J. Crew Prom 2010

It's no secret that I love J. Crew, even though I'm tired of overpriced tees with weirdly placed ruffle flowers. But they do produce classic occasion dresses that will look good in photos in 20 years. And most are relatively inexpensive.

Cotton Organdy Galette Dress, $285

Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress $250

Silk Chiffon Taryn Gown $425

Delphina-Gown, $350

Pearlized Sequined Silk Dress $650

Quail Bridal Peony Dress

Are you looking for a prom dress that is full of ruffles, but still totally kick ass. Look no further than the Peony Dress from Quail Bridal. It's a bridesmaid's dress not a prom dress, but it's just too cool to pass by.

The silk blend mini dress is available in eighteen standard colors, and custom colors are available if you provide a swatch. It is available in sizes from 2-12, and by special order in sizes form 14-22 at an extra cost. And I think it is such a classic dress that it would look great on a plus sized girl. Be proud and strut your stuff. Trust me this dress will look good on you no matter what your size. The Peony dress costs $350.

Prom Dresses from Net-A-Porter

I love prom time. I don't know why. I didn't have the greatest time at my prom. I was dating a twenty-something physical therapist, so I couldn't get permission for him to attend. My mother and grandmother found a more appropriate date for me. It was a disaster. I'm five-two (I will tell you my true weight, but never my real height.), and he was six-five. And it didn't help that we didn't have a thing in common.


And don't get me started on my dress. It was black satin and gold lame. At least it had a classic shape. I loved the sweetheart neckline and short tiered skirt. But now I wish it had been plain black satin. But my family didn't have a lot of money, and it was affordable and kind of pretty.


So this week I am going to have a week of prom dresses. And I'm am going to start with dresses from Net-A-Porter. Think of it as prom dresses for spoiled brats. But all of the dresses will be under $1000, because no parent, no matter how wealthy should pay more than that. After $1000 I feel the daughter should be chipping in. But that's just my opinion.

Antik Batik Walice Gown, $970.

3.1 Phillip Lim Sequined Shirt Dress, $995

Rachel Gilbert Imogen Beaded Dress, $685

Halston Heritage Asymmetric Dress. Halston Heritage is all over the newest Sex in the City movie, and this is one of the dresses the Carrie will be wearing. $325

Jessica McClintock Prom Dress

This prom dress by Jessica McClintock is rather fun and flirty. It reminds me of a really hip ballerina. But for some odd reason pink tulle always reminds me of prom.  The belt around the waist of the bustier keeps it from being too precious, so it it won't be like you are wearing a costume. Also available in black. $185.

J. Crew Soleil Tunic

I am considering whether or not to keep the J. Crew Soleil Tunic. The thing they didn't mention in the description is how sheer it is. I'm not known for my modesty, but even I am questioning if I can get away with wearing it. The silk of my grandmother's "I love Jesus" scarf is of higher quality. For what I paid, $88 (or $108 with shipping and handling), they could have used a slightly thicker silk. It just feels cheap.

The only reason I am considering keeping it is how good it looks on me. The colors go perfectly with my complexion. And since I'm short it is the perfect length to wear as a dress. At almost knee length it is not too long or short.

If I didn't feel so beautiful in it the tunic would already be on the way back to J. Crew. Maybe that feeling is worth overpaying. But it is still a lot to pay for a flimsy silk dress that was made in China.

BCBG for Prom 2010

Some of BCBG's best evening dresses this season are elegant black or white.

Tiered Lace Gown, $498.

 

Strapless Bubble Hem Dress, $298.

Open Back Pleated Gown, $398.

 

Tiered Silk Gown, $448.

 

Side Cut-out Gown, $488.

Prom By Ouma

Prom season is almost upon us. Girls everywhere are starting to think about what they want to look like on that fairytale night. Well, if you're a bit of a rocker chick Etsy seller, Ouma may be the designer for you. The dresses are kind of traditional, but still fun. And there are some affordable choices too. But if you want one of her dresses now is the time to order, last year she was completely booked for the season.

Striped Tutu Party Dress, $188.

Queen's Crouqet Ground, $325.

A Mad Tea Party, $240.

Just Because I Love You, $260.

Pretty blue and white cotton dress

I've had this photo for ages and wanted to share it.  It's from an exhibition in London at the V&A.  The pretty silhouette (there was no designer noted for the dress) and airy cotton lawn is dreamy and lovely like the clothes in MAD MEN.  I'm thinking of making it out of two different Liberty prints - I have just enough of one print for the top and the other for the skirt and the bow ... .

D&G Silk Bustier Dress

I know that it is much too early to be thinking about prom dresses, but if I had a daughter this would be the dress I would buy for her. When I think of prom this is the dress I imagine. And prom dresses are expensive so sometimes they need to saved up for.

This D&G Dolce and Gabbana dress is a puff of blush silk organza with a fuchsia grosgrain bow belt. Depending on how you accessorize it could be traditional and girlie or punk rock. $745

Kate Winslet

You don't need a million bucks to dress like Kate Winslet. The dress she is wearing is from Target. It is sold out online, but all over Target stores.