Tag Archives: Yorkdale Prom

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Nilou has found her look. It’s called FUN WITH FEATHERS. We ♥ it.

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While Kate, Madelyn and Lin have shopped for part of their prom outfits, Nilou has assembled hers head to toe. And it’s gorgeous.  

Ready…set….prom! 

Shopping for prom may not be as easy as shopping for your 8-year-old sister. In fact, it’s kind of like trying to get your dad a gift; if you’re like me, that’s a pretty grand task!

There are so many dresses at Yorkdale but once you’ve found “the one”, then the fun begins, ACCESSORIES!! If I can impart some wisdom: Don’t go too overboard. There are many pretty little things, but not everything will necessarily “go” with your dress. 

I’d like to call my look FUN WITH FEATHERS. I’ve paired this Bebe dress with pastel accessories, to add colour but still keep things sophisticated.

1. Isis Sequin Feather Dress in tan from Bebe $198

2. Mackall Peep Toe Pump in light pink from Aldo $100

3. Metal Knot Ring from BCBG $18.00

4. Spike Bangle from BCBG $35.00 

5. 12 Pack Earrings from H&M $6.95

6. Landaverde Clutch from
ALDO $45.00

7. Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray from Sephora $29.00

8. Moonshadow Baked Eyeshadow Collection from Sephora $30.00 

9. Sephora Collection False Eyelashes from Sephora $8.00 

10. Bumble and Bumble Spray De Mode from Sephora $15.00

I ’m ready for you prom!

XO Nilou

Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Madelyn bought her dress and now it’s all about the accessories to match

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Madelyn was all about the long evening gown but over the past four weeks, she has spent a lot of time browsing her favourite stores at Yorkdale and surprised herself by choosing a feathery and fun above-the-knee from Bebe. Now she just has to choose the accessories to match! (We think that’s the best part! The stress is gone, and it’s all about styling.

Madelyn may or may not include a splurge on classic black Louboutin heels; she considers them a wadrobe investment. (They are! They are!) Heading to business school in the fall, she’s done the CPW math. (Cost per wear!)

We love the look that Madelyn has created because its glamourous but with a little rockstar-chic edge. Beyond prom, we think she can work this outfit so many different ways. Think how great that Aritzia blazer and BCBG clutch would be paired with skinny jeans! The possibilities are endless! Rock it, Madelyn. Own that prom dace floor!

1. Isis Sequin Feather Dress, bebe, $238 2. Pearl Jewel Box Earrings, J. Crew, $61.50 3. Gem-motif Elastic Headband, BCBG Max Azria $28 4. Wilfred Chevalier Blazer with Satin Lapels, Aritzia, $225 5. Harlow Laser-Cut Envelope Clutch, BCBGMAXAZRIA, $154 6. Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Extended Play, MAC, $20 7. Christina Louboutin Ron Ron Pumps, Holt Renfrew $dontknow 8. Urban Decay’s Urban Lash in Minx, Sephora, $15

I was adamant about wearing a long dress but since I’m going to two proms this year, I’ve decided to experiment and will definitely be wearing this short dress from Bebe to one of them.

I feel slightly crazy for even considering buying Louboutins, but I’ve been envisioning myself in them for prom since I was 13. My justification is that I’ll get a lot of wear out of them for the proms + commencement, and I can totally see myself pairing them with a briefcase for my future career.

My biggest problem is going to be summoning up the willingness to buy an evening clutch; I find them pretty impractical. They’re so small and fancy so you can’t really use them often, but at the same time you know you need them because you can’t exactly haul a tote to prom. I’ve been trying to think of every way to get out of buying a clutch. At first I was like, it’s cool it’s cool –I’ll shove my camera/phone/lipstick down my bra. Then I realized I can’t fit an after-prom dress or a pair of flats down there as well, so yeah, I’m going to need to buy a clutch. I like this black envelope clutch from BCBG because there’s enough detail in it for prom, but I think I can get away with using it outside of fancier events.

Since this is my last post as one of your 2012 Prom Ambassadors, I’d like to wish you all a happy prom journey. Even though it can get a little hectic, just remember, you’re almost done high school! The days after prom are going to be like The Days After Midterms 2.0 –you’re pretty much free. Hopefully all of our advice has made your prom preparations a little less stressful. I wish you all the best for your prom! May it be filled with fun memories with friends and lots of awkward dancing.

xoxo,
Madelyn

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

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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 Lin gives style tips for every body type

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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 Nilou compares clutches and shows us how to pack a purse for prom.

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Clutches are the best because you can play with the colours and not worry too much about matching. What I mean is: Don’t pair a yellow dress with a yellow clutch! Do get funky and show off your personality with something fun!

Here are six clutches at Yorkdale that caught my eye, how could they not? 

Printed Messenger Bag from Zara
$79.90

Odessa Caged Clutch in bright blue from BCBG
$118.00

Satin Rhinestone Trim Clutch in fuschia from Le Chateau
$49.95

H&M neon yellow clutch with gold chain H&M
$19.95.

Hains Clutch in royal purple from Aldo
$42.00

Exotic Rainbow Tablet Envelope Clutch in electric green from BCBG
$98.00

What to put in that cute clutch? Nilou’s got tips for the perfect prom purse. 

