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The best looks from Cannes Film Festival

(Photo:purple bridesmaid dresses uk)

The Cannes Film Festival is about so much more than just movies. It’s also one of the biggest celebrity events in the world - pulling in stars ranging from Marion Cotillard to Cate Blanchett, Lupita Nyong’o and Julianne Moore for 12 days of red carpet photo calls. Here are some of the 71st annual festival’s most eye-catching looks:

CATE BLANCHETT

Australian actress and campaigner against sexual harassment Cate Blanchett was not only queen of the jury this year, she also reigned across the red carpet wearing a host of top designer gowns.

Capping the festival, Blanchett oozed power in an Alexander McQueen tailored coat dress at Saturday’s awards ceremony with a giant red silk bow on the back. It was perhaps the best look for the “Lord of the Rings” star who has consistently set the bar high in recent days — including at the premiere of Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” in a Givenchy haute couture black and red bleeding gown.

Another head-turner was showcased at the screening of “Cold War.” The actress wore a sublime, blue floral gown that brought well-deserved attention to a lesser-known designer, Mary Katrantzou.

KRISTEN STEWART

Another of the Cannes jury members, “Twilight” star and Chanel brand ambassador Kristen Stewart often got it right.

At the “BlacKkKlansman” premiere, the 28-year-old sparkled in a beautiful, silver Chanel minidress.

But Stewart won accolades for another kind of fashion statement at that event — by pointedly removed her black Louboutin heels on the red carpet. Cannes’ no-flats policy sparked outrage in 2015 when some women were turned away from the screening of “Carol” because they weren’t wearing heels. Stewart has spoken out against this in the past.

Fashion-wise, the jury was out, so to speak, in the look Stewart chose to close the festival — a sheer embroidered long gown with a high leg slit up the middle.

KENDALL JENNER, IRINA SHAYK AND BELLA HADID

Look no further than models-of-the-minute Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Irina Shayk for proof that Cannes is as much about the clothes as the movies.

Shayk, 32, was certainly not sorry for turning heads at the “Sorry Angel” screening in a hot, red Atelier Versace couture dress.

Jenner, 22, stole the show at the “Girls of the Sun” premiere in white tiered tulle gown by Parisian couture house Schiaparelli. She also garnered much attention for a revealing sparkly silver sweater by Nicolas Jebran and classic black pumps at the Cannes’ Fashion for Relief event.

Meanwhile, Hadid, 21, sported some of the best looks of the entire festival including a custom Julien Macdonald black embellished crop top at the annual Fashion for Relief event, and a Dior sheer gown at the house’s May 12 dinner.

LUPITA NYONG’O

Another big fashion hitter was Academy Award winner and Cannes veteran Lupita Nyong’o.

The 35-year-old star stunned at the “Sorry Angel” premiere in a dramatic white Dior Haute Couture gown, which featured a striking sheer bodice and trendy feathered maxi skirt, alongside Chopard jewelry.

The diaphanous pink Prada gown with spaghetti straps Nyong’o wore to the Chopard Secret Night Party was named the best look of the festival by some observers.

JULIANNE MOORE

Julianne Moore had a mixed festival in the style stakes this time around.

The youthful-looking 57-year-old made the right kind of a statement in a bright red caped and feathered Givenchy Haute Couture piece for the “Everybody Knows” premiere, with some comparing it to Lupita Nyong’o’s 2014 Golden Globes dress by Ralph Lauren.

But the unfitted black Sonia Rykiel suit she wore to the Chopard Secret Night Party looked square and could have better flattered her petite silhouette.

HELEN MIRREN

“The Queen” star Helen Mirren also didn’t fare so well this year. The 72-year-old turned heads for all the wrong reasons at the premiere of “Girls of the Sun” in a medieval-looking blue velvet Elie Saab gown.

Some observers said it looked more like a costume for a period drama than a red carpet dress.

NATASHA POLY

Some named Russian model Natasha Poly the worst fashion offender at Cannes.

Poly clashed with the red carpet at the premiere of “BlacKkKlansman” in an acid violet Atelier Versace couture gown with bejeweled bodice.

