Dont Stress for that Military Ball Event!

A Military Ball event is an event held by the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guards, JR.ROTC, and ROTC. Its a night of recognition and honor for the members that one has dedicated in serving for our safety.  The Military Ball is a great night for service members to celebrate with there spouse and date, while valuing the job they commit to on a regular basis.  During the event, a special attention is brought to the order of events and ceremonies involved. The head of the unit will make a speech, and a guest speaker is usually invited to share their own story about the unit or branch.Many people have questions on what to wear to a Military Ball Event.” Should I wear a short dress?” ” Should I wear a dress that is richly decorated?” “Should I wear a cocktail dress that is not too formal?” If these questions have also crossed your mind, read ahead for a brief description of what dress is suitable for this occasion.

Simplicity and Elegance are the 2 main factors that this dress must have. The people running the Military Ball underline the importance of wearing a dress that’s refined and pleasing to the eye. Some wise advice from a Naval officer himself is try not to wear the same color of dress as your date. If you are not familiar with the colors of the uniforms, the list follows:

Army- Green or Black Uniforms

Navy- White or Blue(which looks like a black) Uniforms

Air Force- Lighter Shade of Blue Uniforms

Marines- Red and Black Uniforms

Coast Guard- Blue Uniforms

Don’t allow yourself to think very narrow of a dress for a Military Ball. Just because its not prom, doesn’t mean you should be completely dreary of your dress. It is suggested that you wear a floor length dress, a dress that accentuates your body, but isn’t clingy. Long, Strapless dresses are fine, for they are classy and chic in taste. Try to minimize the exposure of too much skin. This includes low cut necklines, and dresses that are opened from the sides. Red, toned-silver, purple, gold, tan, green, blue, sometimes black depending on the patterns or flare, are common colors worn to a Military Ball Event.Try to limit designs and decorations on the dress. Think long, graceful, elegant, and a dress that will flatter your body frame and skin tone. You might put that headlight on you when trying to look your best, however it is essential that you look complimentary to your date as well. Back in the day, soldiers use to tease and say, they would bring there dates to show off. Not seen as a joke now, since you’re date is person of honor and respect. Try to cover up any tattoos, and wear your dress confidently. Hair and nails are a must, and make note that you wear shoes that will feel comfortable throughout the night.

You’re goal for the night is to leave an admiring impression they will never fail to remember.

How to budget for prom!

Your teen is excited about prom, and has been waiting for this day for a long time. A time where memories will be shared, and the event will forever be treasured. In the scheme of all this planning, a budger should be necessary. After all, prom is not inexpensive. Here are a few things to go over with your teenager to plan out the expenses before it leaves you broke.

Prom expenses- Im sure the other party, would like to save money as well, not unless there parents have no problem covering for everything. If youre on a budget, splitting the expense in half can save you money, instead of having your teenager pay for the whole cost. Well, let me re phrase that, your teenager wont be coughing up the money, you will. So make sure you discuss with your teenager that they go over who will pay for what.

1. Prom Tickets- Either party can pay for the whole amount, or it can be a shared expense. They can pay for there own prom ticket.
2. Flowers or accessories- Both parties purchase a corsage for the other.
3. Aiite- Both parties pay for there own attire.
4. limousine- A shared expense for the entire group using the limousine. Everyone can pitch in.

Shop around! You dont want your teenage to get anything they first see. Make sure you shop around for bargains and sales. Check the phone book for local cheap dress stores, surf the internet for sales. and most importably dont be afraid to bargain with that cashier for a discount, for buying a tuxedo and a bow tie. Try to range out a cost, and spending limit of how much money you have available for your teenagers prom.

Dont give them an exact spending limit! Try not to start this budget by telling them they have only such and such amount money to spend. Youre teenager cannt control how much things cost. Trying to stay within a certain amount at this stage of the process will cause stress in them and create a rift between the two of you. This is a point in your teenagers life where they need you the most, laying down the law, might cause distress and anger. Instead, emphasize sells to your teenager. Explain to them, everything is not low priced in this era, and the two of you will need to find ways to save money.

Every Teenagers Nightmare

As if going to several shops, reviewing different online stores, choosing the best prom hair stylist, and looking for bargain dresses is enough, you have to deal with…..YOUR PARENTS!!!!!

