Pageant Dresses

How to Chose Pageant Dresses For Girls
By Ray Ritchey


What dress and accessories is appropriate for my young daughter who wants to join pageants?

Girl beauty pageants may be considered a fluff event by some, but really, girl pageants are like any competitive sport. Young children study, train and focus to win. Learning the proper ways to walk and stand, minding one's manners, and thinking quickly under pressure is also a long process that requires focus, discipline and endurance. Just like any other sport, parents are expected to spend on pageant dresses, training, other costumes and coaches. As with any sport, a child learns to fore go the desire to play to do what is required to win.

As with sports, your child will also learn to put her best foot forward in pageants. She will learn the confidence to face and talk to people. A young girl will learn how to dress and charm people. She will learn to handle pressure. She will learn how to deal with victory and defeat. Pageants may build character too, depending on the guidance of the adult.

Some people view girl pageants with distaste. Always this is due to any pageant factor taken to the extreme. Crazy costumes and make-up that make children look like skanky miniature adults may be a reason behind this. Guardians' extreme manner of pushing young girls to win may add to the distaste.

If your little girl is interested in joining pageants, families may encourage her to do so, as long as goals and values are clear to the family. Young girls like to doll up in pageant dresses, be pretty and to win. That's a given. It is up to the parents to put balance and be vigilant to the best interest of a child's health, values and over-all character. After all, that's what parents want for their children, right?

The key to all this is balance. Let your daughter be the best she can be, in a manner that is most appropriate to her age and well-being. Pageants can bring out her best character, but parents should step up to provide the balance to looks and character.

Dressing for Girl Pageants

Being age-appropriate in a girl pageant does not mean your little girl has to be ugly or boring. On the contrary, young girls are bursting with natural beauty and joy. Overdoing things causes a natural beauty to be blah and icky.

Formal dresses for Girls

The styles of formal dresses for girls are classic. Whatever era, young girls always look cute and fresh in regular sleeveless with medium waist and long skirt in formal fabric. Other styles for sleeves can be cute, but long sleeves may not be comfortable for a young girl (and look dated too.) Fabrics should be beautiful but not fragile for a young girl, who may get to become fussy or restless, and may ruin too-fragile fabrics.

The color of the dress can be light or pastel. Pink is a common color for young girls, but there are a lot of other colors out there that can help express the personality of your young pageant contestant. A different color dress will also help her stand out. Happy earth colors can also be worn, as well as jewel tones, if in season (usually during the fall). Or, use earth colors and jewel tones as accessories to a light colored dress. Black is usually too severe and looks weird for a young girl.

The dress can also be embroidered or embellished, but keep embellishments tiny and tasteful to be suited to a young girl.

Shoes

Shoes should be pretty, but comfortable. Young girls can wear Mary Janes or flat pumps with formal embellishments. High heeled shoes are bad for the back and legs.

Hair

Girls have beautiful hair. Show it off in its natural state. Let it loose and clip with pretty bling barrette, or sweep away from the face with a pretty bling head band. Mom can also tie it up in pigtails or braids. Young girls do use pigtails and braids.

Any hairstyle that requires a gallon of hairspray is most likely too severe-looking. It is also not healthy for a young girl for her hair to be teased, tugged and pulled and laden with chemicals.

Makeup

Girls are naturally pretty. They have the best skin and lips. Using lipstick and thick foundation gives a fake look. Young girls with heavy makeup similar to adults are an eyesore. Try using lip gloss and light touch of baby powder. If you are concerned that your little one will look too pale on the stage at night, do test make up during the general rehearsal when the actual lights to be used are also tested. Make sure the make up is minimized and enhances her natural beauty. Less is more for makeup on kids.

Accessories

Shawls wraps may not be comfortable on a young girl. These may also be left behind when our young contestant dashes off somewhere. If the weather is cold, get her a jacket or wrap suited for her formal dress. Maybe faux-jewelry is best used for pageants, as it easy to lose things during an event as busy as a pageant. Handbags for young girls may be uncomfortable, ask your little girl if she feels comfortable lugging a bag around. Pretty sashes can also be used to enhance your little girl's pageant dress.

