Prom Dress of the Day #1

Hey y'all. Sorry for the long hiatus. I've been working on forming a music blog...fashion hasn't been intriguing me as much. (Partly because I feel like I have less money to spend these days.)

Anyway, I know a lot of high schoolers have prom coming up. When I was a senior, the dress options in the mall just didn't cut it -- tacky, poofy things just weren't my style. So these next few days, I'm going to give you a few classier, more unique options. If your past your teenage days, perhaps these would make good bridesmaid dresses?

J. Crew Silk Taffeta Strapless Sangle Dress in tropical aqua, $215
Buy it here.

How to look cute at the gym

For some people, the title of this post may be laughable. When I'm working out, they'll say, I'm all sweaty and out of breath and I just don't care how I look. On some level, I understand that. I do believe that it's more important to get a good cardio session in than to walk two miles an hour on the treadmill in order to keep your hair and mascara intact. But gyms can be a great place to meet the opposite sex (wink, wink) and while you might not have the slammin' abs or strength you desire yet, you can still look bright and fashionable now.


Strong & Sexy by brainyblondie

First of all, get over the idea that you can wear leggings as pants. Even at the gym, this is unforgivable. If you really think leggings keep your legs happy, just wear them underneath cute matching shorts. Give up the idea of capri workout pants too. Capris have the ability to make even the slimmest girls' legs look short and stocky.

Also, make sure everything fits on top. Few things are an embarassing as a bulgy, ill-fitting sports bra. Realize that over-sized t-shirts will only make you look bigger. Know that darker fabrics are going to make any potential sweat more obvious, but avoid white because it can stain. There are a lot of amazing, breathable workout fabrics out there nowadays too.

Shoes are the one thing I'll give everyone a fashion break on. They really just need to get the job done -- don't automatically gravitate towards the pretty ones because they may not have the same support. I tend to gravitate toward the old, reliable basics for running shoes -- Nike, Avia, etc. (There are cute and functional shoes out there; it's just a matter of how much you're willing to pay. If investing in cute shoes might gets you to the gym more often, do it.)

In terms of hair, makeup and jewelry, the key is simplicity. No chandelier earrings, obviously. Keep your hair pulled back neatly, with a hairband if it's long or some bobby pins if it's short. My favorite gym look is tiny stud earrings, some sheer lipgloss and a touch of eyeliner below my eyes. Waterproof makeup will last through the sweating you'll on the way to become a healthier, stronger person.Have a happy workout!

Not really feelin' it

OMG! TOPSHOP OPENS IT'S U.S.A. SECTION ONLINE TODAY!!!

Zzzzzz. I love the Brits & I love cheap, cool clothes. But TopShop has always bored me. It's the same stuff you find at the Gap. Yeah, the Kate Moss stuff is cool, but for those prices you could get way better pieces. Does Kate Moss really have a say in that stuff?

TopShop is like that guy you've dated. Everyone raves about him and he seems really interesting and hard-to-get. But then you end up with him and are bored.

Fashion rocks, 'Fringe' sucks

Because I can't be front row at all of the exciting Fashion Week shows, I'm currently watching "Fringe". And it sucks. Like "The X-Files", but bad. (Possibly because it lacks the sexiness of Mulder.)

If you can't go to fashion week either, check out this link: NY Times Fashion Week. As usual, the New York Times does it best. And as usual, autumn is the best season, for clothes and everything else. Maybe I've been in school too long, but for me it always seems like the real start of a new year.

Outfit Analysis #1: Mischa Barton

Usually I kind of like Mischa's style- she reminds me a bit of Blake Lively. They're both tall, long-haired girls with a bit of a minimalist, hippie style. Mischa does tend to take a few more fashion risks in an attempt to be trendy. I'm amazed that she's been able to keep herself in the media so much lately, as she doesn't seem to be appearing in many movies or shows as of late.

I really like her jacket here. It's like a basic leather jacket, but the shorter sleeves and texture spice it up. The bag is cute too, but it matches the texture of the jacket too closely. I would have used the pieces in two separate outfits. When you wear only one color, it's important to have a variety of textures.

I really don't understand her use of jewelry. I wear very little jewelry when I'm out at night- usually just earrings, so I can use a really glamorous clutch or top. Plus, this is cheap-looking, super boring jewelry. She could at least go for something bold or colorful. A lot of people just pile on the silver or gold jewelry thinking it will automatically make them look casually boho, but it can also just look mindless.

I am completely against the use of tights/leggings as pants. They rarely help out anyone's shape and it's not trendy at all. Mischa's legs are in fairly good shape, but the leggings make them look chunkier. Her leggings also look a bit sheer...I'm betting you would see a bit too much looking at her rear view.

No real opinion on the boots. I love leather boots in general and the cute little star on these, but they just don't seem to help the outfit much. These boots seem a bit more appropriate to toughen up a girly day outfit, rather than for use for a night out. When you're out on the town, I think you're shoes are the most important- it's good to have a heel, even if it's only half an inch high.

Overall, this outfit earns a C-. It's bland and not very flattering. What do you think?

First date fashion

First dates can be the most exciting/intimidating/weird experiences ever. And what you wear can make a big difference!

