quinceanera dresses

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Quince dresses come in every color of the crayon box — it’s hard to pick a favorite! But do you want to know the color I love? Pink! I love pink because it reminds me of sweet things like bubble gum and cotton candy. Pink can be romantic, charming, and playful. Pink to me is "sugar and spice and everything nice."

Considering so many girls choose pink as their quince color, you may be wondering how to make your pink unique. Well, you’ve come to the right place! I have plenty of ideas for turning pink into a fun party theme that suits your personality.

Remember, pink comes in so many shades: from soft ballerina pink to medium rose tones, to pinkish-orange salmon and coral, to bright purplish-pink fuchsia or magenta. The shade you choose can say something about you:

• Pastel pink is tender and romantic. It’s also symbolic of a cause that’s very close to the hearts of many women finding a cure for breast cancer, the leading cause of death among Latina/Hispanic women. As part of your theme, you could encourage guests to support pinkribbon.org or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• Darker shades of pink combined with purple and burgundy give a retro, Victorian touch.
• Multiple shades of pink create a candyland as sweet as you.
• Hot pink flamingos add a tropical, playful touch.
• Pink combined with dark colors like black, silver, gray, or navy shows sophistication.
• Pink combined with green can represent a love for nature and be used to make a "save the planet" statement.

Are you thinking about pink for your quince? What theme would you create with pink?

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When your quince is over, it’s natural to think, now what? Some girls feel a letdown after the excitement of the planning and the party ends. Relatives fly back home, friends no longer come over for dance rehearsals ... you’re not the center of attention anymore. But don’t get depressed! In two short years, you will get to celebrate another big, glamorous milestone: PROM! (or la graduación, in Spanish-speaking countries).

After all the money you spent on quince, you may be worried about how you’re going to afford prom. After all, the average prom-goer spends $790 on the night! There is good news: For prom, you can reuse some of your quinceañera items and apply the budget-saving tips you’ve learned from me.

Budget and Prioritize

• Just like you did for your quince, make a budget and start saving right away for the expenses you’ll definitely have: the ticket, the limo, the post-prom plans, the beauty products. But rethink how much you need to spend on fashion. Can you reinvent your quince dress and use the same accessories and shoes? This could save you major dinero!

Shop for a Quince Dress with Prom in Mind

• For prom, you’ll want to look stunning in a more Hollywood-glam way, rather than in the fairy-tale style suited for quinceañera (with poofy skirts). You could consider a “convertible” quince dress, which has a detachable skirt. You can wear the dress without the full skirt for your prom.

Take Your Quince Dress to a Talented Seamstress

• Maybe some adjustments can be made to your dress, like shortening the skirt, changing the sleeves, or attaching the bodice to a different skirt. The cost of revamping your quince dress could be less than buying a new prom dress, if you know the right seamstress.

Trade In Your Dress

• Visit donatemydress.org and look up dress donation drives in your area. Call them to ask if they’d let you trade in your quinceañera dress for a prom dress that someone has donated.

Did you or someone you know reuse a quince dress for prom? Tell us!

Do you believe in horoscopes? For centuries, people have looked to horoscopes — charts that show the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and other celestial objects at the time of your birth — to predict personality traits and your future. Horoscopes are found in many teen and women’s magazines. It’s all in good fun.

I do believe that movements in the sky and the change of seasons influence our mood, personality, and the way we relate to one another. I always love reading my horoscope, so I decided to figure out what your sign says about the beauty and fashion choices you’ll make for your quince!

Aries Quinceañeras
March 21st – April 20th
Now that you are not a little girl any more, make sure to get the attention that you want with a gown that is as unforgettable as you are. Remember this is your day. You are an old-fashioned girl — consider a dress with pretty lace. Don’t be afraid to show off your glowing skin with something custom-made.

Taurus Quinceañeras
April 21st – May 21st
Your neck and shoulder areas are your strength, so choose a dress with a neckline that showcases your upper body, like a halter. You look great in simple yet elegant styles. Enhance your beautiful features with vintage jewelry.

Gemini Quinceañeras
May 22nd – June 23rd
Emphasize your torso, arms, and hands. Gloves look great on you, especially with a strapless dress and bracelets. Skip the traditional white or silver shoes and put on high heels in a bright color.

