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Spring has finally arrived, and it's time to break out those pretty pastels and lovely pinks when it comes to lip color.
Nyla, our Lulu*s makeup artist, updated yesterday's shoot with some great new lip products, and our ladies looked absolutely lovely.
To get the look below, start off with "Trimmed in Pink" Lip Pencil by Mac, followed by Mac's "Please Me" Matte Lipstick. Then, glaze your lips with Lip Fusion Gloss in "Blush" for a dazzling finish.
Pictured: Esley Rosalyn Dress in Pink
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Did you know that the average prom night costs over $1,000? These days, most families can't afford to spend as lavishly as they used to. So without further ado, here are 49 ways to be a frugal fashionista on prom night.
GENERAL TIPS
1. Buy your prom dress (and shoes, and jewelry, and accessories) from LuLus.com, of course! Cute clothes, reasonable prices and free shipping over $75.
2. Plan everything well in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to feel desperate and buy something too expensive.
3. As early as you can, start hoarding your allowance (or income from a part-time job) so you can afford to splurge when the big event rolls around.
4. Always compare prices. Call around to at least 5 different shops before choosing a florist, tuxedo shop, limo service, etc.
5. When in doubt, DIY. Why spend countless hours searching for something perfect AND affordable, when you can probably make it yourself?
6. Keep a level head. Movies make it seem like prom is the most important night of your life. But in a few years, you'll probably wonder why you got so worked up.
DRESS & ACCESSORIES
1. Raid your best friend's closet! No one will know that she wore the dress to a previous event; and even if they know, why would they care?
2. Dust off that bridesmaid's dress and give it another whirl. If you don't have one, chances are you know someone who does.
3. Go bargain hunting at your local thrift stores and consignment shops. In addition to being affordable, you can almost guarantee your look will be unique.
4. Go bargain hunting online! You can find ridiculous deals on beautiful gowns and shoes on websites like eBay or Craigslist.
5. Look for a shop that specializes in renting formal gowns, or check to see if your local bridal shops offer rentals.
6. Choose your own fabrics and design, and make your dress from scratch; if you're not handy with a sewing machine, enlist the help of a friend, relative or affordable seamstress.
7. Check to see if an organization like Donate My Dress exists in your area; these non-profit groups provide free prom dresses to low-income teens.
8. Look for a local prom dress exchange event; if you can't find one, take the initiative and organize one for your community!
9. See if you can borrow your mother's (or grandmother's) vintage jewelry and handbags.
10. Head down to the bead store and make your own jewelry. If you've never tried it before, you may be surprised how it easy it is.
HAIR & MAKEUP
1. Almost everyone knows one friend or relative whose hair and makeup always look fabulous; enlist their help on your big day, and thank them with a lunch or a return favor.
2. Hit up the local beauty school for bargain priced hair styling and nails.
3. Schedule an appointment at one of the beauty counters at your local mall. Buy the lipstick so you'll be able to touch up throughout the night.
4. Plan a Mary K or Avon party at your house the afternoon before the prom, and invite all your friends over for free makeovers.
5. Host a manicure/pedicure party at your house; it's easier (and much more fun) when everyone helps each other!
6. Search YouTube for hair and makeup tutorials. Practice, practice, practice!
7. Don't spend a small fortune on tanning sessions; grab some self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore and fake the bake at home.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Have your heart set on a stretch limousine? You'll save money -- and probably have way more fun -- if you split the cost with other couples.
2. If you live in a big city, consider downgrading to a chic, chauffeured but more affordable Lincoln Town Car.
3. Make an appointment for a cab. But shop around beforehand, or you never know what might show up at your door.
4. Really don't want to drive? Ask a responsible older friend (or non-embarrassing relative) to chauffeur you for the night.
5. There's no law against driving your own car to prom. Just make sure it's clean. Look for coupons to your local car wash, or just bust out the hose and the vacuum.
