Getting ready for prom 2015: Checklist for dress, shoes, schedule

Prom is a few months away, but it's not too early to get ready. Here is your before-prom checklist.


1. Girls: get a dress, Guys: get a suit or tux.

This seems pretty self-explanatory, and probably not something you need to be reminded of. But for the sake of being thorough, it's No. on our list. While the supplies are full, now's a good time to start looking at your options.

2. Make your hair/nail/salon appointments.

Salons get booked up quickly during prom season, so make sure you make yours early, after you know the date of your prom

When you're making an appointment, give yourself at least an hour before you need to leave the salon. Appointments, hair especially, can take much longer than you think.

3. Coordinate your before prom plans

Dinner, prom pictures, rides - having good pre-prom plans will give the most memorable night of your high school career a great start. Coordinate who you're getting dinner with, where you're getting dinner, and where you're taking prom photos. Make dinner reservations early. Figure out how you're getting from place to place, whether it be a friend driving, a taxi or a limo.

4. Figure out your post-prom plans, too.

Don't end your night on the dance floor. Make plans with your friends to go to a bonfire or a cheap diner for a midnight meal. Do something, even if you just grab your buddies, go back to someone's place and watch television. Make the night last as long as possible. Make it something to remember.

5. Know what to bring with you.

Do the "phone, keys, wallet" check. Or if you don't want to bring your whole wallet, at least make sure you have your debit/credit card or enough cash to get you through the night. Also take along:

Prom ticket: It would just be plain awful if you forgot this.
ID card: Whether it's your school ID to get into the prom, or you just your license, it's always god to have your ID on you.
Gum or mints: You never know when your breath (or a friend's) will need an extra pick-me-up. Gum or mints are all around good to have.
Lipstick: Girls, you should consider this. If you're wearing lipstick for prom, it would be a good idea to bring it along. Lipstick fades, smears, and sometimes dries up and looks clumpy. Bring your lipstick with you to keep your lip color looking fresh.
Flats: We all know that it is torture to keep those 6-inch heels on all night. Bring a pair of flats, especially if your after prom plans require any walking. Your feet will thank you.
6. Don't forget to have fun!

When you're getting ready to go, make sure you grab your humor, good mood, and your best picture smile. Prom is only as much fun as you make it. This night is about you, your friends and your youth. Soak up as much of the experience as you can.

15 Reasons People Love To Hate Kim Kardashian

April 25th

Unless you were abducted by the aliens in the 80s, you definitely know who Kim Kardashian is. Not only that you know who Kim is, but you also know who Kris, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall and Kylie are. Oh and Rob, but that’s kind of the only man in the family. Besides Bruce, who is on his way to become a woman. As you can see, the Kardashians firmly believe in women’s entrepreneurship. However, many people don’t approve of the ways the Kardashian Klan used to get them to the top. And that’s one of the things nobody can deny about them- they are ruling the entertainment business like real queens. Here are the main reasons everybody loves to hate Kim K.



1. Because nobody really knows what she does. At least not in that traditionally professional way. Did she go to any schools, what else can she do beside posing with celebs? You can run a pretty easy experiment on this subject if you ask men what does Kim Kardashian do for a living. Men find this question rather confusing because… well, because it is confusing. According to several sources, Kim is a reality star and a starlet.

2. Because you don’t get Keeping Up With The Kardashians as a reality show. You just don’t believe that a family can be so crazy. It probably can, considering how many dramatic women are involved. But even though sometimes it seems like the only thing they are doing is screaming around the house, you kind of envy them on how close they are. Or they appear to be close. Because on TV, you never know.

3. Because if you don’t get KUWTK, then you definitely don’t get the show’s spin-offs. So they are not only getting rich as a whole family, but they also function great with each other in pairs! Is there a limit, people? Probably not. One of the most annoying things with these spin-offs is that they make you pay attention to the plot, so whether you love them or not, you probably know how many kids Kourtney has or who was Kim’s first husband.

4. Because those Christmas cards are just too weird. It’s like watching Dynasty all over again. And they have weird themes! remember that one time they all wore jeans? It is especially funny when you watch those cards through year, and you see how male members of the Kardashian family are changing. Some of them come, some of them go, but the female part of the cast is forever. And that’s something you can probably thank Kris for.

