Main Content

Prom Inspiration

May 23, 2013

Project Prom

As prom season is wrapping up, a good alternative to stashing that worn-once dress in your closet is to donate it. There are donation sites all across the country that help girls who  can’t afford prom dresses to acquire slightly used dresses for discounted rates, or even for free.

hero

 

Project Prom is an organization that helps young girls set up donation sites in their communities. There are chapters all across America, serving thousands of girls. Many even receive donations of dresses, shoes and accessories from major stores. Often the chapters host fashion shows! I encourage you to look into donating your dress. I am sure you had a wonderful night in it—and another girl could, too. Everybody deserves to have a memorable prom. To donate your dress, find a local branch or even start your own!

~Brittany

Click For More:

My school recently had its prom, but since I am only a sophomore, I typically wouldn’t have been allowed to go. However, I volunteered to be a helper, affectionately termed Sophomore Slave, at prom in order to take some pictures for this blog. As a Sophomore Slave, I had to wear a short, black dress and set up and clean up. While that might not sound like that much fun, the three other sophomores and I had a great time.

Sophomore-slave-prom-2013-fashion-dresses-formal

The girl in the pink dress, Madison, was our prom chair, and she made her dress!

Our prom had a British Invasion theme: there were teapot center pieces, Union Jack name cards and even a tea bar. There was also a photo booth with tons of props, and cutouts of Prince William, Princess Kate and a royal guard with whom you could pose for pictures. (I spent a lot of time taking pictures there with my friends.)

Chaperones-royal-gaurd-prom-2013 copy

Even our chaperones took some pictures with the cutouts.

The best part of the night, though, was checking out what everyone was wearing. I noticed a couple of trends: Blue was the color of the night, and the girls definitely loved their sparkle.

hero

 Some lovely seniors pose for their picture.

Field-hockey-prom-2013-team-tigers

I love this picture of my field hockey team. We clean up well, if I do say so myself.

Prom-2013-queens-fashion-imani-lanie

Our two prom queens, Lanie and Imani, rocking their short dresses and tiaras.

There was a pretty even mix of short and long dresses, but I especially loved these two long ones:

Charley-li-eugenie-prom-2013-dresses-fashion-formal

Juniors Eugénie, Charley, and Li looked absolutely gorgeous.

Seniors-back-dresses-prom-2013

Seniors Lizzie, Shae and Lanie show off the fun backs of their dresses.

Seeing all the amazing dresses, dancing with my friends and enjoying the fun atmosphere has me really excited for my own prom next year. (I’ve heard it might be Gatsby themed!)

Edgewood-busC82-prom-2013-sophomore-juniors-fashion

If you still need a dress for this year, be sure to check out The Prom Shop for everything from accessories to head-to-toe looks.

~Brittany

 

Click For More: ,

I love heels. I love the way they look and the way they make me oh, so much taller. However, they are not the easiest contraptions to manuever a dance floor in. Since prom is all about having a good time and dancing with your friends, I encourage you to bring a pair of flats or, better yet, wear them all night.

Enter the party flat:

hero

These shoes are cute, often sparkly, and very practical.  Celebs have been wearing them to TV interviews, parties and even award shows. I think this is great because the last thing I want at my prom is to have to ice my feet afterwards. And don’t even get me started on blisters!

Fancy-flats-prom-shoes-sparkle-designer

Simple touches like studs, sequins, bows or metallic accents can make oxfords, smoking slippers and ballet flats prom material. Metallic menswear-inspired oxfords are especially popular right now.

  Sparkly-oxfords-flats-prom-shoes-black-white-nordstrom

Metallic Oxfords (from the top):

  1. 1. Tildon ‘Astoria’ Oxford
  2. 2. Donald J Pliner ‘Denda’ Flat
  3. 3. Hinger ‘Fraser’ Oxford

Unique flats are sure to keep you styish and comfortable all night long. Just make sure that if you are wearing flat shoes to prom that your dress is hemmed accordingly. Cute flats are a yes, tripping over your dress…that’s a definite no.

Nordstrom-party-fancy-flats-prom-shoes
Vince Camuto ‘Tamma’ Flat            Jeffrey Campbell ‘In Love’ Flat        Topshop ‘Marci’ Flat

~Brittany

Sources:
Who What Wear
D Magazine
We Heart It
Crossroads Trading Co.

May 1, 2013

My Junior Prom

This past weekend, I attended my junior prom! Needless to say, it was an amazing night that I will never forget. My favorite part was getting to see everyone’s prom dresses, accessories, hair and shoes. My friends and I went stag; you don’t need a date in order to have fun!