Cancer Quinceañeras
June 23rd – July 23rd
Femininity is your strength, so give into your inner princess. Lace looks just right on you. You can embellish with pearls and ribbon to enhance your girlie qualities. Your strong body part is your neckline, so consider a strapless dress. You can incorporate a family heirloom by wearing your grandmother's necklace.

Leo Quinceañeras
July 24th – August 23rd
You are exuberant, dramatic, and glamorous. Like your sign (a lion, king of the jungle), you are natural royalty. Make a grand entrance to your quince by arriving in style. Wear a dress embellished with beads, crystals, and anything that sparkles.

Virgo Quinceañeras
August 24th – September 23rd
You are an earth sign. Wear a simple but feminine gown to bring out your natural beauty. Raw silk is very flattering, especially with a touch of lace. Wear a sash to bring attention to your waistline.

Libra Quinceañeras
September 24th – October 22nd
You are grounded and balanced. Think angelic, flowing, and romantic. Look for a matte silk dress with soft, embroidered flowers, moderately sprinkled with lace and crystal embellishments. A Libra’s strong point is her back, so consider a backless dress, maybe with a bow accent on your shoulder blades or right in the middle of your back.

Scorpio Quinceañeras
October 23nd – November 22nd
Everyone knows that you are a physical person. You are athletic and love to hug. But you are also a mysterious individual. You want attention and you know how to get it. Wear something that makes everyone stare. A strapless dress with small details around the hips, something silky but not too tight, will do the trick.

Sagittarius Quinceañeras
November 23rd – December 21st
You're sporty and informal, with tons of personality, and what you wear should reflect that. An A-line dress in a simple, comfortable style, complemented with sparkling jewelry, suits you perfectly.

Capricorn Quinceañeras
December 22nd – January 20th
Your look is natural and basic with a touch of old-world glamour. For you, less is more in pastel colors or an antique-looking white, like ivory or oyster. Crystals look great on you. Even though you can be quiet and formal, wear a little bling on your ears or fingers to avoid looking too plain.

Aquarius Quinceañeras
January 21st – February 19th
You are unpredictable and can be like the girl next-door or totally wild. You’ll look great in either a simple gown with captivating details or a wild, brighter dress. Consider a one-shoulder dress with floating layers in semi-sheer fabrics.

Pisces Quinceañeras
February 20th – March 20th
You have a great imagination. You can live out your fantasy and do a classic Cinderella, Little Mermaid, or Belle of the Ball gowns. You can wear ruffles in shimmering fabrics and glossy satin. Get inspired by famous Pisces movie stars like Eva Longoria or Jessica Biel.

So, what do you think? Does it sound like you?

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Silhouettes for today's popular quinceañera gowns fit under these five categories:

1. BALL GOWN: This is the most popular and classic shape for quinceañera. The ball gown consists of a fitted bodice and waistline with a full skirt. It's usually enhanced by a crinoline, the poufy or wired underskirt that makes the skirt full. This look resembles a fairy-tale princess!

2. EMPIRE: The empire-style gown has a high waistline under the bust with a narrower skirt. It was very popular in the '60s, thanks to Princess Grace Kelly and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. This gown flatters very skinny girls and fits with retro party themes.

3. A-LINE: An A-line silhouette is a combination of fit and flare. It's softly shaped at the waist. We call it an A-line because the skirt is in the shape of an "A." A-lines are flattering on almost anyone!

4. SHEATH: The sheath silhouette has a slim bodice and skirt. Though this silhouette is more common for damas than for the quinceañera, it's great for the quince girl who wants to be different and likes a body-hugging style.

5. MERMAID: This variation of a sheath silhouette is suitable for girls who like to show off their curves. The mermaid-style gown is formfitting and flares from the knees down. One warning: This shape is not very comfortable for all-night dancing, so you may want to change your outfit for the dance floor.

Hey, I would love to hear what your dress is like. Which fit was best for you? Post it on the blog!

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As you try on tons of quince dresses, you might be feeling a little self-conscious about your body and your weight. You might wish to lose a few pounds for the occasion, or wish your tummy was a little flatter. Well, hold on a sec! Remember that there is no such thing as “the perfect body.” Celebrating your quince is about celebrating YOU, just the way you are.