The diaphanous skirt panels blew up her crotch in the French Riviera breeze and were unflattering, even on Poly’s statuesque frame.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Read more at:red bridesmaid dresses uk

Match the princess dress

Warm sunshine, romantic beach, whether to go to where, the girls all want to be able to become the focus of all picks, become the murder film "killer", so the princess general temperament, can let the girl attracted everybody's eyes. Simple dress style of princess dress, the bowknot of the waist is a girl of noble feeling, sweet layer cake skirt or bubble skirt of lanterns, add on the concise condole belt highlights the girl's princess.

Girl's favorite lace and net cloth crocheted to make a lovely degree of the beautiful layer of the feeling, more can decorate the perfect waist hip ratio! The cake skirt of dreamy feeling reveals a sweet girl's half-cooked declaration in a subtle way! Texture comfortable clothing, the most suitable for summer outing.

The love pattern that fills a point is quite sweet design, the black and white Mosaic technique of double tone is amazing, send out thick French vogue tastes qualitative feeling. The neckline clipping is just right to show the most beautiful line, as long as single wear alone can the beauty of the princess's beauty immediately appear!

The design of chiffon lace and T-shirt is perfect, and the addition of small dots makes the overall feminine image more vivid. The slim T-shirt makes the perfect figure, and makes the girl charming when and where she is.

The green plaid lady with romantic tone is full, the deep V collar design adds a little sexy. Can build small lovely, both beautiful and match the completeness of the outing. With a straw hat, fashion and romance!

Light yellow shading out attractive elegant emotional appeal, romantic chiffon skirt for the girl is exquisite daydream space, full of soft chiffon flower stalk pattern, ornament of attractive white lace, giving people a sour sweet sweet feeling.

Simple dress style of princess dress, the bowknot of the waist is a girl of noble feeling, sweet layer cake skirt or bubbles add highlights on the concise condole lantern skirt girl princess breath.

Jump out the atmosphere of light yellow, pink and also has a group of supporters of the big oh, romantic pink is always so charming and graceful sentiment is full of temptation to let the girl can't melt them!

Blue and green flower skirt color is unique, it is this summer very popular a kind of color oh, the dress that is not mainstream really has charming effect, the design of high waist makes the figure of girl's body more perfect!

Elegant bow for girls princess dress gives a more romantic elements, beautiful flower stalk has attracted enough, deserve to go up again big bowknot, let the girl like a princess noble gorgeous!

With the romantic luxury of the retro princess dress, this fashionable spring dress has a beautiful and transparent beauty. The lace dress of this fashionable style is stitched together to give a person incomparable abundant heart to feel joyful feeling.

The blooming rose pattern brings the girl to the blooming garden, the pink roses are charming, making the girls more attractive. With romantic flowing snow spinning material, simple to become pear sweet girl. The skirt of chiffon skirt is looming, long legs attractive diffuse.

The skirt of bitter fleabane bitter fleabane that layer cascade folds, feeling of restoring ancient ways is royal hubble-bubble sleeve, bared the characteristics of the princess dress, but it bunt design makes girls more dynamic, plus a word collar design highlights the girl sexy flavor, contracted wind princess dress to bring our lives more flavor.

Bright flag color as red, grab an eye colour collocation soft chiffon, the flat dress big breakthrough, in the wide version of elastic material, color the flag down stitching light chiffon skirt hem as strong match colors with the same material, tide degree 200%, to the modelling of girls the most fresh choice. Multi-level color progressive, also let the leg long invisible increase.

The black and white wavelet dots match more details, with a red wide belt to highlight the overall visual effect, and the flounce skirt makes the girl look like a model coming out of the magazine. A belt with high waist effect, long legs highlighted.

Dot and denim make the street fashion equipment No.1, the breast design makes the whole more sexy taste, the knee above 7cm, let the legs more slender perfect. A short skirt with a breast is a powerful guarantee for long legs.

If the girls all day, tired of is pink and white dress, so this article especially purple dress can bring the girl enough novelty, the collocation of neck wear beads to let the girl read more.

Romantic chiffon skirt also have new ideas, net yarn sewing layers of knits seti flower, hollow out effect passing lady impression, make the image of the vest is decorated, reveal the aesthetic flavor from Versailles palace, wear it like dress. Black style is always a classic trick to slim down.

