April 2009 Archives

Dangly rhinestones or pearl studs? Your jewelry may be the tiniest part of your prom evening, but can make or break an outfit. Let Tiza help you decide what jewelry to wear depending on your choice of dress.

To tan or not to tan: what's a girl to do? Let's break it down. Before you buy a fake bake package or lather yourself in oil and head to Mexico, get your facts straight. Tiza loves a woman who makes wise choices--especially when it comes to the skin you're in.

What is a tan? According to Merriam-Webster.com, the word itself derives from old school English and Latin words that mean "to turn to leather." That's enough to make you think. Here's the low down: Sunlight makes your skin produce melanin--dark skin pigment, which builds up and protects against UV ray's bad effects. It takes several days to build up enough melanin to a protective level. The more you have, the darker you are, and the more protected you are from evil UV sunrays.

But what are UV rays? The sun hits the Earth in three types of rays--UVA, UVB and UVC. The atmosphere keeps UVC out, but not the first two. UVB is the bad guy who causes cancer and wrinkles. Many surfaces like water, snow and sand, reflect UV rays, which amplifies sunshine's effects. Hence, sunburns while skiing.

So, what is a sunburn? The sun will 'burn' your skin's cells when it has no protection from UV rays--whether natural melanin or sunscreen. Your skin responds to UV rays by elevating blood flow to the top skin layers to begin damage repair. That explains the redness. Nerve endings are super sensitive on any wound, including burns. That's why it hurts.

How does sunscreen work? Sunscreen basically contains chemicals that absorb UVB rays, acting like a shield for your skin. Sun Protection Factor--or SPF--is a protective multiplier. If you're okay in the sun for twenty minutes, SPF 20 will keep you safe for about 200 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes for sun screen to bind to your skin, which is why your mom made you sit by the pool to 'let your sunscreen dry'. SPF only protects against UVB, so you still tan a little with sunscreen applied.

What are my options? The tanning industry offers many alternatives to spending hours sweating in the sun or a tanning booth. From spray on tans to creams, lotions and gels, you have plenty of options to get a healthy, gorgeous glow for prom.

Need to add some sunshine to your morning glories? Your prom corsage can be kitsch. Check out Tiza's suggestions on how to add some funk and flourish to your flower. An old prom tradition doesn't have to be outdated. Think outside the box. Try one of several creative options to the classic wrist or pin-on corsage.

* Try a choker corsage. If you're wearing an up-do and no necklace, a simple flower that matches your dress will add a glam touch to your photos. Choose a delicate, thin, silky ribbon that highlights your skin tone. Tie with the flower slightly off-center, resting gently above your collarbone.
* Create a clip corsage. A single large flower or small cluster of dainty smaller flowers can be twined together and hot-glued to a bobby pin or hair clip for a ravishing, one-of-a-kind accessory. Pin behind the ear or add to your up-do.
* Pump up your purse. If you're carrying a clutch and don't want itchy leaves on your skin, consider tying a corsage to your clutch.
* If you like the wrist look, but want something that doesn't get in the way, try a rosebud bracelet--a series of small flowers that gently hugs your wrist and doesn't stick out too far. Order from your florist in advance!
* Need to spice up your flora? Try weaving stringed pearls or crystal beads around your small bouquet, or even super glue tiny sparkling beads to leaves and petals.
* Ditch the dying flowers altogether. Go for an everlasting corsage made of rhinestones and ribbon.

This season, get creative with your corsage. Be the belle of the ball with a beautiful floral creation that's as unique as you are.

This age old riddle has rattled the brains of beauty queens worldwide. Every fashion magazine under the sun attempts to solve the mystery--what's the difference between a pageant gown and a prom dress? But with so many different answers, how's a girl to know a trustworthy source?

With plenty of proms and pageants under our funky leather belts, Tiza has the scoop on how to tell the real difference between a pageant and promwear.

Classically, the main difference is price. Tack on several hundred dollars worth of fabric and precision and you've got a pageant gown. Trim off the real gold embroidary and a little spilled prom punch won't matter as much. But today, the line is fine between the two. Sometimes even a little blurry.

One rule to remember is you can typically pull off a pageant dress at prom, but never the other way around. Flip through your favorite magazines and check out Tiza's prom and pageant online sections to find out for yourself. Your fashion instincts will smell the difference right away.

