Hello Darlings,
I have received a number of e-mails regarding prom dresses…as the lovely ladies are gearing up for a very special occasion. I was asked to gather some inspiration, tips, and “advice”. When it comes to prom, it is all about the dress! Once you find that perfect dress everything comes together. The second, most important part is setting a budget and keeping it in mind.
I am really excited to bring you this post as it really did take me back in time to my Prom in 2006….
My prom circa 2006....the good old blonde days (never again!)
My prom was a dream come true, however it cost my parents hefty $2000. In the moment the budget takes a seat back, however once that day is done and over with, the guilt sets it. And trust me, you do not want to look back at your prom and regret how much it cost you.This is my case, despite a fact that it was an experience that I will never forget as I did feel like a princess. From the stunning chiffon BCBG Max Azria dress, a day at the spa to get all pretty, professional hair and make-up, a limo for few friends, a room for an “after-party” at one of the chic-est hotels in the city…AND it all lasted mere 24 hours! Although it was a fairy tale, I do regret the budget.
My Advice: keep your budget in mind! I must admit that I do have a love/hate relationship with my dress…I hate the price, but I do love it and still wear it. Therefore, if you can reasonably justify the spending and you think that the purchase is going to be used then consider spending a little more. However, in no way should you ever compromise on the budget. If you spend more on one thing, then you save on another.
If I could re-live my prom!!!
Finding that dress is always the most work but once you do find it…everything falls into place Cliché, but so true! When looking for that dress, stay true to your style and remember who you are. Prom does not mean lots of puffy, satin dresses with rhinestones and millions of bows. Prom can and should be classy, girly, fashionable, refined and very you!
Personally, I adore flow-y and delicate dresses which is exactly why I still adore my BCBG prom dress until this day. However, I think that if I was to attend a prom this year, I would go for a flirty short dress in beige or pastel colors. One word: Valentino!!! (spring 2010)
Beauty Tricks
♥ For a dramatic look try false lashes, but keep the rest of the look simple. Go for a natural looking version of lashes and add a touch of eye liner. Keep it delicate. No need for crazy smoky eye with super long lashes. That is just too much.
♥ Try a brown smoky eye. It is less dramatic and looks very pretty.
♥ Try a bold lip, but keep the rest to a minimal.
♥ Unless you’re a pro yourself, get your eye brows professionally done. It makes a huge change!
♥ Here are more ideas, inspired by the runway looks, Click!
Hair Wars
♥ I think that going to a trusty hairstylist is probably the ideal bet. Only if you really trust that person or have heard great things from people you trust! Because I’ve been in situations when the hair sucked so much that I had a panic attack.
♥ I adore beautifully done waves maybe with a touch of French braid for a fun and youthful look. Your hair should complement the dress and make-up. If you’re going for delicate and neat go for a bow. If you’re going for soft and youthful, try out soft waves or a loose side braid. If you want daring and bold, try out a pulled back ponytail.
♥ Try a beautiful headpiece or a clip.
♥ Here are some of my favorite looks:
♥ For more ideas, check out: here, here and here!
Purse Must Haves
♥ cell phone
♥ emergency cash
♥ oil blotting sheets
♥ gum
♥ purel
♥ band-aid for blisters
♥ lip-gloss, mascara, and powder
Prom is one of those memories that you’re going to carry with you for the rest of your life, be sure to enjoy it and just have fun!!! Do not obsess over the tiniest things, you’re fabulous no matter what!!!
Now it’s you turn… please do share your plans or memories of your prom!
Also, Congratulations to all of the darlings who are graduating this year!!!
With Love…
Marta
Sources: Teen Vogue; Fashion Gone Rogue, The Fashion Spot, Jak&Jil;Carolines Mode
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ohmylordy, those pictures of you are priceless!!!! i wish i could redo my prom… but i suppose that’s part of the beauty of prom. kids are sooooo much more stylish these days.
great post.
http://laurenlanzaosias.blogspot.com
be a follower, not a hater
Your dress was incredible!!!!!!! So breathtaking…..
This is an awesome post! You looked so lovely during your prom. I can’t believe you had blonde hair! And I really can’t believe the budget… no one where I lived spent anything like that for prom. But then again, I had one every year since 8th grade so my senior prom was not really a big deal!
Amazing dress! You look so different with blond hair, its such a change, but you still look lovely as always! I hope that you are feeling better!
What a wonderful post, Marta!
First off, your dress is amazing! I adore the styling and the way it just seems to float.
It has that “wow” appeal without being over the top. Elegance at the heart, just as
you are…for those graduating, this is excellent advice, style tips and ideas.
I hope you’re feeling better and better each day
xo,
Sarah
you’re gorgeous!!!!!
loving everything!!!
1) I’m glad you’re better!!
