Michelle's Must-Have Christmas List!

Hello Everyone!!



If you are like me, you have waited until the last minute and have just realized there are only 10 days until Christmas! Oh. My. Mistletoe!

Hopefully, our Michelle's Must-Have Christmas List will help you in this busy hurry rush rush box, wrap and bow days ahead!

1. Calm down! Especially if you are around others. If you are stressed, others around you will be stressed. De-stressing will help you think clearly! My favorite de-stresser is a Bubble Bath and I love this product from Bath & Body Works. The body lotion stays with you throughout the day. You can even get the plug ins for your hope to keep the smell of calmness in your home from day to day. I love it because it always reminds me of a Spa! So, let's start with you so you can then concentrate on others in your life!

2. Sparkle! It doesn't matter if you are wearing sweats and tennis shoes, a pair of rhinestone earrings immediately brighten your face and adds light, and POOF! you are immediately dressed up!

 Search for everyday moments that make life sparkle. Maybe it is a smile from your child. Maybe it is a co-worker who went that extra mile. Maybe it is a home cooked meal. Maybe it is getting off work an hour earlier than expected! Maybe it is an unexpected text from a friend. A compliment. A much needed hug. Those are the real sparkles of life. But, if you are like me, and believe every girl should sparkle, regardless of the situation, rhinestone jewelry is a perfect gift to give! We love anything by Jim Ball! Available at Michelle's Formal Wear. As Ashlin says, "Nothing is complete without a little piece of Bling"!

3. Christmas Get-Togethers...you are either dreading these or you are looking forward to these festive parties! Maybe you are dreading it because you do not have the perfect outfit to wear! That is usually the reason why I dread any event...my mind automatically goes to wardrobe. I think most women feel the same way. There are so many wonderful trends right now that can work for Winter right into Spring so they are great pieces to buy and will last through several seasons. And please do not forget your hostess gift! If you have been invited to someone's home, always bring the hostess something...a bottle of wine, a gift certificate, something to show that you appreciate being there. Here are a few of our favorite looks that will easily go from Work to Party or Winter to Spring.

 

                                       

4. Quick Gifts! AGH! Someone is coming over and you know they are bringing something! It's the last day of school and you have forgotten to buy teacher gifts and you know those are among the most important! Let me help you!! Gift Cards! iTunes, Visa Gift Cards, Paypal Gift Cards, Restaurant Gift Cards...and they sell them everywhere from Rite Aid to Dollar General to even Michelle's Formal Wear...shameless plug! Keep one or two on hand just in case you need something for an Emergency Gift!

5. Whew! We made it half-way through the list!! Aren't you ready for something for you again? I mean, you are the one out shopping! Those feet...those poor feet need to be pampered!! They have been walking, standing, running, and even prancing in heels...someone once said we do what men do and even backwards in high heels throughout the day! If that is so, our tootsies need help! Stop shopping and scoot in to a Spa for a well-deserved Pedicure! While you are there, pick up a Gift Certificate for a friend!

6. After that much needed Christmas Pedicure, and don't you feel FABULOUS?, it's back to shopping!! Tree stands hold up Christmas Trees. Beautiful custom wheels hold up the beautiful Lexus with the big Red Bow. You now have beautiful toes to hold you up while shopping. Let's not forget about holding up your bottom and holding in what needs to be held! I believe every outfit for a Special Occasion when you are showing up to show out could always benefit from a pair of Spanx! From size 00 to size 32...we all need Spanx! And, they have tights now! Bonus!! Oh! Guess where you can buy Spanx? Michelle's!! What a coincidence!!

7. Bangles, Bracelets, Stacking and Mismatching! The more bracelets, the better - various shapes, sizes, and mixing metals is totally fine! We love this look! From Bourbon and Boweties to any bracelet that you can find, the more the merrier! We have so many different and unique colors to choose from and will help you pair your favorite colors together! We also wrap for you...at Michelle's...there is that name again! 