DINING
1. Cook a romantic dinner for two. It's less expensive than a fancy restaurant and sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.
2. Invite a few couples over and make your own restaurant. Ask mom and dad to cook and serve. Set up a few small tables, add candles and soft music, and enjoy!
3. Eat a hearty meal before you go out, but splurge on a fancy dessert in a restaurant -- especially if you usually say no to dessert. Prom Night's a perfect excuse to indulge.
4. If you choose to eat a restaurant, don't go in blind. Look at menus beforehand so you'll know which eatery has the food you want at the price you can afford.
5. Imagine walking into your local fast food joint wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. If this sounds like hilarious fun, why not do it? It'll make a great story some day.
FLOWERS
1. Get a price quote from at least 5 different florists before committing to a purchase. Bonus points for price-checking 10.
2. Choose less expensive flowers. Carnations are a traditional choice because they're cheap and easy to dye in various colors.
3. Skip the fancy florist and head to the grocery store. The selection is usually smaller, but you're sure to find something you like. They are flowers, after all.
4. Don't go overboard with a massive bouquet. A few tasteful flowers will suffice, and it won't weigh heavy on your arm all night.
5. Get crafty! Make your own corsage and boutonnière using a few inexpensive materials from a craft store and flowers from the grocery store.
6. Take advantage of your region's natural beauty. Pick some gorgeous wildflowers, or ask your neighbors for donations from their gardens.
PHOTOS
1. Let's be honest; a lot of those professional prom photos look awful. Ask an artistic friend or relative to take pictures before prom, and forgo the expensive train wreck.
2. Don't have a talented photographer in your social circle? Trying recruiting a photography student from the local university.
3. If your photographer uses traditional film, ask if you can buy the negatives and have them printed yourself.
4. If you photographer uses a digital camera, ask if you can buy the files and print your photos at home.
5. This may sound crazy, but consider (gasp!) not taking pictures at all. Just put the cameras aside, get on the dance floor and enjoy your big night to the fullest!
POST-PROM PARTYING
1. If you live in a medium to large city, just take a stroll downtown. You may find live music and street performers, or just some great conversation and people-watching.
2. Find a safe, suitable outdoor space and organize an evening picnic for two. All you need is finger foods, a warm blanket and a sky full of stars.
3. Grab 10 of your closest friends and head to the nearest beach or lake for an old-fashioned bonfire and barbecue.
4. Not every prom night has to be romantic. Why not throw some bowling shoes on under that formal gown? Or does evening wear go better with roller skates?
5. Assuming your parents are cool with it, why not just party at home? They'll be relieved, you'll still have a great time with friends, and it won't cost a fortune.
What did we miss? Leave a comment below with your best tips on how to save money on prom!
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It all started with my desk mate and fellow blogger, Sienna.
Her long, curly locks were artistically pined up in twisted strands at the top of her head. In the midst of this gorgeous brunette nest, she had pinned a darling bird figurine perched next to two robin's eggs. Amazing.
Then it was the girl at my favorite coffee shop, who had fashioned several blooming flowers behind her ear with her hair all piled off to the side in quirky but darling manner.
I coined it: The Whimsical Updo.
The thing I love about this hair style is that anything goes. A scrap of your favorite ribbon, an elegant peacock feather, a string of pearls, fresh picked flowers ... just pin them on and attain instant "fairy tale princess" status. The more creative and cute, the better.
Let your hair go naturally wavy or add some body and texture with a sea salt spray. Pile randomly on the top of your crown and secure with a mound of bobby pins. Garnish as desired.
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For inspiration, check out these amazing looks captured by London-based photographer Joanna Kustra. Then check our selection of hair accessories to get started.
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Dear Diary,
This is the second update of my five-day visual fashion diary in the sun of O'ahu, Hawai'i, and I'm LOVIN' every second of it. Today we mixed chains, gladiator sandals, leopard prints, and even a gold leaf crown with (yes, yet again) Claire Fong earrings for original but yet totally obtainable style.