2) Love this prom post. I have just about everything set for my prom (though not at $2000 dollars. Though to be fair, my friends are cheap so there will be no limo or chic hotel room to worry about!) including my dress. I’m so excited to wear it— royal blue, strapless. Fitted, weaved bodice, and simple skirt. Can’t wait, mine i sonly a few weeks away!
very pretty!!!
-He approves
http://fashionbyhe.blogspot.com
thank you
Prom is not big in Europe at all… and someone spending that amount of money on it here is just unreal.
Most people just wear a simple H&M dress.
The pressure for girls from US & Canada must be big at prom times.
For my prom I had a vintage inspired outfit.
As it has been already said below, in Europe (or at least in Spain) there are no expectations about the prom, it is just a ceremony where your diploma is given to you and parents clap. However I grew up seeing those Hollywood movies in which teenagers had a ball and wore fancy dresses, so, although I had to give up the ball issue, I don’t regret taking hours looking for the perfect dress (yes, and it was found). Even though it was a bit disappointing since my fellows didn’t care about it at all (most of them were wearing casual trousers and a black t-shirt). Nevertheless, I still keep the dress and (it might sound a little egomaniac) I felt proud of myself because I made the difference among them. Then I went to a club with a few friends of mine who also were properly dressed and we had a lot of fun dancing.
I can’t wait getting prommed of my degree so I can have another prom lol Meanwhile I’m getting ready to assist a Holy Communion and I’m enjoying it a lot!
Lovely post, Marta. I’m totally taking into account these tips.
xx
PS: how are you doing??
Hi Anna,
I am doing much better, thank you!
Prom is a big deal…well, at least it was in my school. So dressing up was a must.Although I did enjoy it.
I must say that you should definitely feel proud of yourself for doing what you fell like
I am also looking forward to my university graduation so I can re-live the moment.
Thank you for the lovely comments, looking forward to hearing from you!
I love your dress, sweetie!!! Simply amazing… Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous… And agree about the hair – prefer the dark version of you.
I loved this post! I am going to prom this year and I have already found my perfect dress, and now I am just looking for hairstyles and make-up ideas. So thank you!
2006 Prom? I feel so old. Mine was perilously close to 10 years ago.. eek! Oh to be 17 again. I almost got BCBG in Montreal, but then I was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s dress in Sabrina, so I got one made to look just like it, minus the would’ve been mega-expensive all-over embroidery. I loved it though, and still do!
You looked so beautiful at your prom!! I had a BCBG dress as well one of the years I went. But great tips, I kinda miss going to prom…looking forward to more posts! Hope you are doing ok!
first off, i love love love your blog.
second, i have a question regarding silk. you seem to wear silk clothing often and i was just wondering how the heck you keep it from getting wrinkled throughout the day. whenever i wear silk, especially skirts and dresses they become immediately wrinkled after sitting down for just a minute. this is extremely frustrating and has deterred me from buying anything silk, even though i think all silk is beautiful.
if you had any tips, it would be much appreciated!
Thank you LC, that means so much to me
As for silk and wrinkling, I think it’s the price you pay for loving silk too much
I know exactly how you feel! I think that when I wear silk, I am extra careful at how I sit if wearing a skirt, dress or pants. Meanwhile with tops I try not to fold my arms too much. I don’t know if that sounds totally weird or even maker sense.
Personally, I don’t think that there’s much that can be done…well, there are those wrinkle-preventative sprays but I don’t trust them. And always properly hand your silks.
Wouldn’t it be awesome, if they created a tiny portable steamer that could fit into a purse
Thanks for the comment, hope to hear from you soon!
What a great post! I totally appreciate all the effort you put into your blog.
My prom was 2006 as well. Unfortunately, back then I didn’t really care about my clothing much but I lucked out and got a classic brown dress with a train and a sweetheart neckline. We cheaped it out as much as we could– we stuffed about 30 people into that same limo that you went in (we went to capacity!).
But to do it again… that would be amazing.
And Spring 2010 Valentino dresses = epitome of PRETTY!
Why regret the budget (especially four years later) if you had an awesome, fairy-tale time? It’s okay to spend money on happy memories.
Hi Marta,
This was such a great post and definitely made me look back on my grad formal. The event was a huge deal at my school. I was absolutely in love with my dress but I haven’t had the opportunity to rewear it again because it was so formal so I definitely agree with you about maybe have choosing a short, fun dress. You looked absolutely stunning at your prom. Great post!
xo Jo alittlereverie.blogspot.com
Marta, this is Natalia. Your blonde hair is beautiful, so I do not know why you are saying “never again”. It suited you, just as brown and auburny hair suits you. And it shines like gold almost in those pictures!, meaning it looks good!
Hey hun,
But you’re so right, it did shine a lot…I miss that!
Thank you, but I think that the blonde days are way behind me
Thanks for commenting!*kisses*
wow great post thanks for adding me to your blogroll i m following you too !
i wish i could re-live my prom but your dress is gorgeous
ps i m going to get my nails done like that!! soo hot…
<3
http://www.fashionprovocateur.wordpress.com/
great post as usual!