8. When I have spare time, I love to read. Especially, I love to read anything that is a quick read and is inspiring and will teach me something that will help me in my day to day life. Well, here is a quick read from a self-made successful woman, I love her Oprah-isms! I actually found this book at Target last night so for those of you who like to shop online...www.target.com. 

What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Moments of Truth $25

9. Monograms! Oh how we love our Initials! We love your Initials! We love everyone's Initials! And the newest trend...Monograms on Clutches! Every color for every outfit! You usually can find the clutches for $35-$45 and the Monogramming for $8-$10. Perfect Gift for that Special Heart Friend! We have the Clutches at Michelle's...I know...I couldn't resist!

10. The last and final Michelle's Must-Have Christmas Item is your PRESENCE! Just being there for others. Volunteer at your local food bank. Deliver food to the less fortunate. Shop for those in need through Black Crow Media's Annual Tree of Giving. Remember those closest to you who may need you now more than ever. Maybe their needs haven't been heard publicly yet but you can just tell that a visit is needed, an extra hug, or a "Thinking of You" card...yes...people do still send things in the mail. Most of the time, I think all of the time, your PRESENCE is ENOUGH. You are ENOUGH! :) 

We hope you have enjoyed Michelle's Must-Have Christmas List 2014!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Michelle's is open from 10am to 6pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 10-4 on Saturday. 

We are closed on Wednesday and Sunday. We do offer custom free gift wrapping also! 

xoxo!

Michelle

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Be Original!

White Doesn't Always Win!

Susie Q has won every single pageant from here to Alabama in 2014 in a white dress. Little Betty Sue has been her 1st Runner Up each time in a beautiful blue dress. Guess what Betty Sue thinks she needs now? She must have it! Right now! Betty Sue must have a WHITE DRESS! NOW! It is what is going to WIN!!!! 

No!! It is not the dress!!! 

It is the person wearing the dress. Betty Sue just needs to tweak a few things and I promise you, she will win in her beautiful blue dress because she is being herself! 

So throw out what you have always heard..."White Wins" and "Book me Blue"...wear the color that is best for YOU...even if that is a purple polka dot dress with a bright yellow bow. 

I know this Blog seems to follow the lines of pageantry, but it also applies to life. Sometimes we want to copy others because they are so successful at what they are doing and by golly, they make it look so easy! Everyone has a talent. Everyone has a special gift. God made us all completely DIFFERENT and DIFFERENT is good! Dig down deep and reach for those talents and gifts that set you apart from everyone else and use those to be successful. Don't take the easy way out and copy someone else. An original is always worth more than an imitiation. 

As Pinocchio says in Shrek the Musical "Let your Freak Flag Fly"! All of the things that make you special are the things that make you strong! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUFPWW7IqCU

xoxo,

Michelle...with a Blog

Remember when I asked for your Opinion?

….neither do I!



Just teasing!!! I have jokes!

Opinions…

So you have purchased THE DRESS…and let's just say THE DRESS is a PAGEANT DRESS for today's blog. But, it could be a Wedding Dress and insert a Mother or MIL for the Pageant Judge. It could be a Prom Dress and insert a Best Friend or Boyfriend for the Pageant Judge. I promise, it will all tie back together in a nice little bow.

Back to THE DRESS…you spent three hours selecting the perfect dress with the right accessories, spent hours with your coach, hair and makeup artist, and you are ready to walk onto the big stage! This is your moment to show the world you and your bright and shiny new dress! You are so proud! Your walk…flawless. Smile…sparkling. Hair…on point! Third Runner Up…YOU. 

WHAT???!!

Clap! Be thankful! Really, honestly, be thankful. Never take a placement for granted. Thank the directors for their time. Congratulate the winners. Smile. And, make a B-Line for the Judge's Table! 

And, remember before you even ask..you paid for their opinion. Yep…you sure did. 

