WIll You Go to Prom with Me? Dresses under $300.

Alright, minor Oscars-related interruption, it's back to part #2 of my little prom dress series. This time I went for dresses that were between $200 and $300, with slightly more expensive accessories. I really like this price point between it's a little easier to a get more classic look. They might seem simple, but it's really expensive to get something that's simple and chic but also done really well.

Helmut Lang Bondage Jersey Dress, $233.99 from from $390 at saks.com, Elizabeth & James Penelope Dress, $218.99 down from $365 at saks.com, ABS Strapless Peplum Dress, $275 at saks.com: I know this Helmut Lang dress probably doesn't scream "Prom!" to anyone but me, but if you have a more casual prom and your aesthetic is more along the lines of edgy and sporty than glam and sparkly, this might be for you. There are some sheer panels on the back, ruching along the front, and an exposed zipper to add some extra oomph, and you could really wear it over and over. I love this Elizabeth & James dress. It has a punkish-ballerina vibe to it without being too '90s or over the top, and the aqua is a really fun, refreshing shade for a formal event, as is the notched neckline (instead of a typical sweetheart). I think you can tie the black ribbon a bunch of different ways, so you could get a lot of different looks out of this. I'd definitely wear this ABS dress. It might be my favorite. Peplums are making a serious comeback, and have a jaunty, almost Victorian feel that works really well with the clean lines of the rest of the dress. The strawberry pink hue is actually really flattering, and a nice alternative to your standard pink.


All J. Crew dresses: Seraphina Dress, $285 at jcrew.com, Silk Chiffon Taryn Dress, $215 at jcrew.com, Cotton cady Erica Dress, $225 at jcrew.com: J. Crew is a seriously underrated and amazing source for prom dresses. They have lots of affordable, simple pieces in a rainbow of colors that you can really wear over and over and over. This Seraphina dress is one of their more unique options--I adore the pale gold/nude shade, which is both totally unexpected and very understated chic, and the asymmetrically pleated chiffon looks really, really expensive. Throw on a thin, sparkly belt, and you'll be best-dressed, hands down. These other two dresses come in a Skittles bag of colors. I like this empire-waisted chiffon number because it's very simple and very girly. Empire waists can be tricky, since they aren't flattering on a lot of body types, but if you have the height and frame to pull it off it's very Juliet (from Romeo and Juliet, the Claire Danes version. Of course). This faded purple would be really fun with some sparkly accessories and statement heels. I'm not a huge fan of this third dress in that green, but it comes in a ton of other, more wearable colors. It's pretty much the most versatile dress over, and has pockets! Always a plus. I'd get it in black or navy and hem it 6-8 inches (to mitigate the bridesmaid vibe), and do it with a really bold belt.


BCBG Metallic-Jacquard Strapless Dress, $288 at bcbg.com, BCBG Floral-Print Strapless Dress, $248 at bcbg.com, Rachel Pally Long Cutout Dress, $238 at shopbop.com: This BCBG dress is so summery and girly, I love it. If you want to wear white to prom, this is a great way to do it. It's very light and clean, but not stark, thanks to the floral appliques and sweetheart neckline. The contrast of black at the waist keeps it from being too simple, and the hint of metallic sheen glams it up a bit. This floral dress is another one of my favorites. It's so offbeat, with the heavily pleated, asymmetrical panels of different florals, but it really looks very Abaete-meets-Luella. Aka crazy amazing. The triangular panels are actually very flattering, and create an anti-hourglass shape, and since there's so much pattern, you don't need to do much accessorizing. This is a great way to make a bold choice that you won't regret in five years. And now it's time for my one long dress. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of long dresses for prom, just because they can get really, really expensive. This Rachel Pally dress is very drop-dead-chic in an Angelina Jolie sort of way. It is a lot of black, but the cutout on the black keeps it from being heavy or aging, and if you added a sparkly necklace or some hardcore statement earrings and a similar bracelet, it would be so, so, so glamourous.


