TUXEDO TREND: Gray

A color we are starting to see more of in tuxedos is gray, dark steel gray in particular. One benefit of a gray tuxedo is that it looks good with so many colors that are perfect for prom. You will never have to worry about not matching your date! It also looks stunning with a silver vest and tie that will match virtually everything.

Don't forget to check Mestads.com or stop in to find ways to save on your tuxedo! 

TUXEDO TREND: The Fitted Tuxedo

Most of you have your dresses by now, or at the very least, know what you are looking for, so it’s time to start thinking about tuxedos.

One new trend we are seeing in tuxedos this year is the fitted tuxedo. This tuxedo is fitted in the waist giving it a more modern look, and comes with flat front pants more like a normal men’s dress pant instead of a more traditional pant with pleats. Our two most popular fitted styles are the Fitted Notch in white and the Ridge in black.

Don't forget to stop in and ask a Mestads Stylist how you can save money on your prom tuxedo!

TREND: Corset Style Bodice

One trend we’ve seen a lot of the past few years and is continuing to gain popularity is the corset style bodice. This look is characterized by exposed boning in the top of the dress to create the illusion of a corset. Some of these dresses have a lace up back, much like a real corset would, but many of them have a zipper back instead. This look is great for creating and defining an hourglass figure because the boning in the dress creates a structure that is flattering on everyone!

TREND: Neutral Colors

Last year, big bold colors and prints were in, but this year we’re seeing more and more soft neutrals, colors like white, gold, ivory, nude, champagne and light blush pink. These colors have the frosty, elegant feel of pearls and lace and add a little more feminine flair to this year’s prom style!

TREND: Mermaid Dresses

We saw a lot of the mermaid shape last year and will be seeing even more of it this year.  A mermaid dress is set apart from other styles by its unique shape, a fitted dress that flairs out below the hips, anywhere between the mid-thigh and the knees. Mermaids are great for accenting or creating an hourglass figure and highlighting curves. Make sure to stop in and see a Mestads Stylist to find the right mermaid for you.

TREND: The Carwash Skirt

In the last trend post we talked about ruffles.  One particular type of ruffle that we are seeing a lot of this year is the “car wash” skirt. In this particular type of dress the ruffles cascade down in twirls that resemble a car wash. The ruffles are often at varying lengths giving the skirt shape and definition creating a fun, flirty look that’s perfect for prom.

TREND: Ruffles

One of our favorite trends this year is ruffles. They are showing up on just about every shape and style of dress and we LOVE it! The great thing about ruffles is that they accentuate everyone’s best feature. For example:

A full skirt of ruffles helps accentuate the waist giving it a cinched corset look.

A ruffle mermaid accentuates the hips, helping them appear firm and sculpted

and a full ruffle skirt with a drop waist makes the torso appear longer, and the hips appear fuller.

Make sure to stop in to Mestads so we can help you find the best ruffle dress for your figure!

TREND: Feathers

Feathers are a fun accent that many designers are putting on their dresses this year. We’re seeing everything from fully feathered skirts to small feathery embellishments. The feathers create a light, floaty, feminine look that will make you feel like the belle of the ball.

TREND: Cocktail Dress with Removable Skirt

Just like the High-Low dress, a similar style that is popular for 2012 is the cocktail dress with removable skirt.  This dress has the same concept of a High-Low, being short in the front and long in the back, but with this style the skirt attaches around the waist and can be removed to create a whole new dress for your dance. The best part about this type of dress is that you can continue to wear the cocktail dress underneath for years to come, but still have the long look for prom. What’s even better is that you don’t even need to have a bustle hook added to the dress to keep it off the floor. You can simply remove the top layer and dance the night away!

TREND: Chiffon

Everyone’s favorite fabric this year is chiffon! Chiffon is a light, flowy fabric that creates a soft feminine look that smoothes and hides any imperfection. The great thing about the chiffon dresses Mestads has this year is that they look good on EVERYONE!