• Judge #1 Loved you, loved the dress, the walk, the interview…everything!
• Judge #2 Honestly, it was between you and the winner. 
• Judge #3 (brace yourself) Who let you buy that dress? It's hideous. My eyes still hurt. Burn it so no one else ever has to see it or wear it again. Do it now. Do not wait. Run, Forest, Run! 

I told you to brace yourself. You cannot say I did not warn you. Now, don't you dare cry. I mean it. Don't do it. The opinion of Judge #3 is just that. His opinion. Don't let his opinion ruin your love for THE DRESS. (See how you can insert Mom, MIL, Boyfriend or Best Friend and Wedding Dress or Prom Dress here?!) You still love it. 

I already know you are nitpicking the dress to death. Going over and over all of the flaws he found with the dress with a fine toothed comb. It's NOT worth it! This will just drive you batty! 

As Elsa would say…."Let It Go"!  

On to the next pageant! And if you see him sitting at the judge's table, give him a pair of sunglasses before you walk on stage…because you are going to LIGHT IT ON FIRE! 

Hugs!

Michelle…with a Blog

To Suit or Not to Suit?

Interview in Pageantry

This category either makes makes girls run for the hills or brings out girls from the woodwork!

The one question everyone seems to have these days, wear a suit or a dress or pants?

First, look at your paperwork. You would be surprised at the number of contestants and parents who actually do not read all of those typed words that are before "Betty Lou's Favorite Food is Fried Green Tomatoes".

If it is a America Coed Type pageant, they require a traditional Pageant Interview Suit, hose…not the thing that water comes out of in the Summer time…they actually go on your legs, and Nude Heels.

This proud dad read all of the rules…she won the title! 

Classic Interview Suit, Hose, and Nude Heels (also called Pumps)

If it is a Miss America or Miss USA prelim…the rules change drastically when considering Interview Attire. You will see everything from a Sunday Dress to a Saturday Night at the Club Dress to what we consider the most Appropriate Dress…The Custom Knit Interview Dress and...we just happen to have those at Michelle''s Formal Wear (shameless plug)!

And, we also love the peep-toe nude heel…also at Michelle's Formal Wear! 

God Bless the designer who made the peplum! GENIUS! Fashion always goes in a full circle, and our favorite style of Interview Attire definitely pays homage to the styles of the 1940's. 

First off, if you have never heard of it, you will definitely want a definition! A peplum is basically an over skirt, that is usually attached to another garment such as a jacket, shirt, skirt or dress. It's main purpose is to essentially highlight the mini-waist by accentuating the hips. 

Styles from the 1940's…Love them All!

So, we hope this has helped you as you decide "To Suit or Not to Suit"! 

Michelle's Formal Wear not only provides custom Interview Dresses for Teens and Miss Contestants, but this Fall, we will have a speciality line for our Tweens also. 

We also have a wide variety of Nude Shoes from the Classic Heel to the Peep Toe. 

Hugs!

Michelle…with a Blog

Searching for Models!

Oh Models! Oh Models! Where are our Models?!

It is time for our Annual Model Search at 

Michelle's Formal Wear! 

Some interesting facts about the Model Search:

• Dress Designers select our Models each Year!
• Our Models are featured in Commercials!
• Our Models are featured on Billboards!
• Our Models are featured in Magazines!
• Our Models are featured in Brochures!
• Our Models are featured in Fashion Shows!

Some of our Models are asked to Model at the Apparel Marts from being seen by the Dress Designers during the Selection Process. 

Um…Why is there a Fee, Michelle?

Well, because we like to feed our Models throughout the year! We encourage eating, and we take care of all of the expenses throughout the year while you are a Model at Michelle's! And, you get an Official Michelle's Model T-Shirt! Hello!?! 

So…like…how do I enter?