I decided to shoot for a more classic look and chose a black chiffon gown with beaded shoulders. Then I felt that the dress needed a bit more sparkle, so I wore a beaded belt (it’s actually two necklaces fastened together!) around my waist. My favorite thing about my dress was the short slip with the long, sheer overlay.

Sticking with the classic vibe, I went with winged eyeliner, a red lip and an updo.

Makeup-prom-nordstrom

Bp-nordstrom-prom

My friend’s hair looks amazing, too, doesn’t it?

DSC_0138

Because I’m really short, I wanted to rock a pair of killer heels. I chose black patent T-strap platforms.

Prom-shoes-bp-nordstrom

I brought out the silver in my dress with an ombré glitter manicure and an antique silver beaded clutch.

DSC_0178

More pictures of me and my friends:

Prom-bp-nordstrom

hero

Bp-nordstrom-prom-2

DSC_0083

Stay beautiful,
Samantha

Prom season is in full swing, which means you’ve probably got your dress, shoes and accessories picked out. (No? Better hop over to the prom shop, pronto!) Now it’s time to focus on your makeup. We’ve got a treasure trove of beauty how-to videos about everything from flawless foundation to false eyelashes and more.

Check out these quick and easy tips for an ombre eye:

You can find more beauty how-to videos right here.

Click For More: ,

April 30, 2013

To Bow or Not to Bow

All through seventh grade, I wore ribbons tied around my ponytails. It was my “thing.” I had them in all colors, prints and lengths. But I stopped wearing them because I let myself be pushed by others into believing I had outgrown them. I am sure we have all done that—stopped wearing or doing something we liked because it suddenly wasn’t fashionable or cool anymore. While it’s true that maybe some fads should be left behind, I think it’s important to hold on to things, even superficial things, that make you happy. And you know what? Bows make me happy!

Lately, hair bows having been popping up on runways and style blogs. Street-style wonder woman Hanelli Mustaparta (middle) is even rocking one.

Street-style-vanessa-jackman-hanelli-bow-hair-accessories-ponytail-clemence-posey

Yes, they can be frivolous. Yes, they can be hyper-feminine, but what’s wrong with that? They’re practical, they keep hair back from your face, and are infinitely more interesting than a plain ponytail holder or elastic headband.

hero

Runway-hair-trend-hair-bow-etro-louis-vuitton-accessories
Bows were the accessories of choice at some spring 2013 runways. They took form in sleek ribbons at Etro (left) and large, mod bows at Louis Vuitton (right).

Street-style-vanessa-jackman-hair-bow-acccessories-2013-spring-trend_edited-1

Nordstrom-hair-bows-ponytail-holders-accessories-barrette

Shown:

  1. 1. Cara ‘Pearly Polka Dot Bow’ Ponytail Holder
  2. 2. Topshop Bow Barette
  3. 3. Cara ‘Happy Stars’ Ponytail Holders in fuschia, teal, and yellow.

So I think it’s time for me to find my bows…and keep them out!

~Brittany

Sources:

Click For More: ,


I love coloring. Seriously, give me some crayons and I will go to town. So it makes sense that I’ve always loved makeup so much; however, I almost never wear makeup during the week because I don’t see the point in wearing it to school. That might sound weird, but I’d rather sleep in those ten extra minutes than worry about my makeup. On the weekends, though, I love experimenting with different beauty looks.

Like everyone, I have my favorites, and I thought I would share my beauty essentials with you:Hero

  1. 1. Physicians Formula Tinted Moisturizer. I don’t wear cream/liquid foundation because my skin is really sensitive (but I do wear powder – see #6).
  2. 2. Lancôme ‘Artliner’ Precision Point EyeLiner. This is perfect for cat eyes (one of my favorite looks).
  3. 3. bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolor in ‘Bavarian Creme’. This lipstick is my absolute favorite. It goes on super smooth and the color is sublime.*
  4. 4. Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes to Kill Excess’ Mascara. Two coats of this and you’re good to go.
  5. 5. MAC Pigment. I prefer pure pigments over eyeshadow cremes. If you wet your brush a little, the color goes on and stays on. I lean towards golds and browns because my eyes are blue.
  6. 6. bareMinerals Customizable ‘Get Started’ Kit. I swear by bareMinerals. I use their foundation powder and mineral veil over my moisturizer; it provides coverage but isn’t heavy.

*Parfait, Plum Brulee, and Rose Crepe available at Nordstrom.