5. Speaking of Kris, you love to hate on Kim because you genuinely suspect that they are a part of a schism. Seriously, who names all of her kids with kapital K? Okay, we got it, you all have the same initials. Maybe Kris thought this was a fun thing to do. But then again, Robert’s name doesn’t start on K. Maybe that’s because he’s a man, so he was momentarily secluded from the women’s club. Or shall we say, klub?

6. You just don’t trust in their marriages, do you? And how could you, after all failed marriages they got (except for Kourtney, who is, ironically, the only one who is not married)? If you start with Kim who divorced her husband after a month or so, and Khloe who denied Lamar’s addictions for so long, we can’t help but wonder- is there anything real about these people? Their popularity made us all question if any of those feelings on TV were true.

7. Speaking of Kris, many people love to hate her because they think she influenced Kim a lot. To be more precise, people blame her for teaching her daughters that sex sell- and it sells good. Kris was married to Robert Kardashian who was an influential attorney. She met him when she was just a stewardess, and you know, the rest is history. Kris left Robert and married Bruce. Later, she even admitted to have cheated Robert during their marriage. Not a good message for your kids.



8. Another reason why people think that Kim has learned all the worst from Kris are those rumors about Khloe not being Robert’s daughter. You probably noticed that Khloe is not petite like the other Kardashian sisters. They are all short and they kind of show those exotic Armenian genes, whereas Khloe looks like… OJ Simpson. Yes, according to some rumors, Kris even had an affair with OJ Simpson, with whom she got pregnant and then there was Khloe. Kris has been denying these rumors for years now.

9. Admit it, you love to hate Kim because she is SO EMOTIONAL. Either she cries or she talks about how emotional she is. Either way, people are still pretty suspicious about those tears. Generally, Kim looks very spoiled when she cries. That’s probably because she cries so much and in most cases, it’s about something really not that important, like a piece of jewelry or whatever. This is a tough world Kim, and you are one of the luckier gals, so stop whining.


 10. Also, you love to hate her because she is SO DRAMATIC. Seriously, we had to set drama and being emotional apart, because they are so dramatically different. You see, Kim can react like a spoiled brat in situations she doesn’t like. Now, imagine you see a spoiled child at the supermarket. It is screaming, it is crying and it is running around. Now go back to Kim K. The only difference is that Kim actually earns millions for being like that.


11. You also can’t forget that once she was Paris’ little helper. And once again, her profession dissolves in blur when you try to figure out what exactly was she doing for Paris. Did she only arrange her closet? Nobody knows. But one thing is for sure: Paris is really proud of inspiring the Kardashians with her reality world empire. None of the Kardashians speak about that, but it is kind of obvious that Paris did it first.

12.This list couldn’t be finished without this moment, right? The transition from being just some chick Paris Hilton dragged around with her to a reality superstar was marked with one event that nobody will ever forget or forgive, as a matter of fact. Kim became planetary popular after her home video with her then boyfriend, Ray J, leaked. Kim and her family of course denied that she had anything to do with video leakage. However, they did start their reality show shortly after that.

13. Another reason why everybody loves to hate Kim is because everybody thinks that her marriage with Kanye is just a hoax. There are actually many people who don’t think that these two are truly in love. Some of them even say they can’t be in love with each other because they are already in love with themselves so much. Nevertheless. Kim and Kanye are one of the most powerful power couples ever.

14. You also kind of hate her because she P. Diddy, Jay Z, Beyonce, and oh so obviously Anna Wintour can’t stand the fact that she brought screaming baby to the front row. Everyone seems tired in this photo, including little North who is obviously crying her soul out. Reason why she’s crying all the time? Maybe because she is still a kid and she needs to sleep. Instead of that, she’s been bothered by paparazzi and Anna Wintour’s vibe.

15. Finally, you love to hate Kim because she is so lazy. You know she is lazy because they, as a family, take vacations once  every few months. It seems like Kardashians get tired so quickly, they need A LOT of vacations. And with vacations come travels. With travels come luxurious holiday resorts, drinks on yachts and other beautiful things the most of the people can only dream about. And somewhere deep, you know you would have more fun than Kim. Or is it possible?

Rihanna Doesn’t ‘Give A D-ck About’ Having Privacy Anymore

...And other things we learned from her V cover story.
by nadeska alexis
While we’re impatiently waiting for Rihanna to release her 8th album, we can drool over her new V magazine spread, and pick up a few tidbits about her current state of mind.

RiRi covers V’s summer issue with platinum blonde locks and very little clothing, and inside, she reveals a bit about her new solo project (and also casually mentions that she’s been working on two albums — maybe the “Home” soundtrack?)