TREND: Bling

Bling is back! Rhinestones, sequins and glitter are back this year and hotter than ever. Here are some trends that will wow them on the dance floor.

Shattered Glass Stones

One trend we see picking up is shattered glass stones. They are large rhinestones shaped like glass shards and they’re showing up everywhere this year.

Sequins

Another trend we are seeing a lot of this year is sequins. There are several types of sequined gowns. The two most popular types of sequined dresses are “all over sequins,” where sequins cover an entire portion of fabric, and rows of sequins, where the sequins drip down the dress in rows.

Black A/B

A completely new trend we are seeing this year is Black A/B rhinestones. These stones are black with a shiny reflective coating to make them appear multicolored.



TREND: High-Low Dresses

One big trend we are seeing in prom this year is the High-low dress. High-low simply means these dresses are short in the front and long in the back, making them easy and fun to dance in. We’re loving this style because it works for anyone, any height without having to be hemmed!   Our favorite feature on select styles of High-lows is a zip off skirt. Some dresses, like the Jovani dress below, have a hidden zipper that hides under the skirt so that it can be removed for the dance.

The best thing about High-lows is that they come in many different styles, from a straight dress to a fluffy ball gown, so there’s something for everyone!

PROM 2012

2011 is quickly coming to an end, which means it's time to start thinking about Prom! All three Mestads locations already have prom gowns out, with new ones coming in every day, and don't forget that we register your dress so we won't sell it to anyone else at your school!

 Make sure to stay tuned to our blog and facebook page to find out all of the new trends and styles for 2012, makeup tips, events, our staff picks from our expert stylists here at Mestads and much more! Happy Holidays and we hope to see you in the new year!

Advanced Dinner Etiquette

Some more in-depth pointers for fine dining:

1. Don’t point out other’s etiquette blunders. The point of manners is to put others at ease. It would be impolite to embarrass another diner.

2. If the bill is going to be split between several couples, politely tell the server before you order.

3. Wait until all of your friends are served before you begin to eat.

4. Turn off your cell phone, or at least put it on vibrate for the duration of the meal. Don’t talk or text at the table, excuse yourself.

5. Don’t set your purse on the table, set it in the side of your chair, or on the floor by your feet.

6. When eating bread, don’t move your bread plate. Tear off a small bite sized piece, butter it, and eat it. Don’t butter the whole piece and bite off of it! Don’t use your bread to dip into soup or to mop up sauce.

7. Drinking water – don’t slurp!

8. Don’t pick your teeth or lick your fingers!

9. If you excuse yourself during the meal, lay your napkin on your chair – this tells the waiter that you are coming back.

10. Pass the salt and pepper together (try to remember that they’re married and like to always be together!)

11. Don’t disrupt other diners; be respectful of what they’re out celebrating!

12. Don’t stack your dishes for the waiter, he will do this!

13. When you set your silverware down during the meal, set them at 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock. When you’re finished, set them together at 4 o’clock. This signals the waiter to clear your plate.

14. When you are finished eating (right before you leave), place your napkin on the table near your plate.

15. Tipping is never required, but is usually expected. Generally, a 15-20% tip is expected for excellent service. Figure this based on the food total, before discounts and taxes. Keep in mind, some restaurants automatically add gratuity (tip) for parties of a certain size. Check your bill to make sure you aren’t double-tipping. If they have added 10 or 15% and you want to tip more, figure the difference and add it.

Prom Night Emergency Kit

Your evening bag may not be very big, but see if you can fit a few of these items in anyway, just in case:

1. Safety pin: Can repair a broken strap, hold a hem or broken bustle in place, hold a jacket closed for pictures, or keep your dates tie in place.

2. Tampon: Even if you don’t need one, somebody might!

3. Cell Phone: Don’t text through this special night, but do call parents in case of a problem with your car, or your date!

4. Double stick tape (Sticky Straps dress tape is available at Mestads): This can do a lot of the same things as a safety pin.

