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When it comes to prom dresses, many are about red carpet glamour. Some of the best-selling Jovani prom dresses, Terani prom dresses, Cassandra Stone prom dresses and other designer prom dresses would look right at home on the Oscar red carpet. In fact, many top celebrities wear dresses by Cassandra Stone, Alberto Makali, and other prom dress designer to hot Hollywood events. And some prom dress designers, such as the designers who create ABS prom dresses, create glamorous dresses that are actually based on the red carpet looks chosen by your favorite celebs.

What makes a prom dress red carpet glam? Usually, these dresses have clean lines and a sophisticated look. These prom dresses tend to be made from quality, beautiful materials and tend to look sleek and grown-up. They look great with an updo and high heels.

Why would you want to dress red carpet glam? If your prom is very formal and has a very romantic theme, red carpet looks fit right in. Also, red carpet dresses tend to fit most school dress codes. If you love the idea of playing dress up or love the idea of romance, a red carpet prom dress will give you the glamour and sophistication you want.

Most designers this year have a good selection of glamorous prom gowns, so finding your favorite Hollywood sophisticated looks should not be difficult. Glance through some fashion magazines to see what celebrities are wearing and then choose a style of prom gown that is similar. It’s a great way to get an elegant prom look that will make you look timeless in your prom photos.

The Terrani Happy Hearts Dress is the perfect choice if you want a Terani prom dress that’s cute and fun without spending a fortune. This dress works because it is flirty without being over the top, and sexy while still simple and not too flashy.

This strapless Ternai prom dress is also very flattering. The sweetheart neckline is sexy while still classy, and draws attention to your face. The strapless neckline would work perfectly with long, dramatic earrings and an upsweep or hair left down. With this dress, there are many choices. This Terani prom dress has a pattern of cutout hearts attached together. The look is flirty and cute, young and not too serious. If you don’t want to show up looking like some ageing actress on the red carpet, this youthful look is right for you. Why try to look older when you can just kick back and have fun?

This Terani prom dress has a satin belt at the waist, with a diamond buckle. The shine of the satin belt and the sparkle of “diamonds” add some of the bling that is really trendy among prom dresses this year. The belt and full skirt create a cinched waist that creates curves and can make you look slimmer. If you have any trouble spots in the stomach, thigh, and butt area, this cut of prom dress will cover them so that you can focus on having the night of your life without worrying what your thighs look like.

If you want a fun, flirty dress that doesn’t come with a huge price tag but still offers style, quality, and a look that will have you smiling all prom night long, the Terrani Happy Hearts Dress is a great choice!

This Terani prom dress is defined by just three things: glitter, glitter, and glitter. If you want to look bright and sparkle on prom night, this short and fitted dress is perfect for you. This Terani prom dress stands out because it is short and fitted with white and gold sequins. The sequins catch the light, creating a beautiful shimmering effect.

This dress can be worn not only to prom but to a variety of special dances and parties, so it is quite flexible. The jeweled empire waist cinches in the waist and creates the curves. The high waist also creates the illusion of mile-long legs as well, so if you have great legs this short prom dress is definitely one great way to show them off.

The deep V-neck of this dress calls attention to the face and creates a very sexy and flirty look. The short skirt with lots of gold sequins is very flirty and youthful. If you’re tired of prom dresses that would look better on a 40-something actress arriving on the red carpet, this modern and high-energy dress might be right for you.

This dress was featured in Teen Prom magazine and the bling makes it a perfect dress for this year’s style. White and gold are a very hot color combination this year and plenty of beading and shimmer are very hot right now. If you want a high-impact dress that puts you at the front line of prom style, this is it.

Terani glitters

High School Competition:  WIN A PROM DRESS

Instructions:  Write a one page essay describing your interpretation of `true beauty.’ Email the essay to stylist@bettercloset.com.  The deadline is April 15. Include on the one page, your name, email address, the name of your high school, the date of your prom and the essay.

Grand Prize: Any “Prom Dress” style worth up to $300. The winning essay will be featured on the internationally recognized BC Style Source, bettercloset.com/blog.

Additional Prizes: Every student from the school with the winning essay will receive a $25 gift card from Better Closet to use towards any prom dress purchase.  Additionally, all participants will receive free ground shipping on their prom dress purchase; a $20 value.

Selection Process: As essays are submitted they will be ranked and a winner will be contacted by email by midnight, 12:00AM EST, April 17.

* FAQ

Q: What “classifies” as a prom dress purchase?
A: Any dress that is recognized in the Shop More Styles tab, under any of the categories; designer prom dresses, prom dresses, plus size evening dresses, and short prom dresses is a “prom dress” and the discount and promotion applies.

Q:  Who can participate?
A: Any high school student may participate.

Q: Must the essay be submitted through email?
A: Yes, the only way to submit the essay is by emailing it to stylist@bettercloset.com

Q: What if the prom dress I want is more than $300?
A:  If the prom dress you want is more than $300, you will be responsible to make up the difference in price.

Q: Can I check the status of my essay?
A: No, the winner will be notified by April 17, 12:00am EST.