Accessories:

J. Crew Crystal Rock Bracelet, $85 at jcrew.com, Madewell Multi Chain & Rhinestone Necklace, $68 at shopbop.com, Fallon Jewelry Sinead Earrings, $99 at shopbop.com: I like picking one statement piece for a look like this. That way your jewelry stands out but doesn't detract from the dress too much. I love this bracelet not just for prom, but for daily life (my daily life, to be specific). The giant crystals are so over the top glam, and therefore contrast perfectly with the chains going around the bracelet. It would be amazing with the Rachel Pally dress, but also with a white tee and jeans (can you tell that I'm trying to find a way to justify buying it?). The same goes for this necklace. It would add the perfect amount of grungy glamour to a cocktail dress, with the mixture of rhinestones and chains, and the softly separated layers, but it would also be a fab counterpoint to a more casual dress (like the Helmut Lang dress. Does that make sense now?). Me want these earrings. They're a nice alternative to most statement earrings, which often have a serious Dynasty vibe. These feel almost Victorian, very hand-crafted and slightly antiqued. Since they're long but not that heavy, they'd move really well, and there's just enough sparkle.


Elegantly Waisted Haley Belt, $121 at shopbop.com, Steve Madden Caryssa Heels in Blush, $99.95 at stevemadden.com, Miu Miu Glitter-embellished Platform Heels, $595 at net-a-porter.com: For a lot of these dresses, a statement making belt is key. I like this Elegantly Waisted belt (love that brand name) because it ties in the back, which not only adds a little Old World charm but is actually totally practical for different dresses with different thicknesses. The embellishment in the front adds a ton of sparkle without being too blingy, and the braid-esque detail elevates to another level entirely. I know nude pumps sound a little odd for prom at first, but once you see their leg-lengthening abilities, you'll be a convert (I promise). The platform makes them comfier and adds another inch or two to your legs, and the blush pink hue is just skin-toned enough without making your feet look dead. These Miu Miu pumps aren't what I'd call practical, but they're so sparkly. So sparkly. Almost like Dorothy's ruby slippers in black and white as a tranny platform pump. Doesn't that sound lovely? These pumps + the Helmut Lang dress = I die.


Image Sources:
Helmut Lang dress: saks.com, Elizabeth & James dress: saks.com, ABS dress: saks.com, J. Crew dresses: Seraphina dress: jcrew.com, Taryn dress: jcrew.com, Erica dress: jcrew.com, BCBG metallic dress: bcbg.com, BCBG floral dress: bcbg.com, Rachel Pally dress: shopbop.com, J. Crew bracelet: jcrew.com, Madewell necklace: shopbop.com, Fallon Jewelry earrings: shopbop.com, Elegantly Waisted belt: shopbop.com, Steve Madden heels: stevemadden.com, Miu Miu heels: net-a-porter.com.

Oscar 2010 Red Carpet Round-up

First off, I just have to say that the Oscars were epic even if it was only because Kathryn Bigelow OWNED James Cameron (aka her ex-hubby) and Avatar in the best example of post-breakup revenge EVER. And I just really dislike Avatar, so that's another plus. As was seeing Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin act like an old married couple.

As for the outfits, I feel like a lot of people weren't there last night. Anne Hathaway? Marion Cotillard? Did I just not see you? There wasn't a whole lot of risk-taking, but there was a lot of safely pretty. Let's discuss.

The Good:

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Haute Couture, Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive, Zoe Kravitz: I remember blogging about Zoe Saldana's dress about a month ago and thinking that SOMEONE needed to wear it to the Oscars. It's a lot of look, but she pulls it off effortlessly. First, I'm so glad someone wore a fun, festive purple instead of off-white or grey or black, and second off, I love that it's somewhat understated from the hips up, and then there's this exuberant explosion of multi-tonal ruffles. It was breathtaking as she walked across the stage, and it's young and fun. Sometimes those calculated risks pay off. Amanda Seyfried got the big girl version of J. Lo's dress. It's a little on the simple side, but she looks flawless, it escapes being bridal from combining the architecture in the bodice and the voluminous skirt, and the statement cuff gives it a little extra personality. She looks radiant and chic (and did I mention that she's amazing on Big Love?). I have to be honest, I don't really understand why Zoe Kravitz is at the Oscars, but I really like her dress. It's a refreshing, on-trend take on the Old Hollywood look, with an adorable bow in the back, and it fits her perfectly.


