Planning Your Perfect Prom

December 31, 2010 // Posted in Prom  |  No Comments

Everyone wants to experience the perfect prom and the Best way to accomplish this is to start planning early. While everyone is still focused on the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you can actually get a head start from all of your friends. Here are a few tips on how to prepare in advance for your senior prom.

Find the perfect prom attire.

If you don’t have a clue on what type of gown or tuxedo you would like to wear to the prom, the best place to begin is in your favorite fashion magazine. You can also get a few ideas on 2011-12 prom fashions on fashion websites.

These fashion magazines will highlight the trends and “hot colors” for the coming year, Then purchase your prom attire at least 2-3 months in advance. The worse thing to do is to wait until the last minute to purchase your prom attire.

*For the young men, there are a few good tuxedo rental shops in NYC for you to choose from such as: Dante Zeller or Baldwin Formals.  tuxedos only have a few different styles but make sure to get a vest and tie that matches your prom date’s outfit.

*For the young ladies, there are several places to purchase your prom gown. You have JCPenney, Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s …but if you want something unique try shopping at a smaller boutique in Manhattan.

Schedule your hair appointment.

It’s a good idea to schedule your hair appointment at least 2 months before the prom. Depending on where you get your hair done, you may be able to get a group discount if you plan a group appointment with three or more of your friends. Just make sure you schedule your hair appointment in advance and confirm your appointment a few days before the prom.

Limousines.

If you’re planning to ride in a limousine to your prom, make sure you schedule your appointment before the prom season. Consider planning at least 4 months in advance, Many Stretch Limousine companies off BIG discounts when you book early.

Tips on Raising Money for the Prom

When it comes to raising money for your Senior Prom, you have several options. You can get a part-time job or you can find a way to earn extra money from your favorite hobby. Many schools have fundraisers to try to lower the cost of prom for its students However, in today’s economy, it may be a little difficult raising the funds you need for your prom, The good news is there are plenty of ways you can save money on your purchases.

For instance, if you’re wearing a tuxedo, there are several discounts and coupons that you can use to save on your tuxedo rental — the guys have it easier.  The ladies, on the other hand, have it a little more difficult.

The ladies can save a substantial amount of money by waiting for the sales to take place on prom gowns in stores. You can also try making your own prom gown. If you start early, you can buy a Vogue Pattern and fabric to create your own dress. All you need is a good sewing machine, thread and other sewing accessories. If you already have sewing equipment, making your own dress can save you over $300.

Just keep in mind, you’ll need at a few weeks if you’re planning to make your own prom dress.

If you’re not the creative type, consider hiring a professional to make your prom gown for you. There are several freelance fashion designers in the area and fashion design students from F.I.T. or Parsons who would love to design and sew your prom gown for a fee.

The key to having a successful prom is to start early in the game. That way, you have plenty of time to plan your dream prom.

Hat toss

Enjoy a Spectacular NYC Excursion …in Less than 24 Hours

December 2, 2010 // Posted in Holiday Ideas (Tags: , ) |  1 Comment

To experience New York City during the holiday season, you’ll need a one day excursion — not just a couple of hours. So, what fun things can you and the family do in less than 24 hours? The following is an itinerary to give you ideas to help make your one day journey a day to remember.

Lets start the day off right with breakfast — you’ll need the energy for your fun-filled day. New York City offers an assortment of breakfast alternatives. From French toast to homemade biscuits.

If you’re looking for a home-style breakfast, try the Kitchenette on 80 West Broadway in Tribeca. The Kitchenette serves homemade biscuits and blueberry pancakes. You can also try Norma’s delicious Fois Gras French Toast served with wild mushrooms and asparagus. If you don’t have the patience to sit and eat for a good 30 minutes, try the best bagels in NYC. New York City bagels has fresh bagels daily — served toasted or un-toasted.

Next on the list of things to do is shopping. You’ll want to start early so you find the best shopping deals. NYC offers a host of high-end shopping areas. You can start out on 5th Avenue and visit Fendi, Henri Bendel and Berdorf Goodman. Before you leave the avenue, make sure you visit the 24 hour Apple Store on 59th to check out the latest iPod and computer products. If you’re bringing along the kids, you’ll want to visit FOA Schwartz directly behind the Apple Store.

Another great place to shop is in Soho. You have Uni Qlo, Atrium, What Comes Around Goes Around, Top Shop and several other boutiques, vintage shops and department stores such as Bloomingdales (Soho) .

Next on the list is a Broadway show. Whether its your first time visiting NYC or you‘re a pro, you can’t leave the city without seeing at least one Broadway Show. Elf on Broadway or the Rockettes are great shows to watch with the family. It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance prior to your New York excursion.

The next exciting activity is ice skating by the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center …But before you do, you’ll probably want to have a light lunch for extra fuel.