Q: If I submit an essay, how long before I receive my free shipping on a prom dress style?
A: Within 1 business day of submitting your essay you will receive a promotion code for free ground shipping on any prom dress purchase.

Q: If the winning essay is selected from my high school, how long will it be before I receive my $20 gift card for a prom dress purchase?
A:  You will receive the $20 gift card towards any prom dress purchase by April 18 12:00AM EST. *Remember to note your high school on the essay so we know to send you the discount.

Q:  How many entries can I submit?
A: Essays are limited to one entry per person. If someone is found to have submitted more than one entry, that person will be excluded from the contest.

*The school noted on your essay may be contacted to confirm your enrollment.

In the past, if you needed a plus-size prom dress your options were very limited because few designers were creating prom dresses for women with more curves. However, today, some designers are realizing that plus-size prom dresses don’t need to look terrible. Cassandra Stone is at the forefront of her revolution, and her plus-size prom dresses are sizzling – in any size.

Cassandra Stone prom dresses come in a variety of sizes and styles, and her plus-size collection is quite extensive. One thing that makes Cassandra Stone prom dresses unique is the fact that the designer creates dresses that are not only larger but also very flattering. Many of the dresses come in rich, beautiful fabrics that are stunning. The colors are rich and vibrant (you don’t have to go with black unless you want to). The plus size Cassandra Stone prom dresses of 2009 also include empire waistlines, which flatter the body and hide the tummy. Some of the dresses in the collection include plenty of detail near the face, drawing the eye upward. Others include subtle gatherings of fabric on the bodice, creating flattering curves.

Unlike plus size prom dresses of years past, the plus size Cassandra Stone prom dresses do not shy away from sexy. Low necklines, short and flirty skirts, and sexy beading are all designed to make everyone at prom feel and look wonderful. Thank you, Cassandra Stone!

Just as there are trends in prom dress styles, there are trends in terms of prom dress designers. According to industry designers, both Jovani and Cassandra Stone are considered to be the most coveted designers this year. Both have produced outstanding collections of prom dresses and red carpet styles that are selling fast. This year, if you want a Cassandra Stone prom dress or a Jovani prom dress, you need to shop early before these dresses are sold out.

Although both designers are very popular, their styles are different. The Jovani 2009 prom dress collection includes exotic fabrics and retro or vintage styles. All the dresses are stunning and some are absolutely unique. If you want to make a bold statement at prom, a Jovani dress is an excellent option.

Cassandra Stone prom dresses of 2009 include many curve-flattering halter top styles. Her dresses include many open backs with full support in the front, for the ultimate in sexiness and comfort. The Cassandra Stone prom dress 2009 collection also includes many beaded dresses or dresses with beading, which is a very hot trend for 2009. If you want flirty dresses that are closer to timeless, classy dresses that you see on the red carpet, Cassandra Stone prom dresses might be for you.

Celebrity sightings may be adding to the buzz about these two hot designers. Many celebrities, for example, have chosen to wear Jovani on the red carpet. Hilary Duff, Carrie Underwood, and other top celebrities have worn Jovani to events. Kim Kardashian chose a gold sequined Jovani dress to a Celebrity Catwalk For Charity event. Many celebrities have also been expressing interest in Cassandra Stone dresses, which have long been a well-kept secret in the pageant industry.

As the 2009 prom season approaches, retailers and designers are noticing more and more trends for prom dresses emerging. Among the hottest trends are metallic fabrics, fancy beadwork detailers and rich colors. Empire dresses are also strongly featured in many collections.

Bright colors and fabrics are hot this year, retailers and designers report, but that does not just mean strong colors. Prints are also becoming bolder. Many designers are adding bright floral prints and strong animal prints to their collections. Pastels and subtle colors are less popular this year.

Thanks to a new type of lame material, many designers are also experimenting with metallic fabrics, and therefore metallic is certainly hot for prom 2009. In the past, metallic dresses tended to be crackly, loud, and a little too shiny – dare we say tacky? – but the new lame has changed all that. The new lame can be applied to light fabrics such as charmeuse or jersey and therefore has lots of fluid movement that catches the light and creates a very soft look. The new lame also allows for subtly shiny fabrics rather than full-out metallic prom dresses, which sometimes look as though they are made of tin foil.

Beading is also very trendy for prom 2009, and has elbowed sequins out of the way. Details along hemlines, backs and empire seams are beaded and some designers are even creating completely beaded prom dresses that sparkle and reflect the light. Many designers are using beads that contrast with the fabric of the dress or are using beads of several sizes on the same dress to add visual interest.

If you want to look fresh and stylish for prom this year, consider these trends when shopping for prom. Whether you are considering Jovani prom dresses, Cassandra Stone prom dresses, Morrell Maxie prom dresses, Alberto Makali prom dresses, or other designers you will see these design elements in today’s collections.