With the sex without loss of the princess's sweet smell, the embodiment of the noble princess to show mysterious and nifty temperament. Lovely bud type a dress, in the bottom place to add perfect gradually change color and the design of flower design, loose design more let the girl wear freedom. The small suit has increased the lower half of the body.

Satin belt out sweet bowknot, half of the cardigan v-neck in the set off of a little ruffled more graceful and restrained and moving, meticulous bag buckles highlights the female's gentle breath, monochrome dress, delicate design, melting and the details of the create girl romantic breath.

Flesh-colored condole belt princess skirt, MM favorite chiffon fabrics, the design of the bosom USES the flower to adorn, spring color is boundless. The skirt length is about 10CM above the knee, which is an attractive length. It's elegant when you're not wearing a hat, you feel more active when you put on your hat, and you're ready to go!

The princess skirt of floral pattern is harmonious, the frequency of flower distribution is just right, chiffon fabric is cool and well worn, it is the 100 thing that spring date. If it's a little chilly, use a thin cotton tee, or pair it with jeans.Read more at:cheap prom dresses uk | short prom dresses uk

Maid of honor (2)

The bridesmaid group is an important role to protect the bride. Usually, the bride will invite the unmarried friends and relatives around them to make up. Some are one or two, and some also invite a dozen friends to form a bridesmaid. They generally dress alike and dress similarly to the bride. They are responsible for protecting the bride on the whole wedding and serving the bride to ensure the smooth progress of the whole wedding.
3. duties
Wedding Secretary
(1) before the wedding, remind the bride whether everything is ready for the wedding. You can also check the wedding items with the wedding master plan.
(2) prepare the bridesmaid, the bridesmaid handbag, and make sure that everything is taken.
(3) on the wedding day, we should get up earlier than the bride. We should take the time to make up our own make-up.
(4) the bridesmaids sisters can work hard together to make the groom and the best men more fun for the wedding.
(5). When the wedding is carried out, you should take the strain. After arriving at the meeting, take the bride's make-up. At the same time, clean the coloured ribbons and crumbs on the new clothes. Send the bride's needs to the dressing room in time. At the same time, communicate with the wedding host, ask the host to warm up in time. When you are in, you can help the bride tidy the wedding dress if you need it. When the newcomers took office, they took the initiative and the best man to stand on both sides of the stage. If the bride tears, the paper towel should be delivered quickly. According to the wedding ceremony, the marriage certificate, wedding ring, wine cup and other articles were handed in.
butler
(1). And the bride to determine the marriage time, the hotel location, the type of wedding car, the wedding route, the red package is ready, the makeup artist a few points to, wedding photography, photo collection time... Record the phone call of the principal person, and leave your phone to them for communication at any time.
(2) when the wedding is going on, make sure that the bride's dress and makeup are in good condition and pay attention to makeup at any time. In addition, the bride needs anything at all times to serve the bride.
(3) after the wedding is finished, help the bride change clothes and make up the makeup, prepare the convenient snacks for the bride to replenish the energy. Remind the newcomer to go to the bathroom. When the toast is served, the best man will serve wine, and the maid of honor is responsible for smoking and wedding candy. A red envelope is usually kept by a bridesmaid. It must be collected. When it is necessary, you should also keep the bride from the wine.
(4) after the banquet, help to check the items, remember to remind new people and guests to bring good articles and leave. In addition, some bridesmaids may also be responsible for checking the red packets.
4. sweet burdens
With more and more new people choosing western wedding, the bridesmaid groomsman has become an indispensable element. Over the past two years, the rapid growth of the bridesmaid economy has driven the further increase of wedding market consumption. The "foil" of the bridesmaid best man group, adding a special blessing to the new man, is also the sweet burden of the wedding expenses because of the increasing expenses.Read more at:http://www.kissydress.co.uk| prom dress short

How to choose a bridesmaid dress?