Young girls in pageants may enjoy the attention and being pretty. The pretty pageant dress, the makeup, the hair may seem shallow, but behind all this, the little girl is forming her character and confidence. And these are things parents do develop in their children, even in other more "normal" activities.

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Communion Dresses

First Communion Dresses and Their Importance
By Ray Ritchey


The First Communion is a special occasion for Filipino families so their daughters are usually provided with the best communion dress the family can get and afford.

Many Filipinos are practicing Catholics. Whether one lives in good old Philippines or overseas, a Filipino family usually provides the children the usual Catholic sacraments. It is not unusual for a Filipino family in the US or Canada to engage their daughters in sacraments such as the Communion or Confirmation, even if this means it is not readily available in school. (In homeland Philippines, First Communion rites are usually initiated by the school.)

Filipinos feel the First Communion rite is a special occasion, since Filipino Catholics revere the idea that for the first time a child "accepts the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ." There is much rejoicing because of this event and families are always excited to engage their little girls in Communion.

Thus, whatever the financial state in life, families prepare what they can for daughters to look their Church best. They buy them the best design first communion dresses to make their day special and memorable.

For the First Communion rite, young girls are required to wear white or ivory formal dresses that are also appropriate for church service. In the Philippines, it is typical to wear cotton or linen communion dresses because of the tropical weather. However, for Filipinos in the US and Canada, other fabrics such as lined satin, may also be used, depending on the season. Girls Communion dresses design should be simple, but elegant for church service. In other case girl dresses with tiny embroideries or simple beading may be used for communion. Simple sashes may also be used to decorate the communion dress. The usual colors for the sash are white, to match the dress, or blue, which symbolizes purity and the color regularly associated with the Mother Mary.

Other typical accessories for girls used during the First Communion are the short, white veil that covers the face. Some girls also use gloves. Depending on the organizer of the event, some require a uniform accessory, such as blue pins or sashes, to identify the First Communion girls from everyone else. Other communion girls are asked to hold rosaries or other Catholic icons. Shoes and socks are usually plain white.

Milestones of one's faith are relevant to families. Communion rites add to the plentiful memories that bond a Filipino family. It is always a pleasure to see old photos and mementos of a little girl in her solemn but beautiful dress and veil, during her First Communion rite. And this is the reason every family wants to give their girls best communion dresses so that they look like princess and look more graceful wearing their communion dresses. You can buy communion dresses online and if you can visit and compare different websites on the internet or near your local store you will be able to get the best deal. Buy online from a reliable website and call them for reference before you place order so that you won't get stuck after paying for your communion dress.

It is usual for a family to buy a simple, elegant dress and add a blue sash to save more on other communion expenses.

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Cheap Dresses

What Qualifies As a Cheap Wedding Gown?
By Thendral Coumar

You will often see the moniker "cheap wedding gown". Just what's considered a cheap wedding gown, and are they bad dresses all the time, sometimes, or not at all?

Cheap wedding gowns start with price. Basically, a gown can be anything that costs $1,000 or less. That may seem high still, but it depends on the dress, the designer, and where you're buying it from. For instance, if your purchasing a Vera Wang wedding gown that's 5 years old and it costs you $1,000, whereas buying one new would have cost you $3,800, then by definition that's a cheap wedding gown. It's still quality, but it's obviously not new anymore, and may have had more than one owner, so it has lost some of its value.

The next thing to consider for cheap wedding gowns are the materials used to make them. There are plenty of knockoff wedding gowns that follow the patterns of top designers that might be made of materials that aren't of the same quality that the big designers will use. Maybe instead of silk organza a wedding dress is made of some type of cotton or even satin. Maybe the embroidery isn't all that fancy. Or maybe someone has used beads instead of Swarovski crystals. These types of things would make the dresses cheaper, but not necessarily bad, worthless dresses. They would still look fabulous; they would just cost a lot less.

