June 2009 Archives

Tiza called it. These tasteful dress trends topped the list this season. No, we don't have a crystal ball, but we're one step ahead--stocked full of gowns that deserve the glossiest of magazine covers. Flip through the closest Cosmo if you don't believe us.

This summer, have hot hair without adding extra heat. Take these tips from yours at Tiza...

Condition! Even for super fine hair, summer heat can zap your tresses dry. Try a deep, leave-in conditioner for June and July. For extra soothing moisture, wrap your conditioned hair in a bun and wear a shower cap around the house or to sleep in.

Let your blow dryer cool down a bit. If you style your hair with curling irons, flat irons, and any other heat-emitting electric equipment, give it a break before you break off your hair. Your pockets will thank you when the electric bill comes.

Go easy and breezy with your natural waves. Get that beachy look by letting your hair dry in the sun. Add a bit of product that lets your hair move--nothing stiff like mousse.

If you're bored with straight hair, try going to bed with wet braids. When morning rolls around, you'll have wonderful waves.

Limit hair dyes and permanents. Extra chemicals and heat treatments stress your hair out the max. Let's keep it cool and au natural.

If you're feeling ultra sassy, try a close-chopped crop for a new summer do. Never had short hair? Summer's the perfect time to try something new.

Whatever you decide to do with your do, always protect your scalp from sunshine with SPF-infused products. Or keep it simple--wear a cute summer hat. This season, save yourself the sun damage--care for your hair Tiza style!

Think you've got what it takes to take the crown? You're one click away to owning your own Miss USA 2009 gown designed by Tiza's own Sherri Hill. Find out which winning dress best fits your personality. From peppy and posh to diva demure, Tiza has you covered in all that glitters.

Miss Arkansas' dress is for the girl who won't wait for her genie. She makes her own dreams come true in a daring mirage of exotic hot fuscias and pinks.

The judges do a double take at Miss West Virginia's dress. Classy on top and super sassy waist down, a girl in this dress knows how to make the grade and take a walk on the wild side.

Miss Vermont looked like a Valentine's dream come true in this heart-shaped, hot pink, hip-hugger that splits just where you need wiggle room. For the glam girl who's always armed with lip gloss, this gown's for her.

Miss Tennessee's gown comes sewed with sophistication. Chic and all-woman, a girl who owns this dress expects nothing less than the best. She takes her coffee black, her chocolate dark and gets the job done before going out.

Get yourself wrapped in royalty in nationally-acclaimed dresses right here at Tiza.com.

We all know money doesn't grow on trees. At least, we've yet to find the plant. But for your next fancy occasion, be it prom, a pageant, or a cocktail party, Tiza has the dress for you. For less. Save money and look like a star in the following fabulous dresses coming right up...

What's the ultimate diet secret for a hot summer body? Ditch the miracle pills and please do eat carbs--this one potent potion will help you look and feel ready to tackle the micro miniest of skirts. Question is--are you getting enough?

Water. Plain old H2O. We know those iced mango tropical fruity iced beverages make your tongue sweat. But for your insides and out, water really is the sweetest drink to down.

It's hard to stay hydrated, especially in sweltering summer heat. Take these Tiza tips on how to sneak water into your diet.

-Keep a water bottle handy. Toss it in your purse when on the go. Just like lipstick: go no where without it.

-Never ever wait to drink water until you feel thirsty. By this time, your body is already begging for liquid.

-Drink a glass first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Make it routine, especially if you're used to caffeine.

-Always ask for H20 at restaurants. Match every soda you drink with a glass of water.

-Snack on foods like watermelon--which is pretty much like eating water...and a little melon.

-If water bores you, jazz it up. Add lemon and lime, strawberries slices, or cucumber to your water for an extra tasty zip.

Drink up and shop on!

Imagine: tonight you have a seven-course meal on a candlelit cruise ship deck. But your dress is 2,000 miles away hanging lonely in your closet.

