapless, scoop neck and halter cut, with skirt length above the knee for a fun and flirty prom or bridesmaid dress. 

Model Kendhal Beal, prom queen of Hollywood Prom 2008. Kendhal is wearing a Sherri Hill prom dress.

Tiara Lanai's red carpet dress is the Sherri Hill S03003.

You haven't seen prom until you've seen Jovani's 2008 prom collection. With more than 300 brand new styles and designs, every girl gets to choose from the cream of the crop.  
Jovani's short and sassy prom dresses can give you elegance with an attitude. Dresses with stylish beads or sexy silk chiffons would make any girl stand out. Jovani has some of the most unique embellishments for their cocktail dresses such as large beads or buttons, bows, rosettes, sashes, lace--each gown stands out in its own special way.  
The 2008 Prom Collection is more dramatic than ever. Imagine a deep v-neck or a high slit, surrounded by heavy red fabric that softly glides across the dance floor. Or see yourself in a glowing gold gown with shimmering sequins and a high-waist sash. These gowns are undeniable and completely unforgettable.  
Jovani's stylish prints make for another unique-looking prom dress. Flowing patterns mixed with the perfect cut and design is a winner for any prom night.  
Jovani is also perfect for any red carpet event. Dozens of celebrities have been caught in Jovani dresses such as Little Kim, Alexa Havins, Shandi Finnessey, Aurela Grace and Tika Sumpter.