Runway to Hallway: Spring 2014

Runway trends can often seem elusive to the average high school teenager, so I am going to show you a few outfit ideas for incorporating these high fashion trends into your everyday school wardrobe.

Trend: Florals

Runway 

Looks By: Emporio Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Balenciaga, Mary Katrantzou

Hallway

Trend: Metallics

Runway

Looks By: Rochas, Dries Van Noten, Marissa Webb, Gareth Pugh

Hallway

Trend: White Shirts

Runway

Looks By: Tod's, Akris, Hermès, Balenciaga

Hallway

What runway trends will you be trying out this spring?

Let's Talk Prom Dresses

Spring is here, which means that prom season is also upon us! For all high schoolers out there who can relate, or anyone preparing for a special event, finding that perfect dress is a pretty big deal. I was fortunate enough to not only get my dress for only $70, but also find it and fall in love with it all the way back in October.

My Dress

Reem Acra Florence Gown: Rent the Runway

It is purely personal preference, but I am not a huge fan of the typical prom dresses. I'm not saying that these so-called "typical" prom dresses aren't pretty or anything—in fact, many of them are stunning. It is just not the look or style that I prefer. Therefore, my dress for prom this year will be the Reem Acra Florence Gown from Rent the Runway. It was love at first sight. From the soft layers of tule and twisted ruching of the bodice to the understated nude color, I feel like this dress was made for me. 

Ever since I first discovered Rent the Runway, I have been completely obsessed. I love the idea that I can wear gorgeous designer gowns for an extremely reasonable price. Because I am renting my prom dress, there are some negatives to that as well, such as not being able to alter it, not being 100% that it will fit right, and not being sure that it will be the best dress on you. However, the benefits completely outweigh the disadvantages for me. I'm saving up to hundreds of dollars, I don't have to worry about altering my dress, and I also don't have to feel bad about letting it collect dust in the back of my closet, waiting for a day to be worn again that might never come. I really don't need to keep my prom dress forever. Though it is a keepsake for some, I am probably never going to wear it again (yet if this gown was the prom dress I owned I would wear it every day). 

*Because this post is before my actual prom, I will also be posting a follow-up on my experience with Rent the Runway so look out for that in a few weeks!

This brings me to another point I like about Rent the Runway. It is comforting to read reviews from other girls who have worn this dress before to see what they thought of its quality, design, and fit, because it makes you feel that much more secure about the rental. Looking at pictures posted of the dress on the website is also helpful to see it being worn by normal girls instead by a model for both an idea of what the dress will look like in person and for style inspiration. 

What I love most about prom is that it is an opportunity for me to dress up and enjoy the extended process of getting ready. If you have ever watched the movie A Cinderella Story with Hillary Duff (I almost said Lizzie McGuire there for a second), you know the a scene where Sam is standing at the top of the stairs at her school's halloween party and everyone stops and stares in awe. I'm not saying that my entrance will be as epic as that at all, but I just like to think of that fairytale moment where I get to feel and look like a princess for an evening. 

Hillary Duff in A Cinderella Story

Then again, not everyone wants to look like a princess at prom. You might want to follow the new trends, go with classic elegance, or make a bold statement with head to toe sparkles or a bright fuschia color. Hey, you do you. You should wear whatever makes you feel like a star on that night!

What will you be wearing for your next big event? Will you give Rent the Runway a try?

HOW TO: Instantly Look Put-Together

We all want to achieve the best possible result while putting in the least amount of effort. However, when you are getting ready, it can sometimes be difficult to come up with a look that is both simple and put-together. In the mornings, if I ever feel like I look unpolished or incomplete, this is what I do.

1. Add a Black Blazer

If you have to transition a day look into a night look, or be business appropriate for an event, making a strong first impression is crucial. No matter what you are wearing--whether it be a floral print dress or a collared blouse--you can consistently add a black blazer to polish up any look. This type of tailored jacket instantly elevates any outfit, and black is a universal color that is flattering and functional. Getting ready always seems to come down to a few rushed minutes, so if you're in a bind and need to put something on fast as a final touch, you can easily throw on a black blazer and achieve that look. Having this piece on hand will transform you into looking like you are wearing an outfit rather than like you haphazardly grabbed the first clothes you could find. This tuxedo jacket from H&M is perfect because it has the right cut and slightly oversized feel to suit anything underneath.

2. Brush Your Hair

No, I don't actually have a Mason Pearson hairbrush. Maybe one day though...

It sounds silly and somewhat obvious, but you really don't want untamed hair when you are going for a put together look. Smooth and shiny hair in almost any style will get rid of that "just rolled out of bed" appearance that detracts from the rest of your outfit. As we all know, good hair is like an added accessory that has the power to complete any look. Knotty hair is obvious, so if you don't have time for anything else, brush your hair and get one step closer towards looking put-together.

3. Add One Statement Accessory

When wearing any outfit, you can sometimes look like there is something missing. This emptiness can be filled by a scarf, necklace, or even statement bracelet that draws attention to one specific feature. For instance, a statement necklace draws attention to your neckline and up, and it is a fun way to add a pop of color or shine for dimension. With scarves, the rule I always follow is that if I am wearing a solid color, then my scarf will be a printed or colorful, and vice versa. This creates a sense of balance in your outfit that makes it look like you have put in a lot of effort when you really haven't. The necklace I am wearing in the photo above is more of a quiet statement than the chunky ones are (like this one from BaubleBar) but really whatever you feel comfortable with will work best for you. 

4. Fill In Your Brows

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Taupe/Ash

Even for those of you who don't wear makeup, filling in your eyebrows is a way to immediately look polished and refined. There has definitely been a focus on strong, bold eyebrows in the beauty industry for the past couple of years, and it really is well-deserved. Eyebrows frame your eyes and complete your face. This final step of a well-defined brow is the fastest and simplest way to complete your new "put-together" style. To see what I use to fill in my brows check out my post "All About My Eyebrows".