If you are suffering from the “gordita” syndrome, listen up! Any one of us with LATIN in her blood is a very special breed of woman called LATINA. We come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. A lot of us are fuller figured, curvier, and average size 12 and up. I know, because I am one of them! So are my abuela, mamá, tías, primas, y sobrinas and most “Hispanicas” I know.

When you are looking for your ideal quince dress, don’t get depressed if you try on a size 10 and it’s a bit snug. Try the next size up until you feel comfortable. Don’t just buy the dress and decide that you’ll lose weight to fit in it — that's the wrong motivation. And if you do lose weight before your party, you can always get the dress that once fit comfortably tailored.

It’s better to have HEALTHY EATING HABITS before, during, and after your quinceañera. As long as your weight is proportional to your height (ask your doctor), you don’t have to give up the arroz con frijoles y tamales completely. Just take care of your health and learn to love yourself without trying to live up to other people’s definition of beauty.

Here are some beauty tips to prepare for your big day and to maintain a healthy beauty always!

• Eat three smaller-portioned comidas daily
• Don't skip breakfast
• Eat more frutas y vegetales
• Eat less bread, pasta, y azucar
• Drink lots of agua
• Stay physically active (baila!)
• Develop good feminine-hygiene habits
• Keep your skin, hair, teeth, and nails sparkling clean
• Feel good about yourself. Confidence is beautiful!

Do you agree? What would you say to other quinceañeras about beauty? Comment below.

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1. Western or patriotic theme

Time of the year:
Summer or around July 4th
Your dress:
Red, white, or royal blue
Your court:
Girls — Cropped jean skirts and plaid shirttails tied into a front knot, cowboy boots, and pigtails.
Guys — Blue jeans, plaid shirts, cowboy hats, and bolo ties.
Decoration:
Red, white, and blue all the way!
Food:
Everything barbecue, including chips and salsa.
Music:
Rock-and-roll, country, and all-American, like 80s one-hit wonders and country party music.

2. Luau, tropical, or beach theme

Time of the year:
Summer, unless you live in a coastal city. You can go to the beach or an indoor or outdoor swimming pool.
Your dress:
White, yellow, turquoise, or lime green
Your court:
Girls — Short, flowing white dresses, hula skirts or pareos/sarongs, bright flowers in their hair, and bare feet.
Guys — Rolled-up jeans, Hawaiian shirts or guayaberas, and bare feet
Decoration:
Tropical flowers, fern, and fake or real palm trees. Seashells, pineapples, coconuts, and banana leaves; floral-print tablecloths.
Food:
Finger foods, fresh tropical fruits, veggies, sushi, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, egg rolls, chicken or beef teriyaki, macaroni and potato salads, white rice.
Music:
Latin, reggae, Hawaiian music, surf

3. Hollywood or American star theme

Time of the year:
Anytime! Especially great for during awards season, like in January for the Oscars, June for the ALMA Awards, September for the Emmys and the VMAs, or November for the Latin Grammys.
Your dress:
White, gold, silver — with sparkles!
Your court:
Girls — Sequin dresses with feather boas.
Guys — Tuxes with slicked-back hair and dark glasses. Vests should match the damas’ color.
Decoration:
Stars like the glow-in-the-dark kind you stick to the wall, disco ball, spotlights, movie cameras and reels, red carpet, directors chairs, and your picture everywhere!
Food:
Hollywood is as international as it gets. Anything goes. You can set it up with pictures of your favorite stars, with award statues in between plates.
Music:
Big band, swing, jazz, and all your karaoke favorites

4. Masquerade or Mardi Gras party

Time of the year:
Autumn, winter, Christmas, or February for Mardi Gras
Your dress:
White, purple, orange, red, brown, gold, or copper
Your court:
Girls — Long gowns in different but complementary colors, jazzed up with lace, pearls, gloves, fans, hair feathers, and masks.
Guys — Tuxes with tails, hair slicked back, masks, capes, and canes.
Decoration:
Lots of candles or candelabras, masks, pearls, and feathers on the tables. Fabric draped everywhere, over doorways and at different points in the room, balloons in the metallic/autumn color scheme.
Food:
Hors d'oeuvres, finger foods — these are better for this occasion because they’re easier to handle when you are wearing a costume.
Music:
New Orleans/Cajun, waltz, carnival-like music

