Charity Balls and Gala Dinners being promoted on CharityDOs - Australia’s Fundraising Events Calendar - for you to support in 2015

Australian Capital Territory

May 16 Domestic Violence Crisis Service Blue & White Gala Ball - Canberra

May 22 Lifeline Canberra Gala - Canberra

New South Wales

May 8 Pink Hope Gala 2015 - Sydney 

May 8 Sparcle Ball The Children’s Hospital at Westmead - Sydney 

May 9 2015 Dinner & Dance for NBCF - Tuncurry 

May 9 Mai-Wel Group Annual Gala Ball 2015 - Maitland

May 9 JDRF Gala Ball The Night Circus - Sydney 

May 9 St Ives U14 Country Western Fundraiser – St Ives

May 13 Rotary District 9685 Ryla Ball - Sydney 

May 15 Make a Difference New York Gala Night - Sydney

May 16 Childrens Tumour Foundation "Dining with Daisies" Gala Dinner - Sydney 

May 16 OZWAC Heroes and Villains Charity Ball - Penrith 

May 23 Magical Wishes "Superheroes" Dinner Dance Goulburn Branch- Make-A-Wish Australia -

May 23 2015 FireBall - Lavington

May 29 Brighter Futures for Children Gala - Sydney

May 30 Camp Quality Giggle Ball 2015 - Newcastle

May 30 NOVUS GALA DINNER 2015 - Terry Hills

Jun 5 2015 Annual Shine and Dine Sydney - Make-A-Wish Australia - Sydney

Jun 5 Moree Rugby Union Club Black Tie Charity Ball - Moree

Jun 8 NBCF Charity Ball - Coonabarabran

Jun 12 2015 Music for Life Black And White Ball - Penrith

Jun 12 8th Annual Grace Gala Childrens Hospital Westmead - Sydney 

Jun 12 Winter Cancer Charity Ball 2015 - Sydney 

Jun 13 Jelly Bean Ball - Sydney

Jun 13 Goulburn White Ribbon Ball - Goulburn  

Jun 13 Kids Of Oz Annual Charity Ball 2015 - Sydney 

Jun 20 Foundation of Hope Charity Ball - Bonnyrigg 

Jun 20 SIDS Red Nose Black Tie Ball - Branxton

Jun 20 Newcastle’s Fur Ball 2015 - Newcastle

July 4 Sydney Chocolate Ball 2015 - Sydney

Jul 10 CPF 2015 Black Tie Masquerade Ball - Sylvania Waters

Jul 11 Lyme Gala Ball 2015 - Sydney

Jul 11 Greystanes Gala Dinner 2015 - Medlow Bath 

Jul 17 Fight on the Beaches Christmas in July Ball 2015 - Terrey Hills

Jul 18 2015 Sapphire Colour Ball Redkite - Sydney 

Jul 25 Star Ball Starlight Foundation - Sydney

Jul 31 SAMSN Annual Charity Ball - Sydney

Aug 1 Great Gatsby Gala Dinner Southern Sydney Branch Make-A-Wish Australia 

Aug 15 Stella Fella Black Tie Ball Project  Futures - Sydney 

Aug 27 Ronald McDonald House Orange 2015 Ball - Orange

Sep 5 Smile Like a Drake Charity Gala & Auction - Sydney 

Sep 19 Ronald McDonald House Charities® NSW Ball - Sydney

Oct 17 Dress for Success Sydney Making Dreams Come True Gala Dinner - Sydney

Oct 31 Miracle Babies Foundation 10 Year Celebration Ball - Sydney

Oct 31 Multiple Sclerosis Research Fundraising Gala Dinner - Dubbo

Nov 6 Lavender Masquerade Ball Madison Capaldi Research Fund - Marsfield

Nov 21 12th Charity Challenge Gala Dinner 2015 - Sydney 

Northern Territory

May 15 Star Ball 2015 Starlight Foundation- Darwin 

Oct 3 Ties, Tiaras, Wings and Wands Gala Alice Springs Branch - Make-A-Wish Australia 