Are you properly packed for summer vacation? From cruises to weekend getaways, a black tie affair can pop up anywhere and leave you with nothing to wear--especially when dressing from a suit case. Best to be prepared with at least one sexy dress. Some pre-packing tips to ponder before you hop on a jet plane...

Heading to a resort? Planned dances and swanky events are common at resorts like those along the Yucatan Peninsula and on tourist-frequented islands. For a cocktail and a beachside string quartet, you'll wanna wear more than a bikini.

Think light. Choose a dress that's highly compactable and easily folds without damage. Sequins could easily be smashed when tossed around in luggage. Go for a silky chiffon and single layers to save room in your bag.

Make sure the dress can go anywhere and meet anyone. Choose something to pack that you'll feel comfortable in if you meet a rock star or a U.S. diplomat. You never know who's in the condo next door.

Going abroad? Check on temperatures and trends going on in the region. A little Internet research could save you a sweat and keep you looking hot in those Barcelona clubs.

Remember climate. Mountains don't do super tight miniskirts. And a beach is no place for a ball gown. A long slinky gown in a safe print or solid color can go both places. Floral prints work great for the beach, of course.

Finally, think about tan lines, and don't forget your heels!

For a gal on the go, it's best to be prepared. This summer, look your best in every time zone.

Looks great on your laptop screen, but how will a dress fit in real life? Tiza fashionistas gathered some gals of all shapes and sizes to get authentic opinions on our spotlight dresses of the season. Find your body match and learn all about your gown.

The dress: A geometric wonder perfectly stitched in purple sequins. Short and flouncy--a definite double take.

Lady Slender: "Apple Gal hit the nail on the head with the coloring of this dress. The lighter purple at the bust and around the bottom will give me some curve. Great for a girl who's straight as a stick!"

Absolute fashion connoisseurs. Thanks again, ladies!

Having a little trouble zipping the zipper on your great new summer dress? Can't get rid of your sweet tooth? Excellent! Tiza has all the tips on savoring that sugar while treating yourself trim. Read on and get ready to munch!

Berry Breeze

-One cup of fresh berries--blueberries, strawberries, blackberries

-No calorie sweetener

-Sugar-free Cool Whip

Mix berries, which are full of antioxidants, with sweetener to taste. This berrylicious concoction should get a little saucy. Top with a few dabs of sugar-free Cool Whip and serve in a fancy dish for a cool treat.

Smooth Sailing Smoothie

-Fat-free yogurt

-Ice

-Fresh fruit

Blend 1/2 cup yogurt and 1 cup ice until smooth. Add your choice of fresh banana slices, peach slices or strawberry slices--not canned--and blend until consistency is smooth. Serve in a chilled glass and top with a mint leaf for a fabulous, summer savvy drink that will keep you energized and hydrated.

Cool 'n Crunch

-Two graham crackers (serving size on box)

-Sugar-free Cool Whip

-Two tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Spread a thin layer of sugar-free Cool Whip on one graham cracker. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips--also full of antioxidants--on Cool Whip. Top with the other graham cracker for a sweet, satisfying sandwich.

Remember your veggies and replace chips and saturated fatty foods with a few of these treats to your daily summer diet. You'll look better, and most importantly--feel your best!

More Critical Critiques by Every Body
Looks great on your laptop screen, but how will a dress fit in real life? Tiza fashionistas gathered some gals of all shapes and sizes to get authentic opinions on our spotlight dresses of the season. Find your body match and learn all about your gown.

The dress: A red hot Marilyn Monroe look-a-like.

Some think of feathers and immediately imagine a gaudy, hot pink boa.

Unless you're heading to an 80's bash, let's smooth out the ruffled rules when it comes to wearing feathers.

First, feathers are extremely versatile. You can wear them in your hair on a clip, adorned on a clutch, or as trim on a dress. Feathers add texture to your dress that makes your gown come alive as you move. With every gust and step you take, feathers will flow with your movement, adding a hinted halo to your presence. Absolutely angelic.