Something else that helps create cheap wedding gowns is that some designers contract with shops and stores to create multiple copies of lesser designs, which brings the price down. This allows for someone to be able to say they have a designer dress without having to pay top price for it. Most customers know these aren't the top of the line dresses, especially if they're brand new, because today's savvy customer has looked online and seen the top designs on their favorite designer's websites. But they're still happy to have a dress that followed the pattern of a top designer.

Overall, cheap doesn't always mean badly made. Of course there are some badly made dresses, but you won't usually find those on discount wedding dress sites. Where you'll find those dresses are at sites where someone offers to make a designer dress for under $400 based on a designer's pattern. To make a profit, they may skip steps, including complete stitching to make sure the dresses are reinforced.

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Vintage Wedding Dresses

Vintage Bridal Jewellery - A Bride's Guide
By Kerry Brearley

There is a huge current trend for vintage bridal jewellery or vintage inspired bridal jewellery. Brides are looking for unique and one-off pieces to accompany their wedding gown. They are also delving deep into grandma's jewellery box to seek out an antique treasure to use as their "something old" or "something borrowed".

Alternatively there are an abundance of fabulous genuine vintage items for sale at internet bridal boutiques ranging from stunning geometric art deco designs to glamorous 1950's diamante pieces. You can't beat 1950s diamante.

Today's diamante pieces just do not compare with the quality, design and workmanship put into vintage diamante necklaces, brooches and the like of yesteryear. You can usually judge the quality of a vintage jewellery item by it's weight. Genuine vintage pieces can be pricey but if they are looked after, they will never lose their value over time and can be passed down generation after generation. Vintage wedding jewellery designs work best with antique lace or simple chiffon gowns. A beautiful elaborate diamante brooch can look stunning placed on a ribbon waist sash or to secure a faux fur stole for your winter wedding theme.

Pearls are also a popular and favourite choice for vintage wedding jewellery. Women of all ages love pearls. They never date and always looks elegant, classy and timeless. If your wedding gown is adorned with tiny pearls then it is a must to carry on this theme with your jewellery. Bridal jewellery designers are always on the lookout for magnificent vintage jewels to transform into statement bridal tiaras, bridal combs and bridal headbands. For instance a beautiful diamante vintage brooch can be customised into creating a unique headband by adding modern gems and pearls to form an exclusive piece for you on your wedding day!

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Vintagee Wdding Dress

Modern Wedding Dresses Online
By Enid Edginton


Nowadays many people who are planning to get married lead such busy lives that they may not have the time to go from store to store looking for just the right wedding dress. There are plenty of websites around which are attached to stores this means it is possible to look for an online wedding dress and then go to the nearest supplier to pick it up.

There are so many choices available to the modern bride, particularly with the rise of the internet. It is possible to find an online wedding dress in just the style, size and color that you need if you do your research. Modern wedding dresses don't have to be white, they can be in a variety of colors. It is false to assume that brides have always worn white, it did not actually become popular until Queen Victoria got married in a white dress. There has been a trend towards medieval and Gothic style wedding dresses and again these can be found in a variety of materials and colors.


Many modern wedding dresses are inspired by clothes worn on the catwalk - it is a simple matter to convert some of the nineteen twenties style clothing into modern wedding dresses. Brides want their wedding to be romantic and this is often evident in their style of dress, lace is making a comeback and you can get an online wedding dress if you choose, that is made entirely of lace.

One of this year's trends has been fitted bodices and flared skirts and this is now evident in modern wedding dresses. Fabric is the key element for modern wedding dresses. You can find an online wedding dress in almost any fabric you can think of, and when it comes to modern wedding dresses then the more luxurious that material the better.

Every bride wants to look special on her wedding day, she wants to believe that her wedding dress is the only one like it; and this is possible in the modern world. Many brides will have their wedding dresses specially made, it is even possible to have a wedding dress made to your own specifications. Modern wedding dresses are often designed to fit in with a particular theme, something that has come about with the growing tendency to have a professional organize your wedding.