In terms of R8, it seems like the interludes might be her favorite thing so far.

“Dude, I’m in love with my interludes. This one called ‘James,’ joint is on constant repeat,” she told V. “[The album is] soulful and aggressive, whether it’s lyrically, musically, or just the tone of my voice.”

“Aggressive” is exactly the word I’d use to describe her recent single “Bitch Better Have My Money,” but the Bajan singer obviously wanted the songs to capture of range of emotions. And for “FourFiveSeconds” she got the perfect blend of chill and…well, wylin’.

more: Rihanna’s New ‘V’ Magazine Shoot Is All Blonde Hair, Blue Eyeliner And Underboob

'V' Magazine


“The thing that made me fall in love with [‘FourFiveSeconds’] is the juxtaposition of the music and the lyrics. When you read the lyrics it’s a completely different song than what you are hearing,” she said. “The music is easygoing, but the lyrical content is very loud and in your face. In performing this, the key was to make sure the aggression wasn’t lost.”

It’s been over two years since Rihanna released her last project, Unapologetic, in late 2012 — which is more time than she’s gone in between any of her other releases, but please don’t call it “time off.”
“I didn’t actually take time off. The past two years are the hardest I’ve ever worked,” she said, going on to detail her multiple projects. “I’ve been working on two albums, an animated film, shooting for multiple magazines, designing for Puma and Stance [socks], a new line of fragrances, a summer tour, I launched my first annual Diamond Ball at the end of last year, and I’ve also been developing several projects to be revealed in the near future.”

OK, when you put it that way, Rihanna, it does sound a bit tiring.

In terms of inspiration, she looks beyond the mainstream — “I run away from anything that does not stimulate me. I often find myself gravitating toward the underground. There is a certain creative freedom there that you can’t experience anywhere else” — and when it comes to privacy, she’s pretty much given up on that.

Or, as she puts it so eloquently, “Do I even give a d-ck about that anymore?”

Nope, guess not.

more: You Need To Hear How Rihanna’s ‘Bitch Better Have My Money’ Was Made

6 Celebs You Never Knew Were Voted Prom King And Queen

Some celebrities were, in fact, the coolest kids in school.
by crystal bell


Some celebrities were, in fact, the coolest kids in school.



The sun is out (well, sorta), temperatures across America are rising and teens everywhere are planning their perfect prom nights. And for some, that probably includes a successful bid for prom court.

Between running a prom queen campaign and finding the picture-perfect dress, prom can be a *~stressful~* time of year. So let us give you some much-needed prom inspo with this roundup of celebs you never knew were voted prom king and queen in high school.

Because if they could win the crown — before all of the Hollywood glitz, glamour and fame could skew the votes — then you can totally do it, too. And then maybe you should consider a move to Tinseltown, because you never know where that winning prom glow could take you next.

Elizabeth Banks


Of course Elizabeth Banks looked aca-amazing at her prom, where she was voted prom queen in 1992. The odds were certainly in her favor.
Fergie


Stacy Ann Furguson lived the glamorous life even before she went by the name Fergie. In 1993, the singer was voted junior princess at the senior prom.
Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell was so popular in high school, she was voted homecoming queen and prom queen because two crowns just aren’t enough for this H.B.I.C.
Matthew Morrison

Unlike his “Glee” character Mr. Schue, Matthew Morrison was a pretty popular dude in high school. He was voted class president and prom king. Not bad for a future Gleek.
Halle Berry

Halle Berry, gorgeous human, was your typical popular girl in 1984. She was voted cheer captain and prom queen in her senior year of high school. However, Berry’s win was marred with controversy when she was accused of cheating to win her prom queen title. Yeesh. We couldn’t script a better high school drama.
Honorable mention: Will Ferrell

Ferrell wasn’t technically crowned prom king, but he did steal his date’s tiara, which, we guess, makes him prom queen.

How to Become Prom Queen

Three Parts:Being a Likely CandidateGetting Your Name Out TherePerfecting Your Big Day
What other title is as glamorous in high school as prom queen? It's highly coveted and involves a tiara? Where do you sign up?! The competition will be fierce and the campaigning will be hard, but if you put in the effort, the title (and the tiara) can be yours.


