La Femme Prom Dresses

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Have you read any prom fashion magazine this season? Chances are, you’ve seen La Femme formal dresses. A leader in dressing celebrities for red carpet and gala events, La Femme is a popular choice for long and short prom dresses, bridesmaid, pageant and cocktail dresses. They capture the trends, creating high quality garments with magnificent details.

Look at this strapless sequin formal dress. Detailed overall beading creates a luxurious fabric that is not found in many other designer dresses. The combination of sequins and beads creates the sweetheart neckline, with the scalloped motif continuing around the bodice edge. Finally, by choosing a natural or nude color, this semi formal dress stands out in a field of darks and brights.

Put this dress in my closet and you know I’ll look for any chance to wear this wonder.

Here’s another case in point: LaFemme’s long blue ombre dress. A long flowing gown inspired by the ocean, the strapless bodice has ruched details that remind me of waves. The beaded waistband marks the ocean spray and the blue gradient compares to water vistas viewed from above. For all of that natural inspiration, this formal dress appears poised, confident and strong… just like the sea.

Don’t you love it when a design is so thoughtful?

Blue takes a completely different look in this long print formal dress. The abstract contemporary print is darkest at the shoulder and fades as it nears the knees. Beaded edges accent the asymmetrical shaping and side cut outs. Definitely click here to see the front of this gorgeous evening dress. What an interesting interpretation of evening dress trends! La Femme’s experience and design aesthetic shows in each collection.

Whether you’re looking for a party dress to wear again and again or the dress of a lifetime, La Femme is a fantastic designer choice.

Dreaming about Long Prom Dresses

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Ask someone what kind of a dress they’d wear to prom, and you would probably hear, “a long formal dress.”

Until recently, long prom dresses were the norm. Girls dream about the perfect dress. That’s the highlight of the whole night, right? Here’s some beautiful long prom dresses that may match your dreams…

If the trends on our Polyvore page ring true, a strapless long prom dresses appear in many of our daydreams!

A royal blue strapless dress from Jovani combines princess dreams with cosmo trends. An embellished floral brooch accents the ruched bodice, creating a sweetheart neckline. The fabric is oh so slinky and a long front slit reveals a peek of leg.

This long formal dress shines at prom, or any formal occasion. It works beautifully when you’re a teen or into your adult years. This is a dress of dreams, but one that won’t disappear the morning after your prom dreams come true.

Primavera catches the latest red carpet trends in this beaded nude long dress. Stunning.

Beads outline sequin embellished lozenges on the halter dress body. The open back features a criss cross panel of sequin strips, decorating a bare back. Dazzling lines of sequins are sewn to the transparent skirt, which has a nude lining and extends to a small train. Taking cues from vintage styles, this is a thoroughly contemporary prom dress.

This may not be your original dream dress, but it’s difficult to think about anything else once you’ve seen it.

If your prom dress daydreams feature the latest runway trends, then images of Dave and Johnny’s long print dress with side cut outs might be dancing through your head. Beads accent the halter top and cut outs, revealing an open back. The large scale print on white reflects modern abstract flowers… or are they the colors of your dreams?

Here’s my three picks. What would be your dream long prom dress?

Strapless Prom Dresses

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

The strapless dress debuted in the 1930′s and Mainbocher was the pioneer of its popularity. Considered daring and a reversal of the fluid silhouettes of the 20′s, socialites and movie stars scooped up the strapless dress trend. In Mainbocher (pronounced Maine-Bocker) designs, form was as important as function. In 1950, he said:

“A woman who has to arrange any part of what she is wearing, simply cannot be smart. A well dressed woman always appears to have forgotten what she is wearing… ”

Many schools prohibit strapless clothing during the day, so prom is a chance to flaunt that rule, as strapless dresses for formal occasions are considered anything but osé (excuse my French, but I just love to say “shocking” in another language!).

Form and function combine beautifully in these strapless prom dresses:

Blending origami and beading in a ivory formal dress by Jovani, this short dress is crisp, sophisticated and contemporary. Sheer tulle embellishment drapes artfully on the bodice and from the waist.

The beaded embellishment hints which accessories to choose, your personality still reigns as you style it. Such sophistication!

Black and white, trendy and strong is an animal print long dress that is not only strapless, but has a mermaid skirt. In this dress, you show your strength and feminine assets. Growl!

It’s fabulous that one style can launch literally millions of dresses. Showing off your shoulders is just the beginning of a formal dress design.

Alyce’s navy blue lace formal dress mixes texture and transparency. Modern romance meets daring with the beaded sweetheart bodice and side vent.

Just because you say strapless, the dress style isn’t decided. Browse more strapless prom dresses to find your perfect match!

Prom Dresses on Sale

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Who doesn’t love a sale? There’s something so satisfying about scoring a great deal on a dress you love!

As the 2013 prom season comes to a close, we offer a fantastic selection of evening dresses at reduced prices. These prom dresses are close out specials, and while they may have cheap prices, the quality is fantastic. You can find name brand dresses from La Femme, Night Moves, Dave and Johnny, Mori Lee and other great designers. At savings of up to 50 percent, who can resist? Actually, why bother resisting?

