Guide To Preparing For Your High School Dance In The East Bay

A 10-year-old business in historic downtown Livermore, Chantilly Lace Salon is the perfect affordable spot for high schoolers looking to freshen up their style with a little pre-dance prep. The salon is located in Livermore's Independence Hall, which formerly housed both City Hall and the Livermore Firehouse. With cuts starting at just $25, Chantilly Lace also offers color, glossing treatments and men's cuts. For those looking for something a little more fancy, up-dos start at $65. The experienced staff at Chantilly Lace is adept at ferreting out clients' desired dos and making them a reality.

Blossoms Dress specializes in all things formal wear, including designer homecoming and prom dresses. Currently headquartered in Dublin, Blossoms typically also has a seasonal store for prom season from February through June in the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton. With the recent addition of a broad array of sizes, customers are free to browse the racks, or may make an appointment when ready to try on dresses. Blossoms also offers special orders, custom tailoring and men's tuxedo rentals. For those on a budget, make sure to check out the extensive selection of last season's dresses at a 25 to 75 percent discount.

For those with more vintage tastes, check out Pleasanton's premier consignment shop, Lotus Consignment. With tons of turnover, Lotus is constantly stocking new acquisitions of previously owned merchandise. The store carries everything needed for a dance, from dresses and shoes, to jewelry and handbags. The well-organized shop has clothing arranged by color, and also carries a good selection of hip designer brands.

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Family- and teen-friendly, Strizzi's has three East Bay restaurants located in Pleasanton, Livermore and Fremont. This local mini-chain has evolved from a family-run deli begun in Greensburg, PA. Strizzi's offers generous portions of pasta dishes and Italian specialties. With affordable plates and complimentary bread, the selections at Strizzi's are sure to fill any teen's belly.

For those with a more Asian palate as opposed to European, check out Hayward's Tomadachi Sushi Bistro where the fish is always fresh. This hip and trendy sushi spot is the perfect dining destination for some pre-dance sustenance. Good for both one-on-one as well as group dates, Tomadashi boasts a friendly staff, sushi bar, table dining and private rooms. Groups of up to 10 can reserve one of the three private Tatami rooms. The bistro can get crowded at times, so make sure to secure a reservation to avoid a lengthy wait and risk of late arrival at the dance.

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Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.