Multi-Purpose Prom Dresses

For young girls, it’s hard to get to this time of year without thoughts of prom on the horizon.  Though proms are a thing of the past for some of us, it’s fun to look back on those formals and think about what really mattered: the dress. I know that was the case for me when I went to prom in high school, and I look back at I what I chose to wear with a few thoughts in mind.  As a young adult, I can’t help but wonder if I could’ve done better in the dress department, picking a dress that was more mindful.   Often, girls search for months ahead of time and parents shell out hundreds and even thousands of dollars for a dress that is typically worn just once. I too was one of these girls, and for years I had old prom gowns sitting in the closet gathering dust. 

http://boreal.org/compage/pics/picarchive.html

Prom dresses made out of sustainable materials were not the first thing I considered when finding a prom gown,  but there are other ways to be mindful when searching for the perfect prom dress that would have been good to consider.

One of my proms dresses was a flourescent orange, floor length gown and while it was a really fun choice at the time, it didn't really leave a lot of room to be worn again.  Choosing a dress in a classic style with elegant details will make your dress more than just a treasured keepsake: it will remain a beautiful dress that can be worn again and again.  With the right choice, a dress could be used again for college formals, receptions, or maybe even a night out with friends. If going this route, it is important to consider certain things that make a dress long lasting, such as fabric quality and cut.  A dress with trendy details may be fun, but one that has classic details and a trendy color may be more flattering and worthy of looking back on fondly.

Jasz Couture 4045

 Another option is to consider choosing a shorter dress. A shorter dress will have more longevity than a big, poufy Cinderella gown and it is both functional and fashionable. With dancing and dining and all of the other activities that go along with prom, strutting around in a floor skimming gown isn't always the safest or or most comfortable choice. 

Still, if a long, elegant gown is more of your thing than there is still possiblities for making  your dress multi-purposeful.  You can have the dress altered  by a tailor so it can be worn again, in a shorter more wearable style. Or you could consider convertible dresses that feature the length of a regular gown with the added versatility of removable features that make a dress both formal and fun.

And if you're spending a lot on a prom gown, it may serve you better to look at other couture gowns instead of just limiting it to prom styles.  Many prom gowns are priced similarly to designer dresses and offer quality that will last. 

You can even use rent a dress services, in which a dress is returned after the prom, avoiding the problem of having a dress that sits in a closet or is thrown out after the big day.  Sites like Rent the Runway  allow users to rent designer accessories at a fraction of the cost.

Other options include shopping for a vintage dress or making your own with sustainable fabric like hemp or organic cotton.

Etsy Vintage Dress

For those seeking an extra challenge, there are prom dresses and accessories made out of unusual materials.  When I was in high school, there were prom dresses made out of duct tape and other strange materials, but none seem as intriuging to me as those made of upcylced or reused matterials, worn by a Wisconsin teen in 2011.

Starburst Prom Shoes

Crafting and funky creations are not everyones cup of tea, and just as I did, you end up with a dress you won't use again.  A nice option is donating your dress to a charity, or giving it to someone you know who is less fortunate. Many areas have their own Prom Closet's or other organizations formed solely for the purpose of reusing old prom dresses and giving them to the less fortunate. Donatemydress.org is a good place to start.

Candy Gems

Invitation to Chanel Cruise 2013 (above) Show (below)

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel ~ Scrumptious

I am in LOVE with these shoes!

Karl Lagerfeld sent his 2013 Cruise collection for Chanel down a “runway” at Versailles yesterday. Models strutted in candy-colored wigs and pastels hues. Indications continue to reveal an ever growing trend in fashion towards the colorful, as both hot and lush colors and soft pastels have been seen on the catwalks from Milan to London to New York and LA.

BE Couture gives you total design freedom to select your material, color and hardware and add extras to personalize your dream bag.

If you are like me, when you open your wardrobe a sea of neutrals abounds with a spatter of color pops and prints.  The jump to cladding top to toe in pastel lilac may be too much for the average lass, or laddie for that matter.  Sometimes the best way to introduce new shades and colors is through the accessory.

In my search for some colorful accents I recently came across some SWEET as CANDY new finds that I wanted to share.

Silver Continent ~ Scrumptious

From the Silver Continent Summer 2012 Collection I discovered bracelets & necklaces in recycled sterling silver with precious and semi-precious natural gemstones. I am currently in love with the pink coral, amethyst and pastel turquoise. These are not for the faint of heart as they are studded with sprinkled with pave diamonds. Rubies, pink sapphires and other precious stones are available by special order ~ hmmmm maybe a custom piece to go with the custom handbag?

Here is a recipe for a candy gem I found on Hungryhippie that's super fun and and kid friendly too:

Candy Gem

• Envirotex lite or epoxy resin
• Bottle caps
• Bowl & spoon
• Colorful candy sprinkles
• Jewelry hardware (rings,bails,hairpins)
• E6000 super glue

 

Have fun with it!  Summer is on its SWEET way.

City Girl Goes Camping

There is something magical about sleeping in a tent. Maybe it's the separation from electrical utilities or the distinct sounds from the animals, but I have come to really appreciate sleeping in nature. The absence of light pollution also creates such an organic surrounding that allows you to appreciate the real beauty of the universe.