This last year or so there has been a trend towards vintage, vintage furniture, vintage cars, and vintage wedding dresses. Many so called modern wedding dresses hark back to an earlier age as there is a demand for medieval and Victorian style dresses. Modern brides to be will find a huge variety of online wedding dresses to choose from, including vintage. Modern wedding dresses can be long or short, sleeveless or with long sleeves. Whatever style you choose, and whether you have a dress custom made or order an online wedding dress, it should be a dress that you feel comfortable in as this is meant to be the happiest day of your life.

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Graduation Dresses

Buying Prom Dresses Online
By Reno Charlton



The perfect dress is only a click away!

It's the occasion that every teenager looks forward to - often for a very long time! The boys are checking out the latest in tuxedos and designer suits; the girls are thinking colours, materials and style; the hair salons are quickly filling up with appointments; and limousine companies can't take the bookings fast enough. What are we talking about? Prom night, of course!

Prom night is an important event for many - not just the teenagers themselves, but for the parents, who take every opportunity to reflect back on their own prom nights. Unfortunately, some parents will also whip out their old prom outfits and try to convince their sons and daughters that they will look stunning in a prom outfit that is the height of fashion - or, at least, it was a few decades ago. Understandably most teenagers prefer to find their own prom night outfits.

Buying a prom dress online

Fortunately for the teenagers - and the parents - buying a stunning prom dress is no longer the time-consuming event that it used to be. There is now no need to traipse from mall to mall trying to find the one prom dress that is the "the one". You can now do this from the comfort of your own home, with access to far more dresses than you would have in the local shopping mall.

You will find an abundance of choice when you go online to find your prom dress. You can select from an incredible number of style, colours, makes and designs, so whatever type of look you are after for this all-important evening, you will have no problem achieving it.

There are plenty of other benefits to getting your prom dress online, which include:

* Total convenience: you don't have to go out to find the perfect prom dress - you can wait for the perfect prom dress to come to you.
* Unique outfits: If you have one main shopping mall near to you, what are the chances of at least several other people turning up in exactly the same outfit? When you by online, there is practically no chance of this happening.
* Affordability: You will often find some of the best prom dress bargains online, and you can enjoy style, sophistication and class for a fraction of the price you might pay at the mall.

The fantastic choice available when you buy prom dresses online

We all have different tastes, and we all have different needs when it comes to buying prom dresses. Therefore it can be very disheartening to step in to the shops at the mall and discover rail upon rail of gorgeous dresses - that all look exactly the same and come in one size only.

When you buy your prom dress online you will find an incredible choice. Whatever your size, taste or budget there is certain to be something that really catches your eye; a prom dress that you will be proud to wear, and one that will give you your own unique look amidst the hundreds of "same style: same size" off the shelf dresses. You will find dresses that include:

* Designer prom dresses
* Discount prom dresses
* Formal prom dresses
* Plus-size prom dresses
* Unique prom dresses

You can also find a wide variety of materials and styles, as well as some really great value prices on the perfect prom dresses.

2005 prom dresses

The range of 2005 prom dresses promises to be more elaborate, more stunning and more memorable than ever before. The fantastic selection of materials, designs and styles that are now being made means that literally everyone could be wearing something totally different and unique!

With 2005 prom dresses you should be able to find every colour and material imaginable, not to mention a vast choice in lengths, fittings and sizes. This means that everyone will enjoy a broader choice, and whether you are plus size or petite, tall or short, you will be able to pick out the perfect dress from the wide choice available online.

With a large number of world-class designers as well as smaller designers coming up with fabulous ideas and designs for 2005 prom dresses, the teenagers of today will enjoy more choice and beauty than ever before. From slinky, long prom dresses and stylish, figure-hugging satin numbers to flowing prom gowns and classy, calf-length outfits, everyone can enjoy creating just the look they want with the choice of amazing 2005 prom dresses.