If you live in Los Angeles or New York, you have a wealth of store options and prom dresses to choose from. Whether you want to buy Jovani prom dresses, Morrell Maxie prom dresses, Alberto Makali prom dresses, or other designer prom dresses, you have a wealth of options. If you live in a very small town, however, you may feel that you have fewer stores and fewer dresses to choose from. Luckily, it only seems that way. You can still get your dream designer prom dress if you:

• Look at all the stores in your area. Avoid just the obvious stores and speak with wedding dress shops, consignment stores and other shops where you might not necessarily shop regularly. Better yet, if you are looking for a specific Terani prom dress or Janique prom dress, contact the designer to find out where the closest authorized dealer is. It might be closer than you think.
• Look for prom and wedding shows. If you are located far from major cities, prom shows and wedding shows are your best friend, because these shows are hoe designers get their dresses outside just the big cities. Contact your favorite designer to find out what shows they will be participating in or keep an eye on your local newspaper to find out about upcoming shows.
• Shop online. Online stores deliver anywhere, have great prices, and boast an amazing selection. Shopping online is the closest thing to buying from a huge prom retailer. Just make sure that you give yourself extra time for delivery.
• Consider taking a day trip. If you live close enough, consider taking a special trip to a larger city to buy your prom dress.
• Speak with independent stores in your area. Small boutique stores in your town may be able to get in a special designer dress for you for a small cost. It doesn’t hurt to ask about that Jovani prom dress or Cassandra Stone prom dress you’ve been crazy about.

Online shopping has become very popular with prom dress buyers. Online retailers are not only able to offer excellent prices, but also are able to offer an outstanding selection. Even if you live in a smaller city where many prom designer dresses are not available, you can satisfy your craving for Jovani prom dresses, Terani prom dresses, ABS prom dresses and other designer gowns by shopping online. Over the past few years, security measures and customer service online has really improved as well, so buying online is often quite hassle-free.

That said, though, not all online sites selling prom dresses are the same. When selecting an online retailer to trust with your online purchase, look for:

• A store that knows prom. A larger selection of formal dresses and prom dresses means that the retailer gets more of their money from prom dresses and therefore is more focused on making sure that this aspect of the business is well-taken care of. A retailer who specializes in prom and formal dresses may also have a better selection.
• A store that is an authorized dealer for the prom dress designer you are most interested in. If you want a Cassandra Stone prom dress, for example, you may wish to contact the Cassandra Stone company directly or check the website to see which retailers are authorized dealers. It is always safer to buy from authorized dealers since these sellers are approved by the designer and are less likely to be selling fakes.
• A store that offers good customer service. If you have questions or concerns, it should be easy for you to find a retailer’s contact information. Whether you contact the retailer by phone or email, you should be able to get a prompt, knowledgeable reply in a reasonable time frame. If you do not, keep looking, since you will likely have similar problems with communication if you need to make an exchange or return.
• A store that offers genuine designer prom dresses. There should be a guarantee that the dresses you are buying are genuine prom designer dresses and not knock-offs.
• Reasonable shipping and handling costs. Although many online prom dresses are very inexpensive, you do need to factor in shopping an handling charges with your order, as this can increase costs. Look for retailers that keep these costs to a minimum. Also, look for hidden costs on plus-size prom dresses and on special order dresses. Make sure that the total cost adds up before you buy.
• A reasonable return policy. If you need to exchange or return a dress, make sure that you can do so without huge costs or terrible hassle. Read the return policy for any store very carefully.
• A secure website. Make sure that the website you use is encrypted and secure. You will be entering your credit card information and personal information, so you want to make sure that your information will stay safe. Read the site’s privacy policy to ensure that you won’t get spam and that your personal information will not be shared with anyone.

Why are ABS prom dresses sometimes less expensive than Alberto Makali prom dresses and why are both more expensive than the dresses you see in the mall?

Understanding how dresses are priced can help you land a bargain when you go prom dress shopping. Designers such as Jovani, Terani, Cassandra Stone, Morrell Maxie, ABS,
Alberto Makali, Janique and others put a great deal of thought into pricing their prom dresses. Some of the pricing is fairly obvious. Dresses made from expensive materials (such as some types of silk, for example) will cost more than dresses made from less expensive materials. Dresses that are stitched by hand or have special details that require extra work will cost more than factory-made dresses that can be made quickly. Also, dresses that are mass-manufactured (made in huge amounts) are less expensive than dresses which are more limited in supply. This is because it is less expensive per dress to make many, many dresses than to make a small batch of dresses.

Beyond these basics, however, manufacturer’s set prices and retailer mark-ups affect the price you pay for your prom gown. Manufacturers set up minimum pricing levels for stores and retailers. This price often ensures that a designer’s dresses won’t be valued as less because they are being sold too inexpensively. After all, if a designer dress was sold for $10 at several stores, it would not be a designer dress. Retailers and online stores cannot sell dresses for less than the minimum retail price. If a retailer does sell for less than this amount, a designer will often refuse to ship the dresses to that retailer.

What this means is that if you are shopping online, you will see that many websites have the same prices on designer dresses. These prices are lower than the prices you see in stores but generally all websites offering good deals will have similar prices. This is due to the manufacturer’s set prices. If you see a designer prom dress sold at well below this price, be wary. The retailer may not be able to honor your order (because the manufacturer refuses to ship the dress to a retailer violating the manufacturer’s set prices) or the dress may be a knock-off.