Some people might joke, and say “They should understand right, IT’s PROM! I mean how bad can it really be?” These people are absolutely oblivious to your dad’s protectiveness, or your mom better known as “The Perfectionist”. You want that long beautiful Halter A line dress. It shows the silhouette of your body, and moves flawlessly with your figure. BUT your dad cant seem to get it over his head that you’re not 5 yrs older anymore, he can’t enjoy himself by chasing that little boy off, nor can he scare him with his boogie man faces. Your mom thinks the dress is too showy, and is concerned about what people will think of a mother who allowed her daughter to wear something so revealing and inappropriate. Here are a few tips to go over with your parents to eliminate all the pressures from your friends and family, and try to enjoy yourself as much as possible on prom!

Bringing up the past might do you some good!- Scrummage through your parents old pictures. Show your mom the pictures with her big beehive, and short colorful dresses, ask her what her parents thought of her. Why did she have that style? Did her parents approve of all the colorful short dresses she owned? Did her mom become upset with her because of the damaged she was doing to her hair to achieve the tall and big beehive look? And your dad with his tight long sleeve collared shirts, and his off blue tight bell bottoms with long hair. If people were to see that now, they would think he was a new hippie. Or a very feminine male. Explain to your parents that this is a new millennium, fashion has considerably changed. They might not be completely accepting of it, but let them know that there product (you) was born into this. This is the new style.

You want to look hip, not a person who looks like they can break a hip!- Shop with your mom at a couple of places, try on numerous amount of dresses. If shes going for the whole cover up look, explain to your mom that it does not accentuate your figure, it does’nt flatter your frame, nor does it make you look appealing or attractive. Reach a common ground with her. If she decides for you to wear a long dress, then have her agree to some spaghetti straps, or a strapless long dress. Show your parents the latest trends, that way you can both agree on something that is stylish and suitable for Prom. Also be sure to briefly state that you want to look attractive for your date, not look like one of his great aunts.

Yes, we know your older, but still keep your folks updated!- Let your parents know who you will be with at prom, give the phone numbers of your closest friend. Have them meet your date 1 month in advance, and ask your dad to be on his best behavior. Let them be aware of any after prom activities you might be attending. Be considerate and patient with your parents, afterall your daughter or son might be asking you, the questions you raised with your parents.

Every Parents Nightmare

Can you remember what it was like going to a formal event or to a big party like Prom? You might have wanted to look like that movie star with the strapless short dress, with her full bust and voluptuous curves? You wanted to look like the most beautiful girl on that dance floor, with all eyes locked on you.  Before wearing that vixen dress, you would have to get an approval from your parents.  “Are you kidding me? No daughter of mine will wear that dress, what will people think? You’re not old enough to wear something like that! The answer is NO.” You cried a river that day, swearing you would never be like your parents. Now you have a daughter, and she is coming to you with the same latest trend of fashion of how the new dresses look. You get a flash back of Jennifer lopez open dress. The bare midriff, the low cut neckline, the material clingying to every part of her body.

Before you undergo a heart attack, go back in time where you could have put yourself in your daughter’s shoes. Before laying down the law, and being brutal the way you’re parents were with you, why don’t you try to come to a common ground where both of you 2 will be pleased with the dress she chooses, and you dont have to worry about her getting a bad rep for wearing a trashy dress with no class.

Try to discuss the following:

1. Emphasize Class- Explain to her that you want her to show that she is a women of respect. That she carries herself with dignity.  Let her know that some guys might get the wrong impression, and think her dress is an open invitation for sex.  Emphasize on style and pattern. What dress will fit her character and highlight her persona. Tell her not to be so concerned with the little article of clothing she might have on that day. After all, she wants to be remembered as the girl who shined, not the girl who had a wardrobe malfunction. She doesn’t want to receive the wrong attention, nor be called “The Girl who practically just wore a string to Prom.”

2. Comprise with the styles- If she chooses a dress that has a bareback, let her wear it, IF theres something else you would want it to have. For ex: If she wants to wear a dress that is bare for her back, then let he know that you would want a long dress to minimize the exposing of skin. Girls want to feel beautiful, and look beautiful, like a REAL women. So some of her dress choices might reveal a lot of skin, try to be patient with her, as she might have a hard time discussing WHY she would prefer to wear a dress that disclose alot of skin. Taken into consideration that this is a new millennium, fashion has changed well over the years.