Elizabeth Banks in Versace, Carey Mulligan in Prada, Sandra Bullock in Marchesa: Elizabeth Banks is so pretty! I mean, she could wear a sack and still look great, but I think this Versace dress is a pretty good choice too. I like that the grey has a hint of blue to it, which works really nicely with her fair coloring, and the contrast between the architectural lines of the bodice and the softly deconstructed skirt is perfect. She looks glamourous and Oscar-appropriate, but still like she's having fun. So last night I decided that I seriously have to see An Education because Carey Mulligan looks beyond adorable in it. I have less positive feelings about her new haircut than I do about her dress, but I absolutely love her Prada gown. This is the young way to do a black gown (ahem, Kristen Stewart). The embellishment is subtle, but adds a ton of visual interest and richness to all that black, and the cut is both very classic, with the sweetheart neckline and a-line skirt, and very on-trend with the asymmetrical hemline. I wish she'd gone for a basic pump to keep all the focus on the dress, but overall it's still a winner. Speaking of winner, Sandra Bullock dressed like an Oscar and she got one. Haha. Ok. I think I like this dress more because it's on her, and she was so darn adorable in The Proposal, than I do because I actually like the dress, but it really does work, and it looked great on stage, the way it caught all the lights. What I love the most though, is her hair. It's so shiny! And the side part with that tiny Veronica Lake curl at the bottom--genius.


Sigourney Weaver in Lanvin, Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten, Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta: Sigourney Weaver was in Laser Cats 5, so she has my undying respect. This Lanvin number hugs her in all the right places, falls perfectly from the waist, and I love that the red hue makes a statement, so the cut is simple and classic. The sparkles at the shoulder dress it up and give it a little extra spunk. Maggie Gyllenhaal is another one of those girls who makes very bold red carpet choices that usually end up crashing and burning or being totally fantastic. I'm inclined to think that this Dries Van Noten is one of the later. It fits her, the cut is very streamlined and clean and lets the bold print speak for itself, and she kept the hair/makeup and accessorizing to a minimum to let the dress shine. It's probably not to everyone's taste, but I think she pulls it off well. I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of Cameron Diaz in general, but Team Rachel Zoe did an amazing job picking this Oscar de la Renta (I definitely remember Brad twittering about this dress two weeks ago, loves him). It's very much a fairytale princess dress, but not too sweet or little girl-ish. The tone-on-tone nature of the heavy embellishment keeps all the sparkle from being too overwhelming, as does the simple cut, and the slightly retro hair and makeup are such a perfect finishing touch. She really does look flawless--it's one of my favorite looks of the night.


Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka, Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture, Meryl Streep in Chris March: I'm calling Helen Mirren Dame Helen Mirren from now on. She deserves it. This woman is the definition of class and aging gracefully (well, her and Meryl Streep, but still). This dress is reserved, but flattering, subdued, but still sparkly, and the sheer sleeves are genius. They add extra coverage without that 'mother of the bride' feeling that a square neckline and long sleeves often gives. I know Rachel's dress was really polarizing, but I absolutely loved it. This wasn't the best angle for it, and it's still gorgeous. The bodice fits her perfectly (especially from the side), the cut is simple and ethereal, and the washed out floral print adds just a touch of grown-up whimsy. Who doesn't want to spin around in that big of a skirt? Really? And in another example of her unfading classiness, Meryl Streep in Chris March (yes, the hair guy from Project Runway, which makes this a million times better). She looks chic, age appropriate, and powerful, but most of all, really comfortable in her own skin.