While I don’t wear makeup every day, I do wear perfume. Coco Chanel once said, “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” I don’t think it’s quite that tragic, but I do think perfume is like a person’s signature. My two favorites are:

 Brittany-favorite-fragrance-perfume-juicy-couture-burberry-nordstrom

(Find Viva la Juicy here, and Burberry Brit here.)

My final makeup advice:

 - Keep cotton swabs in your purse so that you can correct smudges throughout the day.

 - Always take your makeup off at night, especially mascara; I like Caudalie makeup remover best.

 - Use lip liner whenever you apply lipstick; it keeps your lipstick from running.

 - Don’t have blush? In a pinch, a highlighting eyeshadow works! Apply white eyeshadow as a highlighter on the tops of your cheek bones and on the  little curve above your lip.

Do you have any beauty secrets? I’d love to know some of your favorites and tips!

~Brittany

Sources:
Goodreads
Beautylish
Drugstore.com

April 23, 2013

Experimental Nails

A while ago, I realized how cool matte black nails are. I scoured the mall and finally found O.P.I.‘s Matte Top Coat—you can put it over any color to make it matte. I figured it would be the best bang for the buck. And it is! Check it out:

PUBLISH Experimental Nails

As you can see, I love to do my third finger a different color from the rest!

Nordstrom carries four matte topcoats: Essie ‘Matte About You’ Finisher ($10), Ciaté ‘Mattnificent Top Coat’ ($17), butter LONDON ‘Shine Free Topcoat’ ($18, and free of toxic chemicals!) and Deborah Lippmann ‘Flat Top’ Matte Topcoat ($20). Don’t forget about the free shipping and returns—there’s no minimum order, even for little things like nail polish.

XOXO,
Aya

Click For More: , ,

April 19, 2013

Topshop Prom Shop

Is anyone else as obsessed with Topshop as I am? Honestly, I think it’s starting to become just a tad unhealthy. And the fact that I can get it at Nordstrom? Even better.

Topshop

While everything at Topshop is absolutely gorgeous, I am particularly in love with their dresses. The best thing about them is that they are so unique. You really can’t find dresses like these anywhere else. There’s no better way to stand out at your prom than by wearing a completely unique knockout dress! Try these options:

1. ‘Origami’ Toile Dress

Topshop-prom-bp-nordstrom

Shown with the Flounce ‘Ivie’ Peeptoe Platform Pump and Argento Vivo Bib Necklace

The pattern on this dress is to die for, and the ‘origami’ folds are so beautiful.

2. Metallic Lace Skater Dress

Topshop-prom-metallic-dress-bp-nordstrom

Spring’s hottest silhouette is the skater dress. Pair this dress with a bold red lip and you will truly shine.

3. ‘Florence’ Iris Print Dress

Topshop-prom-dress-bp-nords

Shown with a Topshop Chain Collar Necklace and Guess ‘Neodan3′ Pump

4. ‘Woodblock’ Lantern Skirt Dress

Topshop-dress-bp-nordstrom-lantern

The pattern on this dress is so one-of-a-kind. I love that the stylists paired this with a bold statement shoe.

Have you seen the Topshop prom film yet? Get inspired with more prom on the BP. Pinterest Boards!

Sources:

The Style Tag

Pinterest

 

Click For More: , ,

Today’s crush-worthy woman is (IMHO) one of the world’s best photographers. Like, ever. Her name is Mary Ellen Mark and she’s been setting the world on fire with her photographs since the 1960s when she started shooting pictures of Vietnam War protests, women’s liberation demonstrations and other outbreaks of social unrest. Since then she’s worked for Rolling Stone, won a National Endowment for the Arts grant, been awarded four honorary doctorate degrees and generally just kicked butt all over the place. Her subjects range from street kids in Seattle to performers in an Indian circus to celebrities like Johnny Depp.

But it’s one of her most recent projects that’s got us all worked up. She and her equally amazing husband spent several years traveling around and photographing PROMS. Yep, you read it right: Proms Across America! (That’s not the name of the project. But it would be funny if it was.) They also made a documentary! We grabbed a couple of our favorite images to show you exactly how awesome she is, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. (You can see more amazing prom portraits  and read about the project here.)

So if you’re always chasing your friends with your camera, if you can’t stop Instagramming—you’re in good company. Keep it up and maybe one day you’ll end up with an honorary doctorate and a world-class portfolio that makes people swoon.

Mary Ellen Mark Prom Portraits
Mary Ellen Mark Prom Portraits

Mary Ellen Mark Prom Portraits

Here’s the trailer for the documentary:

Shameless plug: Still looking for prom dresses, shoes and accessories? Swing by the prom shop and get yourself sorted!