3. Fret about being unique- Girls spend time on countless shops, reviewing online stores, looking through each and every magazines to get a style of dress that no one else will have on prom.  I mean, imagine going to prom and seeing 3 other girls with your same dress? Explain to your daughter, that the latest trends might  be overrated, and there might be a higher chance of another girl wearing the same dress. So put emphasis on wearing a dress that accentuates her style, and underline her persona.

Meaning of Colors

Black Dresses-It seems to me that black has been a popular color ever since I was born. I’d have to say black is my preferred color, I find myself wearing it to cocktail parties, dates, and hang outs with my buddies. One of the most trendiest and latest fashions of ‘08 are black colored dresses. Black helps slim your body, and matches well with almost any color. People who are pale, yellow, or yellowish-olive to dark skin tones, are best matches for wearing black. They usually are brunettes with deeply colored eyes and have alot of contrast between there hair color, eye color, and skin tones. Habitually, I find that I shop for styles that somewhat give a taste of my personality. After all, all of us are different, so in what better way to show our uniqueness from our manner of fashion. Black usually represents strong will, confidence, independence, and non conforming. Wearing black on a certain special occasion can demonstrate power, and communicate an authoritative image.

White Dresses-What comes to mind when you think of white? I usually think of a beautiful bride at her wedding, or bridesmaids with there white stunning dresses and vibrant blue stashes. White symbolizes purity, simplicity, and spirituality. People with complexions of blue or pink undertones, and skin tones ranging from porcelain white, to yellowish or olive dark are said to have white as there best color of style. Also, wearing white might indicate a time of transition, or reaches out for some type of recognition. White displays a positivity and well balanced life, free from confining to pressures that life may throw at us. White is preferred for quinceneras, prom, and cocktail semi formal parties.

Red Dresses- I recently found out that red cars are more prone to being pulled over by cops then any other colored car. Since red is rich and vibrant in color, its an easy target for notice. If you’re the type of person who’s outgoing, loving, easy to get along with, the attention grabber, then I’m almost positive red will highlight your personality! Based on our persona, some females really don’t want to be the center of attention, and there are others who are the life of the party. I had bright red hair once, and my friends told me it went with me, cause I was like fire. I took that as a compliment. I like leaving people with a lasting positive impression they’ll never forget. Red looks great with people with spring complexions that can be identified by subtle golden undertones and creamy white or peachy skin. Red signifies impulsive behavior, people who are exciting, energetic, and who are ambitious in life. The most appropriate occasions to wear red, would be on a semi formal event (such as a date) a cocktail party, and prom. I guarantee you will make heads turn on your night out.

Blue Dresses- Like pink and purple, there are different shades of blue. Blue usually is a conservative color. The last two times I was a bridesmaid in a wedding, our bridesmaid dresses were a light blue. Characteristics of light blue are creativeness, perceptiveness, and sensitivity. Skin tones that usually coordinate well with light blue are pale and white. Natural brunettes, or blondes with lighter colored eyes fall under this category. Dark blue is great for bringing out light blue, green, gray eyes. Navy blue is recommended for those who have pale white, olive, or dark skin. People who wear navy blue usually look responsible, intelligent, and independent. Navy blue is sharp, and compliments those skin tones. Blue looks great on mother of bride dresses, evening dresses, and for prom.

Green Dresses- Green is a daring color! So make sure when you wear it, it flatters your skin, and highlights your persona. People with pale white, and subtle golden undertones look best with Green. People with natural blonde hair, or strawberry blond redheads with clear blue and green colored eyes and freckles also fall under this category. Wearing green may make you look like a cautious person, and an observer in life. Green is also a target for attention, so if youre that person, by all means wear it! Green also looks appropriate for occasions such as bridesmaids and evening dresses.

Orange Dresses- Orange is the color of practicality and creativity. People with high energy levels of enthusiasm, and whom are restless are recommended to wear this color. Because this color attracts positive energy, people who are independent, organized, and self motivated shine in this vibrant color. Also people who have golden undertones, or redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes are suitable and advised to wear this color as a best prom/bridesmaids/or evening dress. Orange is a fashionable color for prom, since its rich in color and a bright target for ones eyes.