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In the first shot, on Sierra, we have cut-off shorts with top and necklaces designed by myself. To recreate this look, check out the Guard Rail Denim Shorts (pic below). These shorts would pair nicely with any patterned and textured top, as well as with any of your favorite sandals.
Molly's outfit is all about the Melted Heart Dress (pic below), topped with a few well-chosen accessories. Remember to mix and match prints with textures such as ripped jeans, and top it off with chains in gold for an original masterpiece of style!
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Photos by Daniel Noval.
I want to introduce you to one of my favorite up-and-coming models: Frida Gustavsson. This 17-year-old, 5’11” Stockholm native is a self-proclaimed geek, but is a natural on both the runway and on film. In January, she walked for Valentino, Armani Privé, Elie Saab, Christian Dior, and Chanel in spring couture shows in Paris.
Frida is not only a force on the runway, but also off. Below are some example of her laid back, but chic, style.
Want to recreate Frida’s free and easy style? Lulus.com can help with these key items:
Images of Frida courtesy of altamira
With busy days full of stress and concerns over school, work, relationships or a number of other things, life may seem like anything but a fairy tale.
But let's remember: Cinderella didn't always have it easy. She was, after all, forced to live in the attic with a gaggle of mice (albeit cute mice) as her only companions.
Like Cinderella, it takes a little special care to make a girl feel more pampered and pretty. Well, Lulu*s is here as your fairy godmother, offering you some cute, Cinderella inspired finds to help you face whatever life throws at you. Prince optional.
A trio of magic is found with the strapless and ruffled Glass Slippers Top, named such as it would go great with a pair of glass slippers. For a more comfy and casual version, try the sparkling Chinese Laundry Northern Lites Smoke Jelly Flat to light up your every step. To top it all off, our With a Twist Headband is nothing short of whimsical.
Now all you need is a sweet ride...
Photo found via Obliteratedheart
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With spring fast approaching, shorty shorts are hitting the shelves left and right. I put on a pair the other day and decided it was still too breezy outside and by far too early to be showing so much pale winter skin.
That's when I was inspired to pair my favorite black opaque tights with last summer's denim shorts.
The combination is so wonderfully simple. What better way to safely transition from chilly winter weather to fresh and sunny spring mornings?
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The expert bloggers pictured here have mastered the whole jean short/tight pairing. I love it best with cut-off shorts or those with a cuffed hem. Paired with a loose top and a crisp blazer or crop jacket, the look is perfectly pulled together.
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For footwear, try ankle booties or flats. Also, the addition of a long, chunky necklace adds the perfect finishing touch.
Photos (from left to right) courtesy of: Obliteratedheart, Kendra Amy Allen, Sterling Style, Kansas Couture, Denimology
I am in love with the seemingly effortless glamour and flirty waves of Dita Von Teese's hair style in the above pic. Inspired by hair of the 1940's, Dita has perfected this look on her own, which in turn, inspired me to give it a try.
Dita recently tweeted on her Twitter page that she uses "Hot rollers in small+med sizes," and sometimes "iron+clips" in order to set her hair into retro glam waves. I found the perfect YouTube tutorial which goes over how to style and set the rollers to achieve a similar look.
Now all I need are some good hot rollers. Any suggestions?
If you're like me, rainy weather has you neglecting any attempts at hair styling and sporting a variety of caps all week instead. Now, while hats can be fun, it's nice to change up your look every now and then. But while there's so much moisture in the air, I find it pointless to spend time blow-drying and straightening when it's all going to end up a frizzy mess.
That's where the classic chignon comes in extremely handy.
A low bun pulled to the side of the head, a chignon is a simple style that can be as glammed up or as casual as you wish. I prefer it loosely gathered and pulled slightly off center. Add any clips or accessories, red lipstick, and those rainy days won't look so daunting after all.
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