 Part 1 of 3: Being a Likely Candidate


1
Befriend as many people as possible. What prom queen boils down to is votes. If people don’t know and like you, they have no reason to vote for you. In the months (years, if possible) before prom, get to know all of your classmates – not just the cool kids. Each person is one vote, regardless of their status in school.
While it’s important that they know you, it’s even more important that they like you. So be genuine! Put the time in and show them how great a person you are. And mean it – these relationships will last a lot longer than being prom queen will.
Don’t drop these people after the voting is done – your reputation will turn sour as soon as the contest is over.



2
Involve yourself in different activities. To meet others, have things in common, and show the school that you’re well-balanced and talented, take up a few varied extra-curriculars. To be a shoo-in for prom queen, it’s wise to be an athlete ‘’and’’ an artist. And it doesn’t hurt to be in the environmental club either.
Sometimes the staff at your school can influence who makes it to the final nominations (yep, even high school can be rigged). The more ‘’they’’ believe in you, the better your chances are to get through the red tape.


3
Be a role model for the school. Many schools require that you have good grades, are an active participant in school activities, and that you’re a model student that others should be emulating in order to be prom queen. It’s not just recommended, it’s necessary. Is your school like that? If you don’t know, it’s about time you find out!
This will establish a reputation for you as someone who would make a natural prom queen. After all, being "queen" is about leading your people, right? Show your school that you're a good leader and they'll be more inclined to vote for you.


4
Stay out of trouble. The absolute last thing you want to happen before prom rolls around is to get into trouble at your school. If you get suspended for any reason (poor grades or bad behavior), odds are you’ll be taken off any ballot, even if you were thought to be the clear winner. Don’t jinx yourself and make sure you’re on your best behavior – a real prom queen wouldn’t get into trouble anyway!
Whether it's not cheating on homework, getting caught climbing the school roof, or drawing an unfortunate picture of your least favorite teacher, don't do it. Right now, everyone else is your bread and butter. They've gotta be on your side, teachers included.




Part 2 of 3: Getting Your Name Out There
1
Be on the prom committee. You know how sometimes the staff have a say in who makes it onto court? Well, the prom committee has influence over their voters. They’re the ones that remind people how to vote and what kind of person to vote for. If you emphasize certain qualities that you have, you could subtly remind people how perfect you are for the job.
It will also show everyone how much this means to you. When they see the amount of effort you're putting in, they may be more moved to vote for you.

2
Get nominated. In most schools, someone needs to nominate you and then someone else has to second that motion. That means you need at least two people who believe in you so thoroughly that they’ll go out of their way to make sure your name is on the list. Who do you have that you can count on? Ask your best friends if they’ll do this for you – and make sure you repay the favor later!
In some instances, you may have to trade a nomination for a nomination. This is only fair! Consider it friendly competition that will make the whole thing more fun and engaging.

3
Start campaigning. Especially in big schools, campaigning is key. It’s like marketing a business – if no one hears about it, no one will come. So get your name out there: have a stand at lunch, make posters for the hallways, even try to get your voice over the PA. The more people recognize you, the more you’ll be setting yourself up for prom queen branding.
Make sure you're allowed to do whatever it is you're planning on doing. Some schools have strict policies on what posters you can put up where and when, where you can solicit their students, etc.

4
Get the word out everywhere. You know all those friends you have? Now’s the time to make sure your name infiltrates even the deepest, darkest dungeons of your school. Ask Jessica from the Go-Green Club to put up flyers in their workspace after class. Talk to Paul about distributing cupcakes to the football team. You want no stone left unturned!
This is when you should hit up all the new friends you've made over the last few months. Make sure they have t-shirts with your name on them, bracelets, keychains, and a baked good never hurts.

5
Dress the part. Last but not least, people have a certain image in their heads of what a prom queen looks like. In short, she looks good, she smells good, and she probably feels good. Here are a few ideas to be her:
Shower daily and find yourself a “prom queen” worthy, signature scent to wear every day
Piece together your fashionable outfits carefully and wear make-up that compliments your overall look
Keep your hair clean and sophisticated. Any style is good, so long as it’s clean and put-together.
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Part 3 of 3: Perfecting Your Big Day

1
Find the perfect dress. A prom queen would be nothing without the perfect prom dress. Ideally it is great for your shape, your color, and no one else is wearing it. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be perfect for you.
Consider getting a color that pops. You'll feel like the belle of the ball knowing all eyes are on you.
Get a cut that flatters your shape. Take whatever body parts you're nervous about make them work for you, not against you.
Get a dress that matches your personality. Who said a 10-foot train wasn't fashionable?