Pink Dresses- I know some girls would like to display there femininity by wearing the color pink. However, for certain skin tones, pink does not compliment there skin tones, and might even make there persona look dull and bland. People with blue or pink undertones with skin tones ranging from porcelain white, to yellowish olive dark skin, can best pull off wearing a cute pink evening dresses. Wearing pink might show that you are affectionate, sympathetic and understanding. Usually brunettes with deep colored eyes and have a lot of contrast between their hair color, eye color, and skin tone looks best with pink. Pink looks quite exceptional for quincernera dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and for prom.

Purple Dresses- As well as black, purple has become a very popular and regular color. In Ancient Rome, purple was the color of authority, rank and privilege. Wearing purple can make you look very intuitive and have deep feelings and aspirations. Purple is a well liked color in choosing bridesmaid dresses, as it goes perfect with cocktail and semi formal events. Skin tones that are pale, pink with either blue or pink undertones, match and coordinate with this color. Purple can also highlight brown, or light colored eyes.

Brown Dresses- People with golden undertones, creamy white, or peachy skin hormonize with their color brown. Brown can suggest honesty, down to earth personality, and a lover of life. Brown is a protective as well as a solid color for cocktail parties, and semi formal events. Brown is one of the newest and admired trend for 2008.

Shine with colors!

With other things to consider for buying your prom dress, such as the size, pattern, design, fabric material, and latest fashions, color also plays a very significant role. Have you ever seen a supermodel, or an actress who was very tanned, and had platinum hair? I can almost agree that most of you would say it wouldn’t flatter her skin tone. When searching for a prom dress, look for one that will bring out your eyes, or your skin complexion. And don’t forget, you want something that highlights your personality traits, or just simply shouts YOU! A poor example of this is when I attended a baby shower for my sister in law. I wanted my future niece to be reminded by me and by what better way then to add a hint of my character to the gifts I gave her! I bought her some cute colorful bibs that read “Born to be wild”, “Mommy Rocks/Daddy Rocks”, “biker chick”, and “Material Girl” My brother and sister in law loved it, they said I gave the baby some attitude.I know this doesn’t come close to figuring out what prom dress to purchase, but it’s always wise to choose something that will bring out your personality traits, or style of dressing.  Down below pick your closest skin color, and see what color can flatter or compliment your skin tone, personality, and your best features such as your eyes or hair!

You have pink, or pale skin with peachy undertones. You either have blonde hair, or dark brown hair with light colored eyes.

• Try out colors like lavender, soft blue, pink, rosy, plum, coral and brown. Pastel shades also compliment this light complexion.  Try to avoid very bright colors like hot pink and orange, and also dark solid neutral colors like black. Dark colors can make you look somber and gloomy, and brights colors will make you look a bit cheesy, since you are already light complected. Try not wear too much of one color, for example if you are going to wear a plum rose dress, try not to get match color purses, shoes, and hair accessories.

You have an autumn complexion, you’re either a brunette with light colored eyes or a red head.  Autumn  complexions usually have golden undertones.

• Try out colors that highlight your golden undertones such as beige, camel, orange or brown.  Try to avoid blue undertones altogether. Such as navy blue, dark blue, baby blue..etc.

You have creamy white or peachy skin. As well as these traits, sometimes they will have green or blue eyes. You have straw colored hair with freckles.

• These colors are best with warm golden colors such as yellow, brown, camel or peach.  The best designer prom dresses should be promidently of these colors.

You are olive or dark with dark undertones. Or you are pale white with blue or pink undertones.

• Colors that would compliment this skin color would usually be clear and sharp colors like red, black, white, and dark blue. If you feel that these colors are a bit too strong, and darker then your personality traits, go for a more softer shade such as icy blue and steel gray. Try to stay away from colors like orange, gold, beige, and any passive colors.

Points to think over before asking your date to prom!

You want your prom to be just as memorable, as you imagined as a young girl. So heres are a few tips to consider when asking your prom date. Your date is just as important, or if not MORE important as the dress you will be wearing. They can ruin your prom if you don’t give it some thought and time. So here are a list of things you should consider, before asking your date out.

