Prom Night: The Guide to Your Best Prom Yet!

Thank you to David’s Bridal for sponsoring today’s discussion.

Back home in Trinidad, we didn’t have a “prom” like you do in the United States. The school system is a little different, and instead had our graduation balls – after our Form Five O-Level exams, and our Form Six A-Level exams. These balls were the equivalent to prom, where we got dressed up, took dates and danced all night.

What I've come to realize is just how big of a deal prom is in the U.S.. I read about it in magazines and watched TV shows and movies that made it out to be this huge night, and as it turns out, it was. Prom is a huge deal, especially for high school seniors, and although I never experienced an American prom, I’ll get a taste of the whole experience when I go to my sorority formal in March – with the excitement of hair, makeup, dresses and choosing a date!

So I figured that since every girl dreams of the perfect prom, I’d help out by answering some questions.

Q: How should I do my hair?
A: First, decide if you’re going to get your hair professionally done, or if you’ll be doing it yourself. I know myself, and I have little to no skills in the beautification department. But many people are pros at doing their own hair, and have skills that I could only dream of. If you’re like me and aren’t as #blessed in the beauty department, but don’t want to shell out major money for a salon appointment, see if any friends or neighbors are better in that area. Most times, I would ask a cousin or a friend who is better than I am, and I’d always pay them a little ‘thank you’.

For my Form Five grad, I knew I wanted to have my hair professionally done and in an updo. So where do you even start? Google. I knew I wanted an updo, and I knew I wanted it to be a little softer, so I Googled celebs whose hair I loved on the red carpets to get some ideas. I try to go to the salon with at least three or four photos for them to go off of. The more specific you are, the less room there is for disappointment!

Q: What makeup look should I go for?
A: If it’s something I’ve learnt from all of the formal events I’ve been to over the years: less is more. I tend to go pretty natural, but it’s your big night! Browse magazines, go on Pinterest and search the web for looks you want to try out! The great thing about it is that you can choose just what you want! Not so great at makeup? Ask a friend, family member or neighbor if they’ll do it for you. Want to splurge a little? Find a makeup artist who can perfect your look!

Q: Now what about my date?
A: The date for me was the most nerve-wracking part! I went to an all girls’ school, and all of my friends were bringing their boyfriends or really good guy friends, and I wanted to follow suite with someone I knew I’d be comfortable around and have a good time. I didn’t go all crazy with a “promposal”, and I just asked him plain and simple. But if you’re looking for something fun to do, I recommend Pinterest. Think of your relationship with the person! Whatever you do, regardless of how you ask them, make sure you’ll be 100% comfortable rocking out on the dance floor next to this person! And surround yourself with your friends, because when all else fails, they’ll be right by your side and taking some awesome pics to Insta! #nofilter.

Q: Now what do I wear?!
A: The dress! How could I forget the dress… (I didn’t forget the dress!). The dress is easily the most important part of the night. You get to decide how formal or casual you wanna go. My biggest piece of advice is stick to your personal style. It’s totally fun to try something different, but whatever you choose, make sure you feel comfortable in it to rock the outfit all night!

One huuuuge misconception is that you need to shell out the big bucks for a dress for prom. That is NOT true! That’s where David’s Bridal comes in with their David’s Prom Collection. I, like you, had no idea that David’s Bridal sold anything other than wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses, but they actually have a killer prom dress collection and there’s something for every price point. David's Bridal invited me to their store in New York City to see their dresses up-close and personal, and they're beautiful! They have styles for every type of personality, body shape and budget, and all of your favorite dresses range from size 2 to size 24W, starting at just $99!

What style should you go for? Well it depends…

Are you the trendsetter? Do you thrive on pulling off something different, something you know no one else will go for? Love turning heads wherever you go? Then go for something different - maybe a two-piece number, an illusion gown, some nude lace or an eye-catching cutout.

Are you the sweetheart? Love delicate gowns, soft updos and subtle hues? Do you opt for blush gowns and intricate detailing? Then check out these picks: anything from a pearl neckline, to a jeweled strapless gown, to an open-back tulle dress in beautiful pastels.

Are you the glamour girl? If you watch the red carpets of award shows lusting after that killer gown you saw on Beyoncé or your girl Tswift, then this one's for you. Start with a killer shimmering gown, an open-back beaded number or some bold accessories to top it all off.

Are you the belle? You'll be the princess, with or without a prince by your side, and you're letting it show! Sounds like you? Then look at some gorgeous tulle gowns, dresses with embellished detailing, and intricate bodices.