2
Get your hair and makeup just right. More pictures will be taken tonight than any other night of the school year, so get your hair and makeup perfect for the memories that are about to be made. Pile on the hairspray, too – it's not going to be a short night.
As for your makeup, it's no shame in doing it yourself. In fact, you probably know what looks better on you than a stranger does. Wear it a bit darker than what you normally wear. Smokey tones with light lips work great for prom.

3
Have a great time! It’s the night you’ve been waiting for. Instead of spending the hours beforehand being so nervous you constantly need to pee, try to concentrate on this being one of the most exciting nights of the year. You’re going to have a good time and you know it. All your friends, food, and music – what's not to like?

4
Be a gracious, deserving prom queen. If you win the title, remember that you’re prom queen – a prom queen is gracious, friendly, and humble. Show everyone how much you appreciate their votes and that this means the world to you. In other words, let them know they voted for the right person!
Don't hesitate to thank those that you know voted for you. They'll know they made the right decision by how kind and genuine you are.

5
Be gracious, whether you win or lose. Regardless of the turnout of events, it’s important to be all smiles whether you win or lose – after all, this is your prom! It’s fun just being there, getting dressed up, and dancing with your friends. You'll remember this day whether or not the title is yours, and you'll remember it as a rockin' good time.
Besides, aren’t there a couple of other high schools’ proms you could crash? Hmm...





Tips
Look at what your competitors are doing for campaigning. Try to be original and not do what they're doing.

Randy Fenoli: 'Say Yes To The Dress' Star At Brides Magazine White-Hot Hope Style Shop

If you've ever watched TLC's "Say Yes To The Dress," you know that Randy Fenoli, the lithe, ever-charming fashion director of Manhattan's Kleinfeld Bridal salon and the show's unofficial star, is many things to many brides, from fashion expert to therapist to family mediator. But just don't call him a dress salesman.
  

"I don't sell dresses. I dress brides," he told Huffington Post Weddings during a recent stop at the Brides magazine White Hot Hope Pop Up Style Shop in New York's SoHo neighborhood.

Fenoli was at the airy loft space -- a temporary showcase for local wedding vendors of all stripes (florists! dress designers! registries!) curated by the editors of "Brides" magazine with proceeds going to the charities Operation Smile and Dress for Success -- to sign copies of his new book, "It's All About the Dress: Savvy Secrets, Priceless Advice, and Inspiring Stories to Help you Find 'The One.'" We sat down with Fenoli to get his insights on everything from how shopping for a wedding dress is like visiting a foreign country, whether there are any rules for the color of your dress on your second (or third, or fourth) wedding, and yes, why "selling dresses" isn't in his job description.

HuffPost Weddings: At Huffington Post Weddings, we see a lot of brides and grooms expressing themselves--their personalities, tastes, beliefs--through their nuptials these days. Do you see this trend manifesting in wedding dresses?
  
Randy Fenoli: "Absolutely. In the beginning, there was a definite style that was 'Bridal.' It was the traditional bridal gown. But I really think that the trend today is the bride and groom being unique. I think two things have happened: a relaxation in the religious aspects of the ceremony and a movement toward girls getting information--especially fashion information--a lot more quickly in the technology age we're in. I think the white and the veil is the connecting factor, but I think that the dress really needs to speak to who they are. I see brides coming in and saying 'I don't wanna look like everyone else.' That's what everyone says. So I do see that as a trend and I think it's only gonna get stronger."

HPW: What's the final word on wearing white if it's not your first wedding?

RF: "White used to be a symbol for purity. But I think we can all get with reality today and realize that it's not anymore. Let's be real! Maybe you've been married before. Maybe this is your third or fourth wedding. It should be no less important than your first wedding. I'm a traditionalist, so I love a woman to wear white on her wedding day. In my book I say there's no rule that a woman cannot wear white on her wedding day no matter how many times she has been married before.

HPW: Shopping for a bridal gown can be daunting. Any advice for getting through the appointment?

RF: "Purchasing a wedding dress is a little like visiting a foreign country for two weeks--you don't have to learn the whole language. You just have to learn enough words to get by! So you need to know just enough language about bridal gowns to get through the appointment. I've seen books where there's, like, 3 dozen types of bodices. How many bodices do you really need? That's not gonna get you any closer to finding the perfect dress. In my book, I've really paired it down for brides--I've given them just the right amount of information they need to get through the bridal appointment to find "The One."
    

HPW: Shopping for a dress can be a challenge if you're not a size 6 or 8; any advice for fuller-figured women?

