Puffy paint has never looked so cool

The fashion experts at tb-two* had such an impossible task, choosing just a few dresses to feature in our “Battle of the Dresses” issue. There were two dresses tb-two* couldn’t bear to leave on the rack but were eliminated in our final fight club round. One is the incredible hand-painted Ema Savahl corset dress from Lending Luxury (above left). The pearly paint over sheer fabric includes Swarovski stones, a deep sweetheart neckline and a back that laces up with a satin ribbon. The original retail price is $1,160; this particular dress, which has been rented before, is now for purchase only in Lending Luxury’s trunk sale listed from $634.97. Other Ema Savahl hand-painted dresses rent for about $165.

The other dress that caught our fancy is this one-shouldered number in bright mixed animal print (below left). The beaded, jeweled strap criss-crosses over one shoulder for a spectacular effect, front and back. By Bee Darlin, Dillard’s, $179.

Hunger Games quotes

To pass the time while you are waiting to get into tonight’s midnight showing of The Games, here are some quotes from Jennifer Lawrence and others involved in the movie, courtesy of People magazine’s March 2012 collector’s special edition:

I’ve never done a movie like this. It was like some weird summer camp. — Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer has the power and the life force of Katniss. — Director Gary Ross

I was obsessed with the book, and I wanted this role so bad. — Jennifer Lawrence

Josh totally captured Peeta’s temperament and his sense of humor. — Suzanne Collins

I got a minor concussion during filming when Jennifer accidentally kicked me in the head. We were goofing off, shadowboxing, and suddenly her boot hit me in the temple. — Josh Hutcherson

Josh and I hit it off the first time we met. He’s a great guy, He’s smart and he’s a good talker. He could get me to go to war for him because he’s that persuasive. — Liam Hemsworth

The fights are like a really messy schoolyard brawl! — Alexander Ludwig

Don’t forget the bug spray

Can’t wait for The Hunger Games midnight premiere? Grab a copy of the sound track, released Tuesday. Taylor Swift, the Civil Wars and Arcade Fire are among the artists, with series author Suzanne Collins penning some of the lyrics — Deep in the Meadow (Lullaby). Our favorite title? A Wasp on Her Abdomen, written and performed by Chas Smith.

Non-prom news: Strike up the bands

Do you love a parade? Do you especially love a parade that features high school marching bands? Then tonight’s Progress Energy Illuminated Night Parade in St. Petersburg is just for you. The parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. on a course that begins at Central Avenue and Fifth Street, travels east on Central, heads north on Second Street, then east on First Avenue N, then north on Beach Drive, ending at Fifth Avenue N. Got that?

The eight local marching bands are from Admiral Farragut Academy, Seminole High, St. Petersburg High, Dixie Hollins High, Pinellas Park High, Northeast High, Lakewood High and Gibbs High.