5. Bandaids: Keep you dancing even if your shoes give you blisters!

6. Cash: In case you need to pay for your dinner (hopefully this has been worked out with your date beforehand).

7. Hair Pins: If your ‘do falls down, you can put it back up!

Photo Tips

Photos help make and keep memories, make sure you get a great shot!

You can always choose to hire a professional photographer to get the shots you want, but there are things you can do to ensure you get the best photographs when you take them yourself. Whether you go to a special location, or take photos in your own back yard, there are a couple of easy tips to keep in mind.

1. Choose a neutral background, a blank wall or tall, green bush work wonderfully.

2. Set your camera to “portrait” to help with focus and lighting.

3. Take pictures outside to get the best lighting. If outside, stand in the shade and don’t look into the sun

4. If your're inside, don’t stand in front of a TV or photograph, the flash may create a bad reflection.

5. Flip your camera vertically to get the whole dress in the picture. This can easily be done with groups of 1-3 people and will make for a more pleasing layout.

6. For more intimate photos (hugging, laughing, etc.) zoom in on just the torso up.

7. Take pictures of the shoes and garters!

8. Take some photos while getting ready or when your date and friends arrive.

9. Group photos are a must: guys, girls, guys and girls, etc. But also try some non-traditional shots like jumping, sitting on stairs, the back of your gown. These are all great memories to save!

10. Be creative and HAVE FUN! It’s obvious in photographs if you are having a good time, so laugh and giggle, prom is exciting!

HOW TO: Take a Flattering Prom Photo

Practice these tips at home in the mirror. Ask a friend to photograph you and look at the photos to correct your posture before the big night!

1. Stand with your body at an angle to the camera. Put one foot in front of the other, point your front foot towards the camera, and put your weight on your back foot. Be careful if your gown has a slit – put that foot forward, and make sure that your front leg is crossed slightly over the back, and not hanging “open”.

2. Pull your head slightly forward. This will eliminate any possibility of a double chin.

3. Hold your arms slightly away from your body. This will make them appear thinner than if you let them hang against your body. Think about what your thighs do when you sit on the couch – it’s the same effect.

4. Pull your shoulders back and stand with good posture. Standing up straight will lengthen your mid-section, making you appear thinner.

5. If you want to minimize part of your body, use your accessories to your best advantage! See if you can hold your purse or flowers in a way that will cover your worrisome spot.

6. Spanx – If you feel like you have bumps (most women have SOME bumps!), then Spanx are your best friend! They will smooth you under your gown. Mestads sells them, and you can also find them at Target.

7. Spray tan or bed tan can help give you a golden glow in the camera’s flash. Talk to mom about which option is better for you!

Beginners Dinner Etiquette

When dining in a fine restaurant, this is likely what you’ll see in front of you.

Your date or the waiter should pull out your chair and help you get seated before he sits. If he doesn’t – don’t make a big deal of it, just seat yourself. Be careful not to tear your dress!

1. First things first – napkin in your lap. Depending on where you eat, the waiter may do this for you, so don’t get upset he does.

2. When you are eating a multi-course meal, you’ll likely begin with soup or salad. You’ll notice in the diagram above that the soup spoon and salad fork are on the outside. This is a good rule of thumb no matter what you’re eating. If you’re unsure about which silverware to use, start at the outside and work your way in.

3. Once you’ve used a piece of silverware, it should never touch the table again. Rest it on the side of your plate, with the bottom side facing up.

4. As the dishes are cleared after each course, the silverware will go with it. Don’t worry; they’ll bring you another spoon for dessert!

5. If you need to get up during the meal, please excuse yourself. You don’t need to announce your trip to the ladies room, just ask to be excused for a moment.

6. Don’t apply make up at the table, be excused to the ladies room.

7. Don’t speak with food in your mouth, swallow first.

8. Don’t gesture with your silverware; it should be resting on the edge of your plate when not in use.

9. Don’t reach across the table, ask someone to pass what you need.