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True story: I didn’t go to the prom. But my first formal “fashion moment” happened in high school, when I was invited to a ball in New Orleans.

My mother and I shopped for my dress at Cordova Mall in Pensacola, FL and found “the one” at The Body Shop (yes, they used to sell formal wear). The floor length, fully bedazzled crimson gown had a high neck, front slit and a jazzy keyhole opening.

We found red  Caparros slippers at Shoe Station in Mobile (which I still have), a matching tasseled red evening bag at the Accessory Lady in New Orleans and I raided my mom’s jewelry box.  My mother set my hair and did my makeup. The look wasn’t finished without customizing the dress: she stitched a sheer modesty panel over the front so I wasn’t exposed.

Fast forward a few years and I still absolutely love getting dressed up…the fancier the event, the better! You’ll see my style hasn’t changed: I still shop everywhere to complete a look, and I still love the drama of a bedazzled gown! This past Saturday I altered my vintage stunner from Etsy retailer Call Me Chula to make it fit tighter in the bodice and sleeves. I added a pop of coral with Essie’s “Tart Deco” nail polish and MAC’s Cremesheen Glass in “Richer, Lusher”…and as you can see I still love my curls, which I fluffed myself. Although I wear less makeup than I used to, my after -ive absolute must-have are my false eyelashes! My purse was from Tarjhay, and my Badgely Mischka satin peep-toes were from DSW.

Are you headed to prom and ready to make your own fashion statement? Then you don’t want to miss the Macy’s Prom Shopping event this Saturday at the Riverchase Galleria at 2 PM! Join me for prom fashion and etiquette tips, plus mini-makeovers from Fashion Fair and Clinique, and treats from Dreamcakes!

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