Special occasion dresses

It's not just a wide array of fantastic prom dresses that are available online. If you are looking for any type of special occasion dress, then you are in luck. The Internet is now one of the most popular and convenient methods of finding and ordering a wide selection of exceptional dresses for all sorts of special occasion. You will find materials, colours, shapes and styles to suit every taste; widths and lengths to suit every figure; and fabulous low prices to suit every budget, so you just can't go wrong.

Whether you need a special occasion dress for your wedding, for someone else's wedding, for a formal dinner party, a cocktail party, your prom or your graduation, you will find something that will really turn heads online. You can find dresses such as:

* Bridesmaids dresses
* Wedding dresses
* Cocktail gowns
* Formal dinner gowns
* Prom dresses
* Graduation dresses

In summary

Whatever type of special dress you are looking for, the choice, quality and affordability you will get online will be unrivalled. You can select your perfect dress in your own time, rather than having to make a hurried decision as and when the mall is open. And you can enjoy the luxury of having your dress delivered right to your door.

If you want great prices, wide choice, fabulous styles and stunning outfits, the Internet is the one place where you enjoy all of these qualities under one virtual roof. So, whatever the occasion, you'll feel and look really special.

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Pink Bridal Gown

Pink Bridal Gown Photo

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vera wang wedding dresses

Discounted Vera Wang Wedding Dresses
By Tayo Binuyo

As one of the pioneers of sophisticated and stylish wedding dresses Vera Wang's name has to be mentioned. Vera Wang has spent many years in the fashion design world and after noticing a lack of stylish dresses for brides she decided to supply the market place with what is was missing.

Vera Wang's wedding collection is one of the top and most respected. Her dresses in her luxe collection starts at about $6000.00. A very hefty price tag to pay for a wedding dress but with the unique and unmatched design she offers brides, price is not always an option.

Not all of Wang's dresses fall in this category. Majority of her dresses are between $2000-$7000. Making her dresses available to a large number for brides on their wedding day. Wang has a number of bridal salons and upscale department stores that carry her dresses. There are a number of ways to get a top of the line Vera Wang dress without the price tag.

You can start your search for a good deal after the wedding season rush dies down and you will be able to get great discounts on her dresses. You can also check online and sites like eBay for her discounted dresses.

The bigger department stores that carry her dresses sometimes have sales of excess stock and dresses that were from the previous season. It's a good idea to check these stores out to see if you can find one that's perfect for your wedding day.

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Short Prom Dresses

Looking For Short Prom Dresses? The UK Is The Place!
By Hwang Keum-Ok


Prom dresses that are short project an innocent and sweet look. However, if you are looking for a unique short prom dress the UK is the place to go. As a matter of fact, some of the best known prom dress designers are located in the United Kingdom. From Sophia Tolli, Ellis, Ronald Joyce, Trudy Lee, Mon Cheri to Rina di Montella, the world's most renowned fashion designers live in the heart of the country.

From a sophisticated black short dress, pretty pink baby doll dress, an asymmetrical sequined hemline, the ballerina to a sexy flounce and ruffled salsa dress -- you can truly find any kind of prom dress in UK. The choice depends on you. If you want you can also go for a more "vintage" prom dress made of ruffles, lace and satin as well.

The first and most important thing for you would be to look for a dress that fits you well. Whether you are looking for a petite size or a full size, most of the designers in UK offer dresses and designs that can be altered or customized to fit and flatter your body contours.

However, before you start shopping for your dream night's dress, make sure that you have the correct measurements of your hips, bust and waist. Not all designers have similar size charts. Be sure you know your figure type as well. Your body might be an "I" (not so curvy), an "hourglass" (curvy) or an "A" (smaller on top) type. Only when you know the exact measurements and body type would you be able to find a the dress that would flatter your figure and make you look sexy or sweet.

Try on various dresses with different styles, colors and embellishments. Pay more attention to the neck line, length, material, color and the fall and sleeves of the dress. Make sure that you are comfortable with the dress before you purchase it.

