Prom Tips: February 2009 Archives

6) Go back to your budget. Are you staying in line or way overspending? A little reassessment might surprise you with a few extra dollars to splurge on jewelry or that great shade of shadow you've been eyeing.

7) Talk to your date. This is a must. Make sure he knows what you're expecting. Will you be buying a corsage? After party plans? Open communication lines not only avoid night-of issues, but will help break the ice if your date is a new acquaintance. Oh, please demand that he doesn't wear a baby blue tux with frills. If that's the case, honey, you're better off going stag.

Keep it up! We'll check in with you soon for our one-week reminders.

With prom season just around the corner, it's time to whip out that notepad and make a serious pre-prom prep checklist. We here at Tiza know the ins and outs of prom preparation. To save yourself form last minute disasters, start planning several months before your special night. Let's make it one to remember!

Long term business first. With two months to go, don't let those calendar pages trick you. Time flies for super busy girls with a prom to prepare for. So, a few important things to think about:

1) Start looking for your ideal dress. It's never ever too early to start. Who wants to scramble through sales racks of damaged goods at department stores three days before? Plus, you need to keep in mind shipping and alteration time if you plan to get a gown to remember from Tiza.

2) Money matters. Make a list of everything you will buy. From toenail polish to hairspray. Decide what your budget is and plan accordingly. Your dress tops the list, so it may be wise to think cheap when it comes to small details. Do you have a friend who's awesome at up-dos? If you play dress-up now, you'll be an expert at eyeliner application in a no time. Practice makes perfect!

3) Healthy habits. Start eating right and exercising now. You can't lose three pounds in three days. Utterly impossible. To properly tone up and feel your best, begin healthy habits now. Not a gym buff? Start with small goals. For example, walk briskly for 20 minutes every other day and gradually increase. Get healthy with a friend. Accountability helps. Chat away while you walk. Makes exercising tons more fun!

Now, for the hard part--stick with it. You can do it, and Tiza's here to help. Tune in next time for your one month checklist!

Ever wonder what he really thinks about your dress? We do. So we grabbed a few guys got them talking. We want men's real opinion. And that's exactly what we got. So read on to find out what he really likes about your gown choice and what he'd rather you leave on the rack.

All names have been changed to protect identity.

First, we inquired about color.

"I really love black on any woman. It's flattering and, oh, I guess you'd call it classy. Like old movie stars," Johnny said..

"I like strapless dresses," Mikey said. "But if a girl is, um, voluptuous on top, it's not too cool when she's bouncing around."

"Very true."

"I agree."

Next, we inquired about dress length. The boys had a bit to say on this topic.

"Short all the way," Bobby said. "I'm not in to long ball gowns. Too much to deal with."

"I think ball gowns are pretty for certain occasions. Just depends," Johnny added.

"This one time, my date wore this dress that was all diagonal and her leg showed when she walked. That was hot." Mikey said.

As you can see, guys' taste varies as much as the dress variety at Tiza.com. Guess there's a guy for every dress and a dress for every girl.

You love how it looks in the full-length mirror. But when you hit the dance floor, will your dress keep up with your moves? Here's a list of things to check in the dressing room to danceproof your dress.

When you're trying on your dress, move your arms around in circles, up and down, and in any way you may find your arms swinging on the big night. Don't worry, no one's watching.

You've found the dress. The color makes your eyes pop, your skin sparkle, but what else does your dress color reveal about your personality?

Blue is a calm, cool, and generally collected. You're laid back and up for anything. Whether you're wearing sky blue or a deep ocean blue, you might be nature girl, giving the vibe that you're easy-going. Some people associate deeper shades of blue with intelligence and stability.
Green adds a fresh, springtime feel to your attire. Olive green shades show a touch of sophistication with a feisty side. A girl in bright green is vividly vivacious.

Turquoise has a gentle feminine feel with the same calming effect as true blue. With hints of green, you're carefree, but ready to party.

Silver says pure sass. You're hip and on the edge, ready to twirl the night away.

Red screams intensity, of course, as well as passionate and proud. You're not afraid to step into the spotlight.

Pink is the girly girl's color. Pink hues radiate a hint of flirty shyness, but paired with black, pink can be dramatically feminine and bit friskier than red.

Yellow and Orange. Not many skin tones can pull of yellow or orange, but if you can, you'll give a cheerful vibe that lights up the room. You're full of healthy energy and excitement.

Gold suggests grandeur. You're a girl who loves luxury. You're used to standing out in a crowd and definitely know your worth.

Purple suggests royalty, like gold, but a sense of welcoming femininity. Of course, you'll take the next dance with your head held high.

Black. The universal color for serious, sexy, and mysterious. Black can also indicate a conservative side, depending on your dress cut.

Every tint gives a hint of personality. so pick the color that matches you!

Hourglass figures can wear nearly anything, but make sure to wear your size. Too tight around the bust or hip off-balances your symmetry.

Flatter your figure this season in a dress that's made for your body. Take a good look in the mirror, claim your frame, and slip into something glamorous and comfortable.

