Prom: Then & Now - Along w/ Saks

As the school year is about to finish, the word “prom” is thrust upon high school students.

But, what exactly is prom and how did it get its start?

Well, first off, it’s an abbreviated form of the French word “promenade,” which is a walking review of the guests at the beginning of a formal dance or ball (according to Prom Works).

The first proms took place in the late 1800s in Ivy League colleges and universities in the northeastern United States. Initially the goal of such an event was to develop social skills and etiquette in students. But, usually the attire was quite simple – students would wear their church clothes, where boys sported jackets and ties while girls wore their Sunday dress. At the time, very few (if any) would purchase special attire specifically for prom.

After The Great Depression, once the U.S. economy began to improve, proms in the early 1920s offered social tea, and by the 1930s, prom was far more common across the country. As the 1950s came to a close, prom venues started to shift from the chaperoned school gymnasiums to more sophisticated locations, such as hotel ballrooms, country clubs, banquet halls, etc. It wasn’t until after the 1980s that high-school prom took a shift to an almost iconic rite of passage. By the 1990s, “alternative proms” for same-sex couples as well as “couple-free” proms were organized.

Since then, we’ve come a long way; proms have evolved into a far more ostentatious, time-consuming, and expensive occasion. In fact, according to USA Today, the average prom in 2012 cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Of course, proms are much more individualistic now – one can choose how much to spend, casual versus formal, friends versus date, dinner and dance versus hotel-room or house party, and best of all, one has the freedom to choose whether they want to go or not. There are so many more decisions and choices now than ever before. Wouldn’t you agree?

What’s your prom story?

Personally, I didn’t go to my high-school prom and I don’t regret it! I’m not really one for “formal dances.” But, one thing I am for is prom fashion… Though it may seem superficial to the eye, the essence of fashion is really about making individuals confident and jubilant, so why not look fabulous for prom (regardless of how much that dress/tux or accessories may have cost you)!

1. (left to right) Feyi Omodele and Chelsea Coffey | 2. Spanx | 3. (left to right) Rebecca Briscoe and DJ Fanci | 4. Taylor Brionne | 5. Smile Photo Booth | 6. (left to right) Lauren Farina and Elvia Francis | 7. (left to right) Yesenia Flores and Elvia Francis | 8. (left to right) Elvia Francis, Imani Talib, Yesenia Flores, Rachel White, Taylor Brionne, and Marcella Sky

As you may know, I was part of the Saks Blogger Prom Fashion Presentation earlier this month, which showcased some amazing trends for the upcoming prom season. Among the event attendees included Ruchi Mukherjee of Lights Camera Action, Chelsea Coffey of Mia’s Closet and fashion editor of Houston Style Magazine, entertainment reporter Rebecca Briscoe, DJ Fanci of Houston’s hip-hop radio station 97.9FM “The Box,” and fashion/wardrobe stylist Feyi Omodele.

Bloggers (including myself) who were on the panel shared commentary on the prom-fashion trends worn by Neal Hamil Agency models, Kristin Qualia and Caroline Mathis, while a Spanx representative spoke about what under garments would be ideal for each dress/gown.  

Trends featured at the Saks Blogger Prom Fashion Presentation included:

• Sequins – in metallic hues and mostly featured on the bodices, if not all over the garment; “The Great Gatsby” inspired
• Gold Metallic – balanced with black/neutral accents; “The Great Gatsby” inspired

• High-low – where the hem is shorter/higher in front and longer/lower in the back of the dress; this trend traces back to Victorian Era dresses and formal gowns when the hem style was known as the “fishtail”

• Ombré – French for “to shade,” the trend consists of a graduation of color from light to dark; Katie Findlay sported the ombré trend as her TV character Maggie Landers on CW’s “The Carrie Diaries”

• All-Over Print – bold patterns; spring trend alert, as reported by Houston Chronicle fashion editor Joy Sewing

• Bright Colors – jewel tones such as sapphire, emerald, ruby, and topaz

• Sheer Surprises – make sure you have a Spanx bodysuit underneath for really revealing ensembles

• Red + Long Slits – mid-thigh slits keep floor-length rouge gowns elegant, while offering an alluring yet tasteful slip of skin

• Sweetheart Necklines – classic, romantic, and über feminine; flattering for almost any figure

Gold and silver metallic footwear were also trending, in regards to prom-fashion accessories.

The models donned Old Hollywood, Veronica Lake-inspired waves, which is one of my favorite 2013 prom beauty trends!

See more images from the event (via Twitter and Instagram) with the hashtag #SaksPromHouston.

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Special thanks to the Saks Fifth Avenue – Houston Galleria PR team: Chad Carpenter and Tijuana Harvey, along with eveningwear dept. manager, Lauren Farina, and the Houston Fashion Bloggers.

Color Block Challenge: Day 4

Joy Sewing from Houston Chronicle

Today is day four of the color-block fashion challenge, created by Houston Chronicle's fashion and beauty editor Joy Sewing. I'm super thrilled to announce that my blog and I have been featured on her Chron.com Shop Girl blog! As a local fashion journalist, Sewing is a huge inspiration! I still remember the first time I met her at Fashion Group International's Career Day Houston years ago. She was the only fashion journalist at the event I attended, and the only person I could relate to really. Years later, I happened to meet her younger brother through a mutual "fashion designer" friend, and he was a super nice guy as well. Charm must run in their family.