Always go for stores that are well known for tailoring short prom dresses. The Rose, 'for the woman in you', is one such store. The Rose offers a wide array and large selections of beautifully designed short prom dresses. If you have the budget and wish to look perfect on your prom night then you need not look any further than the Debenhams. With a great collection of short prom dresses, this store will help you find the best designs and designers in UK, under one roof.

It is because of the availability of these wonderful stores and skilled designers like Jasper Conran, Julien Macdonald and Pearce II Fionda that most people say that the UK is truly a paradise for all girls shopping for a short prom dress.

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Cheap Wedding Dresses

Pakistani Wedding Dresses - What a Joy
By Harjit Irani

Traditional Pakistani bridal dresses are a must for Pakistani brides. Otherwise she does not appear to be getting married. This is a life changing day for her. She will want to look elegant and beautiful. Some affluent families go to the point of buying very expensive dresses. This could be designed by a professional Pakistani fashion designer. But a graceful dress can be bought at a reasonable price. This is also a part of the expense and should be taken into consideration for a Pakistani wedding day.

For a groom the wedding dress is not that expensive. He wears a churidar pajama and kurta or shervani. Churidar is a tight fitting sort of a salwar. This is mostly made of silk which is a high quality fabric. He may also wears a topee on his head. The groom may look simple but the dresses are colorful. Some Pakistani weddings are getting westernized now. The males have started wearing trousers and jackets.

Brides are expected to keep their faces hidden in a veil. Some prefer to wear a burkah. Still they look beautiful and colorful. Both brides and grooms look elegant on their wedding. They are hero and heroine of the day. They wear lot of make ups. Wedding day is very memorable for both bride and the groom. They remember it for the rest of their life. Pakistani wedding dresses are becoming very expensive now days. Rich families wear lot of gold, diamonds and other jewellery. Girls wear expensive lehnga. This may cost to the amount of thousands of rupees. Pakistani lengha is rich with gold embroidery. Red is the most popular color. Some prefer to wear ghagra choli. Friends of the bride also look very beautiful in their colorful Pakistani suits.

Pakistani wedding dresses are woven in different fabrics. It could be silk, cotton, zari, georgette, or crape material. They have a lot of embroidery work done on them. This may be mirror, bead and cutwork. Pakistani shaadi as they would say it in Urdu is very different from other cultural marriages. The unique colors and designs stand out the most as traditional western mix, to create an exotic blend for the guests to see. This also includes the eye catching art of henna or mehndi.. This is where original floral patterns are painted on the bride's hand and feet.

To find out more about Pakistani outfits it is the best to do a search for Pakistani clothes online.

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Mens Dress Shoes

Mens Dress Shirts - A Short Guide to the Infinite Style Possibilities
By Tony CB Jones

Buying Men's dress shirts is not a simple process - there is such a broad range of options and styles. Dress shirts are not the simple under piece for a suit, but have instead become a prominent piece of clothing in mens outfits. With a wide range of collar, pocket, cuff and pleat choices, the combinations are endless. There is also a wide range of choices with patterns, fabrics and colors that give men a wide range of choices. Mens shirts don't only need to be chosen for a specific purpose, but can also be selected to enhance and compliment the features of the wearer.

Shirt Collars A shirts collar is one of the most important style component of the shirt. Ranging from classic, traditional, and English styles, they may be wide, contoured or narrow; straight or spread and some may have rounded points. Collars will determine the formality of the shirt and, if chosen properly, will flatter the face of the wearer. The most versatile collar is the button down and looks good with or without a tie without sacrificing a smart look. Button down style shirts are generally worn with sport coats, blazers, or sweaters. The most formal collar is the wing collar, which also makes it the least versatile collar.

Shirt Cuffs Cuffs come in many different styles as well. Styles are round, square, convertible or French. With cut or angled corners or cut and angled corners. French cuffs are the most formal and worn with a suit but look good any time. Cuffs may have one to three buttons that can be plain or artful. For a more casual look, short sleeves also come in a variety of looks from plain to cuffed and cuffed with a v-cut.