Feathers come in all shapes and sizes, from extravagant peacock to thin, plush ribbons that barely brush your skin. There's no doubt about it. This season, feathers are in.

One large, intricate feather strategically positioned on one strap will add height to your stature, drawing the eye upwards, especially if the dress sweeps the floor. A larger feather at the waist lures the eye toward your trim tummy, which is perfect for gals with a slim figure. Feathers at the bust line can create the illusion of a fuller bust--great for petite ladies.

A dress embellished with elaborate feathers generally doesn't require jewelry. A feather-embroidered gown stands on its own as a work of art.

For summer, feathers fit the hottest flock of gowns to hit the runways. Don't be a chicken. Spread those wings. Add a feather or two to your gown and stay fashion savvy!

This season, the fashion world is getting down and dirty with earthy colors. That's right. It's time to combat CO2 armed in silky brown gowns of all hues brought to you by Mother Nature.

Why brown? Brown comes in a zillion shades--from dark, melty chocolate to airy light tans. There's a shade for every skin color. While black looks good on anyone, it's nothing but boring compared to the infinite array of browns to choose from. This summer, toss that little black dress aside and look sophisticated with a kick of sass in a brown hue that's right for you.

Porcelain Skin: Try a medium brown--not too light, don't go too dark, like a deep chocolate brown, to avoid too deep of a contrast.

Fair Ladies with Pink Undertones: Go for a cooler brown like taupe or burgundy, which has a touch of purple, to highlight your rosy skin.

Tannable Olive Undertones: Try a burnt mahogany or burnt umber--something with a hint of red will pair well with your skin. Think complementary colors.

Mocha: For naturally dark girls, the darker your skin, the lighter the brown. From chocolate to khaki, you don't want to look naked in a dress that matches your skin color.

Diva Dark: Cream, tawny, wheat and sand--light browns with a tinge of gold will made your skin look radiant.

Time to get sizzling, girls! Get your gown in brown--the hottest new color to hit runways, and soon, your dressing room.

All is pomp and circumstance this time of year. Your future may be fuzzy, but don't leave your graduation dress up to chance. Only a top class gown glorious enough for any valedictorian will do for educated girls who know where to get dressed for end-of-the-school year parties--right here at Tiza.com.

With a summer schedule packed full of swim parties, evening soirees and summer jobs, how's a girl to find time to tone up that bod? Put those multi-tasking skills to use and get buff while you bathe in the sun. Have ten minutes to spare? Tiza can shape you up in no time.

Swimming, of course, burns calories. Don't just lie by the pool--get out there. Start a volleyball match, a game of chicken or doggie paddle races.

Sugary drinks can pour pounds into your toosh. Margaritas and sugary drinks may make your taste buds sweat, but stick with lemon water or diet soda. Ask for a martini glass if you wanna feel like movie star chilling poolside.

While lying out, practice those Pilates positions. On your back, tuck your tailbone under and try to get your spine as flat on your towel as possible. This works your abs for a sexy summer stomach.

If you're on the beach, go for a walk. Come on, you're on the beach! Burn those thighs and meet cute guys at the hotel two doors down.

Stay hydrated. Your body can play a nasty trick on you when you don't give it enough water. Thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger when you're dehydrated. Always drink a glass of water before eating anything. Then, see what your body has to say.

Buddy up with a trusted poolside pal. Commit to thirty minutes a day of working out--whether it's on a treadmill or taking a boxing class at your local gym. Then, reward yourself with a splash in the pool!

Try these trusted shortcuts and you'll feel great--in a bodacious bikini and smoking summer dress!

Every girl will wear a gown twice. Who wants to ditch a gown that's in its prime? You can re-wear without a care by following these simple rules. Having a ball is a definite must, especially in a gown you trust.

Make sure enough time has passed between events. Generally a few months will do. If you're attending two totally different events--say a jazzy cocktail party and a super fancy wedding--you may be able to pull of a few weeks between wears.

Consider the crowd. Who will be there? If the first event will be all your friends, and the next a bunch of adults, go ahead and re-wear with no regrets.