A sexy open back sequin dress from La Femme mixes graceful front draping with the structured criss cross styling pictured here. Figure skimming but not tight, this long strapless dress oozes red carpet style. Currently available in charcoal, navy and magenta, the cut, sparkle and contemporary edge of this evening dress looks great at all formal occasions.

Check out this beaded satin halter dress by Flirt before its gone! I love the glamor of the sweetheart neckline and high waist. Old Hollywood vibe flows from this long dress. Even Flirt’s color names: purple peony (pictured here), glam red and vintage teal allude to that golden age.
Short dresses are on sale as well. Marked down to $85 is a short strapless beaded dress by Dave and Johnny. This perfect addition to your party dress wardrobe has a full tulle skirt and detachable straps. Still available in royal blue, neon lime and fuschia, click and get yours before it’s gone.
Remember, these are close out dresses, so all sales are final. Be sure to check the size chart box on each dress page to make sure you choose the right size for you. Each manufacturer uses slightly different sizing, so click before you buy.

Happy bargain hunting!

Mermaid Prom Dresses

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Championed as an antidote to the straight boyish line, Marcel Rochas introduced the mermaid silhouette in the late 1940s.

Histoire de Mode has a great Pinterest page filled with Rochas’s designs

Figure hugging, glamorous and incredibly sexy, Jayne Mansfield adopted this style as her own in the 1950′s. Whether you have or wish for a perfect hourglass figure, the mermaid dress flaunts your curves. Nicole Kidman, Kelly Clarkson, and Paula Adbul are just a few of the celebs who swished down red carpets lately in mermaid evening gowns. Perfect for vintage or grand Hollywood theme proms, the mermaid dress could be your statement piece!

Tiffany’s sweetheart mermaid gown features a corset lace up back and empire waist sash with a corsage. On this black and white version, it’s almost as if falling stars cascade down the tulle fishtail. Artfully placed sequins charm this seductive evening dress.

Take a peek at the version in white with colored sequins and you’ll find that the look completely changes, but the glamour remains.

Night moves interprets the mermaid silhouette in chiffon layers with this one shoulder beaded evening dress. Notice how the beads wrap around the bodice and reappear at the hip? I can imagine this mermaid emerging from the sea, covered in beaded sea grass, captivating those who see her. Long chiffon ruffles mimic waves that continue the sea theme. Available in royal blue and light purple, this dress may not be in stock much longer, so catch it quickly!

Exquisite workmanship with bias piecing shapes this platinum strapless mermaid dress from La Femme. A beaded and embellished side swath anchors this movement on the dress’ left side. Shining taffeta evokes luxury in a contemporary and powerful context.

Just looking at the photos makes me feel glamorous! Did you wear a mermaid dress to prom? If so, did you feel glamorous?

3 Best Features in a Semi Formal Dress

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Semi formal dresses are the core of every woman’s party wardrobe. Whether it’s a dance, sorority or fraternity social, cocktail party, dance, sweet sixteen or school or work event, you can pull out a short dress for all kinds of occasions. Style it right, and you’re set to succeed anywhere! Here’s three things to consider when you’re purchasing a semi formal dress:

1) Be ready to move! Unlike long formal dresses, when one might be sitting on a throne or greeting a reception line, semi formal dresses should be ready to jump into the cab or limo, move on the dance floor, and keep going for hours.

LaFemme’s short beaded sweetheart dress is ready to go wherever you take it! The layered chiffon skirt swishes while you move while spaghetti straps keeps it all in place. The beaded bodice pumps up the glamour, and the juxtaposition of smooth and sparkle is eye catching.

Available in a rainbow of colors, this semi formal dress is definitely ready to go!

2) Think sophisticate. Even if you’re all about romance, ideally you’d like to wear a semi formal dress more than once! Styles that seem adorable when you’re 18 may seem childish when you’re 20.

Atria has a beautiful, elegant ruched semi formal dress that is sexy and sophisticated. The decorative three “ray” straps are anchored by a beaded embellishment, adding a special touch to the classic strapless dress.

3) Remember your budget. You don’t need to spend a wad in order to look great (unless you want to!). Satin and chiffon wisps gracefully in this empire waist spaghetti strap dress priced just under $100. The wide satin sash ties just below the bust, which is made of gathered chiffon. The skirt plays off both of these materials, creating a semi formal dress that can rock all kinds of special occasions.

Looking for more dresses under $100? Check out the link and find your perfect budget priced dress.

Keep these three considerations in mind while shopping for semi formal dresses and have fun deciding!

White Prom Dresses

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Enthusiasm, kindness, beginnings: white symbolizes all of this with a spirit that is balanced and full of good energy. Associated with heroism and all things admirable in the western world, white stands out in a rainbow of color.

Whether you choose white for its meaning, or as a way to show off your great complexion, let me show you some of my favorite white prom dresses from PromGirl.