If you feel for Asian food, try Teriyaki Boy on 7th Ave and 49th St. For a Chinese buffet meal, try Ho Yip on 45th St. If you’re trying to save a few extra dollars, try Yip’s for an affordable American lunch. Rockefeller Center has cafe’s and over 20 restaurants to choose from.

After lunch, you can finally enjoy a quintessential winter experience while ice skating at The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center also has several boutiques and shops.

Next stop is Central Park. Central Park is only a stones throw away from Rockefeller Center — walking distance actually. You can walk around the park or take a romantic horse carriage ride to tour the park. You’ll find that Central Park is one of the most picturesque parks in all of New York City.

Central Park is also close to The Shops at Columbus Circle (Time Warner Center). This is the home of the true Fashionista. It has several high-end fashions for both men and women such as BOSS Hugo Boss, Cole Haan, Coach, Sisley, New York Running Company, etc. If you love to read, there is Borders Bookstore with a Dean & Deluca cafe. This shopping center is also the home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

If you’re still up for the challenge, NYC has several comedy clubs such as the Laugh Factory and Caroline’s. Often times, some comedy clubs will offer free admission to listen to comic routines from up and coming comedians. There is a mandatory charge for drinks to tickle your funny bone (it is well worth it).

During the evening, you’ll want to have dinner at one of Manhattan’s fine restaurants. For French fine dining, try La Grenouille, Modern, The (Contemporary), 21 Club (Contemporary) or Soba Nippon (Japanese/Sushi, Noodle House). All are within the vicinity of Central Park.

What about transportation?

New York offers the Subway, Buses and Taxi Cabs galore. If you really want to make your day extra special, travel by limo. When you travel by limo in NYC, you don’t have to worry about the hustle and bustle of city transportation. You can enjoy a relaxed and stress-free day during the holidays!

NYC holiday

5Th ave during the Holidays

Things to Do In NYC

November 16, 2010 // Posted in Things To Do (Tags: , , ) |  No Comments

Things to Do In NYC

Whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or it’s your first time visiting the Big Apple, deciding on what to do can be a daunting task for anyone.  New York City offers many amazing things to do and places to go.  It could take an entire life time just to experience all New York has to offer.  Nevertheless, there are a few ‘Must See’ places to visit in New York.

Before we review the top things to do in NYC, it is important to discuss the mode of transportation you will need access to.  So, you’ll want to avoid the overcrowded MTA subway stations, ditch the taxi-cab and give your own vehicle a rest — it’s time to tour the city in style.  There’s only one way to tour the greatest city in the world and that is in a luxury limousine.

Being chauffeured around NYC in a limousine is no longer designated just for weddings, anniversaries, proms, bar mitzvahs and New Year’s Eve celebrations.  You can rent a limo to see a Broadway show or to attend a football game in Jersey — the options are endless.

Here is a list of the top things to do in NYC:

Broadway Shows

From Billy Elliot the Musical to The Scottsboro Boys, Broadway features a host of shows for this season.  Other Broadway shows include Chicago, Donny & Marie – A Broadway Christmas, Memphis, Wicked and much more.

Sports

Whether it’s hockey, baseball, basketball, football or hockey, New Yorkers love sports. There’s nothing like attending a New York sports event.  The adrenalin rush you experience at a NY game is astounding. New York is home to a variety of World-class sporting events this season including basketball and hockey.

Romantic Eating

New Yorkers are food lovers.  Fine dining includes numerous restaurants including: Cercle Rouge, Café Carlyle, Marseille, Craft, The Russian Tea Room and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (at Four Seasons Hotel). In addition, Manhattan offers walking tours and unbelievable food tasting events.

Clubbing

New York has several upscale clubs such as the Blkmarket Membership — the party that never ends. This 24/7 club scene goes on well past sunrise.  It hosts parties at private locations (storage warehouses, film studios) that are only revealed to people who have reserved an RSVP.  New York also has several jazz clubs, lounges and bars. Only in New York!

Shopping

Ahhhhh shopping …If you can’t find it in New York, you won’t find it anywhere else. You can treat yourself to a shopping spree and shower yourself with clothes, jewelry, and much more.  Some of the best department stores include Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach and Lord & Taylor.  Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet cravings at La Maison du Chocolate (at Rockefeller Center). New York also has a myriad of spas and luxury hair salons.

Tour NYC

If you’re planning a NYC tour, you don’t want to skip Rockefeller Center.  If you tour NYC during the Christmas holiday season, there is the annual tree lighting event.  For Nature lovers, there is the Botanical Garden.  There is also the Bronx Zoo for children.  During the summer, there are several outdoor entertainment events and concerts in Central Park.

New York City is a great place to visit all year round. In addition to the city, New York also has several sandy beaches near Manhattan including Jones Beach, Robert Moses Beach and the Hamptons on Long Island.

So, regardless of your plans, you can enjoy a spectacular day or evening while being chauffeured around Manhattan in a luxury limousine of your choice.