One of the best gifts anyone can get, especially a teenager girl, is a shopping spree. Even better, is a complete shopping spree and makeover for prom!
Diane Tian, 18, a senior at Bayside High School, entered and won the prom 2010 contest sponsored by The Queens Courier and, on Monday, May 24, met celebrity stylist Jenn Michael at the Queens Center Mall to figure out how to spend her $300 Queens Center American Express gift card. Tian and Michael had no problems with that task.
“I’m happy about getting the money, but I’m happier to have a stylist,” said Tian, who will attend SUNY Binghamton in the fall. “I’m usually always studying and not worried about what I look like.”
Michael, who works at the “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” show, said that when she works with clients she listens carefully to their wish list as far as for colors and styles, but also tries to guide them. For teens she has additional approaches.
At Tian’s first stop, Social Apparel, a rainbow of choices awaited. Tian told Michael that she preferred a long, perhaps strapless, dress. To her luck, Michael found a few options that fit Tian’s taste and personality.
“I always try to consider age appropriate dresses, dresses that are appropriate for the event itself, vibrant and fun colors,” Michael said. “Prom is a formal event and for many girls it’s their first.”
Since Tian had $300 to spend, she definitely had enough for shoes and accessories. According to Michael, the type of shoes someone chooses – especially for an event like prom – depends on the dress. If the dress is long, choose shoes for comfort over style, but if the dress is short, “the heels may be pulling the outfit together and you may have to forgo comfort.”
Tian laughed. “I don’t know how to dance,” she said, admitting that she plans to go barefoot at one point during prom. “I heard from my friends that the best part is dressing up!”
Along with the gift card, Tian, the grand prize winner, received a complete prom makeover, including complete hair and makeup courtesy of Christie & Co. Salon • Spa and flowers donated by Queens Garden Florist.
The second runner up was Jennifer Vasquez, 18, of Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. She will receive a $100 Queens Center Mall American Express gift card, a $50 gift certificate from Love My Shoes in Bayside, and two tickets to a Mets game.