First up from Alyce, this short strapless sweetheart white dress. Trending broken glass beading sparkles and the v dip waistline accentuates the many layers of tulle. The ruffled hem is full of good energy! This is a perfect dress for prom, a semi formal dance, sweet sixteen, or Quinceañera.

And, if white just isn’t your style, what about red, black, coral or purple? Alyce loves color, too. Let’s face it, this dress is darling in your favorite color.

Sultry, sexy and white, this long halter chiffon dress by La Femme features side cut outs (another way to accentuate a small waist) and an open back. Who can ignore that peek of leg with the long front slit? The beading follows the criss cross back and along the cut outs, down to the lower back.

Balancing confidence, power and purity, this prom dress is for the girl who is ready to conquer anything!

Blend mythical with white and you’ve got this beautiful strapless beaded mermaid prom dress by Nina Canacci. I love the way the embellishment looks like a starfish and flowers, depending on your perspective. Luxurious chiffon fabric emphasized in the ruched dress body creates understated yet sophisticated prom dress.

These are some of my favorites. Which ones are yours?

Graduation Party Dresses

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Off flies the mortarboard…
Congratulations, you did it. Now it’s time to party!

Celebrations vary from special family dinners to garden receptions or full blown parties. It’s your crowning night, so shine brightly!

A one shoulder sequin dress sparkles along with you (and is available in ivory and black!). This knit dress is easy to wear and a perfect canvas for your jewelry, corsage and perhaps a special manicure.

Here’s a party dress that carries through a floral theme. The coral ruched short dress with floral appliqués looks special wherever you party.

Will your crown shine in a strong and sophisticated way at your graduation party? Then this royal blue sleeveless dress could be the right dress for you. The decorative exposed back zipper gives a strong vertical line as does the low scoop back. Once you put on this dress, you’ll want the party to go on forever!
Freedom flows in the currents of this origami inspired short dress. Choose from champagne, red or black in this one shoulder dress.

Best yet? All of these graduation dresses are priced under $100, so you can celebrate and stay within your budget!

Channeling Great Gatsby Style

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

Whether you just finished Fitzgerald’s heart wrenching book or plan to catch Warner Brother’s remake featuring Leonardo di Caprio and Cary Mulligan, who can resist the beaded party dresses, lace and sheer layers, the cute hair accessories? Dress me Gatsby!

Buy dresses with gatsby 1920 flapper style at PromGirl

From the Warner Bros 2013 release The Great Gatsby

PromGirl channels “The Great Gatsby” style with a modern twist!

Kick off the party with a mauve lace formal dress, complete with sheer panels and a very sexy sheer back. If you’re not ready to for the short bob, no problem. A high bun or updo lets you keep the glamour focused on the way you move in the dress.

Movie trailers give a sneak peak of a gorgeous black embroidered and beaded dress. Make mine short, and add ombre fringe, please. Oh, yes! Jovani catches that flapper look in 21st Century style. This is perfect for prom or semi formal parties, but can flows along any red carpet or special occasion.

Jovani does it again with feathers, beading and sequins to make a strapless formal dress truly over the top! This teal short dress is just waiting for you to stroll down a grand staircase as all heads turn. Sigh….

But not every day is party day. Alas, most of us don’t flit between gala events and awe inspiring fireworks. Gatsby can still shine in this drop waist black sequin dress from Scala when you’re celebrating any special occasion.

As Daisy would say, “You always look so cool.”

Graduation Dresses

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Alanna Nelson

White dresses have traditionally been associated with graduation, whether for high school, university or professional degrees.

Graduating Nurses, undated photo from the Thompson Photograph Collection of Knox County Library, TN

Times have changed, but that tradition continues. In some places, a light white dress is worn under the ceremonial gown. In other places, we females wear long white graduation dresses while the guys wear white tuxes. Wow! That must be a beautiful crowd scene. This dramatic strapless dress by La Femme would be fabulous for this type of ceremony.

Then again, wearing a white long dress may just bring out the rebel in you. If so, how about a white dress with a sheer long skirt? You’re still wearing a long white dress, but pushing the edge a bit.

Short white dresses are a popular graduation style in the U.S. Strapless or cap sleeve styles in lightweight fabrics are practical. After all, who wants to wilt wearing a graduation gown? With summer not off, one that works at summer parties and special occasions is a nice idea.

This beaded cap sleeve dress is cut to emphasize an hourglass shape. The open back is perfect for summer and makes the graduation gown cooler, and has a decorative back zipper. Great for graduation, but a super choice when you’re headed to a party.

For a more romantic look, this spaghetti strap dress is completely adorable. The play between the chiffon and satin gives this graduation dress at modern edge. Cool, classy and comfortable: can you ask for anything more for graduation?

Actually, I could. Does it come in other colors? Whoop! PromGirl does offer this cute semi formal dress in six other colors!

Have fun choosing the perfect graduation dress. And congratulations!

Fashions For Prom

Prom Fashions and Prom Related Discussions by PromGirl.com