5. Hippie or 60s theme

Time of the year:
Spring or summer
Your dress:
Cream or pastel colors
Your court:
Girls — Miniskirts with colorful leggings, big hair, round glasses, boots, bandannas, and daisies.
Guys — Afros, bell bottoms, and peace-sign necklaces
Decoration:
Love beads, peace signs, flower garlands, yellow smiley faces, lava lamps, strobe lights — anything psychedelic!
Food:
Foods that will be easy to serve: Chili; chips with guacamole and salsa; cocktail wieners, either plain or wrapped in a puff pastry; stuffed mushrooms; cherry tomatoes stuffed with tuna salad.
Music:
Go-go, British Invasion, Motown

Tell us what twist you would give these party themes at your own quinceañera! Comment below.

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As with all your planning, don't wait until the last minute to look for a mother-of-the-quinceañera dress. Start shopping six months prior to la fiesta (the same time you're shopping for your own dress).

COLOR

• I recommend choosing a color that complements that of the damas' dresses. If the damas are wearing midnight blue, for example, maybe she can wear sky blue.
• Lots of moms choose to wear black because it's flattering, easy, and classic, but RESIST! This is a fiesta, after all! Black is too dramatic, and besides, there are plenty of other flattering colors to choose from, like navy.
• Choose solid colors over busy prints. It's more flattering, and prints can be distracting. Spruce up solid colors with sparkling jewelry.

FABRIC

• Winter and fall: Go for heavy fabrics, like velvet and brocades.
• Spring and summer: Go for lighter fabrics, like chiffon and silk.

SHAPE

• If she's hourglass (wide shoulders, full bust, narrow waist, and wide hips - curvy!): Go for A-line silhouettes, tailored jackets, straight skirts, and slim pants.
• If she's pear-shaped (narrow shoulders, small bust, wider hips): Focus on the upper body. Go for designs with accents at the neck and shoulders, big jewelry, or wide collars. Draw the attention upward by keeping dark colors below and lighter colors or glitter on top.
• If she's rectangle-shaped (shoulders and hips similar in width, not curvy): Give the illusion of curves to define the waist -- wear details on the bust and on the hips, or wear contrasting colors on the top and bottom. Go for tailored jackets with wide shoulders and wide lapels, or wear tops with flared skirts.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

• Visit designers' Websites. They usually list outlets, where their dresses are sold for cheaper.
• Based on the time of day and season, your mom might be able to pull off a nice pantsuit or separates, like a skirt or pants with a nice top. It might be an outfit she could wear over and over again at the office or to church.

Tell me about your mom. What makes her special?

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What is a princess without a gown? Your dress is easily the most important detail of your quinceañera. It reflects your personality and style. But no pressure, seriously! Shopping for your dress is going to be a lot of fun. Pretend you’re putting on a fashion show — try on several styles, even if you don’t like one at first. You should choose your dress at least six months in advance to allow time to make alterations and find the perfect shoes, accessories, and undergarments.

When you find the dress you love (your heart will jump when you look in the mirror!), buy it and stop looking. Trust me, after a while all the dresses you see will start looking alike. You don’t want to lose the one that felt special. Now that you have your dress, you can start thinking about your damas.

Damas are to a quinceañera what maids are to a bride. Although the quince girl may have as many as she wishes, tradition calls for 14 damas. They all dress alike. I know what you’re thinking: Each girl is a different shape and has a different style — fashion disaster waiting to happen! But it’s not!

It is possible to please everyone. Choose the fabric and color, and then let each dama pick the dress style that flatters her figure (whether it’s V-neck, halter top, empire waist, strapless, etc.). This way, she’ll feel comfortable and everyone’s unique styles match. You may also pick a simple dress design and let each dama choose a color from choices you offer. Rainbow quinceañeras are a smart idea, because they give you more options when coordinating other details, like the centerpieces and flowers.

Do you have your dress already? How did you know your dress was “the one”?

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