The Meh:

Tina Fey in Michael Kors, Vera Farmiga in Marchesa, Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive: First of all, I love Tina Fey! And I love this dress! Don't hate me. It's Old Hollywood, it's glam, it's black but not boring, and all that. But something about the way it fits her is off. The skirt is doing awkward things to her hips. I don't know, maybe I'm losing my mind (I had a midterm this morning, so that is entirely plausible), but what I really dislike is the hair. It's a lot like Kate Winslet's hair at the Oscars last year, with that overly hair-sprayed, helmeted shape, and it just looks so artificial and old. Wouldn't this be much nicer with some flowing waves? I give Vera Farmiga so many props for having the guts to wear this Marchesa. It is not an easy dress to pull off, and on anyone else it would have ended up in the worst-dressed section. That thing has enough ruffles for a Baroque bedspread, and it's still not wearing her. That said, it's a lot of look, and it kind of looks like a sea anemone. Maybe a little less ruffle in the skirt? Or a belt to anchor it? Something. So basically, J. Lo's dress is a giant caricature of her curves. Look at it. It's ridiculous. It's like the dress is making fun of her butt by exploding on the other side, and it also somehow manages to look like an ocean creature. I also think it's hilarious that this dress, like Amanda Seyfried's, is by Armani Prive, and that they're kinda really similar. Can't you see J. Lo hunting Amanda down on the red carpet and trying to destroy her train for stealing her look? Or something like that, but way less soap opera-ish.


Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan, Miley Cyrus in Jenny Peckham, Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab: So. Penelope Cruz. As an actress, I love her. In this dress, not so much. Whether or not she's pregnant, it is really flattering in the stomach region. However, it also kind of looks like she was rolling around in some really nice sheets, realized she was late for the Oscars, safety-pinned herself together and ran out the door. It's like a less successful version of this Keira Knightley dress, and honestly, she can do better (and did, last year). But she still has Miley Cyrus beat by a mile. From the waist down, I like it. It's soft and sweet and inoffensive. But I feel like the designer ran out of time and just designed a skirt, and the bodice is the top of Miley's Spanx bustier. It's almost as if she stops slouching there's going to be a wardrobe malfunction, and while it's interesting that the dress takes Miley's bad posture into mind, I don't think it's a good thing. I know everyone loved Anna Kendrick's dress, and I agree, it is very lovely. The cut is gorgeous, with just the right amount of structure for all that draping, but the color...if I squint she looks naked. If she was a tad darker or the dress was a little deeper or any combination of the two, I'd love it, but as is I keep wondering if she's wearing clothes.



The Bad:

Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture, Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Haute Couture, Kristen Stewart in Monique Lhuillier: I think using bad to describe Diane Kruger's wardrobe choices is relative. She's obviously gorgeous, and has really adventurous taste, which I appreciate. However. The middle of her dress is molting. I could do with the high-neck and 3 sections thing, but it's like her stomach is covered in mangy chicken feathers. SJP had another unfortunate Chanel Haute Couture dress. I don't really understand what's going on with the choker and the totally ill-fitting bodice, or the completely shapeless body, or the bunny tail applique in the back (trust me, it's their). This seems more Carrie Bradshaw on a bad day than SJP to me. Now, I do think Kristen Stewart looks better than usual and I actually like her hair here. That said, I don't like this dress on her at all. Either the bodice doesn't fit or it's just the slouching, and that's a lot of heavy, navy blue ruching. Maybe if there was some sort of crystal embellishment at the waist or if it was in a different color, but it just feels so heavy on her. On someone like Helen Mirren or Meryl Streep I'd love it, but on Kristen it feels like she's going to a really posh funeral


Robert Downey Jr, Charlize Theron in Christian Dior, Deborah Ann Woll: Well. Robert Downey Jr. I think we need to discuss the matching glasses and bow tie, especially since they are both BLUE. Really, sir? Really? And then the sneakers? You aren't seeing Avatar in 3-d. Speaking of 3-d, Charlize Theron has 3-d roses on her boobs. That was an interesting choice. It's alternately very Botticelli's Venus and like her dress is molesting her, and then there's all the ill-fitting satin. For the record, Deborah Ann Woll is GORGEOUS on True Blood. Like really, really gorgeous and kind of amazing. And yet, this dress...oof. I wish she'd put on some makeup and taken her hair down, and down another dress entirely. The dingy grey washes her out, the bodice doesn't fit, the construction of the skirt gives her a stomach she doesn't have, and the skirt looks sheer and has a ridiculously high slit. Bad. Just bad.


