Fashion Fix: How to shine in the spotlight

GCSUnade.com

Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: Variety

By: Vanessa Voigt

Last Monday, I was among 11 GC&SU's most beautiful girls who were representing their organizations for the '80s pageant put on by Sequins and Smiles.

Now let me tell you a little bit about this pageant. Each girl was shown to an enormous closet, where she was told to pick out one '80s dress and one current formal dress. Picking out dresses is my cup of tea, and I found a fabulous '80s dress that could be worn to any formal event today. But this rejuvenation of passion wasn't the coolest part of the pageant. The coolest thing about the '80s pageant was that all of the dresses that were picked out and strutted down the pageant catwalk have been donated and will be given to underprivileged girls in the community who cannot afford their own dresses. 

Sequins and Smiles is exactly the kind of organization that reminds me that there are more important things than me winning best '80s side ponytail at the pageant. This volunteer organization is about giving to the community in the form of a dress. But do not under estimate how powerful a single dress can be in the life of one person. 

A formal event in which you feel beautiful and confident is every girl's dream, and I am happy to know there are organizations out there that are making sure all girls can have that special night for whatever formal event they attend. The following are tips for all girls, regardless of your dress budget, for making your formal event a special one: 

Getting Ready: 

Plan ahead. Time is the one resource we all have, so if you have a special night in the future, go ahead and make plans to avoid making a fun event a stressful one. 

Don't be scared to ask a friend to borrow a dress. It' s a very economical solution, and my senior prom dress is an indication that it is a very fashionable one too. 

Ask yourself a very important question: What would the host of the event appreciate me wearing? You would be surprised at how helpful this question is for guiding you on what to wear. If you are going to a wedding, it's the bride that needs to look hot for the groom, not you! 

No dress is ever worth hurting dad's bank account. Know your limits, and don't feel bad for sticking to them. If your budget isn't allowing jewelry, remember that bare skin is very beautiful! 

During the Event: 

Wear footpads to make your heels more comfortable. That means no excuses for not dancing. Remember, formal events are about the people involved; so once you are ready, don't obsess about how you look! People are glad YOU are there, not your dress. 

Don't be jealous of the girls that look better than you. There will be girls with more beautiful dresses, shinier hair, and more expensive jewelry. Just smile in admiration, and remember, you are just as beautiful! There will be lots more formal events in your life for you to be the star of. 

After the Event: 

Dry-clean your dress. Return anything that was borrowed promptly, and don't forget the "you're my best friend I don't know what I would do without you" note. 

And most importantly: If you can, donate your dress to Sequins and Smiles so that another girl will be able to look just as fabulous as you did! For information on how you can donate a dress, E-mail sequins_smiles@yahoo.com.