Dress of the Day - La Femme 15027 Flowing Chiffon

Simple, elegant, flowing chiffon gown by La Femme. This style comes in fresh, feminine colors like white, light pink and aqua. White is actually a very popular color for prom and looks great on lots of skin tones. Also, it's a great dress for informal weddings, graduations, winter formals and more. Pretty gathers and sparkling beads give it the perfect finishing touch. Subtle, but unique, I'm a fan!

La Femme 15027

Money Saving Tips For Prom

Last week's post featured some great, affordable prom dresses, but let's take it one step further to save some big bucks for prom! Here are some tips:

1. Shop budget designers that give you a great look without the label you pay for with other brands. Dave & Johnny is a great example! There are plenty of gorgeous gowns out there for less than $200.

2. Look for bargains on last season's styles. Most stores mark down the previous season's dresses to make room for the newest styles. If the sales aren't obvious (aka: a rack in the back room), sometimes all you have to do is ask!

3. Be season savvy. If you shop in the height of prom season, for a current style, you'll have little flexibility on pricing. Instead, shop for next year's dress at the end of this year's season. By June, most stores are making last attempts to sell their remaining stock. Take advantage of this and ask for a discount!

4. Shop online for sales year round. Some stores sell their overstocks online, at a discount, 365 days a year. Styles, sizes and colors will be limited, but if you shop hard enough, there are amazing dresses (and deals) to be had!

5. Shoes can be worn again - if you choose wisely. Prom shoes have come a long way from dyed-to-match baby pink pumps, and there are a lot of options out there that can easily be worn with jeans or for a night out. Think metallic thongs, vinyl platforms, or simple strappy sandals.

6. Mix & match with jewelry. Use accessories as a way to own your look, with jewelry you already own! Buy a few key "prom" pieces along with your dress, then go home and dig through your jewelry box. Mix in some fun bangles or rings of your own and have fun with it!

Designer Spotlight - Sherri Hill

Sherri Hill broke into the prom dress scene a couple years ago after a stunning career as a pageant gown designer. Her prom dresses have been wildly popular and the 2010 collection does not disappoint! It's hard to choose favorites from such a beautiful dress line, but here is my best shot:

1043:

1212:

2220:

2226:

 2223:

Dress of the Day - Mignon REC-36 Simple & Unique

This simple dress by Mignon, style REC-36, has detailing that makes it truly unique. I think it's a beautiful dress with just the right touch to make it so elegant and so perfect for so many events. Classic black jersey gives it a flattering, comfortable fit. The beaded halter is a classy, funky, regal touch! I could see this as a great dress to wear again to another formal event.

Making Prom Affordable

Prom shopping is a fun experience, but can be a huge stress for some. Pressure to spend big on a designer dress is common and many just don't have the budget for it. Not to worry though! There ARE affordable options out there. Here are a few cheap prom dresses featured on TJ Formal that are all priced under $200.

Dave and Johnny 4906
$170

Cire by Landa Designs P103
$118

Studio 17 12113

$198

Dave & Johnny 5770

$140

Dave & Johnny 5572

$186

Check back soon for more money saving tops for prom!