You bought the perfect dress (hopefully it was a Sherry Hill), and shoes to match. But in the past, you went to prom with lipstick on your teeth. Whip out those brushes and powders, ladies. It's time to make up with your makeup.

Here are some tips any girl can use to paint her own face for her next formal occasion. No need to waste a fortune at a salon. Open your vanity cabinets, turn on the spotlights, and let's get started.

First thing's first: wash up. A fresh face for a fantastic night.

Base: Always match your skin tone and never go too thick. No one wants to put a corsage on a clown.

Cover up: Once again, match your skin color. If you're pale, you're porcelain. If you're dark, you're ebony. Embrace the skin you're in and smooth out those stress blotches with a shade that's made for you.

Powder: Lightly dust your trouble oily spots, chin, cheeks, nose, forehead and revealed shoulders and chest. Emphasis on lightly.

Mascara: Now comes the fun part. Avoid spider leg lashes by using swift strokes from lash base to tip. Use brown mascara on bottom lashes no matter what. Everyone's bottom lashes are shorter than upper lashes. Curl if you want. Extensions are acceptable on big nights out. But try single lash attachments instead of a full eye for a more natural look. Plus, if one falls out, it's not as obvious.

Color: Choose colors that appear in nature. Avoid gaudy blues and purples. Don't try to match your pink dress to your blush or lipstick. No one can pull of Barbie, and no one wants you too. Instead, choose blush and lip colors that compliment your skin and eyes. Shimmery pinks and light beiges flatter fair, cool skin, while bronze and plumb favor warm skin tones. For olive skin, try pure browns and copper.

Lips: Thin-lipped gals should go with lighter shades, but pouty lips can sport deeper colors. Always match lipstick with lip liner.

Extras: For a special event, add a dash of sheer sparkle to your lids, cheeks, shoulders and chest. Give a little flair to your eyeliner at the crease and try a smoky-eyed look for kicks.

Number one rule: Less is more.

Use these tips to bat those lashes with confidence, and you'll be ready for any fancy event.

What could possibly go wrong on your red carpet evening? You've pulled off head to toe perfection with a glam Sherri Hill gown, terrific hair, and smashing Alisha Hill stilettos. Dancing, dinner, nothing could ruin your night. Until...

Every girl should be prepared for immediate survival action for every crisis from a dress strap snap to a bobby pin MIA. Check out these tips to get equipped to save your pearls from possible peril.

Carry ammo. That is, pack your purse or clutch with necessary quick fix items. This should include at least two safety pins, bobby pins and a needle and thread that matches your dress.

If you have room, a small 3 oz. bottle of hairspray can tame a crazy curl. Also, a little spritz on your dress where it rides up will keep you from yanking at your panty line all night.

Next, do not forget your cell phone. And charge it! You never know where you might end up that does not feel safe or when you might feel sick and need an emergency ride home. Also, keep a few bucks handy in case you need a cab.

On your wrist beneath a bracelet or in your clutch or coat pocket, make sure you have a few hair bands. These come in handy not just for long hair that's gone haywire by the night's end. When dancing, bunch up that long dress and tie a hair band around it to avoid rips and tears in your train.

A dab of clear nail polish can fix a run in your hose. While you're at it, toss in a few cotton swabs or tissues for runny makeup. A few Band-aids could come in handy for blisters, as well.

Gum or breath mints. Yeah, that steak was tender and juicy, but not as an aroma on your lips.

If a high heel breaks, don't fret. Try super glue, take a break for a drink and sit while it dries. Or if you're brave, just take off your shoes and keep rockin'.

Don't let a little snag or smear get you down. Be sexy, smart and prepared to knock disaster off his feet.

Whether for prom night, a beauty pageant or a cocktail, every elegant ensemble of dress, shoes and accessories will have a focal point you should highlight. Here's how to keep the judge's gaze on the right place.

Lovely Locks

Halter top gowns pair best with fabulous up dos to create an upwards sweeping illusion that elongates your neck and draws the eye to your hair. Great for girls with super sexy cropped hair or funky pixie cuts, too.

Gem of the Ball

If you plan on wearing large, ornate earrings, think simple when it comes to hair. A classic smooth bun won't outshine your precious jewels. Also, tame your dress down, too. Try a sleek chiffon or silk gown with a clean fit and no elaborate print or complex sequin pattern.

Your Best Chest Forward

Strapless dresses with a heart-shaped or princess cut torso leave plenty of beautiful bare skin to play with on the chest and shoulders. Pull off a fancy choker necklace and keep attention drawn to your shoulders with an up do. Add a light dust of shimmery powder to your shoulders and collarbone that will shine under the chandelier.

High Heel Highness

If your shoes are where it's at, wear a short dress that drapes down in the back, curtaining your sultry kicks. Wear simple jewelry and your hair up or down, but understated and chic. Nothing too fantastic on top.

A Beautiful Bustline

If your dress has heavy, elaborate beadwork on top, think minimal jewelry or even none at all. Instead, highlight your eyes with shimmering shades of shadow to avoid looking overdressed.

Wherever your fabulous focal point is, from your hair to stilettos, accentuate that beauty mark with these vital tips for viciously grand entrance and a lovely evening.