Imagine being at prom and forgetting your lip balm. You’ll be stuck with chapped lips all night while you’re trying to swoon your crush aka date (not cute). There are a couple of MUST haves for prom that you should have packed all nice and ready in your clutch.

1. Lip balm! If you’re like me, you already have this ready, but sometimes we forget, so let’s avoid the mental breakdowns and pack 1 or 2. Don’t forget your lipstick either! This way you can touch up the color on your lips AND have nice smooth looking lips. Dry lips are never fun.

2. Blotting pads or mattifying powder: If you’ve followed my posts, I recommended a finishing spray by Urban Decay to set your makeup. To ensure full oil control, pack some of this magic!

Sephora Matte Blotting Papers: $8.00 for 100 sheets

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder: $32.00, this translucent is a must have for setting make up and touch ups. Just a light amount will give you a fresh face!

3. Your phone: Please don’t put your phone in your bra. Please.  Keep your phone in your clutch and don’t be a Tina Texter. It’s prom! You can take it out for some photos, but surely your mom has snapped a million at the pre-prom event.

4. Advil: You never know when a headache will hit you. It may seem weird, but some of us are prone to daily headaches and migraines. A little travel pack would be cool to have since you can’t run to a drugstore at prom. You could even save a friend from having a crappy night of head throbbing. Hey, it could even be your crush!

5. Gum: You already know! This is a staple.

~ Nilou

DIY hair secrets for gorgeous locks from Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Kate

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Since Yorkdale Prom Ambassador Kate spends her weekends working at a salon, we thought she’d have pretty good advice when it comes to elegant prom dos. We were right! Whether you have curly locks or thin straight hair, Kate gives you step-by-step DIY styles that will complement any prom look. Now you just have to decide whether you want to channel a romantic Taylor Swift or dramatic Lady Gaga. 

If you asked me what my biggest regret about prom 2010 was, I would have to say my hair, hands down. My dress was a beautiful, pale blue, floor-length evening gown. My hair, on the other hand, looked like something out of an 80’s disco. I could try to blame it on the salon I chose, but really, it was my fault. Please, learn from my mistakes!

Due to time constraints, I had to pick the salon closest to my house. Those were my first two errors. Research salons and try to find one that’s both good and nearby (there are a few at Yorkdale you could try!). Then, make sure you leave enough time for your appointment. Being rushed will stress out both you and the stylist. Finally, a couple of weeks before prom, go in for a consultation. Most salons will do this free of charge; just call ahead and arrange a time to stop by. Bring pictures, and make sure you talk to the stylist who will actually be doing your hair! Their colleague might know exactly what you want, but that will be of little use to you come prom day. (Speaking of prom day, don’t wash your hair then. Do it the night before at the latest. Having a little grease in your hair helps style it.)

Better yet, avoid that altogether, save yourself some money, and do it yourself! Here are some tips for three of my favourite hairstyles:

Taylor Swift Classic Chignon

For a classic, elegant look à la Taylor Swift, opt for a curly chignon. You might want to prep your hair with a heat protectant or curl enhancer. Tresemme has some good ones you can find at Shoppers Drug Mart, or, if you’re willing to splurge a bit, salons carry some great ones, too (try Moroccanoil, or the Osis line by Schwarzkopf). Start by curling your hair. My favourite way to do this is with a 3/4” or 1” curling iron. There are some great ones at Sephora, but I use the purple Conair ones you can get at Sears. Once that’s done, take sections of your hair and pin them in place, crossing the pins with each other as you go. I usually aim for the nape of my neck, and off to the side. It sounds simple enough, but, believe me, you’ll need some practice first!

A Whimsical Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a bit easier, especially if you know how to French braid. Start by using a rattail comb to take a one-inch section from your hairline, right above your ear. Split that into three even strands, and then move the top strand into the middle, and then the bottom one, just like a braid. Next, take a small section of hair from right next to the roots of your top strand, and add it in, just like a French braid. Move that top strand into the middle, and then drop the bottom strand. Pick up a new strand from next to where you dropped that one, and place it in the middle. Then return to the top strand, repeating those steps until you feel the braid is long enough. Pin it in place with a couple of bobby pins crossed over each other. For some extra bling, try some fancy, bejeweled pins.

The Gaga Bow

The final look is a bow placed on top of your head, Lady Gaga-style. To start, pull all your hair up into a high ponytail, placing it wherever you want the bow to be (think top of your head, off-centre). Take an elastic, and begin to tie. On the last twist, though, don’t pull your hair all the way through. Leave a good couple of inches hanging out at the front of your head. Next, take the big bun you’ve created on top of your head, and split it in two to create the sides of the bow. You may have to pin the bottom part of to your head in order to keep it in place. Then, take the few inches you left out, and pull them back, in between the two sections. Pin it down there, tucking the pins under the hair elastic to hide them. This look is my personal favourite, although it takes some serious guts to rock it at prom. 

Whatever look you choose, finish it off with some hairspray. Be careful not to touch it afterwards, though, because that could create frizz. Flyaways are the last thing you want to worry about on prom night!