For many years I had been very skeptical about sleeping on something other than my bed. I had camped with my family when I was a child, but last year was my first chance to give it a go after such a long time. One night I stayed at a campground that I had previously camped at with my family, which was surreal and brought back many memories. The next night, though, I took a chance and camped on a beach. Yeah, there was always a bit of sand to brush out of the inside, but getting to watch the sun set and wake up to the sun rise with the calm sounds of the water was priceless. I had nowhere to be and no to-do lists. That short getaway was incredibly rejuvenating. Eliminating all of the electronics that run my life helped me to get back to myself. Something this city girl really needed then and is finding she needs now.

This is a pretty makeshift tent, but realistically would not be suitable to sleep in unless the natural climate offered warm nights.

An interesting option, even though it does not provide much privacy. 

These are tents from Shelter Co., a company that actually sets up campsites for large groups of people. While not as pocket friendly as just owning your own tent, the company provides many services and options to make you comfortable in your camping experience, such as a carpeted floor and lighting. I think that kind of defeats the purpose of camping, but to each their own. 

Tents designed for rock climbers. I prefer my tent to be firmly planted on the ground thank you very much. 

My kind of setting. 

Mindful Mother’s Day Gifts

Marilyn

 My mom, Marilyn, sadly died young.  She had spirit. Mom taught me many things: independence, tenacity, artistry, the joy of finding one’s passion and embracing it.

Mom had spirit ... and loved fashion

But my daughter-like connection to women continues on today through a genuine kindred spirit with women that I admire and emulate. Here are some ecoCouture gifts for inspirational women that inspired me.  I hope you like them too!

Jonano Peace Silk Scarf

Doing your part for charity has never been more fashionable. Jonäno, an eco-chic clothing company, has a unique opportunity to add a designer touch to your wardrobe while supporting a really fantastic cause. 

Jonano Aqua Print donation scarf

 Jonäno offers beautiful whisper light Peace Scarves that support breast cancer research. It’s a great way  honor someone special, brighten the day of someone touched by the disease, and help find a cure, all at the same time!

In Peace Eau De Parfum

 In Peace Eau De Parfum is helping the work of Women for Women International. 10% of net profits from the sale of each bottle will go directly to Women for Women’s sponsorship program which supports women survivors of war to enable them to rebuild their lives and promote peaceful communities. Its available at Space NK locations and online.

Jonäno Maternity

 For new mom’s, Jonäno Maternity and Sami Baby by Jonäno offer eco chic designs in their soft ecoKashmere knits.  

Sami Baby by Jonäno

 Have a Wonder FULL Mother’s Day and thank you for all that you do.  ~ much metta!

A Schiaparelli-Prada World

Much like Miuccia Prada, Elsa Schiaparelli was an Italian fashion designer, but few people nowadays recognize the name or have seen her collections. In honor of Schiaparelli and the exhibition of her and Prada's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, I wanted to showcase some of their pieces that I find beautiful and inspiring.

Schiaparelli eyeglasses - a work of art.

Prada dress - the velvet pattern is feminine and intricate, but not overwhelming. 

 Schiaparelli jewelry - very classic and simple.

Prada heels that I could probably manage to successfully walk in.

This Schiaparelli dress is fun and quirky. 

I would probably try to wear it with the heels shown above.

Another pair of Schiaparelli eyeglasses - can't get enough of these.

Simply Orange

Oranges are my favorite fruit. The citrus flavor and scent is enough to perk me up whether it's in tea, water, or the undertones of a light perfume. There is nothing as delicious as a freshly peeled orange.

When I was younger, my mother would take orange peels and rather than disposing of them, she would instead boil the peels.

Of course there are other uses for orange peels, but when done right, boiling them is both comforting and relaxing. Watching my mother put the water into the pot with the orange peels then proceed to do laundry is one of those moments that will always stick in my head. I think it's perfect for a cozy day spent at home.

A Joy Shared is a Joy Doubled

I was so excited to receive an invitation to a Sew Swap and Share party this coming Earth Day. A Fashion Swap is about getting together with friends old and new.

It’s about sharing the loved stuff that has been your inspiration, while finding new-to-us stuff to take home & love. Swapping is social, sustainable, and stylish.

If you are like me, you have recently done a pretty thorough spring cleaning and are ready to go.

The best swaps aren’t just about the act of swapping, they’re about connecting with your friends and making new ones through a good old fashioned girl’s night in. Have a book swap with your literary friends, recipe swap with your foodies, a clothing swap with tea and cakes with your fashionistas. Gather at a unique setting like a park, or even a vintage Streamline Trailer.

Host a Good Old-Fashioned Suitcase Rummage

• · Fill a suitcase (or two!) with clothing, jewelry, handcrafts, shoes … pretty much anything!

• · Swap, bargain, digger or haggle.

• · Add a bit of food, drink and music and you’ve got yourself a party!

If you find yourself in Montclair this Earth Day stop by the Sew, Swap, Style swap party at newly opened Style Haven Boutique.

Accessory designer, author and New Jersey native, Meca McKinney will give a demonstration about making funky accessories using materials found in your home. Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2012 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Style Haven Boutique offers an arsenal of vintage, as well as emerging designers, curated by veteran wardrobe stylist, Corin Wright.

If you can't make it to Montclair, why not pick up Mary Adam's book "The Party Dress Book: How to Sew the Best Dress in the Room."