RF: "In my book I have real brides in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s from size 2 to size 24--because I think all women are beautiful, especially on their wedding day, and I wanted to put a book together that did not showcase models. In most bridal salons, women with fuller figures really are not treated equally with girls who are sample size."

HPW: So why put these women in a separate show alltogether--TLC's spinoff show "Say Yes to The Dress: Big Bliss"?

RF: "Before the show aired, there was this big controversy of 'Why are you separating the plus-sized girls? Why are you promoting obesity?' Well the fact is that these are real women who are this size. Their size has a lot to do with genes. I know because I can't gain a pound and I eat probably more than they do. So I think it's not fair to think that someone who is fuller-figured doesn't want to look just as beautiful as someone who is a sample size. So the fact that bridal salons carry dresses in a sample size 10, which is a 6 or 8, and that a woman who is purchasing the most important dress of her life, and is not even able to try it on is a travesty. So we wanted to highlight that, and the way they are treated in some other salons--where they don't even have anything to try on--I think that's a shame. I'm proud of that show."

HPW: What do you think of the 'trash the dress' trend. Does it break your heart?

RF: "I love wedding dresses and think they're works of art, but I think they're also clothing, and meant to be worn. I viewed a wedding in the Cayman Islands on the beach in an Oscar de la Renta gown. It came time in the ceremony for her to kneel, and she knelt right down in the sand. And I applauded her--like, 'yes! You go girl!'

HPW: Are there some types of brides who are more challenging to work with than others?

RF: Some brides aren't visual. Especially attorneys. People in the medical field. People in accounting and teachers, I find. I can usually look at a girl and talk to her for a moment and say, 'Lemme ask, are you an attorney?' And she turns to me and says, 'How did you know?" And I'm like, 'this is what I do!'

HPW: How do you sell a dress you personally think is ugly?

RF: "I don't sell dresses. I dress brides. What I mean is that you should never have to sell a dress. A bride is walking into your salon to purchase a dress. You have to find the dress that is right with her story, is perfect for her body, that she falls in love with, that she glows in, that really speaks to her. There have been gowns that have come into the salon and I have said 'oh, my gosh, what is this?" And then a girl walks in, and I'm like, "Oh my! That is her dress." She puts it on and it's a perfect match. It completely makes sense for who she is."

Say Yes To The Dress

     
Stocks to Profit From Bridezillas


                                 
What would you do with a stack of $25,000 in cash? With that kind of money you could...
Buy a brand-new, fuel-efficient Toyota Prius hybrid.
Put a 20% down payment on a nice four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Warren Buffett's own Omaha, Neb.
Tour Europe. Luxuriously. For a month.
Or, you could pay for an average American wedding. (That's not including the honeymoon, by the way.)

That's right: In 2010, there were 2 million weddings celebrated in the United States -- everything from backyard barbecue nuptials to extravaganzas in Cinderella Castle -- with the average total cost of $25,000 to plan it, ceremoniously get hitched, and have a reception. And that number grows higher each year.

No matter what your idea of wedding bliss is, and whether you're a bride- or groom-to-be, this is a trend worth noting because it can put money in your pocket.

Economy? What Economy? It's My Wedding We're Talking About!

Between reality TV shows like "Say Yes to the Dress," worldwide coverage of the most recent royal wedding, and popular wedding-themed movies like The Hangover and Bridesmaids, engaged couples are bombarded with ideas and high expectations for their own big day everywhere they turn. One place they're apparently not turning, however, is to any news channels.
 Surprisingly, the recent economic downturn has not been a huge deterrent as couples plan their weddings. "Brides remain committed to planning a luxurious, memorable event," says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of the XO Group (XOXO), the company behind popular wedding website TheKnot.com. "[They] are willing to spend despite the state of the economy. In fact, approximately one in five brides are spending more than $30,000 on their wedding, and 12% of brides are spending more than $40,000."

And the nuptials themselves are far from the only focus of the wedding industry. There are a ton of things to spend money on before the big day even arrives: bridal shower(s), gifts, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and anything else that a couple might decide will really make their wedding (and the time leading up to it) a special and unique experience for their guests.

Have Your Wedding Cake ... And Profit From It, Too

Plenty of companies out there have designed their products around weddings, and plenty more have found ways to capitalize on the growing number -- and cost -- of Americans' nuptials. Here are three of my favorites:

Blue Nile (NILE): While couples are willing to drop a lot of cash to have the perfect wedding, they're rarely willing to do it without first doing a ton of research. Thus, consumer education is a key component of success in the wedding industry, and Blue Nile delivers.