I had a date last night, and two separate guys asked me for my number on my way to meet my date. Red heels can work wonders!

Any fashion advice for dates? Any bad first date stories?

Trend: Cutout Shoes

Cutout shoes are the definition of sexy footwear, combining structuralism with foot cleavage. These Yves Saint Laurent Folies Sandals are flying off the shelves at Saks for good reason. As a journalism student I can't quite cough up $895.00, but with shoes as great as these I don't know that a cheap version can be found.

Busted: Suggestions for Bigger Chests

I previously posted on suggestions for all of the “Keira Knightley” chests out there…now here are suggestions for all of you who are a bit more Marilyn Monroe.

Pamela’s chest may be enviable, but here fashion sense isn’t always. Keep it classy, girls!

Cowl necks

If your shirts are always straining across your chest, cowl necks work because they drape instead. This cute one is from Free People. Ignore the fact that the model is rather disturbingly skinny.

Scoop necks

By showing a little more neckline your chest can look perkier. A scoop neck does this without showing any cleavage. American Apparel.

V-Neck halters

Halters will help lift your bust. Just be sure you buy a good bra to go underneath. The one below is by Baby Phat- usually I find the brand kind of gaudy, but this dress is sweet and simple.

Bras

Agent Provocateur is my favorite place for lingerie, even though it gets expensive. But if you have money to spend, why not spend it on quality undergarments? The bra below comes in up to an F cup!

Listening to: “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” by She & Him

Reading: “Wonderful Tonight” by Pattie Boyd (I’m a sucker for biographies!)

Watching: Season 2 of “House” on DVD

Wearing: sweatpants from Victoria’s Secret and a Catwoman shirt from UO…my Sunday afternoon blogging uniform! Don’t worry, kids, I look fashionable in public ;)

Polyvore is my new addiction

Unless they're teenagers at prom, couples dressed alike make me gag. I like the concept of a coordinate, fashionable twosome, but usually couples end up looking costume-y and intimidating. If I saw a guy and girl walking hand and hand with these outfits though, I'd definitely have to smile. Perfect for tango-ing in the aisles of Barnes & Noble.

(If you've never tried Polyvore, it's a fantastic little site where you can make collages online of your favorite fashions. I'd love to hold a Polyvore competition sometime soon...add me as a contact on Polyvore if you'd like. More sets of mine to come!)

Top Ten: Saks Fifth Avenue

The e-mails from Saks Fifth Avenue are definitely not spam, but inspirational little fliers leading you to great designer stuff. They helped me find all of this...so sign up!

Here are my favorite things from everyone's favorite department store- fall collection and flirty summer pieces you can wear now. As much as I would like to rave about Yves Saint Laurent's collection, I've kept everything under $300. My fashion philosophy? It doesn't matter what the brand is or how much you pay, as long as the materials are of a good quality, the fit is good and you love it.

1) Camellia Python Pumps- Kate Spade ($298)

(see photo at top)

Animal print, when done right, is a great, funky neutral.
2) Tiered & Smocked Tube Dress- Juicy Couture ($248)

Casual, but kinda elegant. This color will look fantastic with any skin tone.

3) Ladies Sport Watch- Michael Kors ($225)

Mr. Kors is the master of mixing sporty and classically refined. This watch will go with absolutely everything. I love that it's a bit masculine.

4) Caz Merino Wool Cardigan- Tory Burch ($250)

Classic, but the stripe trim keeps it interesting and lengthens the line of your body.

5) Bell Bottom Jeans- 7 For All Mankind ($169)

After months of not-always-flattering skinny jeans, bell-bottoms are in! Who doesn't love 7 For All Mankind? The dark wash is always slimming.

6) Hooded Anorak- Eileen Fisher, Salon Z ($148.80 on sale)

Here's your sexy and plus-sized item of the week. It's environmentally- and travel-friendly too, made of recycled polyester and folding into its own zip pouch. Comes in non-plus sizes too!

7) Pelego Jersey Wrap Dress- Diane von Furstenburg ($238.80 on sale)

Everyone's doing the jersey wrap dress!The gorgeous orange and brown colors could easily make this dress work for fall, especially if you live in a warmer climate (unlike me in Chicago). I'm not always the biggest fan of tie-dye, but this dress is more earthy/global tie-dye than over-the-top, dyed-at-elementary-school-summer-camp tie dye.

8) Mod Stripe Knit Dress- L.A.M.B. ($285)

The look of a tank and skirt in one awesomely nautical dress. Wearing with a white preppy cable cardigan as it's gets chillier would make this look very "Gossip Girl". Possibly my favorite item on the list.

9) Safari Shirtdress- D.K.N.Y. ($147 on sale)

Shirtdresses are always subtly sexy and flattering. I'm a fan of the brown, mixed with bright shoes- maybe some open-toe wedges while it's still warm. Pop the collar like the model for a bit of mystery.

10) Raven Colorblock Dress- Ella Moss ($155)

(see photo below)

Empire waist dresses usually drive me crazy because my abs are the only part of my body I like, but it looks like the shape is a trend that's here to stay. And this dress is quite sexy! I love the very pale models wearing Ella Moss on the Saks website.