Evening Dress Recap

Evening Dress Recap by lisaanna on polyvore.com

Tonight's Dance Party Grand Opening; Inspiration

Tonight is the Grand Opening of the new studio of my ballroom teacher, Marcel.  Marcel has worked as an independent instructor for many years, working out of his home or renting space by the hour at other studios.  Marcel is the best ballroom teacher in Northwest Indiana.  He is highly esteemed by many top professional ballroom dancers and coaches.  He has a reputation for being very strict about technique.  It's true, he is.  And it has paid off for me.

Marcel is also known for not compromising his standards and teaching in a manner that is true to good, solid dance technique.  He has worked for chain studios in the past and it was just not a good fit for him.  Although he has to earn a living, he has never been just about the money.  He has a passion for dance and teaching and for helping his students achieve that "A-ha" moment where the body and brain absorb the lesson and beautiful movement is accomplished.

I am so happy for him.  If there is any teacher that deserves this, it is him.  I've been dancing with Marcel for 2 years of the 5 years I've been dancing.  I know enough to recognize a gem, and he is the Hope Diamond of dance instruction in this area.  This dress is the exact same color and very similar style to a dress that I will be wearing to the dance party tonight.  I wanted to wear a bright, fresh, summery color.  I wanted to wear something that was already in my closet.  Although the dress in the picture is not my dress, it is very close match.  The jewelry is similar to some that I own.  I haven't decided which way to style it yet.  I'm leaning toward the silver accessories, but my dance shoes are gold.

I will be sure to take pictures of my dress and of the party tonight.  I'm excited! Now it's time to get ready!

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Tonight's Dance Studio Grand Opening; Inspiration by lisaanna featuring white gold jewelry

Date Night!

Date Night! by lisaanna featuring platform heels

Choosing a Dress for a Formal Event

This beautiful dress would look lovely on a curvy shape.  I love the way the waist is accentuated and the skirt of the dress flows over the hips.  The double straps at the shoulder help to balance out the top.

 I attend several dance related dinners and showcases, and need to have a few pretty formal dresses on hand.  Even if you don't attend many events where this kind of dress is necessary, it's good to have at least one perfectly fitting and flattering evening dress at the ready.  You never know when you might receive a last minute formal event.  If you don't have a dress ready (purchased, fitted, altered to perfection) you may turn down a wonderful opportunity to attend a special event and an evening feeling like a lovely Queen.

It's very frustrating to try and coordinate a look like this at the last minute.  Advance preparation is the best way avoid that frustration so that you can focus on hair and makeup.  If you own the dress and the accessories, and have tried them all on together it's one less worry.

Dance Showcase by lisaanna featuring a snakeskin clutch

When you shop, it's a good idea to take a trusted friend who will be honest with you about how the dress looks.  I would not take the word of sales staff who usually work on tightly scheduled appointments and have limited time to help you choose the best dress.  Try on everything that appeals to you on the rack....don't rule anything out until you have it on.  If it doesn't WOW you...it won't make you happy.  Look for fit, comfort, color and "flexibility".  Stand, sit and walk in the dress.  Keep in mind that most formal dress do need some tweaking and will need to be hemmed.  I'm short waisted so all of my dresses need to have the shoulder straps shortened and I'm just under 5'2" so they always need to be hemmed as well.  

If possible, bring the shoes you will be wearing with the dress with you so the length will be just right.  That is not always possible because we often purchase the shoes to compliment the dress.  I always have my dresses hemmed to the appropriate length for my dance shoes (2.5 or 3 inch heel) because most dance related events have general dancing and I always want to be ready for that!

It is possible to find lovely dresses for reasonable prices.  You can try Goodwill first, but I haven't any luck there yet.  I have found some lovely dresses at consignment shops.  You can also check with friends who may be getting rid of some dresses.  Often, bridal shops have clearance dresses.  Department stores offer HUGE discounts on formal dress during the summertime.

I choose a dress that does not have too many extra embellishments; no stones or sequins.  I think they generally limit the options for accessorizing a dress and they often look cheap, fall off or limit the longevity of the dress. 

Make your dress shopping in advance a fun girl's day out.  Have lunch, have fun and enjoy the process.