Poppy by Coach

There are several big fashion events that happen during the summer that I look forward to each year. Some are viewing the Fall fashions shows, the Nordstrom anniversary sale, and the fact I get to wear shorts, tanks tops, flip flops and a tan (hopefully) for three months. And this year there's one more thing for me to look forward to... the debut of Coach's new accessory line Poppy tomorrow. As a handbag fanatic, and huge Coach fan I'm excited to see the new line. Especially since it's supposed to be more affordable than the usual $200-$300 bags, which in times like these, is music to my ears and my wallet. From the peeks I've managed to sneak, the line looks promising, with bright leathers, even brighter patent leathers, metallics, sequins, colorful prints and fun trims. The collection debuts tomorrow online and is available in many major department stores such as Nordstrom, and Macy's, and I'll be waiting to check out the bags in person!

I'm Back!

After a few months hiatus, spent doing massive homework and endless days sports and work (while extremely fun, takes up all spare time) I'm back. For the next two and a half months I have more than enough times to write away! I'm looking forward to a summer of sun, shopping, fashion and more fashion.

5 Ways to Save on a Prom Dress

Now that prom season has rolled around, girls are in a scramble for the perfect dress. The problem is most girls are on a budget these days, and can’t afford the $400 prom dresses. So after talking with several different people I came up with five ways to save on prom dress.

#1 Hold a dress exchange party
Most high schools have at least 2-3 formal dances every year. Most girls can collect anywhere from 5-10 dresses during their four years at high school. Most girls wear their dresses once or twice and then they sit in the back of their closets. That’s why dress exchanges are so great. Get together with a bunch of friends. Have them bring their formal dresses and even their sister’s old dresses, and trade dresses for prom. You’re always trading clothes with your friends anyway, this way you get a great dress, and so do they!

#2 Look at smaller stores or boutiques
Looking at smaller stores instead of huge department stores not only lowers the chances of someone else having the same dress, but also means they carry smaller brands. Smaller brands and designers usually means smaller prices tags. That way you can get all the WOW! of a amazing dress without all the stress of a huge price tag.

#3 Shop around
It may sound like a lot of work but it’s not uncommon to be able to find the same dress at more than store. A lot of times larger brands will be carried at more than one store. If you shop around you can usually find the same dress at a cheaper price than the first store you went to. Also if you are looking for a deal you can usually find a dress on sale, or online.

#4 Donated Dresses
If you are really short on cash and can’t afford a dress, there are several foundations and stores that recycle prom dresses. There are different organizations that have stores across the country where you can pick out a dress from hundreds of options, for free. You can also donate old formal dresses you don’t wear anymore, and help another girl find the perfect dress. For more information and locations go to: http://www.donatemydress.org

#5 If all else fails…
Prom only happens once. If you find your dream dress and there’s no other option, you can splurge on your dress. If you splurge on your dress there are other ways you can save. You can save on your shoes, accessories, and make-up. Take a look in your closet to see if you can skip buying shoes, if not look at stores like Payless or Famous Footwear. For accessories, check out places like Target, Claire’s, and Something Silver. And for makeup check out the department stores at your local mall. Many department stores have free in-store makeup consultations. You can make a appointment for little to no cash. Like I said, if you splurge on your dress there are other ways you can save, sometimes there’s not always another option when you find the perfect dress.

Prom Season is Here

A couple weekends ago while I was on vacation in New York, we walked into the Juniors section of Macy's to find it was here.... Prom 2009. Girls were scurrying everywhere trying to find the perfect dress with the perfect shoes and accessories to match. The formal dress section was packed with teenage girls. The small waiting area outside the dressing rooms, was filled with tired looking dads, brothers, and boyfriends. Inside the dressing rooms were filled with excited and stressed girls, their best friends and their moms, all giving opinions, taking pictures to compare dresses, and running in and out to grab more. Then it hit me: Prom season had officially hit. For the next two months there will seem to be more dresses in the formal dress department than usual, and soon their won't be one left in sight. All the salons will be booked with appointments for hair and nails, shoe department will be all out of stilettos in the common sizes and colors, and the mall will be crazy. Every girl will be looking for that perfect dress. I won't be going to prom for another year or two, but I can still can think about what my dream dress will look like...

I've always loved BCBG, so of course one of my dream dresses had to be made by them. I also saw a girl try this dress on in store and it was absolutely gorgeous.

I thought this dress was amazing if your were going to wear a print.

Yes I know it's Oscar de la Renta, but hey a girl can dream. This is how you do black right for prom.

I would wear anything by Reem Acra, no questions asked, she is a genius when it comes to dresses.

Again, these are dream dresses. Who knows what the styles will be in two years. I hope to do another post on prom a little later with ideas on how to save on a amazing prom dress.