A pageant dress isn't one you'll find on the racks in department stores. Usually, pageant wear comes custom made to fit a contestant's features. Don't get us wrong, prom dresses can be fit for a princess, too. But usually, prom dresses are mass-produced, less intricate and made for a little wear and tear.

Another tidbit to remember: short cocktail dresses can pass at prom, but not at a pageant. Funky flies on the dance floor, but go for elegant on the stage.

When shopping for a pageant or prom dress, go with your gut. If a dress feels too simple for a pageant, it probably is. If it feels like too much glitz and glam for a dance, think it over. You know your style. Tiza is here to help. Shop away!

You adore the dress, but is it fit for your body? Not every body fits neatly inside a body type mold, but most can identify with one type that will help you choose the right cut and style. Find out where your figure falls with our simple body type outline.

Pear Shape-- You're wider in the hips than you are in the bust or shoulders. Some might say you have childbearing hips. You tend to look thinner from the side and probably have a flat stomach.

Petite--You often have problems finding fitted jackets and pants that don't swallow your frame and sag at your hips. You tend to wear spandex and may even still shop in the juniors' department. Short heights and small bone structure run in your family's genes.

Hourglass--You're noted for your curves. Your bust and hips are about the same when measured, with a waist that tapers in at your belly button--your true waist. You have the classic Marilyn Monroe full-figure "eight" shape.

Slender--People may ask if you're a model, especially if you're tall. You're lean with long bones and probably don't have much junk in the trunk. You don't tend to gain noticeable weight.

Fuller Bust--Hello, my face is up here, buddy. You may have problems finding shirts that aren't too tight on top but fit your middle. Your bust is wider than your hips.

Athletic Build--With strong, wide shoulders, you may sport some killer lean legs. You probably build muscle easily and look for ways to highlight your feminine side.

Apple Shape--Thicker in the middle, where you tend to store extra fat, you probably focus on your facial features, girly legs and hands when dressing up.

Now that you know your body type, tune in next time to find out how to spot the best dress for your figure to maximize your online shopping experience.

What does a girl have to wear to place in the Miss USA 2009 Top Ten? A fabulous Sherri Hill gown, of course. Eight of the Top Ten finishers shared their moment of glory with millions in a Sherri Hill gown at this year's long-awaited beauty pageant held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 19. The top four finishers knew who to wear--including newly crowned winner Miss USA 2009, Kristen Dalton, from North Carolina.

Miss USA 2009, Kristen Dalton in her Sherri Hill pageant gown. Dress available for $2,400

It's no surprise so many contestants chose Sherri Hill as their evening gown designer. With a queen-size closet full of pageant-winning dresses, Hill has dominated the pageant scene with gowns claiming crowns and placing on Top Ten lists worldwide, from Miss America to Miss Universe. Who wore wisely at the pageant? Tiza has the royal scoop on who chose Sherri Hill designs... - Winner Miss USA 2009 -Kristen Dalton - First Runner Up: Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean - Second Runner Up: Miss Arizona USA, Alicia-Monique Blanco - Third Runner Up: Miss Utah, Laura Chukanov

And the rest of the Top Ten who wore Sherri Hill...

- Miss Tennessee, Kristen Motil

- Miss Arkansas, Chanley Painter

- Miss South Carolina, Stephanie Smith

- Miss West Virginia, Jessi Pierson

Now, where will YOU shop for your next formal dress? Your winning gown is a click away right here at Tiza.com

When you find the right alteration place, ask about prices and experience. Have they done dresses before? Ask to see a work-in-progress. Also ask about guarantees. You deserve to get what you pay for, especially if the establishment advertises precision.

Don't let a slight problem cause panic. Alterations are your chance to stylize your dress and make it one-of-a-kind.

* Take deep breaths before the countdown. This will relax the muscles in your face and chest and make you look calm and collected. * Practice smiling in front of a mirror. No, this isn't dorky. Try different angles and facial positions to get comfortable in your skin. Have a friend take pics of you with a digital camera to immediately determine your best angle. * Stick your neck out there. Think yoga spine stretch to fully lengthen your neck. Now slightly tilt the head down to emphasize your eyes and to get that "come hither" look. * Laugh it up. Your natural smile comes out when you let out a legitimate laugh. Get someone to tell a joke or tell the photographer to snap away when the group is giggling. * Check yourself out. Make sure you love how you look so your confidence shines in photos. Before any picture, take a look at yourself in the mirror. Fix any blemishes, smudges or stray hairs. * Try the model pose. Turn your body 3/4 towards the camera with one shoulder closer to the camera. Now put one foot a little in front of the other. Push your shoulders down and back and tighten your abs for a genuine, poised presence. * Don't hold the same smile for too long when many people are taking pictures of you or your group. Relax every now and then. Move your jaw and lips around and reset that gorgeous grin for another round of snapshot memories.