Your friend is about to get married, as a bridesmaid, are you worried about what to wear for a bridesmaid dress? So, how to choose a suitable gift? Now small make up to recommend a few to you to believe must have let you move heart of design.
Bridesmaid dress
Bridesmaid dress
1. Pink padded skirt.
Pink has always been the color that is most favored by MM, believe pink to control you certainly will very like, the fabric is very qualitative to wear a bosom skirt, the flower element adds layer sense to it, not too drab.
2. Lemon yellow dress.
Lemon yellow is a very difficult color to control, and it can be very elegant when used properly. The best choice for a bridesmaid.
3. Black sexy dress.
Black gives a person the feeling of temptation, plus low bosom design, how can resist its charm. One of the highlights of the dress is the distinctive line of the neckline.
4. Sweet dress.
Sweet wedding, naturally not without sweet modelling, sweet dress is very good. But the length of the skirt must be short so that it can be worn out.
5. Pale lotus dress.
Lotus color, is another advanced color, see the picture model this dress is very beautiful, if the maid of honor is fashionable, also is a good attempt.
6. Printed skirt
In fact, the printed dress is also a good choice for bridesmaids, and is suitable for the more lively and lovely bridesmaids. However, the discretion of the bridesmaid can be reflected directly from the choice of color, so be careful to match it.Read more at:
bridesmaid dresses 2018| purple bridesmaid dress uk

The bridesmaid is the second most important role in the wedding, and the dress and makeup is also highly demanding, which needs to be well matched with the new bride and the wedding style. So what colors do the bridesmaids wear? Let's see.

Tips for choosing bridesmaid shoes.

1, color

When choosing a pair of shoes, the bridesmaid must consider the choice of high heels to match her dress, and then the bride's dress and wedding style should be matched.

2, highly

Most of the bridesmaid can choose high heels, so more show figure and the dress is not easy to sweep the floor, but as a bridesmaid in the wedding, the body and a lot of job very hard, to be accompanied by the bride and walk around, so the height of the heels as far as possible choose medium height, and must wear the shoes is comfortable, lest affect the wedding

Edit summary: above is the small make up to introduce the relevant bridesmaid high-heeled shoes as well as the right to wear what color of the bridesmaid shoes how to select methods of information, hope can help to prepare the bridesmaid women help. Most of the bride and the bridesmaid can choose a new pair of beautiful high heels to dress collocation, it is recommended that the maid of honor must be put ahead of the new shoes to try a few times more, so as to avoid new shoes foot on wedding day.Read more at:unique vintage prom dresses| short pink prom dresses

Suit the color of the 12 zodiac girls dress!

White sheep female: champagne color; Aries is a sign of enthusiasm, courage to accept challenges and optimism, and Aries loves freedom and freedom. But Aries people don't talk too impulsively, and keep your mouth open.
Taurus woman: rice white; Taurus people are trustworthy, have a plan, and have a regular life. Taurus has great endurance, and they are willing to give people they dislike over and over again to ease their relationship. But Taurus is too possessive, uncoordinated and too serious. Taurus will do whatever it takes to make ends meet.
Children: black; Geminis love to change. It's impossible to do one thing at a time. It's smart, but it's not exclusive. In fact, geminis are very sensitive and articulate.
Cancer woman: date red; As the first sign of the summer, cancer's emotions are sincere, tender, loyal, and unyielding. But cancer is also very emotional and insecure. Cancer has an absolute sense of family and an abundance of imagination and creativity.
Lion: gold; Their noble and exalted position is like the lion of the king of the forest. The spirit of reliability, bravery, and perseverance is a distinct characteristic of Leo.
Virgin: pure white; Virgo is the most analytical sign, and they value authenticity. One of the most well-known features is the cleanliness and neatness of the favorite, which also leads to some shortcoming, which is so demanding that it is picky and picky.
Libra woman: sky blue; A libran's mind is a sensitive libra, and a gentle breeze is enough to make it tremble. Libra is sensitive and can hurt yourself by being too sensitive to other people's feelings. Libra demands balance, but they like to avoid reality, to face things, to hesitate, to be overwhelmed.
Scorpio woman: purple; Gorgeous and gorgeous is the unique charm of Scorpio, calm and indifferent is also its unconcealed characteristic, and this is the most mysterious and profound reason for Scorpio to be listed as the zodiac sign.
Sagittarius: green; Sagittarius is a very intelligent sign. Although it is a fire sign, the archer's intelligence is almost intuitive, not just in terms of motivation. Sagittarius on behalf of brilliant after reflection ability, but is not limited to celebrate, joy but is not limited to, profound reflection ability made him focus on growth, and improve their soul, and let your body to be free, become particularly important.
Capricorn: big red; With a good sense of time, money, determination, generosity, wisdom, supergroup, extremely confident, but the heart is a sentimental and tender person, like to delight others and will be determined.
Aquarius woman: smoky gray; Aquarius people like trivial pursuit, clever, not according to the CARDS out, enjoy the free way of life, the pursuit of objective, scientific and universal truth, full of anticipation for the development of the new century and the future of mankind.
Pisces woman: yellow; Pisces is a constellation that cannot be evaluated with a single standard. It is the most complex and difficult constellation in the zodiac.Read more at:

History of dance

​Established in 1661, Louis xiv ordered the royal institute of dance, to organize and standardize the palace dance work, determine the specifications, style, and performance style of operation and terms as the dance moves and unified use French name, these activities not only promoted the development and spread of the palace dance, and to lay the solid foundation to establish the system of classical ballet technique.Still in use in the classical ballet feet five basic position and basic steps, it is in this period to determine 1588 t. alborz published book choreography, we can find that the palace dance around in the 16th century began to finalize the design, according to the chart and description, can be roughly makes some court dance recovery.The duration of each court dance is varied, although some dance forms appear early, but the true prevalence is later, even after the first 100 ~ 200 years.All kinds of dances are not consistent in the time of national popularity. With the development of life, the change of social customs and the simplicity of clothing, the outdated dance is constantly replaced by new dance.During 16 ~ 17 century successively in the court of popular dance, brown, the most popular variation, on the emergence and development of many dance dance has a great influence, it is said that the minuet is evolved from Mr Brown's.The most representative court dance of the 17th century was the minuet, which concentrated the essence of the court dance culture until the French revolution of 1789.It was popular in the European court and was known as the "king of dancing".Even long after it was no longer popular, it was retained in the classical dance education system as an important part of the actor's training.Later, the more popular is the cheerful garvot and the French dance, which probably originated in the English country dance.The popular dance dance of the 18th century was polonaise and even delle.Popular in the 19th century were polk, mazurkas, and galoplope, but the most popular.

It was a waltz from even delle.Before aristocratic society accept the waltz, court dance are mostly men and women together in pairs, facing the same direction to jump to the dance, even in the pattern change jump dance partner face to face when men and women also need to keep quite a distance, and the emergence of the waltz has provided a brand-new posture to dance, the male and female partner face to face, by a man in a woman's waist.This position shortens the distance between partners and provides more convenience for emotional communication.And waltz dance simple, need not stipulated the strict design and pattern, just down the hall freely rotating substantially, these characteristics are make it popular for a long time, is better than a contemporary various dance important reasons.

In Europe, in addition to the court and noble mansion is often a party, for the upper ruling class to provide companionship and entertainment venues, the 17th century, had appeared in the British public ballroom, the dance is mostly a royal or noble palace dance teacher to teach and presided over the palace dance, but participants to expand into the middle class.As the public halls opened more and more on the continent, the common people gradually took part in such activities.The formality, strict, affectation, and the need for special learning to master the court dance are increasingly unable to meet the social needs of people of different classes.The bourgeois revolution and the two wars almost destroyed all the royal families in Europe, and the court dance declined. The public dance hall replaced the court and became an important place for social activities.A large number of new dance forms, which are simple, formal and convenient for participants to express their emotions spontaneously, have been introduced into the dance hall, and dance dance has begun to enter the era of social dance of modern society.Read more at:www.KissyProm.co.uk| long prom dresses uk

5 Fall 2017 fashion trends for women

By: Michelle Pulfrey , Kelly TaylorPOSTED: AUG 03 2017 10:37AM PDT

UPDATED: AUG 03 2017 10:37AM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11) -

Joyce Azria, daughter of BCBG's Max Azria, is fashion royalty.

