Witnessed my daughters first Winter Formal (Sadie Hawkins Dance) this past Saturday and as excited I was for her to be able to go as a Junior (she was finally in town and not competing on a volleyball court in another state), her boyfriend found out that he was going to be the one traveling this year and not be able to make it.

The Ask

With the excitement of all of it, she decided to pivot and ask him anyway – but to another schools Winter Formal a week later where they could both be in town and enjoy together. The ask had to be big and her timing could not have been better…she literally waited for the last seconds of the “>Los Angeles Chargers fell to her Las Vegas Raiders. She stood outside his parents front door, rang the doorbell as the clock ran out and his reaction was priceless.

He said yes and they were off to planning, and even though he was not in town for their own high school formal to go together, she ultimately decided to still go to her own formal alongside friends in this beautiful Satin Sleeveless Spaghetti Strap Dress with Side slit Cowl Neck Cocktail Party Dress. The icing on the cake is that his event got changed and he was now able to surprise her and join her for a few hours of photos and corsage donning that night…I just love surprises.

The Dress

The hunt for the dress to wear began in November and she wore something more bold than she would usually choose. This green number was presented to me while she was doing some online browsing and she fell in love with it! It fit her like a glove and covered all the requirements her school had for the must have long dresses. It is hard to order online for a 6’2 build so always order larger and your seamstress will soon become your bestie.

This time of year is a popular time for winter formals – whether you’re in high school, college or beyond – put together a little dress guide with some pretty options at a variety of price points. 

The Hair, The Make-Up , The Lashes Oh My!

As for hair, makeup and lashes. You can never go wrong with Dry Bar- the app is best bet to book and a Dry-Style may be all you need. We like the location at Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach as with time permitting, you could plan an early lunch at the hotel then walk across to the club residences where the spa and dry bar are located for your “do” to be done. Valet is comped with any dry bar appt and the view is always breathtaking.

This location is key as just up the street is Fashion Island where no appointment is needed for lashes at the MAC Extended Play Lash – Endlessly Black” data-type=”URL” data-id=”MAC Extended Play Lash – Endlessly Black“>Mac Lash Counter– they get you in an out in 10 minutes and if you want your eyes done- add another 10 minutes. They can do all your makeup with MAC product but be prepared to spend some funds and time as an appt is needed to paint the face.

Location, Location, Location

Picture Perfect

Photos for Winter Formal in Southern California always include a body of water backdrop, so why not choose the Pacific Ocean location perched up on the coastal bluff of the Seaside Luxury Montage Hotel & Spa in Laguna Beach. Yes, valet is $70 but after drinks in the lobby or dinner at Mosaic or in The Loft- your validated parking is a steal at $25 for what you get in return!

Dinner at the White House

Owner of the famous restaurant and historic landmark

Dancing in the Presidents East Wing

Located in the heart of Orange County, The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is located in Yorba Linda, California and houses the Santa Margarita Catholic High School students danced under the stunning crystal chandeliers in the 4,800 square foot

Transportation

Whether you drive yourself or rent a 60 person limo bus, we just want the kids to arrive safely but have fun. Opening your dates door, ensuring good tunes en route as catching the 73 to the 55 to the 405 to the 241 will always make for a good convo and memorable journey. “Enjoy the Ride” as the beloved Meatloaf would say…in honor of his passing on 1/21/2022- treat yourself and head down PCH to Sound Spectrum in Laguna Beach, purchase “>”Paradise by the Dashboard Lights”