Sherri Hill cocktail dress 1001

Pack these tips in your purse for fabulous photogenic results at your next prom, pageant or evening out.

Sometimes dates can cause problems so predictable they're easily overlooked. Especially on your prom checklist. Don't get caught in a web you can't wiggle your way out of. Read on to avoid disasters that will make you scream, "duh!"

Dilemma 10: He shows up underdressed.

Avoid this issue altogether by discussing your outfits prior to the big night. You don't want him to show up in a baby blue tux if you're wearing black. You'd look like a big black eye together. Talk about colors. Ask if he's wearing black or blue, a jacket or not. If he's lacking a tie and you have time, make a quick run to the mall or to his. If he's wearing jeans, remember that you can always return a nice pair of slacks if he doesn't get them dirty. If he planned on wearing denim to prom, he won't care what he wears. So pick what you like.

Dilemma 11: He forgets the corsage.

This is something you should also discuss pre-prom. It's not necessary to exchange flowers anymore, but if you do, call him the day of to make sure he doesn't forget. If he does forget (or you do), come with a simple spare. Or, get creative and head out to the garden with a pair of scissors, a ribbon and a pin from your mom's sewing kit. Viola!

Problem nipped in the bud.

Dilemma 12: He has bad breath.

This is no biggie. Always come prepared with gum or mints for yourself and a bit for back up. Don't be afraid to offend him by offering a slice of wintry green freshness. Chances are he'll be thankful for the hint, even if he doesn't say so. You'll be doing everyone a favor.

Ah...what a sigh of relief. You're completely prepped for a dilemma-free date, dinner and dance. Enjoy your evening!

You primped and prepared with precision. He knocks on the door. You take a deep breath and prepare to knock him dead. But what does his response to all your hard work really mean? Know how to read between the blinks and awkward stares. Does he really mean it, does he dig what you wear?

He says..."You look hot."

This one's a doozy (sense the sarcasm). Either you're showing enough skin to have him staring anywhere but your face, or he says this to every date. Exchange the hot with gorgeous or beautiful and he might be packing a little class in his tux.

He says..."You look...nice."

Be wary of the long pause in his compliment. He's probably searching for the adjective that's not quite a lie, but won't make you cry.

He says...nothing with no expression or change of subject.

Not only is he rude and won't even lay down a little white lie or smile, but he probably won't impress you for the rest of the evening. So feel free to chat up and dance with whoever catches your eye.

He says..."I really like your dress."

If he says it with good eye contact, he means it. If he's looking around or fiddling with his hair and collar, he might just be nervous. Give him a little while to get his groove back. Then reassess his actions towards you.

He says..."I...uh. Um. Wow." A big-eyed stare and drop of jaw.

You go, girl. You've got him. Order the biggest steak on the menu.

It's good to know what your date really thinks, but his compliments shouldn't concern you too much. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful with or without his approval. So tell yourself you're gorgeous and get going, girl!

Sick of the same hairstyles? No need to stress over your tresses. If you want to spice up your hair, Tiza's here to give you an earful of hair hints for a hot new look.

For straight-haired ladies who want some curvy curls, use two different size curling iron barrels for realistically luscious ringlets. No two natural curls are ever the same size.

Have a favorite celebrity from a different decade? Find a good pic of your favorite silver screen celeb and take it to the salon for a one night only, look-a-like special.

Hats are hot. Especially paired with a simple, single-colored dress. Go vintage and sophisticated with silky ribbons and tulle. With just the right tilt, you'll be quite a couture catch.

Ponytails aren't just for pom squads and bad hair days. Go classy with a sleek ponytail that balances a super elaborate dress.

You can count on Tiza to jumpstart your creative juice. Pick a style and get going, girl!