1. You’re the outgoing, conversationalist- If you’re this type of person, you would want to ask someone who feels comfortable being with you, if not who is similar to you. This can avoid awkward moments, and a bland time.  People who are shy, or timid, might feel ill at ease being with your crowd, or feel discomfited. You want someone who will be able to enjoy themselves, not have a panic attack by your rowdiness.
2. Don’t ask him just cause he’s the hottest guy in school!- This can be a recipe for disaster. Can you remember a guy in either your elementary or junior high school who had a big ego, and extreme level of confidence? Sure, you might become the most envied girl on prom, but what if he mistreats you? What if he’s just plain out rude because he’s accustomed to having people worship him? Value your dignity, don’t be fooled by his nicely shaped eyebrow, or his V shaped body. He might LOOK good on the dance floor, but he might just be a donkeys ass as a date. Have another girl deal with crude humor, or conceited ways.
3. Ask someone who has the same plans for prom- When asking your date out to prom, be sure he has the same idea of what you guys will be doing on prom. If you like to dance, make sure he does too! Picture you asking your date out, only to find out he thinks dancing is for nerds, and he’s “too cool” for that? Would you want to sit down for the rest of the evening because your date refused to get up and get his groove on?  So, be sure he’s up for the same ideas you have planned for that day. Also, make sure your date is not the reason why you couldn’t enjoy yourself. If he admits he doesn’t plan on attending that after party, or that he might just want to go home before prom ends, it’s best to start looking elsewhere. Your prime concern is having fun, you don’t want to be consumed with anxiousness, finding ways to entertain your date.

Tips on how to look 15 pounds slimmer on prom, The famous Do’s and Dont’s!

If you’re on the heavy side, and want to shop for dresses to hide your junk in the trunk, or your flabby jiggly mid section you desperately want to get rid of for prom, we have the solution! Here are some things to consider when shopping for your prom dress, remember you want a dress that will focus in on your best features, not your heavy bottom that only the guys will be putting there primary attention on!

Do’s

1. Wear neutral colors. Not everyone can pull off wearing black at special events, so wear silver, gray, beige, taupe, or gold. These colors can make you appear long and slim.
2. Wear fabric that will move along with your body, stay away from clingy tight material.
3. Wear long necklaces (if it accentuates your dress) or no necklace at all. This will make the neck appear look long.
4. If you have that extra layer of jiggle in your mid section, wear slight empire waist dresses that will de emphasize your stomach. It will make you appear tall and thin. No waist dresses or drop waist dresses also make you look long and thin.
5. Wearing Heels gives the illusion of length to the leg. Making your legs appear longer.
6. Try wearing a monochrome. A monochrome dress is a one color dress that elongates the body, making you look slimmer
7. Wear fabrics that will swathe and move with your body, think relaxed, fluid, soft, graceful.

Don’t

1. Avoid wearing bright colors. Bright colors such as red, blue, yellow, orange, green, purple tend to add pounds. Wear bright colors in accessories, jewelry, and shawls.
2. Stay away from fluffy, ruffled, bulky fabric. They make you look chunky. If your wearing a dress with a long tulle skirt, make sure it’s not that exaggerated and that it doesn’t make you look round.
3. Stay away from covering dresses, such as full sleeves, high necklines, or just simply bland dresses. Most girls think that covering up will make you look thin (I’m assuming they have this idea, because there extra layer of flab isn’t exposed) but this can only make you look bulky and big.
4. Avoid wearing shiny material like satin, sequined taffeta, and metallics.
5. Avoid wearing big wide shoes, this can make you look chunky.
6. Avoid having your hair hanging down your neck, this will cut the sleekness in half. Wear it up!
7. Stay away from tight dresses, wear dresses that will flow and contour the shape of your body.  You want a dress that will enhance your figure, not have that bulge hang out.

Tips on how to achieve the best prom hairdo!

