Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Lin is styling in reverse by starting with orange lips and vibrant pumps. Don’t worry, she knows what she’s doing.

It appears as though each Yorkdale Prom Ambassador has a totally different approach to finding their perfect prom look; as they should! Madelyn found her dress, Kate went straight to Tiffany and Lin ran to Aldo to find the perfect pair of pumps that will make her prom outfit seriously stand out. Lin knows what she wants and has an amazing eye for style but might need your help in the shoe department…er…she’s narrowed her picks down to seven. Which pair of colourful heels do you like best? Hey, at least she’s sorted the lipstick: Morange Orange from M.A.C. Mwahhh! We *love*.

Shopping is a fashionista’s favourite form of exercise and Yorkdale is definitely one of the best places to do that. Besides, what better way to get into prom-ready shape than at a mall?

Warning:  You always want to go with an open mind and a shopping list.  It’s really easy to lose focus and start blowing money on things you don’t actually need.  Making a plan beforehand of shops you want to hit up will definitely help minimize the temptation.  My plan was all about finding fun shoes and bright lipstick to pop against my dress and hair. (Lin has the most exotic blue hair extensions!)

Shoes, jewelry, a super cute clutch, and makeup were on my shopping list. Although I haven’t yet decided on a dress, I know the style and colour I want; I went on quest for the accessories that will complement it.

Brainstorming all the different combinations of accessories I could use with a royal blue dress I have decided that I do not want classic black heels. I’m going to have fun with my prom look and so I’m on the hunt for bright pumps that will get noticed on the dance floor.

All these heels are a mix of beautiful colours that are so fun and would be the perfect pop of life to my prom look.  Not to mention I could see myself rocking these shoes with a lot more outfits.

These shoes call for some funky bangles, an interesting choice in lip colour, and an eccentric clutch. Keeping the many colours to a minimum with accessories that match makes the look seem tied together yet unexpected.

I really got excited about the funky colours when it came to thinking about my make up, I knew that a bright orange lip and a subtle yet classic eye will look amazing. I chose an orange lip colour because it’s a complimentary colour to my royal blue dress.

Yorkdale has such a variety of stores that offer tons of choices and products that will help me achieve my envisioned prom look; I’m definitely looking forward to shopping trip number two!

1. BLAYNE (Aldo shoes)- $150.00 2. STROMBECK (Aldo shoes)- $120.00 3. ANTONINI (Aldo shoes)- $74.98 4. MAZAR (Aldo shoes)- $110.00 5. PRAK (Aldo shoes)- $ 90.00 6. SHURKUS (Aldo shoes)- $ 90.00 7. KIARA PATENT COLORBLOCK SANDAL (Bebe shoes)- $129.00

1. MAC COSMETICS- CROSS CULTURAL EYE SHADOW $18.00 2. CRYSTAL AVALANCHE EYE SHADOW $18.00 3. MORANGE LIPSTICK $17.50 4. SOLAR RICHE BRONZER $28.00 

1. BANGLES- SEED-BEAD BRACELET $58.00 2. BOBZIEN $18.00

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Lin gives style tips for every body type

Lin’s personal style is so awesome that since stepping into the role of Yorkdale Prom Ambassador, she has been asked about six times if she wants to be a fashion stylist when she grows up. But it’s not just about choosing a dress you like; here Lin gives wicked tips on how to flatter every body type.

When it comes to dressing for prom, making sure the dress fits your body type is the most important thing to take into account.  If you don’t already know your body measurements, go find a measuring tape right now! These numbers are your secret weapon to finding the perfect fitting dress.

While there are countless body types for girls – I doubt anyone is exactly the same – these four shapes are the most common: Hourglass, Wedge, Rectangle and Pear.  

Hourglass. Think Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Mad Men’s Joan Holloway or Kim Kardashian

An hourglass figure has a full bust and hips. Straight and flared skirts work best for this body type and choosing a dress with wrap details will definitely flatter the figure.  Gathers and soft pleats work well with any hourglass shape. Avoid horizontal lines around the hips as this will make them appear larger and will throw off the whole balance of the beautiful full figure.

