Mestads REGISTERS Your Prom Gown!

Other stores may say that it's no big deal, but Mestads disagrees! We carry the most EXCLUSIVE dresses in the state of Minnesota, and they aren't sold in any other stores in the state! If you didn't get one in the mail, come to one of our stores and ask for a COOL BOOK, which is the greatest collection of unique gowns for Prom 2011! We know that it's a big deal if someone else has your dress, and we'd rather turn someone away than have two of the same Mestads gowns at your prom. Our registration happens at the point of sale when you purchase your gown, and it is linked through all three stores. We will NEVER sell the same gown to your school twice, we promise!

We said it last year, and we'll say it again: Don't let this happen to you!

Be EXCLUSIVE, wear MESTADS COOL COLLECTION!

DIY Beauty - Hairstyle: Party Twist

DIY Beauty - Pedicure

Pedicures at spas/salons can be kind of spendy, so why not opt for an at home pedicure?

This video shows you how to give yourself a great pedicure:

HOW TO - Choose Accessories for your Gown

Once you’ve found your dream gown, it’s time to choose the perfect accessories! Usually, the neckline of your gown is a good place to start in deciding what jewelry to put near your face. Here are some examples:

Strapless – With a strapless gown, you have lots of choices! You can wear large earrings and no necklace, a necklace with small to medium earrings, or a matching jewelry set! You can add a bracelet, but you certainly don’t need to.



Halter – When wearing a halter dress, you want to make sure of two things: That your earrings aren’t so long that they drag on your dress’s neck strap, and that if you wear a necklace, it fits into your neckline. Other than that, it’s up to you!



One Shoulder – For a one shoulder dress, don’t wear a necklace. It will “compete” with the neckline, and not compliment the style of gown. Wear large earrings (but not so long that they drag on your shoulder). Also, a bracelet on the wrist opposite your strap creates a balanced look.



Spaghetti Straps – When you have spaghetti straps on your gown, just make sure that your necklace compliments the shape of the neckline. Or, skip the necklace and just wear earrings!


High Neck – If your gown has a high neck, don’t wear a necklace. Just some earrings and maybe a bracelet.


Overall, be sure to keep your accessories in balance with the style of your gown. If your gown has rhinestones, wear rhinestones. If it has crystals, wear crystals. Pearls are classic and go with almost anything, but only when they compliment what you’re pairing them with.

Shoes and evening bags don’t necessarily have to MATCH, but they do need to coordinate. Metallics are neutral, they go with anything, and are a good choice to re-wear for future dances!

HOW TO - Choose a Neckline

Some necklines work better than others, depending on body type. Read on to see what might work best for you!

Strapless:


Dresses without straps WILL stay put; they just need to fit correctly. Many women mistakenly think that the gown needs to be tightest at the top, or that they have to have a chest like Barbie to keep the gown up. In reality, anyone can wear a strapless gown. If the dress is tight enough just above your hips, your hips will actually hold the dress up, the weight of the dress will rest on them – even if it’s too big in the top. If the waist fits you correctly and the top is too big, the top can be taken in. Many prom dresses are being made with a corset-style back. The lace-up feature allows the wearer to tighten it until the top fits, which cuts back on a LOT of alterations!

Strapless dresses are either straight across on the top, or have a sweetheart top, which looks like a heart. Both are great, but some people find that they like one or the other better on their body. Petite girls may find that a sweetheart neckline will make them look taller, because it will give a longer line from the top of the dress to the chin.

Plunging Halter:


For plunging necklines, you may think that its best to have a large chest, but the opposite is actually true. If you are smaller on top, your parts won’t be trying to “escape” from the gown, and tape will easily secure you all night.

Halter:


This universally flattering neckline has a strap that goes behind your neck, but doesn’t “plunge” like the previous example. Regardless of chest size, this neckline is supportive, flattering, and stylish. Usually the neck straps are too long (even if you ARE six feet tall!), so expect to have to shorten it!

Spaghetti Straps:


Most strapless dresses come with straps that can be added. Sometimes you can have your seamstress add hooks or snaps, so they can be added later in the evening if you feel your dress slipping when you start dancing (although if you’ve had it altered – this shouldn’t happen). Some dresses come with straps already sewn on, and they are usually fairly easy to remove, or just tuck in if you want a strapless look. If you plan to wear the straps, expect to have them shortened to fit you!

Modest:


Some prom manufacturers offer gowns that are created specially for those who value modesty. Given enough time, we can order these in, with high necklines and sleeves. If we don't have time to order something, there are lots of ways to modify what is in the store to meet your needs. You can add fabric to raise a neckline, create wider straps or sleeves, lower or close a slit, or add a jacket or shawl over the dress to give more coverage. Please let us know your specific needs so that we can help you in the best way possible!