She's putting her own stamp on fashion with her new line Avec Les Filles and stopped by Good Day LA to share her favorite fall trends!

1. Leather Items – Invest in Valuable Looking Pieces

photo

2. City Girl – Mixing Casual & Dressy for ultimate chic factor

3. Just add shoes – Pieces that Reduce Stress

4. Go Bold – Take risks in colors & pattern and on items that make you smile

5. Robe Life – This Seasons Key Item, takes your from day to night

Instagram: @aveclesfilles

Facebook: @aveclesfillesofficial

More about Joyce Azria:

In less than one year, retail entrepreneur Joyce Azria and her team worked with a small group of trusted partners to fast-track the successful launch of Avec Les Filles, a new women’s contemporary lifestyle brand offering RTW and accessories with a playfully sophisticated, French aesthetic.

Avec Les Filles is an innovative, forward-thinking fashion brand infused with Azria’s spirit. It’s also the first brand to think outside the rules of fashion, with a dynamic pricing model that’s inclusive and allows everyone to “play together nicely”. “The line is really for everyone,” Azria said. “Today, an 18-year-old, a 30-year-old, a 60-year-old. It’s really mixed.”

The Avec Les Filles shops at Macy’s are designed to evoke a boutique environment, rather than the typical department store shop-in-shop.

Azria, the former Creative Director for BCBGeneration, said, “We’re launching faster than any brand I know… When you have the right partners in everything you do, then time is exponential. When everyone is working with deeper commitments, the impossible is possible.”

Offering bi-monthly deliveries and sold at over 200 Macy’s retail locations, the majority of women’s pieces are priced at less than $100 while shoes start at $150 and leather jackets at $495.

The brand offers ready to wear, shoes, leather, denim, fine jewelry, belts, hosiery and will launch outerwear, contemporary jewelry, handbags and lingerie in the coming months.

Read more at:vintage bridesmaid dresses | plus size bridesmaid dresses

Newsreader wardrobe nightmares - from Sharpie boobs to sequinned dresses

Dressing for live television has got to be a minefield. Even if you get it right, your colleagues might be wearing the same thing.

Australia's Nine News presenters have demonstrated that after a clip of Amber Sherlock giving Julie Snook a hard time was leaked.

That one is all passive aggression and outright cringing, but some newsreader fashion fails are pretty funny. Join us for a look back.

In March last year, ABC News 24 reporter Ros Childs wore a blush blouse with black piping and buttons. Unfortunately, both for Childs herself and because she was reporting on a tragic suicide bombing in Turkey, no one could get past the fact that it looked like she'd drawn boobs on a shirt.

Closer to home, TV3 weather presenter Kanoa Lloyd came under scrutiny for hear appearance in August last year.

Twitter users said she needed to sack her stylist, and asked "why do they keep black prom dresses uk u like an old lady?"

Lloyd is gorgeous, but that's hardly the point. Surely she should be able to do her job without unnecessary and uninvited commentary on the way she looks.

She responded, saying that she loved the dress in question and also generally chose her own clothes. Nice one.

"We want to start the New Year with a slightly more informal look - a New Zealand look - that means dressing for the story and the occasion," it read, according to the Herald on Sunday.

For women, that meant no bare arms or patterns, and for men it's all about the open collars and rolled-up sleeves. Very low key.

COVER-UP CARDIGAN

Moving over to the United States, there's the story of KTLA 5 weather presenter Liberte Chan, who was told to cover up mid-way through her broadcast.

Chan was handed a cardigan to put on over her beaded black dress in an awkward on-air moment that remained unequalled until the three white shirts situation we saw on Friday.

While many people online thought Chan had been treated poorly, she wasn't worried.

"People are kind of spinning it and saying that it was sexist. ... I thought it was kind of funny," she wrote in a post on Facebook.

THAT ONE WEATHER DRESS

This one isn't a nightmare or a fail, really, but it would be if they all turned up to the same party.

Dozens of weather presenters across the US were snapped wearing the same US$23 (NZ$35) blue prom dresses that's sold on Amazon.

We can see why: it's a block colour, it has sleeves, and it's flattering on just about everyone.