-Runway2Hallway

Runway Trend Alert: Killer Heels

Every year designers think of bigger and better ways to wow the crowds of fashion lovers, that flock to the amazing shows each year. Lately the way to take fashion to the next level, has been through outrageous shoes. Some are 7 inches high, and some have no heels at all. All I know is that if I were the model trying to teeter down the runway in these fabulous heels, I would have been terrified and probably would have landed flat on my face:)

Michael Kors

How high are these anyway? I'm guessing the models weren't allowed time to practice walking either?

Chanel

What makes a pair of heels even more fabulous? Feathers of course.

Balenciaga These heels take the trouble out of buying tights to go with your heels. Not to mention they look fabulously futuristic.

Yves Saint Laurent

YSL's cadged boots were a hit this spring, gracing the pages of several fashion magazines.

Dior
Dior showed an array of heels this season. Two of the more popular ones shown were the triangle and wooden carved heels. I'm not sure what the carving is supposed to be of, but they're fabulous none the less.

Dolce & Gabbana

What Dorthy should have worn down the yellow brick road.

Out of all the shows I have to say Dolce & Gabbana had some of the coolest shoes by far. Not only were they different and amazing, but they were actually wearable and extremely detailed. Although I may not be able to handle the 4 inch heels (top right) but I would wear any of these shoes any day.

When You Fall in Love With Fashion...

Each month they arrive. My favorite fashion magazines, filled with pages of goregous clothes, cutting edge accessories and page after page of stunning photos. Every now and then there are fashion spreads that you can't help but fall in love with. Whether it's the clothes, the models, the setting, or the story being acted out. In this month's TeenVogue I loved some of the photos in the Blues Traveler spread. Something about the country setting or the 40s feel of it reminded me of Allie and Noah in The Notebook. I picked a few of my favorites and put them here:

Spring Fever

As I'm looking out my window all I see is a blur of white. Ugh, snow. Yes in March, snow. Washington weather, what can I say. As I dress in jeans and boots or Uggs each day I can only daydream of warm weather, sundresses, flip flops, shorts, and spaghetti straps. After viewing all the major spring fashion shows and watching as stores gradually bring out their spring merchandise, all I do is sit and hope for spring to come and fast. Because you can't wear sundresses and flip flops when it's barely 50 degrees outside. Because it sucks to have a adorable pair of shorts and a perfect pair of strappy sandals in your closet and no place warm enough to wear them. Because it's official, I have fashion spring fever and there's no cure except sunshine and sundresses and warm weather, the same weather that seemes like it will never come. So rain, rain, go away and please send some sunshine my way.

New Nude Nuetrals

Every season there is just that one trend that seems to show up on practically every runway. Sometimes you have to wonder if all the designers got together and planned it, because somehow they all have a little bit of the same trend in their shows. This season was no exception, and one of the trends that kept popping up on the runway was flesh colored tones. Designers from Zac Posen(right), Bluemarine (left), and Chloe, to Chanel and Ralph Lauren, all featured nude colored dresses, skirts, blouses and tops in their shows. Designers are showing neutral nudes in head-to-toe looks as well as mixed with more colorful pieces. We’re seeing nude tones mostly in dresses varying in length. Where I’m seeing it in stores is in tops and blouses, as well as in cocktail dresses. The look is fun and fresh head-to-toe and when worn in several different shades. To look fun and fresh this spring it’s all about subtle, flesh tone, neutrals.

Sparkly Stunners

This spring we saw trends that has been used in every season and continues to keep coming back in new and fresh ways. The hottest runways of Spring ’09 shone with bright metallics, sparkles, sequin, and shiny fabrics. Designers such as Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen (left),Versace, Chanel, D&G, Marc Jacobs, Bluemarine(right), and Chloé sent sparkly creations down the runway. We saw sequins on everything from the harlem pants and messenger bags at Ralph Lauren, the crystal covered dresses and bodysuits at Alexander McQueen, metallic bangles at Alexander Wang, or the sequin-covered skirts at Versace. Occasionally to much sparkle can look over-the-top or tacky but the designers put a fresh, fun spin on their clothes by adorning them with shine and sparkle. And this spring in stores you can find great metallic pieces to add to your wardrobe in the form of fun bangles, sequined tops, and metallic shoes and bags. Another thing about metallics this spring is that you can invest money on good, quality pieces that you can wear again and again, because this trend keeps coming back for all seasons. Now you can go out and find a metallic stunner to add some sparkle to your everyday look.

What's Black and White and Strutting Down the Runway?

I used to think the whole concept of the White and Black store sort of boring. I mean black and white, no other colors? Well since then I have changed my mind completely, especially because of the runway shows I saw this spring. Several designers such as Michael Kors (left), BCBG, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino, Chanel (right), Alexander McQueeen, and many more have featured black and white looks on their runways. I’ve come to really like this look. The contrast between the two colors makes the whole outfit have a crisp clean look. This year designers really put a spin on a classic color combo by using it in patterns, prints, tie-dye, bandage dresses, and lace. I especially liked the black and white polka dots from Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors. All I can say is when shopping for spring this year I’m going to make sure to stop at the White House Black Market store, because for Spring ’09 it’s all about the black and white.