Mori Lee Trunk Show!

This weekend, February 25th - 27th, the SOUTHDALE Mestads will be having a Mori Lee trunk show, with all in stock Mori Lee Prom dresses 20% off! Special order gowns are 10% off!

Remember, Mestads will NEVER sell the same dress to your prom twice, not even in a different color!

Mestads REGISTERS Your Prom Gown!

Other stores may say that it's no big deal, but Mestads disagrees! We carry the most EXCLUSIVE dresses in the state of Minnesota, and they aren't sold in any other stores in the state! If you didn't get one in the mail, come to one of our stores and ask for a COOL BOOK, which is the greatest collection of unique gowns for Prom 2011! We know that it's a big deal if someone else has your dress, and we'd rather turn someone away than have two of the same Mestads gowns at your prom. Our registration happens at the point of sale when you purchase your gown, and it is linked through all three stores. We will NEVER sell the same gown to your school twice, we promise!

We said it last year, and we'll say it again: Don't let this happen to you!

Be EXCLUSIVE, wear MESTADS COOL COLLECTION!

Tuxedo vs. Suit

When high school guys come in to look at tuxes, they often ask “What’s the difference between a tux and a suit?” Well girls (and guys) we’ll let you know so you no longer wonder!

(Warning: There will be some terms that are unfamiliar to you, so we have supplied a list of definitions in a different post if you wish!)

First of all, tuxes have always been considered more formal than a suit. After that, things begin to get a little tricky because tuxedos have changed from what was traditionally considered a tux to what society calls a tuxedo today. Today, the easiest distinction between a tux and a suit is that the tux will have a satin lapel (collar) and a satin stripe down the outside of the pant. This is the most basic knowledge you need to know about a tux, so you can go ahead and rent a tuxedo for your upcoming formal event. But if you’d like to know a little more, continue reading!

Traditionally, tuxes would have either had a shawl or a peak lapel, never a notch, but today this is no longer true. Notch lapels are very common in modern tuxes. Tuxes were often worn with a pleated shirt, bow tie and cummerbund; again, this has recently changed. Not to be confusing, but historically, a tux only had one button, but today can be found having anything from one to four buttons!

For all you young ladies and gentlemen out there, the most important thing to remember about a tux is it has a more formal look than the suit, so for an event like prom or a gala, be sure to show up in a full tux to avoid any faux-pas!

DIY Beauty - Hairstyle: Messy Up Do

Step 1.) Apply a heavy-weight styling product such as pomade or a mouse. Redken Water Wax, Water Based Pomade, works well with this type of styling. It allows you to get a fresh, textured look without leaving your hair stiff. Scrunch hair while Blow drying hair upside down. For more volume, hold head upside down and spritz hair with hairspray.

Step 2.) Pull hair to the top of your crown as if you were going to put a ponytail in. Pull hair half way though the elastic and then wrap elastic around that section of hair. Almost to the effect of a bun but with hair hanging out.

Step 3.) Take small, thin strands of hair and pull out, creating different lengths all around. You can curl these strand or leave them straight.

Step 4.) Use a waxing product to separate the pieces of hair. Spray with hair spray.

DIY Beauty - Self Tanner

Before you get ready to apply a self tanner always remember to exfoliate your skin. Pay special attention to places on your body that skin is more rough (elbows, knees, tops of feet, knuckles) because this is where self tanner tends to show up darker, especially if not properly exfoliated. DO NOT apply lotion or any type of moisturizer to the skin before application, the lotion acts as a barrier and doesn't allow for proper absorption. Make sure that your skin is completely dry, if there is even slight moisture on your skin it can cause streaking. Use the lotion sparingly, you can always add more later. If you use too much the color may turn out a lot darker (and more orange) than what you were going for. Take note Lindsay Lohan!

Though it would be ideal to use gloves when applying self tanner, they are more likely to streak than using your hands. So just make sure to wash your hands every five minutes or so to keep from having orange hands. Make sure to apply the self tanner AT LEAST a week prior to the event. That way if there are any mishaps the lotion has time to fade and you still have time to repeat. When applying, make sure to start from the feet and work your way up.

In my experience I've had really good luck with Neutrogena Instant Bronze and Tan Towel. They both went on very evenly and the tan looked more natural than any other brand I've tried. I haven't had much luck with a lot of store brand self tanners because they are very thick and no matter how often I washed my hands, in between my fingers and the palms of my hands always ended up with an orangey tone. If you know anyone that has used a self tanner, ask them what brands they liked and didn't.

