Prom 2007: The Trendy

I guess not everyone shares my sense of nostalgia for the classic prom, but then again I kind of had 3 proms/dances back in high school, so I had plenty of opportunities to play around and try everything. So for those of you who want something more special and trendy for prom, here are a few more fun ideas:

Volume is all over the place this season. So play it up in these adorable bubble dresses from Tracey Reese (left) and ABS by Allen Schwartz (right). Doesn't the ABS one look sort of reminiscent of the white Chanel dress Marissa wore to prom in the OC?
One of my favourite dresses this season is the sparkly shift dress. Its so simple but glamorous at the same time. For something a bit more girly and feminine, I like the sequins and the delicate material of the Tracey Reese dress (left). For all out glam, check out this sparkly white shift from ABS (right), its like a simpler version of THE sparkly shift dress from Burberry Prorsum this season.

In case you haven't noticed already, I am loving the Tracey Reese collection. Here are a few more gorgeous dresses from her that are both flattering but different.

Lets not forget the silk dresses! I rather like these two less fitted cuts from See by Chloe (left) and ABS (right). The dressy silk material with the casual cuts makes a refreshing combination.
Something a little bit bolder. These two simple black/white striped dresses from BCBG (left) and Betsey Johnson (right) are just great. Simply add on a shrug, a necklace or even a tshirt and you're ready to rock prom!

Personally I'm not a great fan of the prom ideas from Teen Vogue this year. They all look really pretty and romantic, but they also look kind of casual and are super difficult to put together if you don't have your own personal stylist and an unlimited budget. To achieve the same personalized effect, I suggest getting a simple but chic dress, like these two black strapless numbers from BCBG(left) and Derek Lam(right) and adorning it to your hearts content. Throw on a necklace, a shrug, a cropped jacket, long earrings, a belt, a shirt or even funky leggings- just have fun! Though do try not to overdo it and only do 2 or 3 of the things I suggested above, have a focus.
And I couldn't resist adding these two more classic but oh-so-stylish and elegant dresses by the masters of dresses: Vera Wang (left: the Lavender Label) and Carolina Herrera (right: CH line). SO GORGEOUS!

Photo Credits: Net-a-Porter.com, Carolina Herrera, ABS by Allen Schwartz, BCBG, Betsey Johnson, Chloe and Tracey Reese

Prom 2007: The Classics

Its prom season again! Oh those good ol' days seem so long ago. As much as I've gone on before about how I love cocktail dresses for dances, looking back, I think every girl should have a typical prom experience complete with the long flaring skirts, sparkles and shiny material. I mean, a girl doesn't get too many chances in her life to wear such dresses. So here are a few of the classics to choose from.
The long black dress. There'd be no wincing when you look back at your prom photos with this one. You will probably even be able to wear it more than once! And just to keep it from being boring, subtle details like the assymetric cutting and stripes on the left (ABS by Allen Schwartz) and the black satin striped layer over beige on the right (BCBG) are an excellent touch. I would also like to add that I've personally tried on the shorter version of this BCBG dress and the cutting is simply divine. It is SO flattering to the figure, I LOVE it. I WANT it.Prom is your chance to let your inner princess out. So bring on the tiara and slip on a gorgeous pink dress (left: David's Bridal, right: ABS by Allen Schwartz). I remember HG had on a pretty pink dress similar to that one on the left one year as well and she looked soo pretty!
Then there are the elegant designs that simply never go out of style. I am loving this godess-like flowing midnight blue dress (left: ABS by Allen Schwartz). And this black and white dress here (right: David's Bridal) is simply so elegant and timeless. The black and white contrast, the subtle sparkles and the and the assymetrical design is just SO flattering. My friend had a similar one during my prom (see how timeless it is?) and she looked fabulous!

And just because I said classic don't be afraid to try something fun (but tastefully so please!). You're only young once after all. Here are two by Jessica McClintock. I especially like the champagne color one because a) the scrunched up skirt gives it some amp but the whole dress still has all the qualities of a prom dress and b) I've been wanting a champagne colored dress recently!

So while you girls are out looking for your prom dresses, don't forget to check out the classics!

SS07 Lookalike Bags

Ages ago, a friend requested that I do a post on the affordable versions of hit bags. So last summer, I compiled a bunch of 'inspired' bags with their originals in this post. It's been awhile, bags have come and gone so I thought I would do a new one.

The Dior Black Cannage Lambskin Bag has really caught my interest this season. Mostly because I'm desperate for a black bag and a tiny bit because Ashley Olsen and the models looked so cool holding and swinging it. It's available online for 1290USD.
The 'inspired' version by Bebe is at an overpriced cost of 198USD. It looks decent enough, although maybe a bit too small.

The Chanel Cabas was last winter's it bag so new versions of it in different colours and material were released this season. Not sure about the cost though.
And the high street followed of course. The bag on the left is by Nine West (at 120USD and also available in silver and white), and the bag on the right is by Bebe (239USD). OK, is there a reason Bebe bags cost so much?

I'm not a big fan of the spot-my-brand-from-30-feet-away Prada bag (1052USD), but nevertheless I present you a very similar looking one by Guess (75USD). Although obviously, no one mistake your Guess one as Prada.

Chloe bags must be one of the most copied brands out there. Here is the black Betty bag by Chloe (right) selling at 932GBP and the high street version by Oasis (a UK high street chain,) selling at 65GBP.

Again, another lookalike by Oasis at 40GBP (left) but this time it's Chloe's double-pocket Edith at 924GBP (right).

Ahh, Marni's quirky little purse. I've always found these Marni purses so cute, but I haven't figured out an unquirky way to wear it yet (which is why I can't actually imagine owning a Marni purse).
These lookalikes are by Top Shop -they look good for a quick run to the supermarket on weekends. The Marni one is now on sale for 415GBP and the Top Shop ones are 55GBP each.

And finally, tha bag I was drooling over last summer -Botkier's medium Bianca satchel. I still haven't gotten over how pretty it is, esp the dark brown one (no pics here)! I would have totally gotten one if it costs less than it's 595USD!
A similar-looking one is available at Urban Outfitters at 68USD. Ok, it doesn't look that much like Botkier's but there are some similarities. Unfotunately the leather is no where as divine as Botkier's. Sigh...

Phew, that was a lot of sites! I assume that you all as fashion lovers are able to exchange basic currencies speedily so I didn't bother to convert. Gosh, the prices of bags have really gone up haven't they? Both the high end and high street ones!

Photo credits: The sites linked to the label of the bags.