Change your look with completely different accessories and shoes. If you wore rhinestones to one event, consider pearls for the next occasion. If your dress is simple with little embellishment, try one bright, eye-catching necklace or bracelet as the focal point of your attire. This takes more attention off your dress.

Time for a new hairstyle? From down to up, curly to straight, a new do will give your gown a complete makeover.

Consider alterations. Straps can easily be retailored into a halter top. Viola! Brand new dress, barely a dent in your coin purse.

Don't re wear to the same annual event, like prom. Chances are, people took lots of pics last year and will snap away again. Don't want to be the ghost of prom past!

Go ahead and get your money's worth. With a gown from Tiza, you can't wear out your welcome.

Looks great on your laptop screen, but how will a dress fit in real life? Tiza fashionistas gathered some gals of all shapes and sizes to get authentic opinions on our spotlight dresses of the season. Find your body match and learn all about your gown.

The dress: A classic cut shimmers in iridescent blue, with strategic cinches that wrap around the body and drape to the floor.

Lady Slender: This one is probably tapered enough to give me some curve. I love the back and the way it's shaped around my butt. If it hangs on a rack in a figure eight, I'll definitely give it a go."

More excellent critiques from your fellow shoppers!

Don't you hate when your neck gets all sweaty? Double gross. But how's a girl to wear her hair to a fancy summer soiree without melting? Feel the breeze on your neck with a simple summer hairstyle for any occasion--from funky and flirty to super sophisticated.

Ponytails aren't just for working out. Go sleek with a smooth, clean ponytail. Use a rhinestone barrette or clip for a fancy touch. Great for a classy event with lots of pomp and sparkling grape juice. Or, get sassy with a carefully tended messy ponytail.

Side swept. If your hair isn't extra thick, go with the wind and sweep your medium to long hair to one shoulder, twisting loosely as your go. Sort of a semi-pony tail, held in place with a few bobby pins and a good hairspray.

Think short. It may be time to chop it off. Had your hair long since Kindergarten? Summer is the perfect time to try a choppy pixie cut, or a chin-length bob.

Go high style with a loose up-do or half-do. Let unfastened curls fall to grace your face for a playfully poised look.

Hop out of the box with buns and braids. Summer provides the perfect excuse to get creative. Think vintage and old Hollywood. Make this summers' fancy event your Midsummer Night's Dream come true with a fabulous new hair do.

Okay, we hate to bring it up, but dress size matters. Tremendously. A few clues and hints on dress size from experts at Tiza should smooth out all your wrinkles.

- First, remember that there is not a universal dress measurement. That means not every size 4 is the same physical size. Just because your dress is a size larger or smaller than your usual twinkie-sized bff doesn't mean you dropped ten pounds or turned into a blown up balloon.

- Casual wear and formal wear sizes are drastically different. 85.7% chance a size 6 in jeans will not be the same in a formal dress.

- Look at your manufacturers sizing charts to find your size. No buts about it.

- The most important areas to measure are your bust, waist and hips. Now, buy the dress that corresponds to your largest measurement. Like, if your bust equals size 8 but your waist is a size 6, buy the eight. Better to have more than less needed fabric. An alteration shop is always around the corner.

- Last but not least, size is nothing but a number, which doesn't define how amazingly gorgeous you'll look in your gown.

Tuck these hints in your pocket and shop away!

Winner Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton chose a luscious blue flowing gown that won her the crown.

Third Runner Up Miss Utah glowed in a this gorgeous golden dress perfect for a spring pageant or prom.

More winning Sherri Hill designs to come!

Looks great on your laptop screen, but how will a dress fit in real life? Tiza fashionistas gathered some gals of all shapes and sizes to get authentic opinions on our spotlight dresses of the season. Find your body match and learn all about your gown.

The dress: A flouncy, firey red floor-length with crisscross straps and shimmery beaded embellishment at the bust.

Lady Slender: "I'm not sure about the top. I know I couldn't fill it out, which never looks good. I love the color though."