This video should be very helpful in the preparation and application of the lotion.

Gown Shopping Dos and Don'ts

DO:
• Bring pictures! Take them from magazines or print them from the internet. I can only help you find your dream dress if I know what your dream dress is!
• Try anything. What you like on someone else might not work for you. That’s ok! We can help you create your own phenomenal prom look!
• Bring your shoes, bra, mom, and a positive attitude!
• Bring your camera! At Mestad’s, we allow you to take pictures in the gowns you’re considering. We only ask that you use one designated location so that we can respect others’ fitting room privacy.
• Allow us to check the gown registration BEFORE you try on gowns. This way, we can eliminate anything that’s already registered to your school, before you fall in love with it!
• Let us know your budget! I don’t care if you're buying the most or least expensive dress in the store; I just want you to find a dress you love!
• Buy a dress that fits you NOW! You can always take it in if you lose weight, but you can never let it out!
• Bring accessories if you have some that you plan to wear. It’s easier to visualize the whole look together.

DON’T:
• Worry about size! Dresses don’t fit like street clothes, so you will likely wear a size or two bigger than normal.
• Come with a huge group. This is about YOU! I don’t want 10 of your friends drowning out what YOU think of the gown that YOU love!
• Come in with fresh self tanner or too much makeup on your skin – it will stain the dresses!
• Expect the gowns to fit perfectly right away. Most people need some alterations to make the gown fit perfectly, whether it’s a hem or shortening a strap! I would say maybe 9/10 girls need alterations.
• Worry about what your friends are wearing. Having two red dresses in your group is not the end of the world. Hating your prom pictures because you let Susie Q. talk you into wearing yellow is.

JOVANI Trunk Show

Its that time again! Mestads will be bringing new and exciting JOVANI styles into all three stores for one weekend only! In stock dresses are 20% off, but only for four days!

The sale runs February 18th-21st, but come early for the best selection!



Prom Trend - BOWS

Flirty, feminine details like bows can be found everywhere in fashion right now. From headbands to sweaters to belts and shoes – bows are hot! You can incorporate bows into your prom look, either on your gown, or in your accessories!

Here are some examples from Anne Hathaway, Katie Holmes, and Lindsay Lohan:

Mestads REGISTERS Your Prom Gown!

Other stores may say that it's no big deal, but Mestads disagrees! We carry the most EXCLUSIVE dresses in the state of Minnesota, and they aren't sold in any other stores in the state! If you didn't get one in the mail, come to one of our stores and ask for a COOL BOOK, which is the greatest collection of unique gowns for Prom 2011! We know that it's a big deal if someone else has your dress, and we'd rather turn someone away than have two of the same Mestads gowns at your prom. Our registration happens at the point of sale when you purchase your gown, and it is linked through all three stores. We will NEVER sell the same gown to your school twice, we promise!

We said it last year, and we'll say it again: Don't let this happen to you!

Be EXCLUSIVE, wear MESTADS COOL COLLECTION!

What to Bring When You Try on Dresses

Shoes – If you have a pair you think you’ll use with your prom dress, bring them! They will give you height, and then you’ll know if you need to hem the dress, or if it’s already the correct length.



Sticky Bra – If you have one, these are great for trying on dresses. This way, if the consultant needs to help you in the fitting room, you’re covered. Also, they will give you a more accurate idea of how the gown will fit, since you might wear it underneath anyway.



Jewelry – If you own some that you’d like to re-use, bring it with you. If you’ve got a favorite piece or grandma’s earrings, the dress you choose may depend on the accessories you want to wear.



Mom – She’ll give an honest, trustworthy opinion, and I’ve never known a mom to steer her daughter wrong (Plus, if she’s paying for it, she is more likely to say yes if she knows what you’re wearing!).

Mestads REGISTERS Your Prom Gown!

Other stores may say that it's no big deal, but Mestads disagrees! We carry the most EXCLUSIVE dresses in the state of Minnesota, and they aren't sold in any other stores in the state! If you didn't get one in the mail, come to one of our stores and ask for a COOL BOOK, which is the greatest collection of unique gowns for Prom 2011! We know that it's a big deal if someone else has your dress, and we'd rather turn someone away than have two of the same Mestads gowns at your prom. Our registration happens at the point of sale when you purchase your gown, and it is linked through all three stores. We will NEVER sell the same gown to your school twice, we promise!

We said it last year, and we'll say it again: Don't let this happen to you!

Be EXCLUSIVE, wear MESTADS COOL COLLECTION!