HOORAY for Hollywood

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 18, 2004 by DEB ACORD THE GAZETTE

At this year's Academy Awards ceremony, actress Charlize Theron won an Oscar for... well, never mind.

We're not talking acting talent here. We're talking fashion, as in what was Theron wearing? A simple gold beaded Gucci sheath. And how about Nicole (as in Kidman)? A shimmery Chanel. Or Julia Roberts? A tawny Armani.

On Oscar night, it's all about the fashion -- kind of like on prom night, when high school girls go all out to make themselves stand out in a sea of tulle and taffeta.

Sure, girls can go for the ever-popular princess look for prom, and it's in style again this year, in delicate shades of pink, deeper blue and lavender hues, whites and ivories. But girls who really want to stand out -- to be the queen, not the princess, of the prom -- can take their cues from the big girls on the red carpet.

You won't find a dress identical to the one Julia wore, but you easily can find gowns with details, colors or styles that mimic the looks loved by today's stars.

We took models Samantha and Amanda to Camille La Vie at The Shops at Briargate and Dillard's at The Citadel mall and shopped with Hollywood in mind. Looks that paralleled the red carpet included glowing satin, chiffon draping, beads and trains, dramatic new colors and even a halter treatment with rhinestones.

Check out these Hollywood looks for prom.

TIPS

Tips for a perfect prom day, from www.promdress-envy.com:

Eat a good breakfast and lunch.

Don't wash your hair (an up-do will last longer with hair that isn't squeaky clean).

Don't miss your hair, nails and makeup appointments.

Wear a shirt you don't have to take off over your head.

After you pick up your date's boutonniere, put it in the refrigerator.

Put some extra cash in your purse.

Arrange to have your parents take photos of you and your date, even if you plan to have photos taken at the dance.

TRENDS

Citrus tones

Classic color comboinations such as black and white or red and white

Cinderella looks

All shades of pink

Sophisticated black

Sophisticated looks

Looks that mimic TV and Hollywood

Interesting hemlines with layers, angles

Sparkle, with beads, rhinestones, glitter

Ladylike looks, very feminine

Punk and funk

SOURCES: Sara Rogers at Mall of America, Deborah Kagan, store manager of Camille La Vie