Queensland

May 8 2015 Champagne Diamond Gala - Maroochydore

May 9 Soiree En Blanc - Yeppoon  

May 9 Bows and Bow Ties Ball - Parkhurst

May 9 Mummy’s Wish Charity Ball - Brisbane 

May 9 Black and White Masquerade Ball 2015 - Brisbane 

May 16  2015 Bruce Lynton Charity Ball - Gold Coast

May 16  ACT for Kids 2015 Gala Ball - Brisbane

May 16 Breakfast Creek Hotel "PINK TIE" Ball - Brisbane 

May 16 Red & White Gala Ball - Brisbane

May 23 Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Gala Ball - The Night Circus - Brisbane

May 24 Edmund Rice Dinner Brisbane 2015 - Brisbane

May 29 A Night to Remember Gala Dinner - Brisbane 

May 29 Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation Annual Gala Dinner - Gold Coast

May 30 AEIOU 10th Anniversary Gala Ball - Brisbane

May 30 2015 GLNG Mayors Charity Ball - Gladstone

May 30 Raise the Roof Ball for Hummingbird House - Brisbane

May 30 Careflight Winter Wonderland Gala Ball - Toowoomba

May 30 Rotary Club of Mundingburra Gala Ball & Art Au - Townsville

May 30 Halley Appleby Memorial Ball 2015 - Brisbane 

Jun 6 OperaQ Gala - Brisbane 

Jun 6 5th Annual ManUp! QLD Gala Dinner - Brisbane 

Jun 12 Red Rose Fund "Once Upon A Time" Gala Ball - Middle Ridge

Jun 12 Townsville Community Theatre Gala Night - Townsville

Jun 13 Viva Las Vegas RBWH Foundation’s Annual Gala, Right Royal Affair - Brisbane

Jun 13 Queensland WaterAid Ball 2015 - Brisbane 

Jun 13 2015 Variety of Chefs Ball - Brisbane 

Jun 19 Save Sands Gala Dinner - Brisbane 

Jun 20 Blue & Orange Ball Beyond Blue - Waterford

Jun 26 Cystic Fibrosis Masquerade Ball and Charity Auction - Townsville

Jun 27 Steampunk Charity Ball 2015 Cancer Council - Brisbane 

Jun 27 Champions for Charity - Brisbane Broncos - Brisbane 

Jul 10 2015 Gold Coast Titans Charity Ball - Gold Coast 

Jul 23 Institute of Modern Art 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Silent Auction - Brisbane 

Aug 1 Where Dreams Come True Charity Gala Dinner - Gold Coast

Aug 1 Brainchild Foundations Winter Wonderland Gala Ball - Brisbane

Aug 1 2015 Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Gala Ball - A Winter’s Tale - Brisbane 

Aug 7 Edmund Rice Foundation QLD Gala Dinner 2015 - Brisbane 

Aug 15 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner Brisbane South Volunteer- Make-A-Wish Australia 

Aug 22 Hear and Say Charity Ball 2015 - Brisbane 

Aug 28 12th Annual Moonlight Magic Dinner Dance - Brisbane 

Aug 29 HOPE Gala Dinner 2014 - Brisbane

Sep 4 40 Golden Years Childhood Cancer Support Gala Ball - Brisbane

Sep 5 Las Vegas Gala Ball hosted by the Gold Coast Volunteer Branch of Make-A-Wish® Australia 

Sep 11 Charters Towers Charity Ball

Sep 19 Airbus Group Australia Pacific Defence Charity Ball - Brisbane 

Oct 17 Coffee Club Telethon Ball – Brisbane

Oct 31 Allure Blush Ball - Toowoomba  

Nov 14 Royal Flying Doctor Service Diamond And Dust Ball - Boulia

Nov 21 2015 White Orchid Ball - Gold Coast 

 

