Haute Mimi Social Diary | FORAVI Madison Grand Opening Party

The champagne was flowing at the Foravi Madison Grand Opening Party, May 4th, 2010 at Foravi Madison. A gorgeous fete that drew the likes of fashion editors, designers, and celebrities. (Photographs By Evie Nevskaya, Haute Mimi International)

Copyright ©2010 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Bling H20

Bling h2o is produced through a nine step purification process that includes ozone, ultraviolet, and micro-filtration. It's fabulous, ultra luxe and a status symbol. Sounds like a celebrity right? I think bling water is, in it's own way. Stock up on bottles of Bling for your next fete.

Credit, Debit, Cash: Cocktail Dresses For Every Budget

The cocktail party that your next promotion depends on is only a few nights away and you're freaking out. This is the night to impress and you need to go all out. Think of it as an investment. Gold dress by Alberta Ferretti, Black by de la Renta, both available at Net-A-Porter

You're on the prowl for a P.H. and you you need a cocktail dress that will break necks. It's okay to spend a little more than usual here especially since these dresses keep on giving. These Bond girl worthy dresses can be found at Intermix.

You have a million invites and do not want to rely on that Herve number you spent last month's rent on for every occasion? So what's a girl to do? Go to Forever 21 of course. Now I know what you're thinking. Bad quality, too young, too bright. But really if this dress is going to last one night, there is no time for any loose threads or dry cleaning bills. Also at this price it's okay to take a risk and go for something way out of your element. These two dresses were my top picks from the new Spring line at FOREVER21. Obviously they're both very understated but yet extremely elegant and glamorous.

Keeping Sane during those Special Occasions

Special occasions, such as weddings, sweet sixteens, and anniversary parties can be nerve wracking. Keep your cool with these amazing tips:

-You know how much sleep your body needs, so get a good rest the night before. If you have time, get in a few hours rest right before the event. This will keep you refreshed and make your face look bright.

-Use eye makeup remover the day of the event. There's no sense in having raccoon eyes or any excess darkness dragging your look down.

-Keep makeup carefree and simple. This doesn't mean you have to be un-dramatic or look bare. Choose key elements such as a dark eye liner, fabulous creamy and thick lipstick, and a luxury mascara. You may even want to wear false lashes for extra drama, but the trick is to not have to re-apply your makeup every hour. Seek out extra long lasting cosmetics for this night.

-Wear something flattering and comfortable, without sacrificing style. If you need to have something tailored, plan ahead of time.

-Find cute but comfortable heels. I cannot stress this enough. It is bad enough you will be on your feet for hours, so why not do yourself a huge favor and wear beautiful yet sole soothing stilettos. One brand I know of that will do the job is Caparros. These are the most comfortable dressy shoes I've ever purchased. Note: Do not turn yourself into a "fashion don't" and take your shoes off during the event. This is so tacky and unattractive!

-Try your best to relax. Most guests at the event will not remember the small details you are stressing over. They will, however, remember your attitude and the time they spend with the hostess and guests of honor. Keep your cool and have fun, as best as you can.

Plan a Black Tie Event, the Right Way.

When I turned 15 years old (my quinceanera for anyone in the Latin community), I wore a formal gown for the affair, which my mother purchased for me at a Loehmann's location in Houston. The experience at that store will forever remain in my memory because the dressing room was just a wide open room, with lots of mirrors. It was a little embarrassing but exciting, especially for a young teenager.

The party was at night (which should make a guest wonder if it was formal/black tie), and sadly, I cannot remember a single person that dressed for the occasion. Maybe it was the party planner's fault (thanks mom...), or maybe the guests were just idiots. Who knows?!? I'll never do that again, and if all else fails, I'll plan the entire party myself. One can only trust oneself to get things done right. Party planners are great, but when in doubt, don't let any of your friends or family tell you what is better, or more appealing.

My 15th Birthday Party look:

The dress: Creme with beautiful beading, bugle beads, some sequins, etc. It was a long formal dress, sleeveless, and it sure was heavy! I remember not even wanting to sit down in it. I still have the dress :)

The accessories: I wore creme, semi-sheer (not opaque, but not sheer) stockings, from Victoria's Secret, and creme heels. I wanted a head to toe ethereal look, and it was not overdone. It was very elegant and feminine.

The Make Up and Hair: My hair was worn down, in long flowing, glamorous and wavy curls. I applied thick, black eye liner on my upper eye-lid, with matching black mascara, and a neutral lip. I was reminiscent of a beautiful pearl that had only recently been discovered, still glistening with moisture.

These "goddess" gowns , from thecityreview.com, remind me of my dress.

One of the first things you can do is brainstorm, on paper, your ideas, visions, colors, etc. of the way you want your dream party to be. Try to stick to a plan without changing your mind too much. This will just make things easier in the end.

Create the perfect atmosphere with soft lighting (No directly overhead lighting! It is so unflattering for everyone involved!) and fantastic music. For a sit down dinner, people are going to want to feel calm and collected, not hyper and erratic. Choose your music accordingly.

Great parties begin with expert and creative design elements, but don't worry if you are not a professional event planner. Trust your instict no matter what. You know what you want, and you can do it!