None of these sound like you? There are hundreds of other options and over 300 stores nationwide for you to see them all in person too!

Happy dress shopping, and happy almost-prom season!

Friday Five

After giving it some thought, I've decided to bring back 'Friday Five', but now it'll be a mix of things I'm really enjoying, as well as things going on in my life.

(Taken a few weeks ago. Nothing says the weekend quite like this.. Cheers!) 

1. I'm taking a second little in my sorority this semester, and I'm all about affordable crafting. Have any ideas for me? 

2. I spent most of this week upset that I was missing Trinidad Carnival (the bigger, better version of Rio's carnivale!), and the depression really hit once I saw what I missed. 

3. I've given up online shopping for Lent, and I've clearly been having some trouble already. Just me? 

4. I spent a few days in NYC last week representing my university (and the US!) at the United Nations' Youth Assembly. What a fantastic time!

5. Reflecting on one of my favorite Disney classics, I realized Cinderella isn't about finding her true love, it's about a woman who really just wanted her shoe back. I'd say her priorities are straight.  

Happy weekend! Hopefully yours is filled with lots of 'cheers'. 

The Best of 2015 Grammy Fashion

I love awards season. Like, adore. There's nothing better than watching the red carpet, your favorite celebs strutting down in haute couture, showcasing who they're wearing and who's on their arm, and all that jazz.

But the Grammy's. The Grammy's are the holy grail for me. All your favorite musicians, battling it out for that trophy, and there's always the possibility of Kanye intervening. Just kidding, that already happened once too many. (And sorry Beck, but Yoncé deserved that award.. just saying)

And the Grammy's fashion. Holy hell, the fashion killed me last night. I wasn't going to post about this originally, but after I saw my girl Taylor's dress, I opened my laptop and started typing.

So my picks for the best dressed of the 2015 Grammy's.. and this was an incredibly hard choice.


Beyoncé Knowles-Carter:

Known for her amazing curves and her incredible talent, Beyoncé wowed me in this custom Proenza Schouler gown. She chose the same style dress as last year's Grammy's (she wore this stunning Michael Costello number), but hey if it works, it works! And B is working it! 

Chrissy Teigen: 

While I'm usually not a fan of the cutout or side-paneled gowns, Chrissy Teigen blew me away in this Emilio Pucci number. It's a pick from the line's Resort 2015 collection, and it featured some major underboob. Not just anyone could pull this one off though.. but Chrissy Teigen is close to perfection, so of course she nails it. (Also, what underwear does one wear with that dress?! Chrissy is lucky she doesn't need to wear Spanx!) 

Gwen Stefani: 

Hot mama! In this custom Atelier Versace jumpsuit, Gwen stood out on the red carpet. Known for her different fashion choices, Gwen chose well this year! She even called this sexy number a piece of "artwork", and I 100% agree.

Kim Kardashian-West: 

Say what you want about her, but Mrs. Kanye West knows how to style herself. The nearly 100-pound dress is Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture, and she even admitted to the dress basically falling apart right before she left for the show. (The pocket completely fell out - they had to sew and safety pin to keep it together). But besides the technical difficulties, I personally think she stunned in this gown, although there are plenty who disagree with me, calling the dress a robe. (Also, can we talk about her new haircut? I'm obsessed with it!)


Katy Perry: 

The last time we saw Katy Perry, she was covered in flames (Katniss moment..). Now I'm personally not a KP fan, but I must admit that this Zuhair Murad dress complimented her perfectly, even with her bright hairdo. I'm also a very proud Lebanese and love anything that Zuhair Murad (or Elie Saab, Reem Acra or George Chakra) designs.. we have a very talented culture. 

Anna Kendrick: 

I must say that when I saw Anna Kendrick's outfit, I was hooked. She looks fantastic. Very simple, subtle and sexy. The plunging neckline, and the fitted pantsuit just compliments her petite figure, and how can you not love her?! The jumpsuit is Band of Outsiders and she is rocking it. 

Taylor Swift: 

Last, but certainly not least, is my girl Tay. Can I just say that 1989 era Tay is my favorite? Her fashion choices are on point, her hair, everything. She's stepped out of her comfort zone and I'm in love. Also in love with this turquoise Elie Saab gown (once again, these Lebanese designers are killing it!) and these purple Giuseppe Zanotti heels, and those legs.. she literally looks perfect. She may not have won any awards, but she won the red carpet. 10/10. Pass GO. Collect $200, because Tay, my friend, you look phenomenal. 

And this is the reason I wrote this entire post. Because holy crap, this dress! 

Did I miss anyone? What do you think of my picks? Sound off below!