South Australia

May 8 Adelaide Gala Ball - Make-A-Wish Australia 

May 9 AMA SA Charity Gala - Adelaide 

May 9 Apostrophobia Awareness Week: Gala Launch - Adelaide

May 29 Variety Annual Theme Ball - Adelaide 

May 30 2015 Tiny Tickers Ball for HeartKids SANT- Adelaide 

May 30 Blind Sporting Council Eye2Eye Gala Ball - Adelaide 

Jun 13 BHC Bogan Bingo Gala Ball - Adelaide 

Jun 20 Autism SA and Minda Proudly Present a Night in Rio - Adelaide

Jul 4 Golden Heart Gala Ball 2015 - Findon

Jul 18 Unicorn Foundation 2015 Adelaide Gala Dinner 

Aug 8 Heart Foundation Paint the Town Red Ball - Adelaide

Oct 4 2015 Anzac Gala Ball Repat Foundation- Adelaide

Oct 10 Mission Australia COACH Gala Fundraiser 2015 - Melbourne 

Oct 10 Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala Ball SA - Adelaide 

Oct 24 2015 pinkyellowblueball - Adelaide 

 

Tasmania

Jun 20 70s High School Rock n Roll Dinner Dance for Results - Hobart 

Jun 27 Heart Foundations Annual Gala Ball - Hobart

Jul 25 Ronald McDonald House Charities Tasmanian Gala Ball - Hobart 

Aug 15 Tuxedo Junction Charity Ball Tasmania - Hobart 

Aug 22 Dance For Duchenne - Hobart 

Victoria

May 8 Pink Tie Gala Dinner for Young Pink Sisters - Cranbourne North

May 8 IDFA Touch of Elegance Gala Ball 2015 - Taylors Lake  

May 9 LifeCare Bright & Glorious Ball - Melbourne 

May 16 Jnr Board - TLC for Kids Ball - Melbourne 

May 16 The Jackson Gray Gala Dinner - Sandhurst

May 23 Africa Day Australia 2015 Gala Dinner - Melbourne 

May 23 We Say NO to Cancer Charity Ball 2015 - Melbourne 

May 23 2015 N.I.C.K. Foundation Charity Ball - Melbourne

May 30 A Night to Remember 2015 for Alzheimer's Australia Vic - Melbourne

May 30 Gala Dinner & Art Auction Fundraiser for Bipolar Research - Geelong

May 30 2015 Tiny Tickers Ball for HeartKids SANT- Adelaide 

May 30 2015 Celebrating Research Gala for Royal Melbourne Hospital - Melbourne 

May 30 Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Black Tie Gala Extravaganza - South Morang

May 30 GV Pride "00Pride" 10th Birthday Royale - Shepparton 

May 30 Sacred Heart 125th Anniversary Ball - Hawthorn

Jun 13 Timor Leste Benefit Ball - Melbourne

Jun 13 Boots to Black Tie Gala Dinner for Victorian Young Farmers - Geelong

Jun 18 Winter Wonderland Ball and Dinner for Cancer Council Australia - Melbourne 

Jun 18 Men of Malvern Gala - Melbourne 

Jun 20 Kind Cuts for Kids Charity Gala Dinner & Auction- Melbourne 

Jun 20 Share Me a Dream Rio De Janiro Charity Ball - Sunshine

Jul 10 Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria Gala Ball - Melbourne 

Jul 10 Teach For Australia Gala Ball - Melbourne 

Jul 18 Ride for Kids Charity Ball 2015 - Ballarat

Aug 1 John Logan Cancer Treatment Foundation Gala Dinner 2015 - Melbourne 

Aug 1 A Charity Ball: Tuxedo Junction 2015 - Melbourne 

Aug 1 20TH ANNIVERSARY FRAISING DINNER DANCE - Melbourne 

Aug 7 Midsumma Inaugural Midwinta Black Tie Gala Ball - Melbourne 

Aug 8 2015 Winter Wonderland Gala Ball Bayside and Melbourne Branches - Make-A-Wish Australia 

Aug 15 A Charity Ball: Tuxedo Junction 2015 – Melbourne

Aug 15 Janelle’s Miracle Gala Dinner 2015 - Melbourne 

Aug 21 Star Ball 2015 Starlight Foundation - Melbourne 

Aug 22 SAMRF Signature Ball 2015 - Melbourne 

Oct 10 Gala Ball for Children First Foundation - Melbourne 

Nov 13 Blue Ribbon Foundation Charity Ball - Melbourne 

Nov 21 Starry Starry Night - The Alannah and Madeline Foundation - Melbourne

Western Australia

May 15 ESIA Annual Charity Dinner 2015 - Perth 

May 16 Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Gala Ball - The Night Circus - Perth