Besides the jewelry it offers in a variety of styles and price ranges, its site also makes it easy for couples to feel confident about their purchases. An entire section of the website is dedicated to education about the different aspects of the jewelry Blue Nile offers, including diamonds, gemstones, and metals. Couples can explore these topics using articles, video tutorials, or live chats with expert consultants.
  

XO Group: In addition to XO Group's nationally circulated wedding-planning magazines, one of its main websites, TheKnot.com, exists solely to help couples plan their big day. With rich editorial content inspired by the company's print publications, personal planning tools, a searchable local vendor database, and extremely active online message boards, TheKnot.com provide brides with a one-stop shop for information on etiquette, trends, and -- of course -- the best ways they can spend their money.

Discovery Communications (DISCK): One of Discovery Communications' television networks, TLC, currently airs five shows exclusively about weddings, as well as four others (such as "Cake Boss") that frequently deal with weddings. TLC was one of the first networks to bring this trend to television 10 years ago, and its strong focus on continued development of wedding-related shows proves its success for the company. Viewers love them, and as the number of weddings rises, so will the audience for shows like these.
  

That's the beauty of the wedding industry: it's never obsolete. As long as there are new lovebirds in the world, there will be consumers soaking up as much information as they can -- and shelling out the cash to match.

Motley Fool contributor Amanda Buchanan owns shares of XO Group. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of Blue Nile and Discovery Communications

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Vera Sidika Hair Lounge is Now Open (Photos)

The wait is finally over. Yes, Queen Vee the Bossette officially launched the newest hair lounge in town. So, attention ladies, Vera Sidika Hair Lounge is now officially open and running. It is located at Greenhouse Mall, Adams Arcade, on First Floor Suite No. 6.
For those who want those head-turning high definition virgin hair extensions for this Christmas season and new year festivities, you now know where to be. Here are some of the exorbitant hair in retail

Dear Prom Girl.... First prom or last prom it all starts at Lillian's. Let us help you find the gown of your dreams.