Well, you have to be between the ages of 12 and 19 and sizes 00-32. To enter, visit our website at www.michellesformalwear.net and download the Model Search Application. After filling out the application, mail or deliver it, along with the $30 to PO Box 866 Adel, GA 31620. Or you can Paypal the fee to michellesformalwear@hotmail.com. 

Well…I'm still a little confused…well, my mom is confused?!

That's ok! Have her call us! (229) 896-2748 or Email us at michelle@michellesformalwear.net

Say Yes to the Dress??

How do you REALLY know if this is THE dress?

• Everyone in the store loves it. 
• Michelle loves it. 
• It either fits or can be easily altered by the famous Lawana, our in-house seamstress. 
• It is the right color for your skin tone. 
• It is the right length with your shoes. What? You didn't bring your shoes? Always bring your shoes or ask for a pair of ours so we can make sure we get a complete look. 
• You love the earrings and bracelet that we have accessorized with it. 
• Your BFF, your Aunt, your Cousin, your Mom and your Neighbor have all taken pictures using their various iPhones with different angles. Every. Single. Angle. 
• You have sent the pictures, all of the pictures, to your other BFF, who couldn't be there, and she like LOVES it, also. 

But, unless the dress makes you want to do this in the middle of our street….

If it does, and you are ready to run out right now, after you have paid for the dress, the shoes, the earrings and the bracelet….honey, grab your Michelle's Formal Wear Pink Garment Bag…look both ways...and run for the street!!! We will be dancing and taking pictures behind you! 

What happens on an Average Day in the World of Michelle's Formal Wear?

Several have asked! 

Some have even thought they may want to work here!

Who wouldn't? It is as fun as it looks on the inside as it looks on the outside!

Let's see…on an average day…well, first of all, we do not have average days at Michelle's!

The phone beats us ringing before we can open the door each morning at 9:30am before customers can arrive at 10:00am. Internet orders have been placed throughout the night while we slept soundly in our beds, dreaming of rhinestones and 6"heels. Often, we get phone calls of desperation, hoping we can repair mistakes from another dress shop or an online order placed from somewhere else. We get calls wanting a dress that is needed this upcoming weekend, that is sold out all over the country, but we are able to get this particular dress straight from the designer because Michelle knows them all by name. I think she is even invited to their Thanksgiving Dinners!

But the second best part of our day is when the UPS and the FEDEX men arrive. Not just because they are so nice, but they are always bringing us goodies. We are little girls on Christmas Morning as we open boxes from Sherri Hill, Terik Ediz, Mac Duggal, Rachel Allan, Tony Bowls, and Jovani!

The single best part of the day is seeing the smile on the girl who has finally decided after dress after dress after dress after store after store after store and she waited to come to Michelle's Formal Wear last; she found her dress and words simply cannot explain the excitement we all share with her when we all realize with her that this is the one.

This is truly the best job ever and it is only for the truly blessed! 

Homecoming 2014…To Trend or Not to Trend?

Our first blog!

What to say?

What not to say?

Well, we decided on the Trends of Homecoming 2014!

The only Trend for 2014 was that there was not a Trend for 2014. Each girl buying the dress decided exactly her individualized style, and did not allow designers to bully her into a specific style, color, or design. From illusions, appliques, rhinestones, sequins, two-pieces, chiffon, tulle, and jersey…over 11,000 Homecoming Dresses have made their way through Michelle's Formal Wear this Homecoming Season. 

The one Trend for sure is that Mothers and Daughters still do not necessarily agree on the right dress! We are predicting this will be true for many years to come, as it has been true for the past twenty years. 

So, stand proud girls! You stood up to the designers! 

You selected your own dresses! 

GIRL POWER!

We cannot wait to dress every girl in the South and across America for Prom 2015. Be sure to visit our Instagram @michellesformalwear and our website at www.michellesformalwear.net to stay up to date on all new arrivals. 

Some of our favorite looks of the season! We hope you all had a great time! Thanks for tagging us on Instagram!