May 16 Pregnancy Problem House Gala Dinner - Strathalbyn

May 23 Road to Rio 2015 Fundraising Gala Dinner - West Perth

May 23 ABC Charity May Dance - Balcata

May 30 A Pink & Blue Evening - Fremantle 

Jun 12 Men in Black Ball 2015 - Perth 

Jun 20 Artitude 2015 - Presented By Crown Perth 

Jul 11 Starry Night: Dinner Gala Fragile X Assoc of Australia - Perth 

Aug 9 TEAM Spencer Spring Fling Ball 2015 - West Perth

Sep 12 You Are Beautiful Gala Ball for Cancer Support WA - Perth 

Oct 26 Irwin District Charity Ball for NBCF - Irwin

Oct 31 Pink Ribbon Ball 2015 - Perth 

Nov 7 Ronald McDonald House Charities Mercedes-Benz Ball - Perth 

Nov 28 A White Tie Gala Dinner for White Ribbon - Perth 

Find more Charity Balls, Galas and Dinners to support on CharityDOs.com.au

For Free Publicity of your charity/NFP fundraising events - Go to CharityDOs.com.au and Click on CREATE DO PAGE to publicise your fundraiser on the CharityDOs.com.au fundraising event calendar, CharityDOs Facebook/Twitter (@AmandaSpink1) and Web search engines.  

To help you raise more funds - try CharityDOs optional event ticketing and donations feature.

Hope to see you at a CharityDO!

Opportunity of a lifetime to share a meal with Academy Award winning actress and Italian film star, Sophia Loren

http://charitydos.com.au/do-search/events/do/event/details/9025-la-dolce-italia-an-evening-with-sophia-loren

Tickets are now on sale to attend an exclusive gala dinner alongside Sophia Loren on Saturday 18 April in Melbourne. The event is being held in support of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a national charity keeping children safe from violence and bullying.

Event organiser Connie Paglianiti, Director of Eventcepts, said Ms Loren was the perfect choice to be guest of honour for the event.

“Ms Loren is not only one of the most beautiful women in the world, she’s also an adoring mother and grandmother who has a lifelong love of children and we are so honoured to have her here as our special guest,” she said.

The 80-year-old siren first shot to international fame when she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1962.

“Ms Loren last visited Australia in 2007 and doesn’t often travel to this part of the world so we know how special it is to have her here for this event,” Ms Paglianiti said.

“It will be an unforgettable evening featuring an amazing array of Italian food catered by our Italian chef who will be flown in for the event. It’s one of those occasions that will represent a moment in history when we combine Italian and Australian culture under one roof, and a chance to make a real difference to the lives of Australian children."

“We have chosen The Alannah and Madeline Foundation as our charity partner. Proceeds of the night will go towards the Foundation’s programs that help keep children safe from violence and bullying”.

The evening will consist of amazing entertainment by both Australian and Italian entertainers – including Franky – new young hot talent direct from Italy. The night will celebrate Italy’s strong relationship with Australia. The menu has been designed and will be overseen by our special guest chef from Italy. 

You can book your tickets at www.ladolceitalia.com.au

When:    

Saturday 18 April 2015
 

Where:    
Palladium at Crown 
8 Whiteman Street

Southbank Vic

   Time:        
7.00pm for 7.30pm start

   RSVP:        
gala@ladolceitalia.com.au

  Date:        
26 March 2015

Dress Code:    
Black Tie with a touch of Silver or Crystals

 

Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice is holding their first ball.  The Raise the Roof Ball will be held on Saturday 30th May in the Old Paper Store at Queensland Newspapers at Bowen Hills.  You have the opportunity to be a part of this history making moment and help create something beautiful.  All proceeds raised at the event go to the construction of the Hummingbird House Rooftop Terrace and Garden Spaces.