  These helpful tips will help you in selecting your gown. Finding the right gown for you.... If you are like most girls, you probably have one or two features on your body that you love and wouldn’t mind showing off, as well as one or two features (or more) that you’d like to hide under a paper bag or trade in. The absolutely wonderful thing about a well-designed prom dress is that it can make your good features shine and your less desirable features dim in comparison. You know that not every celebrity has a perfect body, but you could almost never guess that fact when you see them in their evening gowns. Why not take a lesson from the celebrities? If you have a feature you absolutely love on your body, take a look at the tips below to customize your dress to that feature. Your beautiful, flattering dress awaits you. Curves: A sexy, curvy, Marilyn Monroe body merits some well deserved attention.  To highlight your hourglass figure, choose a ball gown with a full skirt and boned corset.  The corset will flatter your waist and display your luscious hips and bust while the full skirt will hide any unwanted weight in the legs and thighs. Small Waist: To highlight and draw attention to a tiny waist, try a belted dress with a sash or tie at the middle.  Any extra detail at your waist will draw eyes toward your tiny middle. Great Calves:  To draw eyes down toward your great calf muscles, try a full skirted dress that falls just at the knees.  This flirty dress style is trendy and popluar for the season and will highlight the lower part of your legs. Sexy Back: If you have great, toned back muscles and want to show them off, try wearing a backless gown.  Be sure to invest in a strapless, backless bra so you have adequate support in the front. Voluptuous Bust: To best display a voluptuous bust try just a hint of cleavage and wide straps to hide your bra. Just be careful to wear a bra with adequate support to give shaping to your bust. Flat, Sexy Abs: To show off your model thin stomach and muscular abs, try a dress with cutouts or a gown with semi-sheer paneling at the waist.  This will give you a flirty, fun look. To-Die-For-Legs: To draw eyes and attention toward your sexy legs, try a gown with an asymmetrical hem to show off just a hint of leg. The asymmetrical gown is more elegant and formal than a short gown and is guaranteed to be more flattering than a straight cut.     Here at Lillian's our experienced customer service attendants will help you in selected just the right gown for you.  Remember we are here to help you find the perfect gown, no matter what the occasion!    What style to choose... Shopping for a prom dress can be a little overwhelming especially if you are new to the formal dress scene. Here is a list of common terms and definitions related to prom dresses, as well as brief flattery tips for each dress style. We guarantee they will help you shop more confidently and successfully.   Empire Cut   An empire cut dress has a high waistline (generally beginning just beneath the bust) and a long, full skirt that flows straight from this waistline. The empire style camouflages a pear shape or thick waist and creates an illusion of height for short or petite figures.      A-Line An A-line gown has a form-fitted bodice that flares out from the natural waist to a full skirt. This type of gown features a seamless waist and may also be called a princess-cut gown. The gently flared style flatters most figure types and is especially useful for disguising large hips and thighs.   Tea-Length   A tea-length dress is a gown that is hemmed to end just at the shin. It has a fun, flirty appearance that is perfect for a slightly casual or more relaxed appearance at the prom. This dress style is ideal if your calves are your best feature or you have a tall, thin figure.   High-Low Gown   A high-low gown is hemmed long in the back (at the ankles or to the floor) and just above the knees in the front. This trendy, new style creates a unique, sexy prom dress appearance. It is perfect for showing off long legs and an hourglass figure.   Tulle Skirt / Bouffant Gown   A bouffant gown is characterized by a sheer, puffed-out skirt often made from stiffened rayon or silk. The skirt of this type of gown is similar in fabric construction (but not necessarily in length) to a ballerina tutu. The flared skirt is perfect for disguising a bottom-heavy figure.   Ball Gown    A ball gown is characterized by a very full skirt that begins at the natural waist and proceeds to floor length. The waist is seamed and may be styled in various shapes and designs. The ball gown style visually cuts the body in half and is ideal on average to tall figures.   A word about your shoes....  It’s important to have a great looking pair of shoes to highlight your beautiful dress. When looking for a shoe for prom, keep style and comfort balanced by following the tips below: If you are afraid your feet will start killing you before you make it through the first batch of dances, bring along a pair of flip-flops with jewels or beading to slip on halfway through. Flip-flops are usually small and lightweight enough to fit into your purse. If you are wearing a shoe with a high heel, be sure the shoe comes with ankle straps. The ankle straps will keep you secure and prevent any lost-shoe mishaps on the dance floor. To wow your date and friends with your put-together style, look for a pair of shoes that are exactly the same color as your dress. If you cannot find the exact same color, we can dye to match for you.  If you are wearing a simple gown without too much pizzazz, add some glamour to your ensemble with your shoes. Try wearing a shoe with heel-to-toe beading, sequins, or shimmer. For glamorous style in a shiny dress, look for a shoe in a colored metallic to match your dress instead of a shoe in plain gold or silver. If you are wearing a very sparkly gown, choose sparkly shoes to accompany it. They will match your dress perfectly and may even steal some well-earned attention. If you are wearing a rhinestone-studded gown, look for shoes with rhinestones in matching color, shape, and style. If you are wearing open-toed sandals, be sure to get a pedicure before the big day. You will want your feet to add to your overall beautiful image. Lillian's has a large selection of in stock Prom shoes just for you in various colors and styles.  Check out some of the sytles shown on the web site!  Selecting the right jewelry...   The jewelry you choose to wear with your prom dress depends entirely upon your own personal taste and the style of your prom dress. If you like flashy jewelry and lots of it, feel free to dress yourself to the nines on prom night. If you generally shy away from too much jewelry, a simple necklace and pair of earrings should be enough to jazz up your look. For the right look with your jewelry, keep the following tips in mind: Overall, rhinestones are the most popular choice for prom night jewelry. They are very elegant and add the perfect dressed-up look to your prom style. If your dress or shoes contain rhinestones, remember to look for rhinestone jewelry in the same size and shape for a perfectly pulled-together look. The length and style of your necklace should depend upon the neckline of your prom dress. If your neckline drops low or plunges, look for a long necklace to decorate bare skin in your neck and chest. If your neckline is high, choose a shorter necklace style (such as a choker) to offer equal play to both the necklace and dress. Remember to decide on your prom hair style before you purchase earrings for your prom dress. If you are wearing your hair up, feel free to wear large, dangly earrings. If you are wearing your hair down, look for hoops, large studs, or other styles that will not get tangled in your hair. If it complements your dress and your personal style, wear a tiara on prom night. You may never get the chance to legitimately wear princess attire again, and you do not want to waste it. We carefully select our prom jewelry from all over the country and spend months making sure we have picked just the "hottest" and current styles of jewelry.  Lillian's also carries custom colored garters, gloves, rings and much more in our store!