Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Kate takes inspiration from Audrey Hepburn and heads to Tiffany for some prom movie magic

While Madelyn has bought her dress but not the accessories, Kate has done the opposite! She’s made the trip to both Swarovski and Tiffany in Yorkdale and will match her classic jewelery with an elegant Old Hollywood style dress. She loved the Holt Renfrew gown in kelly green that we styled her in for our initial Yorkale photo shoot but has also been crushing on a tangerine strapless from BCBG Max Azria. DECISIONS!!! Kate, whatever you decide, we know you’ll look beautiful; and that bling you bought will never go out of style.

On a recent trip to New York City, I found myself outside the Tiffany & Co. flagship story, channeling Audrey Hepburn as I posed for photos. I knew that Tiffany was the first place I wanted to go at Yorkdale. I love that Tiffany has good-quality, well-designed jewelry. What I was looking for is something classic and elegant, but with a bit of bling. I wanted something that can be worn with just about anything, and that will last a long time. I found just that in this silver band ring with a diamond from the Elsa Peretti® collection.

I’m accompanying my ring with a pair of dangling Swarovski earrings. I’m a big fan of crystal because it goes with everything, and fits in with the silver look I’m aiming for with my accessories. I also like drop earrings because they grab attention and accentuate my long neck. These ones are simple, chic, and sparkly.

There are some amazing dresses to be found in the spring collections of Yorkdale retailers and I’m especially smitten with this tangerine, corset-top gown with a leg slit from BCBG Max Azria. The colour is amazing, and it shows just the right amount of skin.

I loved the Holt Renfrew ABS dress for many reasons. It had straps, which I think sets it apart from the sea of sweetheart necklined, strapless prom dresses. It also eliminates the concern of having a wardrobe malfunction at prom! I adored the jewel-tone green colour; especially with my blonde locks. I loved the way the dress was structured— namely, the shoulders and the cinched waist seemed very Grecian.

When it comes to a purse and shoes, I’m headed for Aldo, and maybe Town Shoes or Browns. I’m going for silver or white heels, like these.

In the same way I’m faithful to stilettos, a clutch is the only evening bag you’ll ever see me with. I’m looking for something like these for prom:

Finally, I have to impart the last of my prom tips. Wear your shoes around the house for a few days, or else stuff socks in them overnight to break them in. Make sure your dress is hemmed to the right length, so you’re not tripping on it come prom night. Remember to pack your purse with your cell, any make-up you might want to reapply (read: lipstick), a bit of cash just in case, and maybe a couple of extra bobby pins. Most importantly, though, remember that prom is really just a party. Don’t put too much pressure on it. Just enjoy the night, and have fun!

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Nilou gives tips on how to shake those nerves and enjoy your big night!

Don’t have a date yet? Not sure what you’re going to wear? Panicking about walking in a hot pair of pumps? You are not alone! Nilou has some easy tips on how to prepare for your prom. Her best advice? RELAX AND HAVE FUN!

Prom can be nerve wracking. I’m not gonna lie, makeup in 23 degree weather is a little scary (please don’t melt like ice cream) and it’s tricky to pay attention to your date when you are teetering on 4-inch heels up a circular fancy staircase, but chill. It’s prom night, girl! Your number one priority should be to have fun. Prom only comes once in a lifetime, at least for most of us.

How to avoid a melting face in the sun:

Heat and humidity can brutally destroy makeup. If you’re going to do your own makeup, there are a couple of products you can use to avoid that shiny face look.

1. Use a primer. Primer allows the makeup to go on more smoothly and set into your skin instead of floating on the top, which can actually cause your makeup to flake or melt off.

Try Smashbox’s Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer. This product comes in three different shades, green for minimizing redness, apricot for under eye circles and lavender for natural yellow skintones. Grab some at Sephora for $38.

2. There is such thing as a makeup setting spray. Just spray some of this magic on after you’re done your makeup. It’ll help prevent fallouts for up to 16 hours. It’s kind of like face glue.

Urban Decay: All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. You can get a small bottle for only $12 at Sephora.

Heels are absolutely beautiful, but their wounds, not so much.

1. Practice makes perfect: If you really want to wear those 4 inch stilettos, make sure you get some good practice a couple days in advance. Put them on, walk around, maybe even go grocery shopping in them (just kidding).

2. Walk nice and tall: If you straighten your posture, you can take better steps and it’ll actually make you look more graceful. When slouching, you can look choppy and your knees aren’t as strong as they would be if straightened out. 
*Remember to take steps from your heel forward.

