The Night Out
A Start-to-Finish Guide
Part One of Three in a
Romance In The Dressing Room Series
First Things First - A Mid-Afternoon Prep Session
If you know you're hitting the town- whether it's for an evening of boisterous tomfoolery, a night of elegance and regal poses, or a class-tastic soiree of epic proportions- it's always a good idea to get a head start on your look, your mindset, your body : the image you plan on putting in the public sphere.
Your Body
Start drinking now - and we're not talkin' premature cocktails, ladies. Have an ever-present bottle of water at your side and take frequent sips- any alcohol you plan on consuming later should be at least matched with H2O beforehand. Just be sure you're not going to spend your night dashing to the loo!
Shave early - it's stressful and sometimes even painful to do so later (that burning sensation you get when you moisturize right after shaving, anyone? Yikes!) Get those gams, underarms, and nether regions ready for whatever it is you have in mind for them later on, and get an advance dose of that self confidence only a perfectly shaven limb can give.
Wash your hair - Everyone knows day old hair looks and styles best. Unless you've got a blowout in mind, of course, because that means you're going to have to have wet hair for the blowdyer part.
Your Mind
Get your gals to commit - No one - I repeat, no one- is happy when the plans are rushed. Have everyone decide on a venue, transportation, dress code and extra guests before you meet. Now, that's not to say throw spontaneity out the window entirely, but having a plan is a sign of good organization, and just so much less stressful. Stress = breakouts. Breakouts = let's not even go there.
Your Look
The most important part? Possibly. The most fun? Definitely.
Makeup - Think long and hard about this one. What will the lighting be like at this venue? How much dancing (i.e. sweating) do you plan on doing? What will others be plastering all over their faces?
If you plan on heading to a dimly-lit dive bar for some manic dancing and prancing about, keep the amount of makeup light, but have fun with it. This is an appropriate time for sparkles and colours that POP to make an appearance. False lashes might also be a neat idea.
If you're going for a more laid-back look (i.e. "Ohh, I just decided I was going out a few minutes ago, I had zero time to plan, and positively noothing to wear..."), go along the lines of your everyday makeup but apply it fresh and take your time to make it purrrrfect. Powder that nose, add a little extra noire to the eyes and shimmer to the lips and you've taken a look from day to night, easy peasy.
If it's off to the Oscars for you, it's time to pull out the big guns. Do you have the confidence, ability and desperate lack of funds required to pull the look off yourself, or is a trip to ye olde Department Store for your friendly neighbourhood Chanel counter girl to weild the makeup wand and work her magic? With enough time and patience, anyone can pull off a fantastic look, but these gals can really do a number. Just make a small purchase and ask how it is best applied, or go full tilt and kindly request that they make you up for however many gold coins they're charging. Keep three things in mind: simple sophistication, high quality goods, and a good dash of fun. To elaborate (in respective order) you want to make your look special, but keep it close to what you usually wear so you're not constantly stealing glances at yourself in each passing champagne flute. Build on what works for you and take it to the next level with the best the makeup world has to offer (combined of course with what your wallet can handle). Remember, though, to take calculated risks and enjoy the process of elevating your gorgey little blank canvas of a face to masterpiece status.
The Dress - This could take days, so will be kept simple. Follow these golden rules and you will never, ever, ever fail to impress your audience.
Wear what looks good on your body. Play up your curves, play down problem areas, highlight your best assets. Any good store clerk or friend with particularly good style is your best ally when a second opinion is necessary.
Wear what makes you feel fabulous.
Wear something you thought you never would.
Wear your dress with authority, with confience, with presence.
Wear your dress, have your cake and eat it, too.
Happy Prepping
If you know you're hitting the town- whether it's for an evening of boisterous tomfoolery, a night of elegance and regal poses, or a class-tastic soiree of epic proportions- it's always a good idea to get a head start on your look, your mindset, your body : the image you plan on putting in the public sphere.
Your Body
Start drinking now - and we're not talkin' premature cocktails, ladies. Have an ever-present bottle of water at your side and take frequent sips- any alcohol you plan on consuming later should be at least matched with H2O beforehand. Just be sure you're not going to spend your night dashing to the loo!
Shave early - it's stressful and sometimes even painful to do so later (that burning sensation you get when you moisturize right after shaving, anyone? Yikes!) Get those gams, underarms, and nether regions ready for whatever it is you have in mind for them later on, and get an advance dose of that self confidence only a perfectly shaven limb can give.
Wash your hair - Everyone knows day old hair looks and styles best. Unless you've got a blowout in mind, of course, because that means you're going to have to have wet hair for the blowdyer part.
Your Mind
Get your gals to commit - No one - I repeat, no one- is happy when the plans are rushed. Have everyone decide on a venue, transportation, dress code and extra guests before you meet. Now, that's not to say throw spontaneity out the window entirely, but having a plan is a sign of good organization, and just so much less stressful. Stress = breakouts. Breakouts = let's not even go there.
Your Look
The most important part? Possibly. The most fun? Definitely.
Makeup - Think long and hard about this one. What will the lighting be like at this venue? How much dancing (i.e. sweating) do you plan on doing? What will others be plastering all over their faces?
If you plan on heading to a dimly-lit dive bar for some manic dancing and prancing about, keep the amount of makeup light, but have fun with it. This is an appropriate time for sparkles and colours that POP to make an appearance. False lashes might also be a neat idea.
If you're going for a more laid-back look (i.e. "Ohh, I just decided I was going out a few minutes ago, I had zero time to plan, and positively noothing to wear..."), go along the lines of your everyday makeup but apply it fresh and take your time to make it purrrrfect. Powder that nose, add a little extra noire to the eyes and shimmer to the lips and you've taken a look from day to night, easy peasy.
If it's off to the Oscars for you, it's time to pull out the big guns. Do you have the confidence, ability and desperate lack of funds required to pull the look off yourself, or is a trip to ye olde Department Store for your friendly neighbourhood Chanel counter girl to weild the makeup wand and work her magic? With enough time and patience, anyone can pull off a fantastic look, but these gals can really do a number. Just make a small purchase and ask how it is best applied, or go full tilt and kindly request that they make you up for however many gold coins they're charging. Keep three things in mind: simple sophistication, high quality goods, and a good dash of fun. To elaborate (in respective order) you want to make your look special, but keep it close to what you usually wear so you're not constantly stealing glances at yourself in each passing champagne flute. Build on what works for you and take it to the next level with the best the makeup world has to offer (combined of course with what your wallet can handle). Remember, though, to take calculated risks and enjoy the process of elevating your gorgey little blank canvas of a face to masterpiece status.
The Dress - This could take days, so will be kept simple. Follow these golden rules and you will never, ever, ever fail to impress your audience.
Wear what looks good on your body. Play up your curves, play down problem areas, highlight your best assets. Any good store clerk or friend with particularly good style is your best ally when a second opinion is necessary.
Wear what makes you feel fabulous.
Wear something you thought you never would.
Wear your dress with authority, with confience, with presence.
Wear your dress, have your cake and eat it, too.
Happy Prepping
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