With the purchase of your ticket you are automatically eligible to win a Hyundai i30 Active car or KTM RC390 motorbike provided by Zupps.  A three course meal and drinks, fabulous auction items, live entertainment by Brisbane band Savvy and Australia’s hottest tap dance sensation, Raw Metal.

Frock up in your best industrial glam wear for an unforgettable night.

Tickets can be purchased at www.hummingbirdhouseball.org.au.  There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available.  If you are interested in sponsoring the evening you can contact Tamara at Hummingbird House, tamara@hummingbirdhouse.org.au.

For more information please contact events@hummingbirdhouse.org.au.

Kind regards

Carlee

Carlee Hay

Event Coordinator

Marketing & Communication

Wesley Mission Brisbane

T (07) 3621 2046  |  M 0401 423 426
E c.hay@wmb.org.au  |  www.wmb.org.au

Central Office: 930 Gympie Road, Chermside QLD 4032

Once again, Achieve Australia has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Novus Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner on 30 May, Saturday at 7:00 or 7:30 pm at the Miramare Gardens in Terrey Hills - http://charitydos.com.au/do-search/events/do/event/details/8701-novus-gala-dinner-2015-sydney

Join us as we raise funds for the development of Achieve Australia’s PWS Health and Wellness Toolkit, a kit that will support young adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a debilitating genetic disorder. 

For more information contact Achieve Australia on 1300 22 44 38 or email Sunita Menezes smenezes@achieveaustralia.org.au

Join us for an exceptional culinary experience that celebrates Melbourne’s reputation as the culinary capital of Australia - http://charitydos.com.au/do-search/events/do/event/details/8684-a-night-to-remember-2015.

Alzheimer’s Australia Vic’s ‘A Night to Remember’ features five delicious courses, each prepared by one of five world-renowned chefs, and served with matching wines.

The night also includes an auction of several exclusive holiday packages and priceless experiences; a silent auction, offering specialty items that can be bid upon throughout the evening; a prize wall and a raffle.

Proceeds from this event will enable Alzheimer’s Australia Vic to deliver essential programs and services to the growing number of people living with dementia, their carers and families.

KristinMarshall

Community Fundraising Officer | Alzheimer's Australia Vic
155 Oak Street Parkville Victoria 3052

p: +61 3 9816 5746 | f: +61 3 9816 5733 | m: +61 437 354 511 | e: Kristin.Marshall@alzheimers.org.au

w: www.fightdementia.org.au/vic

For more information or support call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500

Last night was "hot disco" at the glamorous Inaugural Cure Brain Cancer Foundation Ball in Brisbane at the Victoria Park Golf Course!

After a scrumptious 3-course dinner with matching wines, followed by silent and live auctions, raffles and prizes, the over 400 ball goers rocked to the beat of the Brisbane group Rush till the wee hours.

The Ball raised much needed funds to support the work of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation (CBCF).

Special guest speakers included Beverly Trivett, a major Cure Brain Cancer Foundation benefactor and neurosurgeon Dr Sarah Olsen.

You can help the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation raise funds at their Sydney Ball on May 2 - http://charitydos.com.au/do-search/events/do/event/details/8528-cure-brain-cancer-foundation-1930s-hollywood-ball-sydney

After such a wonderful evenng, CharityDOs will be back for the next Brisbane Cure Brain Cancer Foundation Ball in 2016!

For more pictures of the CBCF Ball - see CharityDOs Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/CharityDos.com.au

Incorporating Dockside Group's event expertise and world-class cuisine, Sydney’s largest floating event venue Dockside Pavilion in Darling Harbour offers distinctive opportunities, with impressive water views and an exciting new location. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace that spans the length of the structure, Dockside Pavilion affords its guests unparalleled views of the city skyline from the heart of Darling Harbour.  With state-of-the-art lighting technology generating colour schemes that graduate from vibrant tones to warm hues to whimsical washes,

Dockside Pavilion is the perfect choice for charity gala dinners, balls and events. 