3. Get shoe grips: Banquet halls can be quite slippery, and with a pair of new heels, you might be a victim of a little figure skating.

Try self-adhesive shoe grips. You can get them at Aldo for as little as $5.79.

4. BE CONFIDENT: This is the most important tip. If you think you’re going to fall, you actually might. Just imagine you’re Kate Moss doing her thang on the runway.

On your way to prom, put away all your problems. This includes any drama between friends or maybe even boyfriends. Don’t let anything spoil your night, because you will most likely regret it. Get on the dance floor, look glamorous, take lots of pictures and cherish these last little high school memories.

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Kate promposed to her boyfriend with sidewalk chalk and cupcakes. #Awww

As a high school senior whose relationship status has not been ‘single’ in quite some time, I’m looking forward to prom not just as a send-off from high school, but also as a chance for some romantic moments with my boyfriend. And I have a feeling that I’m not alone here. I’m also guessing that a lot of girls will wait until prom night to let the romance begin, and that would be a mistake. Here’s why:

Many of my friends did a double-take when I said I was promposing to my boyfriend. Don’t worry: it doesn’t mean what you think it does. Close, though. A promposal is similar to a proposal in that it’s usually romantic and personal (at least, the best ones are). The main difference is that no one’s proposing marriage (I’m not encouraging any teenage engagements here!). All it is, is a more elaborate way of asking out a prom date. Think of it as an upgraded version of the usual ‘Hey you! Prom?’

I wanted my promposal to surprise my boyfriend, which meant getting up at an uncharacteristically early hour on a Sunday morning (ten, to be precise). I grabbed some sidewalk chalk and headed out to his house. With the chalk, I etched out ‘7 Reasons I Want to Go to Prom with You’ on the pavement outside my boyfriend’s place, with an arrow pointing him down the street. (It was at this point that I realized why sidewalk chalk is usually reserved for summer, rather than early March, when it’s below freezing outside.) This was followed by a series of arrows guiding him along a path I had planned, interspersed with the seven reasons I’d chosen him as my prom date. The path ended in a nearby park, where I was waiting with cupcakes that spelt out ‘PROM?’ in sprinkles.

Snow started falling as I texted my boyfriend, telling him to step outside. Within minutes, he’d followed my path and found me, holding out the cupcakes with shivering hands. It was a perfect, romantic moment, and it came three months before prom.

All that being said, a promposal need not be that elaborate. It doesn’t need to be for a boyfriend or girlfriend (although that does make things riskier, so stay away from public declarations of love). So put on your favourite, sappy, romance movie (might I recommend ‘An Affair to Remember’ or ‘You’ve Got Mail’?), pull out your brainstorming notebook, and get creative!

Your senior prom only happens once! We dare you to be romantic and try something totally out of the ordinary.

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.

Getting to know Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Nilou

Photo by Angie Choi EYEKAHFOTO (Click to Enlarge)

Nilou wants to help every girl have a stress-free prom. In an ideal world, she’d boogie down to Flo Rida with Justin Timberlake as her hot date.

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

Getting to shop and showcase some awesome looks for prom 2012! I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey. I call it the journey to finding the perfect dress, shoes and accessories for the lovely girls of grad class 2012. I promise good tips and a prom shopping experience as easy as a walk in the park.

Do you have a style icon? 

I’m not sure if I’d say she’s my style icon, but our very own Canadian Shenae Grimes has some sweet style. She always has the perfect balance of that cute plain-Jane style with a little bad girl twist..if that makes any sense. Her and Miley Cyrus are definitely in my top two.

 What Spring fashion trends are you loving right now:

Ahh! I love the Spring fashion trends this year because there are so many pastels! I’m really digging the short-long chiffon skirts, they make me feel like a mermaid. 

 Yorkdale stores you wanna raid for prom….GO!

BCBG, French Connection, H&M and Zara!  Don’t even get me started on the shoe stores.

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

I’m envisioning a long pastel dress. Something flowy, maybe some cutouts; classic and beautiful!

What song(s) make for perfect change room tunes or your prom-shop soundtrack?

That is a very good question. To choose five, I’d say, We Are Young by Fun, Girls Freak Me Out by The Summer Set, Soldier by N.E.R.D, You Drive Me Crazy by Britney Spears and Countdown by Beyonce. Haha.

What three words would you choose to describe your perfect prom night?

Entertaining, picturesque, sunny.

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

If it could be ANYONE, I’d choose Justin Timberlake. He’s good looking, can dance, and just seems like a good time.