Image Sources:
All images except Zoe Saldana, Deborah Ann Woll, Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, and J. Lo from jezebel.com, all other images from nymag.com.

Will You Go to Prom with Me? Dresses under $200.

I know it's a little early, but one of our lovely readers asked for us to help her find an affordable, fun prom dress. And being a total formal occasion nerd, I'll take any excuse to create festive outfits, especially for other people. So I scoured all over the interwebs and came up with a bunch of dresses. So many that I'm putting them in two posts, under $200 and over $200.

Mini disclaimer: I went to an all girl's school with a very informal prom, so when I think prom I think cute cocktail dresses, no floor-length sweet-heart gowns. So if anyone's confused by my choices...well, that's why. :)

The thing with more affordable dresses is that you get what you pay for, which is often more basic silhouettes and fewer details. That means that these dresses are often more versatile, but they depend on accessories to get jazzed up.

Wink "Stella" Printed Silk Dress, $181.50 down from $383 at bloomingdales.com, Donna Morgan Belted Chiffon Dress, $138 at nordstorm.com, Victoria's Secret Cutout Dress, $48 at victoriassecret.com: This Wink dress is an absolute steal. The cut is really basic and sweet, easy to wear and flattering, but the print (it's hard to see, I know) is a multi-colored, watercolor paisley. It's bohemian in a very chic, minimalist way, and you could really wear it over and over. Bright colors aren't really my thing, but if you can work something like a lovely, sunny yellow, I think prom is a great place to do it. It will make you stand out in pictures for sure. Since the color is so bright, having a simpler cut and a lighter fabric helps keep the dress from wearing you instead of vice versa. It's just a really clean, fun, sweet little dress, and the attached belt totally makes it. Now, I like this Victoria's Secret dress in BLACK, not purple, but they had no pictures. I know it doesn't scream prom, but it's really on-trend and affordable, and could totally be glammed up with a wide belt and a statement necklace, and maybe a really fierce shoe. One of my friends has a dress just like this, and I get serious jealousy ever time she wears it out. Shoulder cutouts are so unexpectedly sexy!


Sun Dot Dress, $148 at anthropologie.com, American Apparel Stretch Velvet Double U-neck Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $ at americanapparelstore.com, Modcloth Award's Night Dress, $49.99 at modcloth.com: If retro's your thing, this Anthropologie dress is pitch-perfect. It has removable straps, so you can get the look of a sweetheart strapless dress with the support of being able to wear a bra, and the bustier top and wiggle skirt are so '50s, but the color palette and embroidered polka dots give it a touch of modern whimsy. This would be great with a big necklace and a menswear-ish belt. I know this American Apparel dress takes a little explaining (actually, I feel like most American Apparel dresses need a little explaining). First off, velvet is definitely making a comeback, and it just feels luxurious. And second off, the long-sleeved, body-con cut is actually really flattering, but also really sexy with being too revealing. I think this would be fantastic with, again, a statement-making necklace and maybe a cuff bracelet. This Modcloth dress is so glam! That's all sequins, for just under $50. Total steal. It's a little '80s, very disco-glam, and has the same body-con, long-sleeved silhouette that's not only really on-trend, but subtly sexy. There's no way you would blend in in this dress.


Modcloth Quasar Cocktail Dress, $82.99 at modcloth.com, American Apparel Interlock Asymmetrical Dress, $42 at americanapparelstore.com, Rodarte for Target Swiss Dot Dress, about $50 on eBay: How darn cute is this Modcloth dress?! The fit and flare shape is very '50s prom dress, but the black/metallic geometric print makes it completely modern, and the notched neckline is a refreshing alternative to the typical sweetheart. That dress and a black, patent leather belt? Love. So that's actually me in the American Apparel dress, just because the pictures on the website make it look way more boring than it actually is. I can't even tell you guys how versatile this dress is. I get compliments on it every time I wear it. It's body-con and one-shouldered, with pleats on the top of the one sleeve, and would be really, really easy to dress up for prom. Just add a statement belt and a few necklaces, and you're good to go. And this last dress is Rodarte for Target. I debated between posting this one and the leopard one for forever, but I think this one could be a little more formal. The first time I wore it it actually got mistaken for a '50s prom dress a bunch of times. Add a skinny, crystal embellished belt, a delicate necklace, and some sweet little heels, and you have a darling, slightly retro-inspired ensemble that you can namedrop as being Rodarte. Maybe that just makes me happy.