Once again, thanks girls! More critiques to come!

Looks great on your laptop screen, but how will a dress fit in real life? Tiza fashionistas gathered some gals of all shapes and sizes to get authentic opinions on our spotlight dresses of the season. Find your body match and learn all about your gown.

The Dress: A fabulous bubble cocktail dress. Heart-shaped and strapless.

Lady Slender: "I'd sport this, as long as I had the right bra on. I need pattern or extra flounce in my dresses to give me some curve. I like the bubble trim, especially with my chicken legs! And the heart-shaped top might make me look a little bigger in the bust."

Thanks girls! Tune in next time for another critique on the next spotlight special from Tiza's closet.

So many solids and plenty of prints! How's a girl to choose from a gazillion brilliantly beautiful gowns? Tiza's here with helpful hints on how to choose between a solid or a print.

Your body type plays a lead role in your choice. For fuller figured ladies, a small print, like tiny polka dots, or a solid with a print on your bust or in one area works best. Slimmer girls can get away with big prints that create the illusion of a little more curve.

Consider the event. Is a psychedelic, tie-dye patterned dress too flamboyant for a classy occasion? On the flip side, a summer night outdoor dance party may be perfect for an extravagant fabric full of zigzags and colorful bursts.

The horrible happened. You make your grand entrance into that jazzed up auditorium doubling as a dance floor only to find another girl wearing your dress. How dare she?! Keep those claws in your paws and don't shed a tear--handle this nightmare gracefully with tips from Tiza.

First, keep your cool. Chances are no one will notice. Especially guys. A girl who says something tacky about your double dress dilemma has nothing better to talk about.

Erase awkwardness with a bit of boldness. Walk up to your temporary twinkie and make a joke about it. Obviously, you both have superb taste.

You both have different body shapes, hairstyles and shoes--two totally different looks. Have a laugh and get on with your night.

If you want to avoid the problem, share with as many gals as possible what your dress looks like. This might prevent the situation. Maybe post a pic on Facebook or Myspace to stake an early bird claim on your gown.

A camera can preserve prom memories, but how to preserve that dress? Take these tips from Tiza on how to care for your gown.

Some stains can remain invisible to the naked eye, like beverage spills and body oil. Before storing a dress in the closet, get it dry-cleaned.

Some shoppers may not know about the multicultural side of Tiza design. We're proud to be made in the U.S.A., but our clientele come from around the world.

Since school's out, we're giving you a nice lesson on different cultures' coming of age traditions. Most importantly--the gowns girls wear when they pen up their hair and say, "Hello, world! I'm a woman!"

We'll start with the Latin American tradition of The Quinceanera. The word refers to a traditionally cool fiesta that takes place for a girl turning 15. This grand event, which resembles a wedding with no groom, is a rite of passage into adulthood for the lucky girl.

The celebrant is treated like royalty all night, beginning with a religious ceremony that generally affirms her Catholic faith. Then, the party moves on to a scrumptious dinner. A girl is accompanied by a court consisting of her padrinos--or godparents--and a Chambelan--her date--for the evening. She'll dance away the evening in a dress picked especially for the occasion...

It usually looks something like this selection of Tiza's Quinceanera classics.

With a celebration this fun, a girl should turn 15 more than once! Feliz cumpleanos!

Susana, a foreign exchange student from Spain, shares her first prom story from the States.

I did not know what prom was really when I arrived here. I made friends with a girl in a class and she asked me to go to prom with her friend, a boy. I did not know him. I never saw him until the night of prom. He came to my host parent's house and my host dad opened the door. I walked to him and put my cheek up to his like a greeting from home, which is a large town in Spain. He stepped away from me and his eyes were very big. I scared him! Then, my host parents laughed. They told me he did not know that in Spain, people greet by kissing cheeks. I think he was embarrassed. But I enjoyed the prom experience.

Summer's around the corner. Is your makeup bag ready? Take these tips from Tiza to heat up your haute facial decor and make your smile sizzle.

