Prom 2k17!

This year, prom looks run the gamut from polished and poised, to glamorous and Hollywood, to edgy and avant garde, with a pop of 80's iconography.

As we move deeper into the 21st century, freedom of expression is ringing loud and clear in the way fashion moves.

​Classic and beautiful standards, like shiny curls, lovely updos with a Grecian twist, are still here to stay. But there is a certain freedom and wistfulness in what we are seeing on runways. Overly-done braids are making way to letting the braids and twists accent longer hair. Marissa loved the way her gorgeous brown hair cascaded down, with delicate twists intertwined with one another. And note her makeup - it's fresh, it's young, it's not overly done, but there is still quite a bit of sparkle with a gleam of iridescent glitter on her lids.

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On the flip side, braids are evolving, and techniques like Kevin Murphy's hair-sewing, which replaces the need for bobby pins and, in this stylist's humble opinion, beats hair pins and bobby pins when it comes to security and comfort, takes on a new twist. Paul Mitchell introduced as part of it's Electric Youth launch this spring a look that exposes the threads in the hair-sewing. It's clear topstitching is not only something to look for in our clothing and accessories, but now it's in our hair! And Yaffa Beauty by Rica is loving it! Andreya's look is a play on both techniques - with a French braid starting in the front, winding it's way to the back, and held together with topstitching. We understand it's not a look for everyone, but if you want to take a walk on the wild side, or add a little edge, it's a fun look to pull off!​

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With movies like "La La Land," vintage and old Hollywood glamour take on a very contemporary feel. Vibrant colors mixed with waves and curls and rich, thick hair are going to be seen on dance floors all over the country. Ariella epitomizes the perfect movie star feel. A Femme Fatale in the making, her sultry eyes are offset by a near-nude lip stick and a touch of gloss. Her smoky blonde and burgundy lob was set in red-carpet waves, and she is ready to take the town.

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The 80s are back - thank goodness! And, thanks to first generation 80s kids now in the sites of merchandisers, it's authentic and fun! Through our daughters, we get to achieve looks and trends our mothers wouldn't let us pull off! So, for Grace, who already rocked purple hair, we gave her a slightly more lavender tone, and crimped that hair! (Editor's note: Rica swore in 2014 that she was going to bring crimping back into fashion. She's working hard at it, but the other models were fascinated by the technique.) Because we weren't going to shave her side, Grace was given three simple cornrows, which was just enough asymmetry to the heights met with some teasing up top that she rocks this Cyndi Lauper-inspired look. To complete the totally gnarly look, Rica dug deep into the depths of her nostalgia and whipped up some neon green and purple eyeliners, used another lime green eye pencil as lower eye mascara and popped those eyes open with eye shadow that matched both the lipstick and the dress. Though clearly a strong nod to an era when Duran Duran ruled the airwaves, it still suits today's fun loving, throw caution to the wind fashion sensibility.

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Each look has its own sense of fashion and fun, but none in a way that would make chaperones cringe or fathers want to chase down their daughter's dates with threats of, "Don't you lay a hand on her!" Yaffa Beauty by Rica aims to please all parties concerned - first and foremost, her client, but we are always mindful that when dealing with teens, there are parents not too far behind.

Love these looks? Want Rica to invent a new look based on your gown and passion? Awesome! We have a couple of packages to help you along with that!

• Makeup Application, Hair Styling & Hair Dressing - $125 (usually $150)
• Makeup Application, Hair Styling & Dressing and a CND Shellac Manicure (which can be done within 3-4 days of Prom Night) - $150 (usually $185)

Both of these packages are now available to choose when you schedule your appointment!

Need someone to come to your house to prep? For a small fee, Rica can come to you the day of prom. Have friends that want to get ready with you? Call us at 203-842-8388 and a group appointment can be arranged!

AND... we are so excited to announce this... A Step Ahead in Stamford, CT is partnering with us! If you buy a prom gown, or any occasion gown, from A Step Ahead, and you bring your receipt to Yaffa Beauty by Rica for your hair & makeup appointment, you will get 10% off of your service total of $50 or more!

​Have a fantastic night at prom!