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

That “Good Feeling” song by Flo Rida. Such a good song, and so many wonderful memories from grade 12.

Is there a movie that you love that gets you excited for prom? Or do you have a favourite prom flick?

Well, the movie Prom does its title justice. I absolutely loved that movie. I watched it last year and dreamed of my own prom. I also have to admit, High School Musical 2 has this scene where they get ready for prom. I am guilty of dancing around to that song.

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

Well, a lot of girls are just super stressed about finding the perfect prom dress. Sometimes they just buy one because they want to get it over with. I’m hoping to provide a little guide so that girls like myself are 100% happy, confident and excited for prom. No girl should settle for something she doesn’t like. I want to help every girl make some serious jaws drop.

If you were in charge of a theme for your prom, what would you pick?

I’ve always wanted to go to a semi formal or dance that was circus themed. I’d love a circus theme prom. A very upscale circus with beautiful lights, a little show, candy apples, maybe even a little ferris wheel.

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

The 1960s! I’ve seen pictures of girls and tons of them had mini tiaras. They all looked like princesses and the boys rocked awesome bowties. Not to mention, they danced a lot cooler back in the day. I’d be down to boogie to some Elvis.

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

To be completely honest, I’m currently planless. I don’t even think that’s a word.

Nilou has not made ANY plans yet. (Are you in the same boat?) But not to worry! She’s going to make it her mission to help all grade twelve girls have a happy, fun and carefree night. She might not get her wish to have a ferris wheel at prom but we bet Nilou will rock the dance floor looking gorgeous in whatever she chooses. This prom ambassador is all about making prom night the celebration it should be and can’t wait to share her journey with you!

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

Behind the scenes at the Yorkdale Prom Ambassadors photo shoot

I set not one but two alarms for my early morning wake up this past Sunday; I had to be at Yorkdale Shopping Centre for 6:30 am in order to meet the four Yorkdale Prom Ambassadors for an exciting photo shoot. Bleary eyed, but running on fashion adrenaline, I grabbed coffees and tea for the dedicated crew and stylish young ladies, who hail from schools across the GTA.

The reason we met so early was to ensure we got shots around the mall before stores opened. It was pretty neat to be in Yorkale before sunrise; there’s a lot of floor polishing that happens. It felt like we were in a movie called PROM QUEENS GET LOCKED IN THE MALL. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.

Lin, NilouMadelyn and Kate all arrived wearing their usual cool street attire. Makeup artists from Sephora were on hand to do both a natural day look and then glamourous hair and makeup for when the Yorkdale Prom Ambassadors adorned the gowns, carefully selected by Yorkdale stylist Rashmi Sudan. Er, thinking back to my prom…I couldn’t help wish that my experience matched theirs. Rashmi certainly could have helped me pick a better dress!

Even though it was way early to be awake on a Sunday, there was a ton of laughter and the four ambassadors bonded quickly, mostly over Hunger Games, their respective prom themes and, of course, giddy excitement over who was going to wear what for the shoot.

In an effort to showcase four very different prom styles, stylist Rashmi pulled a variety of dresses and accessories. Kate was to wear an elegant ABS green gown from Holt Renfrew, Nilou was dressed in a sleek and modern BCBG sheer floor length dress that revealed a fitted grey tube bodysuit underneath, Madelyn resembled Tinkerbell in a fun and flirty tutu from Laura and Lin, whose style is certainly more edgy, was clad in a gorgeous and glittery alice + olivia white slip dress that hung just above the knee. (I really want that one.) While Madelyn’s accessories were ultra girly, Rashmi suited Lin with a studded clutch for a more rock and roll prom look. Which look do you like best? Not easy, right? They are all so amazing!

Playing dress-up was tons of fun, even for me, who stood by as a cheerleader and overzealous tweeter.

A special kudos to all four Yorkdale Prom Ambassadors for managing to stand upright in four-inch heels on an elevated platform. For all of us who follow America’s Next Top Model, we know that posing isn’t always easy; they did a fabulous job! Tyra would be so proud. Like I am :)

Here is just a sneak peek behind the scenes. We can’t wait to show you the final shots!

Follow along with us on Twitter with #YorkdaleProm. Updates will be tweeted from both @shedoesthecity and @yorkdalestyle. Each week, the Yorkdale Prom Ambassadors will share stories and style tips about their 2012 prom journey that will include everything from combatting prom nerves to rounding up the cutest clutches from a variety of Yorkdale stores. Since each ambassador has been gifted with a $1000 certificate to shop for all their prom needs, we will most definitely share their Yorkdale haul of pretty things.