Sometimes, a prom date can blindside you with some serious setbacks. These decisions can make or break your evening--not to mention the rest of forever, if you're not careful. So read carefully to prepare to deal with the worst and still have a safe, super awesome night

Dilemma 7: He asks you to do something you're uncomfortable doing.

Anything from a quick kiss to something illegal, if you feel the slightest twinge of apprehension, say no. Practice in front of a mirror if you have to. It's two letters, one syllable, that will save you all sorts of heartache. Plus, in the end, a guy will most likely respect a girl who knows what she wants--and doesn't want. Also, you'll encourage your friends to do the same and set their boundaries.

Dilemma 8: He tells you he got a hotel room or his parents are out of town.

This means one thing. He might like your dress better on the floor. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can say you have a curfew. It's best to have a cell phone handy for emergency calls to friends or parents if he's persistent and you begin to feel unsafe. Don't fall for "everybody's doing it" or "come on, this is a once in a lifetime chance." No, it's not. You have a lifetime of chances ahead of you.

Dilemma 9: He wants you to drink.

First, if you're under 21, you're asking for trouble. Even if you don't drink, remember you are guilty by association. If you don't want to leave the group or party, make your own drink--alcohol free. Pour a coke and add a lime. If anyone asks, you have picky taste. Sip away and be the smart one. If someone hands you a drink you're not sure who poured, say thanks but no thanks or discreetly pour it out in the bathroom. No harm done.

Tune in next time for more Date Dilemmas solved!

It's time to start your own tradition. For this year's prom or special occasion, avoid the same old overpriced spaghetti and long wait lines for your party of twelve. Instead of eating out, try dining in--at home, that is.

Start by making sure not going to a restaurant is okay with the group. Now choose someone's house--particularly one with the biggest dining area. Get the mothers all on board. Most likely, they'll be pumped to prepare a fabulous dinner for their darlings. Take requests from everyone and create your prom night menu.

You can create handmade menus or invitations to the dinner, even give your restaurant a name. Now send out the invites, and you're on your way.

Time to get creative. Feel like dining in a chic metropolitan café? Use tall champagne flutes for your sparkling grape juice. Drape a sheer fabric from your local fabric store over blinds and furniture. Decorate with candles and mirrors. Toss a little silver confetti on and around the table. Don't forget mood music. Create a playlist that will last through dinner and hide your computer or radio in a discreet place.

Bribe little brothers to be butlers for a night (hey, it's worth a shot). If the parents are up for it, let them play waitress at dinner. This will spice up the night and add a little flavor to your one-night-only dining extravaganza.

With the cash you'll save, have the limo pick up the group right at the driveway. Don't keep your table waiting on this one-night-only dining in experience!

It's best to be prepared for any prom problem. Especially when your date commits a party foul. That's why Tiza's here to help you get through sticky situations with our Date Dilemma series. Let's check out what else could possibly go wrong and how you can handle a crisis with charisma.

Dilemma 4: He ditches you for another girl at the last minute. You're dateless 24 hours to go.

Stay calm. If a guy will do something this horrendous, you don't want to waste you time with him. Ask around. There's bound to be a cool cat or good friend who wasn't planning on going to prom. Take the initiative and ask yourself. Or, find a group of people going dateless. This is a lot less stressful.

Dilemma 5: He disappears to dance with a different girl for the rest of the night.

Do not--we repeat--do not sit and sulk in the corner while everyone else has fun.

Really, he's done you a favor. Just another loser you don't want to give the time of day--or night. He probably paid for your dinner, right? Well, consider yourself a free woman and get down on the dance floor with whoever strikes your fancy.

Dilemma 6: He barely talks to you all night.

Don't worry too much about this. Keep up the chatting with friends around you and maybe he'll liven up. He's probably nervous--it's not you. Maybe pull him aside and ask him if everything's okay. But don't make a scene. This isn't a big deal and shouldn't keep you from having a blast.

Tune in next time for more Date Dilemmas solved!

A hot pair of heels brings out the movie star in every woman. That extra lift will pump up your night and help you feel and look extra sexy. Our Tiza fashionistas came up with the most important tip list of your life: how to wear heels. So follow along. Don't get tripped up on your evening out with the wrong pair of shoes.

Before you buy a pair of pumps, walk around in the store to see if you can move like a human and not a robot on stilts. This will alleviate broken ankles. Can't have a cast on your big night out!