Kiwi weather presenters agreed. TV3's Ingrid Hipkiss said "it really ticks all the boxes."

"If you look up a perfect [TV weather] dress in the dictionary, it'd be there," she added.

Charity Preview Glitz and Glam: 2017 fashion trends

As a German translator and product planner for Volkswagen, Mary Paulson attended her fair share of North American International Auto Show Charity Previews during her 33-year career and spent a lot of time hunting for elegant gowns.

Now a sales associate for The Clothing Cove in Milford, she scours racks to help other women find the red prom dresses uk that makes them look and feel spectacular all evening.

“I tell all the women, ‘I used to do color and trim on cars. You’re just a different body for me now, ’ ” she laughs in the dressing room as she assists Grosse Ile neighbors Karen Wright and Marcia Pflum, two of the 20 women searching for Charity Preview dresses at the shop Saturday.

Wright, 46, and Pflum, 47, had backups in their closets, but they drove an hour from home to browse the family owned store’s 2,000 one-of-a-kind gowns.

“You never know, you might find something that knocks your socks off,” Wright says, eyeing a red beaded dress.

Pflum also wanted to avoid what happened two years ago.

“I bought a dress from Macy’s, and about 20 other people had the same dress on, so I’m trying to find something unique,” she says.

As the neighbors tried on a colorful stack of dresses, Enza Sleva, a Ford Motor Co. global consumer experience manager, settled on a dress with pewter brocade fabric.

An hour later, Wright and Pflum both said yes to a dress.

Attedees of the Charity Preview, one of the most exclusive and high-profile social events in Detroit, spend $400 per ticket (the money goes to Michigan children’s charities) and much more to get dolled up for the black-tie event at Cobo Center.

Sales manager Kelly Achino, who’s helped women find gowns and accessories for the Charity Preview the past eight years, takes pride in completing a look.

“It’s fun when someone comes in the door, and they leave with shoes, a purse, necklaces and bracelets, and the little Spanx underneath to keep everything tucked,” Achino says, adding that their prices fit every woman’s budget.

Gowns, jewels and hairdos

A few dozen women shop at The Clothing Clove for auto prom each year, Achino says, and about half opt for the classic black dress that they jazz up with glitzy jewelry. But she’s spotted a new fad this year.

“We’ve seen a little bit of a trend in shorter dresses, which really surprised me,” Achino says. “Traditionally, they have always been long gowns, but I’ve had a handful do cocktails this year. That means they go crazy with their jewelry and really fun shoes.”

Long, one-shoulder dresses and strapless jumpsuits also are in style, says Surae Johnson, a My Stylist personal shopper at the Macy’s in Somerset Collection in Troy.

“Cold shoulder dresses — (with) cut outs by the shoulders — are very popular, especially in the velour fabric,” she says.

If you are wearing a long dress, Johnny Nikollaj, co-owner of Salon 6 in Royal Oak and Birmingham, advises to go easy on the hair — perhaps by styling it in loose waves or curls.

“You don’t want to take away too much from the dress,” he says.

There’s good news for the ladies who can’t stand bobby pins poking into the scalp: The fancy up-dos aren’t in vogue this year.

“A lot of people are getting down-dos,” or sexy curls, “kind of like runway hair,” Nikollaj says.

His two salons booked about 75 appointments for the Charity Preview, which is more than previous years.

“It’s a big day for us because a lot of people — guys and girls — want to get their hair done and look good for it,” he says.

Since opening three years ago a few blocks from Cobo, Salon Detroit is booked up Friday.

Stylist Maisha Fleming says blunt cuts — similar to bobs, but straight instead of round — are popular right now. But for women in evening gowns, she recommends putting hair up.

“I like a traditional ponytail,” she says, “but very sleek and polished.”

Meagan Mitchell, owner of Meagan Mitchell Salon in Ferndale, has styled hair for the event the past 15 years. This year, she has a handful of business women opting for their usual style “with a twist.”

“They might add a little rhinestone barrette to a side bang or take their hair off their face if they wear it on their face,” she says.

Yet some won’t know what they want until they sit in her chair. “(One client is) still trying to decide which black prom dresses she’s going to wear,” Mitchell laughs.

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