Eye's Spy Summertime

Add a splash of color to your summer eye shadow palette. Save boring browns for fall. We're importing exotic turquoise hues, vivacious violets and sweet greens. Be bold and try a funky color on your eyes. But limit colors that pop to one area of your face to avoid caked-face look. This isn't a circus--it's summer!

Poolside Pout

Luscious lips are on the menu. Always start with a neutral shade or balm with SPF. Now have fun with your gloss. Try new flavors like pink lemonade and raspberry punch to give a sugary scent to your poolside pout. Avoid liner during summer. Don't want to melt into Dracula mouth.

Get Cheeky

Get a fruitfully dewy cheek appeal with a water-based gel or cream blush. A little goes a long way. Start at the apple of your cheekbone and sweep up toward the temple. Don't give in to the temptation to blush your nose or chin. The sun will help you out here.

Sun, Sand & Skin

When choosing foundation, keep in mind how tan you tend to get in summertime. For oily skin, you may want to stick with a light powder foundation. Always go for something with SPF to keep your skin honeydew fresh and healthy.

Now add a sexy short dress from Tiza's smoking selection and it's sweet sailing to every formal occasion this summer.

Yet another hilarious prom story for your reading pleasure. Brought to you by Tiza shoppers everywhere. This one's a doozy...

"For my first prom, I went with a big group of girls. We didn't really want dates and it was just easier and more fun. We had a limo pick us up at one of my friend's house after taking a whole bunch of pics. When the driver got out to open the passenger door, we all giggled I'm sure because he was so cute and young.

We all piled into the limo, thankful to get out on our own. There was a sliding wall between the driver and us and he had it closed to give us privacy, I guess. So, we started playing this game called 'Have You Ever.' It's silly, but you everyone takes turns asking an embarrassing question, usually stuff you don't want anyone else to really know about. If you've done it, you have to keep you hand raised.

We go around the circle and get to me. I jokingly asked the group if anyone had ever thought about kissing the limo driver. Everyone laughs and a few girls keep their hands raised, including me. Then, all of a sudden, the little black window at the front of the limo slides open and the limo driver looks back and yells in a girly voice, "I sure have. I hear he's, like, super hot!"

I'm sure my face turned fire red. The worst part was that he chuckled at me when I got out of the limo for dinner. I'll never say another word in a limo again. You never know when someone's listening!"

Anna, VT

Tiza asked for your most memorable prom stories. Here's one from Kayla in Norman, Oklahoma.

"I was a junior in high school. My first prom. There was this guy who I'd gone to school with forever. Since Kindergarten. We'd grown up together, just around the block from each other. Rode bikes, all that stuff. Ben was sort of like a brother, but a best friend at the same time. I could hang out in sloppy ponytails and t-shirts and not care around him. I took him home from school every day because he didn't have a car. I didn't even think about him as a possible date for prom.

In the car one day after school we were joking about prom because I bought a dress i fell in love with before I got a date. and he nonchalantly asked me what color my dress was. I told him red.

The next morning before school, my dad came in to my room and said, 'Kay, I think you should go look at your car.'

I was used to sporadic shoe-polishing for football games. But I went out to my car, it's a little white Mustang, and it was totally covered in red paper cut out flowers. With glued on glitter. I mean covered. Like a ladybug, but reverse spots. I started picking off the flowers one by one and realized they were numbered with single letters on the back of each flower.

So, I laid them all out on the driveway in order. It took like twenty minutes and made me late for first period. The letters spelled out, 'What up neighbor. I hear U R going 2 prom with the coolest guy ever. That must B me. Sweet!'

I just laughed and didn't question it.

When Ben picked me up on prom night, he was wearing a sparkly red paper flower pinned on his jacket with a safety pin and he handed me a bouquet of the same.

'This way, they won't die,' he said. We went to McDonald's looking awesome and had the best night ever. And I won't say there weren't butterflies after that night."

Thanks, Kayla!
Keep sending us your stories!