It’s that time of year again when all that matters to teen girls is getting fly for prom. Prom season definitely puts pressure on having the right dress, accessories, hair and makeup. But the process of getting gussied up doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. There are local efforts that will help alleviate some of the financial burden of prom glam.
One of these efforts is the “Fairy Glam Project” sponsored by Nspire 2 Dream and clothier recycler, USAgain.
The “Fairy Glam Project” is going on its seventh season of providing area girls with free prom dresses and resources to be beautiful on the biggest night of their life.
They take collections from across the bi-state region from USAgain to provide over 300 free dresses for area girls to choose from.
Girls will have the opportunity to pick their dress at the “Fairy Glam Prom Expo” on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Outlet Mall, located off Highway 370, exit 11 in Hazelwood.
Along with finding the right dress, they will also be privy to motivational mentor speakers, beauty tips and tricks, and a fashion show that will showcase how to pull the whole prom look together.
“We want to make sure that each girl walks away with more than just a dress,” said Nikole Shurn-Perkins, founder of Nspire 2 Dream and the Fairy Glam Project. “Not only do we give away dresses, but our goal is to positively affect the girls’ minds, bodies and souls at our event. “
We have highlighted some of the “Fairy Glam Project” looks in our annual prom editorial photo shoot, showcasing how key accessories, haute hair and flattering makeup can make any dress come alive, making one the “bomb.com of prom.”
Whether the dress is short, “cupcake” style or long and Cinderella-like, the fit will be key in making sure that one feels comfortable, in addition to being cute. And one doesn’t have to break the bank to find that beautiful dress. With local initiatives like the “Fairy Glam Project” girls have resources to ensure that they can be beautiful on this special night.
In addition to not being cost-effective, so many girls make the mistake of trying to fit in with trends of the season instead of finding a dress that compliments their shape. Not every girl is a size 4, and that’s more than ok. There are plenty of silhouettes like an “A-line” or “empire” waist gowns that not only are youthful, but will also be the most flattering for a bigger frame.
Necessary accessories
To complement the gown, the accessories have to be on point. Having fly accessories is also the way to keep prom glam costs on the low. With prom accessories, one can tastefully go over the top when it comes to adorning the prom look.
Now, I would be the girl to show up with a tiara, gloves, big cocktail rings (yes! more than one) and, of course, dazzling earrings. While I don’t recommend doing all of that at once, I do suggest getting some bling to accompany the beautiful gown. Accessories can take a not-so-formal cupcake-style dress from underwhelming to over the top (in a glamourous, stunning way, of course).
Getting hair and makeup done can be costly as well. To keep costs down, I suggest getting pampered at beauty schools such as Elaine Stevens Beauty College, where services are performed by students at a discounted price. Or going to the mall makeup counters will sometimes be free if you buy a product. If you want professional services done, I recommend finding stylists that are running prom specials.
For more information, application and qualification details for the “Fairy Glam Project Expo,” visit www.nspire2dream.org or email fairyglamproject@yahoo.com.
For more prom glam style tips follow @style_broker on IG, Twitter, and Facebook.