First, break in your shoes. Don't expect a new pair of stilettos right out of the box to feel like fuzzy house slippers. Make sure you give yourself time to wear your shoes around the house several times to mold the straps to your foot. No nasty blisters, please.

Before wearing high heels, soak your feet in lotion--definitely a lotion with aloe and vitamin e. With soft skin, straps will slide easily with your stride and keep your feet from rubbing raw. Ouch!

Always pack prepared with Bandaids. If the occasional blister does pop up, you don't want to be without protection.

While out on the town, balance time spent sitting and standing so your feet remember what they're wearing. If you sit down the whole night, you'll give your feet quite a shock when you finally stand--especially when you hit the dance floor.

Wear your size. A shoe should not slide and your toes and heels should not hang over the edge. Enough said.

Don't borrow your friend's shoes unless your have identical feet--which is unlikely. Shoes are not an accessory, they're a primary part of your outfit. If your feet are miserable, the rest of you will be too.

Don't go too cheap. It's smart to invest in a good pair of heels that will match many outfits and dresses. Who wants a heel or a strap to snap? You'll feel more comfortable and confident in a quality pair of heels.

So, now that you're thoroughly educated on shoe etiquette, check out Alisha Hill's designer shoe line right here at Tiza.com, and get your party on!

Now that you have your fabulous dress from Tiza, it's time to take care of details--your date. This part of prom can get pretty sticky if you aren't in the know on how to deal with date dilemmas. From the dateless to the girl with too many guys, Tiza is here to answer your every question.

The first part of this series will deal with The Question, that adrenaline-spiked moment when he says, "do you wanna?" Depending on the guy, you may be all smiles and butterflies or pulling out your hair. Check out possible dilemmas...

Dilemma 1: The absolutely wrong guy ever just asked you to prom. You have to say no. How do you handle?

Saying no is an art. First, put yourself in his place. It took guts to ask you, so let him down softly. Don't leave him hanging while waiting on your crush to ask you. That's totally unfair and rude. Be your sweet self and tell him upfront that you just don't think it would work, but you hope he'll save you a dance.

Dilemma 2: No one has asked you yet, and prom is this weekend.

Breathe, honey. Life is not over. Chances are, there will be an asking frenzy by Wednesday or Thursday. Everyone is probably waiting for the perfect match and the right time. Remember, there is no law that says you have to go to prom with a date. Girl groups can be just as fun or better with less stress and freedom to dance.

Dilemma 3: You know the guy you're eying will ask you this afternoon, but plan B just called. What do you do?

This one can be tricky, First, how do you know that Guy A will ask you? Did a trustworthy source fill you in? Perhaps you should take the initiative and ask Guy A your self. Be honest. Tell Guy B you think you have plans that aren't set in stone. But if he doesn't mind, you'll call him in a little bit. If you just can't do this, remember you'll probably only eat dinner with Guy B. You're not getting married.

Tune in next time for more Date Dilemmas solved!

Every girl wants skin sleek as silk for an elegant prom night out. Don't worry about knicks and nasty razor burns tonight. Tiza's fashion experts are here to save the day. No Band-Aids needed. Just follow our how-to from the know-it-alls and slip into your gown. Literally.

First thing's first. Your body grows hair. Get used to it. Don't get frustrated. Now that you're following Western beauty standards, it's time to eliminate those unwanted sprouts to avoid a prom hair scare.

You've got hair...there?! Hair grows in funky places. For hard to reach and troublesome spots, like between the brows, on the upper lip or on your back, definitely use wax. No razors in delicate places. If you can't reach a patch, it's best to head to your trusted salon for a nice hot wax. Don't worry. It only stings for a second. Beauty is pain, right?

For the do-it-yourself girl, best be prepared with extra smooth shaving cream and the best of razors. Make sure to use a new razor, too. So you don't have to go over strips of leg multiple times, increasing risk of unruly knicks. Make sure to lather well and rinse your razor often for a close, clean shave.

In case of a cut (accidents happen), apply pressure immediately to stop the bleeding. If it's in a place covered by your dress, a Band-Aid will do. If the cut is exposed, wait until the bleeding stops to see how bad it really is. If it's a tiny cut, it may not show. Apply Neosporin to avoid infection.

Underarms are tricky. Shave slow and use plenty of shaving cream. Soap won't do. Move your shoulder around to expose hard to reach spots under your arms.

Now that you're beautifully bare for prom, you'll make them stare!