This is Sage the morning of prom. She just woke up. Frankly she could have eaten her wheaties and then thrown on her prom dress and gone. But like every girl, she likes to play dress up.

The Canadian International School, Singapore Masquerade Prom 2011!

Sage's dress is from BCBG. Watch our shopping for prom video blog here! The mask is from Far East Plaza aka Teen Shopping Paradise [for me too - love Far East Plaza, cut tag shops galore!]

Get The Look

SKIN: A spritz of Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner followed by Barrier Repair

Foundation: Rae Cosmetics Climate Control 25*

Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner

$19.00 at Benefit

Eyes: Base with Benefit Birthday Suit [I LOVE this. It's a great shimmery base/primer for shadow. I use this one A LOT]

In Sage's crease I started with Yaby Cosmetics Abyss eye shadow and then layered MAC loose pigment in The Family Crest. I used the MAC pigment under the eyes for the smokey look.

Long-wear Gel Eyeliner

$21.00 at Bobbi Brown

To finish the eyes I used Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink. TIP: Apply this onto the waterline - it sets nicely and since the gel liners aren't 'flat' they add a little catch light [sparkle] into the eye. Mascara Bad Bad Black Opulash from the MAC Wonder Woman collection

Shimmer Brick Compact - Nectar

$38.00 at Bobbi Brown

Cheeks: To add definition into Sage's cheekbones I started with MAC Taupe Powder Blush layered with Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar. NOTE: Taupe Blush is not for medium-to-dark skin tones as then it will look chalky. Try a matte bronzer two shades darker than your skin for your cheek hollows! Need to know where to put your taupe/bronzer suck in your cheeks... put it there [Referred to as 'fish face' in Allure]

Sage found her 'mask' at Far East Plaza. They were quirky glasses. She removed the arms and then attached black ribbon to tie on. Clever runs in our family.

Since Sage is spoiled her friends might as well be too.

This is Vivian. I dolled her up as well. [PS Vivian designed and made her dress! It's STUNNING!]

Here's the back of her head:

She picked a pretty style. This is braided in two sections AND two types of braids. [yes, I know there are stray hairs - I'm a fan of the deconstructed hair - not the helmet]

1. I set Vivian's hair on velco rollers for lift. TIP: Curl each section first with a medium/large barrel ceramic curling iron which will add shine and help smooth flyaways
2. Then I sectioned her hair into two - essentially the top and bottom - think from ear to ear
3. I teased the roots from the top section and brushed lightly to smooth the outer layer of the teasing, divide into three sections and french braid loosely [without tension] to the occipital [bone bump you feel 1/2 way down your head] secure with an elastic

AT THIS POINT YOU SHOULD HAVE A 1/2 UP 1/2 DOWN STYLE WHICH IS PRETTY TOO AT THIS POINT

4. The bottom section is a fishtail braid. Start at one side and fishtail horizontally, include the tail section from the above braid and continue until you run out of hair.

5. Wrap an elastic to secure the ends and tuck up hiding into the hair.

Curse my name or thank me as you try!

Zoie Jean [sans frock] is always upstaging!  

Nothing takes me back to high school more than... Prom Season!!

My prom dress was from Le Chateau! It was white and it had shoulder pads!

Well it was the 80s. This truly was my high school. I was Andie. I was... am cool.

Fast forward to 2011 and I have an excited 16 year old daughter off to Prom at the end of May.

If you are just joining the AC Blogisphere than you don't know that we live in Singapore where shopping is an Olympic sport. I currently hold the Gold (card) for Canada!

Shopping here can be done. Many expats complain about the shopping... I am not sure why. I have TOO much success. [They do walking tours, I am considering hosting 'shopping tours' as I have a gift that I should use for good and not evil.]

The malls consist of many UK and US brands and NO, they are not 'resized to fit Asians' like I hear many claim. Sizing in general changes from brand to brand. I personally fit into three sizes depending on the designer and the fit. If the brand is a brand from China or local Singaporean designer then yes, it's a smaller fit than we are used to and may need to go up a size or three BUT if, for example, it is GAP size 8 made in China, it is still a North American 8.

We also have these wonderous random stores unofficially known as 'Cut Tag' stores. These are not generally chain stores and the stock is forever changing AND you will find Chanel, Prada, Miu Miu, BCBG (lots of BCBG), Lanvin, Dior, Karen Millen and on and on and on... Now, I have tried to figure out the cut tags... they are the real deal and an average dress is $149.00 SGD. Some of the stock is a season or so behind but, today I saw some Prada, current season. I had to ask. The lady at the 'cut tag' counter said that they buy from the outlets and bring them into Singapore - apparently all on the up and up - legal. Being in fashion I feel loads better. Now, if you have ever shopped factory outlet before you know that many of these probably have defaults. IE patterns don't match up, dye lot is off, too much tension in the hem stitching etc... I own cut tag Prada, Lanvin, BCBG, Miu Miu, Moschino, DKNY... I can't see the defaults and my wardrobe has gone from fab to fabulous!

Let's regroup and get back to topic!

Riiight... PROM DRESS shopping tips....

1. Decide on a budget with your mom/dad/grandparent/parole officer
2. Try on A LOT at first so you decide what does and doesn't work then start weeding out certain necklines and hemlines
3. Don't buy the first one unless you know in your heart that it's THE ONE. I doubt dress number two is really 'the one'. Put your faves on hold for the day. If the salesperson tells you that she can't hold it - ask her politely as you 'just started and really like it but want to be sure as pressure shopping is not cool'. Most stores will hold items until end of day.
4. Start with the dress and not the shoes. Accesorize AFTER the dress purchase.
5. Don't buy too early as that may make you second guess your choice. Wait 24 hours if you tend to impulse buy just to be certain.
6. Unlike my daughter - shower and shave your legs and armpits before you go shopping (ok, Sage showered).
7. Bring a helpful sibling or BFF for input. Notice we brought one helpful and one not-so-helpful.
8. Wear a little makeup but realize it's not your prom yet - just shop with minimal makeup to make you feel good in the horribly lit changerooms.
9. Tote a pair of heels close to what you will be wearing the night of.
10.   Break for a snack as low blood sugar and trying on dresses don't mix.

**Check back end of May to see the reveal of Sage on her prom night!

Live in North America and don't have money for a dress? Don't fret! You can check out consignment stores that sell highend second hand, rework a dress from Goodwill (Andie did it in Pretty In Pink) or pick up a dress for free from charities like the Princess Project  or Donate My Dress in the US or The Corsage Project in Canada.

Prom over? Donate your dress to the above organizations! Give another Princess a glam night out!

AND REMEMBER!! You are too young to drink but if you do: Don't Drink and Drive!