Chains & Bow Necklace, $6.80 at forever21.com, Classified Layers Necklace, $10.80 at forever21.com, Tassel Pendant, $10.80 at forever21.com: When you're working on a budget, I think the best thing to do is spend the bulk of your money on the dress, just because that's what you're really going to remember, and then hit up somewhere little Forever 21 for accessories. For necklaces, I'd layer a bunch of Forever 21 necklaces like these. The chain/ribbon necklace is very Lanvin, modern chic, the middle necklace has a bit more of an Art Deco, faded glamour kind of feeling, and the tassel necklace (which also comes in gold) is very bohemian/world-traveler. I have one and I totally wear it all the time.



Got to Have Bangles Set, $4.80 at forever21.com, Lacquered Accent Cuff, $6.80 at forever21.com, Aphrodite Cuff, $5.80 at forever21.com: The same thing goes for bangles. You don't want to blow your budget on a fab cuff and leave nothing for your dress. Go cheap and chic at somewhere like Forever 21. The bangles would go great with the tassel necklace (they both have a similarly exotic vibe), the black cuff is very Coco Chanel and Verdura in the '20s and would be fantastic with the first dress, and the gold cuff would add great visual weight to a lighter, floatier dress.


J. Crew Silk Bouquet Sash, $25 down from $35 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Slim Square-buckle Belt, $35 at jcrew.com, Forever 21 Metallic Point Elastic Belt, $8.80 at forever21.com: Belts are the funnest part! There are so many different ways go you can go with belts--they can totally change the feeling of an outfit. I'd pair this floral sash (which comes in a bunch of different colors at J. Crew) with the one-shouldered LBD or cutout LBD, to spice them up and add a little femininity to all that black. This gold belt (again, comes in a ton of colors and is just practical on a daily life level) has just enough of a menswear vibe to work with pretty much all of these dresses. And if you really want to make a statement, I love this Forever 21 belt. Since it's elastic, it will hug all your curves, and the metal applique on the front would add a fantastic space-age vibe to any girly dress.


Alice + Olivia for Payless Sasha Cutout Platform Sandals, $34.99 at payless.com, Forever 21 Jolene Heels Jocelyn Velvet Trim Pumps, $14.99 at forever21.com, Forever 21 Posh Stiletto Heels, $20.80 at forever21.com: Shoes are hard to do on a budget. Either you can wear a basic pair that you already have, or if you want a fun shoe, I'd recommend hitting up Forever 21 or Payless. They won't be the most comfortable shoes, but you're really only wearing them for one night. I like Payless because they have a ton designer diffusion lines, like Alice + Olivia. Metallic heels like these would be great with really all of the above dresses, and the platform really does make them more comfortable. For an edgier look, Forever 21 has a lot of on-trend, black heels, like this Mary Jane inspired pair, or these strappy, mesh heels.


I didn't accessorize all the above dresses because it would have taken about a million years, but the basic idea is that you can mix and match accessories for a different look, and that on a lower budget it's best to get the nicest dress you can and go cheaper on fun, flashy accessories.

PS: We love getting reader emails, guys!!! If anyone has any suggestions, questions, comments, whatever, feel free to email me. I don't bite, I swear.



Image Sources:
Wink dress: bloomingdales.com, Donna Morgan dress: nordstrom.com, Victoria's Secret dress: victoriassecret.com, anthropologie.com, American Apparel velvet dress: americanapparelstore.com, Modcloth dresses: modcloth.com, modcloth.com, Forever 21 necklaces: forever21.com, forever21.com, forever21.com, Forever 21 bracelets: forever21.com, forever21.com, forever21.com, J. Crew sash: jcrew.com, J. Crew belt: jcrew.com, Forever 21 belt: forever21.com, Payless heels: payless.com, Forever 21 heels: forever21.com, forever21.com.