Shirt Pockets When shopping men's dress shirts, pockets are another consideration. These come in classic, round and flap or button styles. Determine whether you need a useful pocket for holding tickets or pens, but remember that a short with no pockets provides a cleaner, crisper appearance with a coat and tie. Formal shirts will not have pockets, as it is a dressier overall look.

Shirt Back Pleats may be used to conform a shirt to a man's body as his back is not flat. Box pleats consist of two pleats that are one and a half inches apart at the center. Side pleats are halfway between the center and the edge of the back of the shirt and fit most men better as they better align to the back's shape. Most ready-to-wear shirts have box pleats. Tailored shirts are custom cut and sewn and a perfect fit may be achieved without the use of pleats, which makes the shirt easier to iron. Even so, men generally prefer pleats even in their most formal shirts.

Shirt Front Mens dress shirts have a strip of fabric where the buttons are placed., this is called a Placket This can be plain, pleated, or hidden. A French placket is a modern and formal look, giving a shirt a clean look. The French placket should not be combined with a button down collar. More casual shirts have both sides sewn down, with buttons not visible with hidden plackets.

Monograms Shirts were initially monogrammed to be able to enable identify your shirt at a commercial laundry. Monogramming has become more of a style choice. Monograms usually are placed on the shirt's cuff or the upper, center edge of the breast pocket. Styles consist of block, block angle, diamond, triangle, script, and script angled.

Even men can find mens dress shirts to enhance his look and show his style. There is no limit to the styles available, as mens dress shirts give a man a way to express his look while giving him a fashion statement.

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Wedding Dress Pink Rose

Wedding Dress Pink Rose

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Cheap Prom Dresses

Prom Dresses 2010 - Buying an Affordable Prom Gown
By Bella H


It is prom season - and you need to find a dress as soon as possible. Unfortunately, due to the economy - your parents have given you a budget that is less than what you initially hoped and planned for. Now you face a dilemma similar to thousands of other teens across the country, how can you find the most affordable prom gown - without looking cheap and tacky?

For starters, it is important for you to know that you are not alone in this particular situation. As I said, thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of parents are facing economic troubles. So do not be ashamed, and remember that the most important part of the event is for you to have fun! Now that we have gotten that pep talk out of the way - let me give you a few tips on finding affordable gowns for your junior or senior prom!

1. Think outside the box: Creativity and a little ingenuity can go a long way when you are under financial restrictions. Ask your older sister, cousin, or even neighbor if they have any formal gowns sitting around that they can give to you. If you do not feel comfortable with just taking something for nothing in exchange - work out a bartering deal. Perhaps you will babysit for a month as repayment, or clean out their basement or garage. Once you have the gown, be innovative with it - you can shorten in or add embellishments. If it has sleeves or straps, take it to a seamstress and have them turn it into a sleeveless or strapless gown! With the right dress, the possibilities are endless and by putting a little bit of work into it - you'll definitely have the most unique dress at the dance!

2. Try vintage stores: Vintage and retro looks are always popular options for proms and formal events. Visit your area vintage stores and consignment shops in search of your perfect formal gown. These stores are known for having hot designer dresses for super cheap. If you find a dress that you love that turns out to be a size two big, or slightly damaged - negotiate an even larger discount and take it to the seamstress for alterations and repairs. Play up the old Hollywood glam theme with perfectly coiffed curls, dramatic make-up and rhinestone accessories.


3. Shop Online: The Internet is one of the best sources to turn to when you need to find a cheap prom dress. Virtually every online merchant selling formal gowns has a section for "affordable" or "cheap" options. You can save yourself some time by narrowing your search terms with certain keywords. For example, if your budget is two hundred dollars, do a search for "prom dresses under $200". Doing this will show you all the results for websites that have dresses within your budget. Remember this - when buying discounted clothing online, they usually come with a no return and no exchange policy. This means that all sales are final. If the dress is ill-fitting, or the wrong color - you'll just be out of luck.

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Wedding Dress Rose

Wedding Dress Rose Image

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Beautiful White Wedding Dress Style

Beautiful White Wedding Dress Style

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