 With a capacity of up to 1440 guests seated and 2000 standing, Dockside Pavilion offers an impressive array of features that include natural lighting, full catering facilities, and the best LED display technology in Australia, Dockside Pavilion offers the utmost in versatility.  Sydney’s newest venue has seen a diverse mix of spectacular charity events including  The Project Futures Stella Fella Charity Black Tie Ball, and The Variety Cycle.

For enquiries and bookings at Dockside Pavilion call  Rebecca Goodfield on 1300 117 118 or 0425 356 713 or email rebecca.goodfield@docksidegroup.com.au

In my previous blog on what to wear to a charity ball, I mentioned that a glamourous gala event gown warrants a ‘red carpet worthy’ handbag and a beautiful hand-held clutch, or more specifically a minaudière, is the perfect accoutrement to event dressing.

As Google states a minaudière is “a small, decorative handbag without handles or a strap” but in general terms today it is usually a small, hard-cased hand-held clutch (can include a strap) often embellished with crystals, jewels or decorative finishes and in textures such as satin or metallic.

van cleefThe creation of the minaudière dates back to the early 1930’s and is attributed to Charles Arpel co-founder of the Parisian jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels, who while visiting his socialite friend Florence Jay Gould, saw her use a Lucky Strike cigarette tin to carry her lipstick and other personal items.  Arpels was then inspired to design a metal rectangular evening bag that he called minaudière after his wife Estelle “whose mannerisms, or minaudières, enchanted her entourage” (as seen on www.vancleefarpels.com).

It is also understood that Arpels drew inspiration from bejeweled metal makeup boxes known as a "nécessaire de beauté" which at that time were highly decorative metal boxes to hold beauty essentials such as lipstick, compact, cigarette holder, etc.

Following Arpel’s creation, minaudières became covetable hand-crafted objets d’art made from precious metals and highly decorated with luxurious jewels and decades later, minaudières have become entrenched in fashion and celebrity culture and the essential piece de resistance on the red carpet.

With every new fashion season, luxury fashion houses design covetable hand-made limited-edition minaudières which fashionistas around the globe pay thousands of dollars to own; case in point, the Alexander McQueen skull-clasp box bag released in 2010 sold out around the globe in a matter of days.

Perhaps the most famous modern-day creator of minaudières is US-based Judith Leiber who for over 50 years has created elaborate, crystalised bags that have become the status symbol of wealthy women around the world.  Her whimsical designs include cupcakes, animals, fruit, plants and teapots.

If you’re budget and taste for the dramatic does not extend to Judith Leiber, there are many local designers and fashion labels that create beautiful minaudières (such as Colette, Mimco, Olga Berg and Adorne) for a fraction of the price but with maximum style.

A minaudière is the defining element for your gala event ensemble.  It adds elegance and a touch of drama and styles from elaborate jewelled creations to simple yet uber-chic styles.   Paired with your gala event gown, this beautiful little bag makes a very big and stylish statement.

Style Info:  1.  Colette by Colette Hayman Evie sequin clutch $39.95; 2. Lanvin at www.netaporter.com; 3. Judith Leiber at www.judithleiber.com; 4. Olga Berg diamante hard case clutch $119.00

 clutch 2

Last week was Paris Fall 2014 Couture and I’ve been consistently floating off to fashion heaven at the jaw-dropping and glamourous gowns shown on the runway.  As they are still ingrained in my fashion-psyche, I thought it’s the perfect time to provide CharityDOs’ readers with some style advice and tips on how to choose that perfect dress to wear to one of the many charity balls and galas advertised on the CharityDOs website.

A ball, gala or black-tie event is the perfect occasion for you to have your ‘Cinderella moment’ and wear a beautiful ground-sweeping gown, fairy-tale shoes, dazzling jewels and glamourous hair and makeup.  It’s the time for you to sparkle and be red-carpet worthy just like your favourite celebrity.

Whether you’re attending the Hear and Say Annual Thiess Fundraising Ball in Brisbane, the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball in Melbourne or the Christmas in July Black Tie Fundraiser in Geraldton, Western Australia, by following a few hard and fast style rules you can be as dazzling and glamourous as the celebrities who walk the Oscars red carpet.