Anyways, I'm super proud of myself for taking part in this challenge, mostly because I tend to be lazy at times and steer towards "comfort" clothes, or stick to the black-white-gray combination. I love colors, but I don't always think about what to wear properly versus what I can get my hands on. So I really loved thinking up new ways to play up color combinations with the clothes I currently have in my closet. Fashion isn't hard, it's all about having fun, but sometimes people over-think it with excessive "rules."

The look below is something I'm ultimately thrilled about, just because whenever I wear this BCBG Max Azria cream-colored skirt, I almost always pair it with a black top. Due to the color-block challenge, I got myself out of a "fashion rut" and into some fresh colors.

Tomorrow's post is the finale to the five-day, fashion color-block challenge.

Afterward, I'll be having a reader giveaway for Skindinavia's "No More Shine" makeup setting spray. Stay tuned for details!

Please "like" the Facebook page and follow via Twit-land for updates.

Color Block Challenge: Day 3

It is day three of the fashion color block challenge, created by Houston Chronicle's fashion and beauty editor Joy Sewing. Only two more days to go!

Today, Sewing chronicled "color blocking" for men on her Shop Girl blog. Her other blog, which is separate from the Chron.com blog yet definitely ties in as well, is called "Dress Like You Are In Love." Both are interesting reads!

What is your take on the "color block" trend? Like it, don't like, and why? I would love to know and learn!

Color Block Challenge: Day 2

So it's day two of the fashion color-block challenge, created by Houston Chronicle's fashion and beauty editor Joy Sewing, and I've decided to don various hues of blue [my favorite color].

Houston Community College's fashion professor, Rita Bass was color blocking today as well. She wore an of-the-season yellow top and sweater, paired with dark brown pants and sandals. Her accessories included yellow-toned circular drop earrings and a ring-shaped necklace. 

Note: please forgive me for the quality of the image, since it's taken with my phone.

Houston Community College's fashion professor, Rita Bass

Putting color together in different ways is a challenge, and also a test in thinking outside the box!

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Here are four easy ways to incorporate color blocking:

• Mix solid pieces. It’s easier to pair a red jacket with an orange skirt, than trying to work prints together. 

• Stick with two colors. Anything more than that and you risk looking a bit "cartoonish," according to Joy Sewing. I, personally, believe three is the maximum number of colors one can wear in an outfit. Of course, be mindful of the tone of colors—do not pair a bunch of neon colors together; that just screams "headache." 

• Instead of black—pick khaki, beige, or white to mix with colors.

• If you are a guy, mix a darker blue shirt with a purple or orange tie.

Color Block Challenge: Day 1

Houston Chronicle's fashion journalist, Joy Sewing challenges the fashion savvy once again.

A few years ago, Sewing challenged women to wear one dress for five days in five different ways. Though I hadn't participated, I did feel a strong desire to as it seemed like a fun, creative exercise in shopping in one's own closet.

Employees at the Chronicle's bureau in Washington, DC.

This time Sewing's fashion challenge involves "color blocking." To those unaware of the terminology, color blocking involves wearing two or more solid blocks of color in a single outfit. But, color blocking doesn't just apply to clothing/apparel, it can also be applied to accessories. For example, Kenneth Jay Lane's "Jade Link" necklace, Marc Jacobs' color-block heart-shaped earrings, and Giuseppe Zanotti's patent color-block sandals (all of which can be found on ShopBop.com) are an excellent example.

Sewing's color-block contest runs from Monday, March 26, 2012 through Friday, March 30, 2012.

Rules:

• Wear 1-2 bright pieces of clothing each day. You can change the colors daily or use the same pieces, but they must be worn in different ways. You can mix brights with prints.

• Black doesn’t count as a color. But beige, gray and other earth tones do, and can be matched with bright hues. 

• Accessorizing with bright colors gets you extra points. This includes jewelry, handbags, and shoes. 

• Take a photo of yourself in your outfit each day. It can be with a digital camera or even a camera phone. They just need to see the outfits and how you mixed the colors.

• Have fun and be creative. That’s the overall goal of this challenge; it shouldn’t be stressful.

Prizes: Gift cards to Macy’s and Dillard’s. Gift bags of goodies from Charming Charlie. The photos will be judged by reps from the retailers and the winner will be announced the following week. The photos of the winner may be featured in a story in the Houston Chronicle as well.

Sadly, I don't have as many colors in my closet as I would like to. However, in the name of fun and creativity, I am willing to try my hand at this fashion challenge and I urge others to as well. Do it for yourself; to challenge yourself to be more creative with your wardrobe! Challenges like these are splendid, especially if you're feeling like you're in a fashion rut.

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Ten color combos that work well together:

1. Cobalt blue + yellow + orange 
2. Chocolate brown + pink + peach 
3. Purple + bright blue + teal 
4. Deep blue + fuchsia + white 
5. Coral + gray + ivory 
6. Grey + red 
7. Fuchsia + orange 
8. Yellow + gray 
9. Green + purple 
10. Green + khaki