Sophia Draped Evening Gown, BCBG, $298

Seamed dress with flared skirt, Zara, $59.90

Wedge.  Think Blake Lively or Maggie Gylenhaal

Otherwise known as the “inverted triangle” the wedge figure is wide in the shoulders, full busted, and narrow in the hips. Straight and simple architectural lines compliment this body type as well as asymmetrical details. Slim, bias, and gored skirts are perfect for this body type.  Gathers and wide full pleats at the waist make the wedge figure look fabulous!

Dress with irregular fine pleats, Zara, $79

Strapless lace and silk dress, Banana Republic, $275

Rectangle:  Think Taylor Swift, Olsen Twins or LIGHTS

A rectangular figure has few curves and not much waistline definition. Dresses that wrap or flow through the waistline are a perfect choice! Slim fitting skirts or flowing graceful skirts will help give a rectangular figure more shape. Pleats and soft gathers will always be your best friend.  Remember to stay away from clingy fabrics!

H&M soft flared dress in pink, $34.95

Hall Evening Gown, BCBG, $428

Buttercup yellow dress with double layer at back, Zara, $99

Pear: Pink, Katherine Heigl, Lady Gaga

A small bust, shoulders that appear smaller than the hips, and a waist that is small in comparison to the hips is what typically defines a pear shape. Upper body details like tucks or pleats and wide scoop necklines will compliment the pear shape.  A-line, flared, gored, and bias skirts are most flattering.  Soft flowing fabrics, perhaps with soft pleats, and long graceful skirts help camouflage full hips.  Avoid horizontal or excessive detail around the hips as this will emphasize this area.  Bulky or severe slim line skirts are a major no-no for a pear figure! 

Timoa Ombre Evening Gown, BCBG, $548

Dress, H&M, $19.95

Dori Maxi Dress, Club Monaco, $249

All body shapes are beautiful but following these simple rules will ensure that you look your best for prom!

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Lin advises statement necklaces and metal mixing for a formal look that really stands out

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Lin doesn’t need much to stand out in a crowd. I mean, she already has blue hair. That said, there are always ways to add drama and an edgy feel to a formal look. Like Lin, we are totally of the belief that you can take any prom look and really make it your own. All you need is imagination. Here, Lin breaks down some easy ways to break the dress code and really own it.

Just because prom is formal doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and inject some of your personality into your look.  While I agree that straying too far from the prom dress-code could be disastrous, there are definitely ways to work your way around it.  There should be no doubt that you look glam and are dressed formally in the beautiful ‘it’ dress you choose, but have some fun with the accessories!

Add some pop with colour!

Having a pop of colour with your shoes or clutch (if you’re really daring, maybe even your lipstick colour choice!) can definitely bring more interest to anyone’s prom look.  

BCBG Harlow Satin Envelope Clutch in bright blue
$78

MAC Watch Me Simmer Lipstick

Bright pink pumps from Aldo
$49.98 ON SALE

Swarovski Nectar Rose Earrings
$120.00

Banana Republic Enamel Bangle
$45

Aldo Bright Multi Feather Necklace
$12.98

Aldo Neon clutch
$35

Don’t be afraid to mix metals.

Go against the mixing metals taboo and have some fun; mixing metals can look fabulous when done right.  

Swarovski Rocket Necklace
$400.00

BCBG Crystal Mesh Clutch
$178.00

BCBG Metallic Snake-Print Box Clutch
$108.00

Swarovski Earrings
$100.00

Banana Republic Celia Cocktail Ring
$55

Banana Republic Monogram Pearl Clutch
$124

H&M Hair Clip
$5.95

Dare to wear a statement necklace.

Statement necklaces can also bring a little more flare to anyone’s prom look.  Just watch out for your dress neckline, you don’t want to wear a nice eye-catching necklace if it takes away from the neckline cut of your dress! (Statement necklaces especially won’t work with off the shoulder dresses, the symmetry is going to look all wrong and lopsided!) 

BCBG Abstract Stone Necklace
$168

Banana Republic Layered Cabochon Necklace
$85

H&M Pastel Statement Necklace
$14.95

H&M Statement necklace
$14.95

H&M Metal Chain necklace
$19.95

Fashion is like art, express yourself!