Comfort and Fit

What’s the most important style-rule in choosing a gown for your gala event?  Comfort – absolutely, unequivocally, non-negotiable.  If you’re starting point for your gown is not comfort and ease-of-wear then hang up your frock and sit this one out.  Your gown should be an extension of your daily personal style and right for your body, shape and age.  It’s not about choosing the most outlandish, extravagant, un-wearable gown – it’s about choosing a fit and style that works for you because what’s the point of wearing something that might look great but is uncomfortable and almost impossible to wear? 

This is not to say you can’t add a little ‘make-believe’ glamour to your black-tie style, just start from a point of fit and comfort and you’re not just going to LOOK like a princess you’re going to FEEL like one.

Style

Elegant and shapely is the optimal style to choose for your ball gown – garish, over-the-top and showing WAY too much skin (anywhere on the body) banishes you straight to style-exile never to return.  If you’re young with a body like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, then show off your curves with a body-skimming sheath style and if you’re not then highlight your good points and hide the rest.

Some general style rules for various body shapes include an A-line or full-skirted gown to conceal bigger hips and thighs with a fitted bodice to balance out proportion.  Empire lines are generally good to hide tummy areas and for those with a smaller bust.  If you’re shapely you could choose a mermaid style that is fitted and flares out at the knees.  If you have a beautiful décolletage, show off your assets with a strapless gown.

Fabric and Colour

So very important.  Shiny, stiff or cheap fabric is your worst enemy and will highlight every lump, bump and flaw and will not encourage the paparazzi to photograph your journey down the red carpet. Sumptuous and quality silks, chiffons and velvets (for cooler months) are the best and most elegant options.

Don’t overdo the sparkle with over-done embellishments or sequins which will only scream ‘Liberace’ rather than Naomi and avoid too much fabric, i.e. a huge-skirted gown will make you look like a bad version of Scarlett O’Hara.  The colour of your gown should be flattering to your skin tone and age and for ladies over 40, avoid harsh, bright colours or trend-driven patterns. Often a soft pastel shade is a flattering option.

 Fashion-Ballsred carpet

Accessories

Beware overkill and apply the KISS rule to accessories. 

If your dress is highly embellished, keep accessories elegant and minimal and opt for a ‘style duo’, e.g. earrings and a cocktail ring.  Gowns that are simpler in style can be paired with statement-style accessories such as chandelier earrings and a jeweled cuff or crystal bangles.  If you’re feeling a little bling-heavy, perhaps try Coco Chanel’s rule – take one piece off before you go. 

Shoes and Bags

Gala events call for Cinderella-style shoes so add a little sparkle and embellishment, using the KISS rule of course.  Elegant and classic styles such as sexy strappy sandals (think Jimmy Choo), elegant peep-toes or sling-backs with stiletto heels work best.  If sparkly is not for you, tone your shoe with your frock or go for nude to complement rather than detract. Under no circumstance does one wear chunky or closed-in shoes, boots or summer-inspired wedges!

There is only one bag to choose to complement your ball gown and that is an elegant hand-held clutch.  Whether the finish is embellished, metallic or unadorned, this is the only option.

Beauty

There is a fine line between glamour and overdone when it comes to hair and makeup.

For hair, choose elegant and softer looks such as a tousled up-do or natural wavy tresses.  Always!  If you do want to try a more elaborate up-do, then please leave it in the hands of a professional and book yourself into your hairdresser.

Your choice of makeup is dependent upon age and skin tone however a well-blended smoky eye and soft blush is a fabulous choice.  A common error is to pile on heavy foundation which is instantly aging and unflattering.  A dewy, natural finish will always enhance and flatter your look.

Finish off gala beauty routine with a natural sun-kissed glow – provided by favourite tanning salon of course.

Red carpet perfection!

Finally, look to the runway or red carpet for style inspiration when choosing your ball gown.  Celebrities such as Rosie, Kate, Naomi, Julianne and Helen consistently tick all the right style-boxes and deliver red-carpet looks in an age-appropriate and uber-stylish way.

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