Besides your dress being the big hit of the night, your make up and hair do should also compliment your attire. Your most important task is to locate the one best hairstyle that matches your face frame, body form, and dress style. Head size and body size count when considering your hairstyle, whether it is an everyday or an evening ‘do. Your hairstyle must be proportion to the rest of your body. Face size is another thing to consider. Pick a hairstyle that will bring out your best facial feature, while matching the richness style of your beautiful dress. The importance of prom hairstyles to coordinate with the prom dress, there should be a perfect balance between the hairstyle, prom dress and other accessories before going on the prom night in order to look stunning and sexy. Consider the following when choosing your hair do for prom:

1. Face shape- Various hairdo’s flatter different face frames.

• Round face- If you have a round face, experts recommend up do’s, as they can lengthen the appearance of your face, making it longer and thin.
• Long large face- For long large head frame, it is recommended that they do half updo’s or simply wearing there hair loose with some light curles, giving a romantic yet sexy look.
• Small face, with long thick hair- Avoid having your hair surrounding your face, this can hide your face shape, and make your head appear even smaller! Try a french twist half up do. This will bring out your eyes and cheekbones, and show your strong beautiful features.

2. Body Frame- Your hairdo should equal your body size, proportion is the key.

• Petite- Try the “romantic look”. This style typically looks good on everyone, however on a petite frame, it can bring out a more fuller look. To achieve this look, start off by putting your hair in hot rollers, if however you don’t have hot rollers, grab medium curling iron, and a large one. Use the large rollers underneath, and the medium rollers on the top to give it a soft, sensual wave. While hair is rolled, use light hair spray to spray over it. Let hair set in the rollers, until cool to the touch. While your curls are set, using your fingers or a wide comb to separate the and soften curls into a wave, do not brush it out.
• Tall and curvy figured- It is recommended that you may need more volume to balance your particular figure. You might want to consider, wisps or curls or an even half up do. Your particular up do will of course depend upon your face shape. So if you have a smaller shaped head, you may not want to put hair pulled back. You want to be able to give the effect of a more proportioned head size.

• Heavy Frame- Two looks for a heavy set girl is a glamour look with a straight part to one sided gloss pomade. First is to leave hair straight and decorated with jewel pins above the ear on the parted side. The second is to use pins to do an up do hairstyle. Gather all of your hair into a low ponytail and the base of your head and then twist it up into itself. Use fancy jeweled pins to secure any stray pieces and spray with a firm hold. The up-do tends to flatter heavy set girls. It works well to draw the eye up and create the illusion of height for both the short and heavy girl.

Things to look for when buying your prom dress!

1. Pattern- Because a definite pattern or a cut can make you look completely different, it is important that you look your best by choosing the appropriate fabric and style. For instance, a long straight flow of a prom dress can make you look long, appealing and slender. However, if you are short and want to look taller, wearing a long vertical pattern might make you look even more smaller and shorter! So wear a dress that can rid that flab that hangs over your mid section, or makes your bust look fuller. Do your research, don’t settle for dresses on your prom. You want to make heads turn, not be on your front yearbook page under “Worst dressers for Prom”
2. Body Shape- This is one of the most vital part in shopping for a Prom Dress. All of us come in different shapes and sizes. Take down your height, and measure your body (measure yourself bare for accurate results) and decide what style cut would best flatter your figure. For ex,  if you have an athletic shape, which means your body is somewhat in form of H, straight down from side to side, it is recommended you wear an A line dress. An A line dress will make your body look curvier, and creat a fuller bust. The dress you wear should compliment your profile. Remember to give yourself a close look in the mirror, this will help you to understand the shape of your body, and assist you on how to buy the perfect prom dress.
3. Size- Size is an important factor when shopping for a prom dress. Do not get floored by the beauty of the dress only! I This is an important event for a young girl. It is better to have a fitting dress, which can flatter and enhance your curves, then have a beautiful one that might just make you look unattractive.  Try various style dresses to decide what dress size suits you. You want to be able to breathe, dance and eat on your prom, so don’t wear an ultra tight fitting dress. Also, don’t suck in your stomach while taking your measurements! You want to wear your dress right, with no wardrobe malfunctions. On the same note you don’t want to wear a dress that is too loose on your body, you want to be able to wear a dress to enhance your curves, and flatter your body, you’re not wearing a body suit! You don’t want to wear a dress that will only disguise the shape of your figure.  If you are a little on the heavy side, you can go to a designer and have a dress specially made fitted for you.