Ultimately it comes down to your personality, as it should when it comes to getting dressed for any occasion.  Dress expressively and don’t be afraid to let your personality show through your clothing choices.  If you’re a sweet and elegant girl try some simple jewelry that isn’t overly chunky or glitzed out.  For our more rock and roll chicks, anything that is subtly studded is always a good option.  Don’t get too crazy with the studs though, you have to remember as much as you might want to kick off your heels and mosh around you’re still at a formal event, just looking a little more edgy then the next chick.  

Art Deco Stone Ring
$38.00

BCBG Mixed Chain Choker Necklace
$138.00

BCBG Suede Toggle Bracelet
$48

Aldo Durling Silver Studded Pumps
$100

Swarovski Resin Bangle
$110.00

Experiment and try new things.

Have some fun with your hair and makeup and don’t be afraid to try new things.  You can always find some awesome accessories, whether it be shoes bags or jewelry at BCBG. For all your killer heels purposes you can also check out Aldo and Browns.  Banana Republic also has a nice selection of jewelry that could be the perfect fit for your personality and dress.

MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Nikki Lipstick

Mimosa shoe from Browns in bright yellow
$198

Bright pink clutch from Browns
$60

Aldo headpiece in midnight black
$15.98

H&M feathered earrings in bright purple
$6.95

Confidence is always the best accessory!

Having the second opinion of a trusted individual always helps out before making final decisions or big purchases so don’t hesitate—ask  your friend! Just remember to have fun with your look and make it your own, confidence is your best accessory! It never clashes with anything and seeing a confident and well dressed person ALWAYS leaves a positive lasting impression.

There aren’t too many occasions in life where you really get to make a grand entrance. Be daring. Have fun. And rock your prom!

Getting to know Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Lin

While many girls would look to Taylor Swift for style inspiration, Lin admires a Korean girl band. That said, her dream date would still be Channing Tatum. Now, to find Lin a gown to match her blue hair…

What excites you most about being selected to be a Yorkdale Prom Ambassador?

The most exciting part about being selected as a Yorkdale Prom Ambassador for me is the new experience.  Having never blogged before or posted pictures of myself on any website other than Facebook this is definitely something different that I look forward to doing. 

Do you have a style icon? Who?!

I came across a Korean girl group named 2NE1 by accident one day while procrastinating and exploring Youtube. This girl band has daring style and aren’t afraid to try new things when it comes to fashion.  I came across them when they had just started out and as they progressed in their careers I became increasingly more impressed with them.  They inspire me to be original and confident in my own style.

Yorkdale stores you wanna raid for prom….GO!

BCBG and M.A.C Cosmetics!

Pastel, floral, glittery, a bold hue, leopard print, long, short….what look are you going for this prom?

I’m going for an elegant and sophisticated look, a long dress that says classy.  Considering my hair colour, a royal blue dress seems to make the most sense.  

Fun, romantic, memorable, hilarious: What three words would you choose to describe your perfect prom night?

Unforgettable, original, entertaining

Okay, hypothetical question….you can have any date in the whole wide world, who is it going to be?

If I had to choose a celebrity date I’d say Channing Tatum because… well, do I really have to explain this one? Just look at him. But I’m already completely over the moon being able to go with my boyfriend. Who needs Channing when I have him?

What is the one song that will definitely get you on the dancefloor?

I don’t dance…

As Yorkdale Prom Ambassador, what will you share with readers that you think will help them most for their prom?

As a Yorkdale Prom Ambassador I really want to stress dressing appropriately to your body type.  Every girl is capable of looking stunning in a dress if it properly fits. Finding a dress that accentuates your best features while looking appropriate is key when it comes to picking out a dress for any formal event.  

If you could time travel, which decade or year would you want to experience prom in?

I think it would be incredibly interesting to experience prom in the year 3000.  Being able to see the advancements in technology and fashion would be so cool.

Have you started planning for prom? If so, what details have already been locked down. 

I haven’t given prom much thought so only the color of my dress has been locked down. I’d really love to find a royal blue dress!  

With a totally edgy look, we can’t wait to see what Lin chooses to wear to her prom. We bet she’ll find some pretty awesome accessories that will create a completely new spin on the traditional prom attire. And yes, she has the best hair ever.

Follow along with us on Twitter with #YorkdaleProm. Updates will be tweeted from both @shedoesthecity and @yorkdalestyle.