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Malan Breton Fashion Week 2008, Spring 2009

cmerry — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:24:49 +0000

Click the gorgeous model for many pix and videos of behind the scenes glimpses of Malan Breton's gorgeous Fashion Week show! :)

My new biz Ember Heart!

cmerry — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:31:54 +0000

I have a new laptop! (Rest in peace my lil' old one) Thank you Rick! And now my new biz! I have been rolling along already but now it's taking off like a cloud of butterflies! Come visit anytime. I ship worldwide and hand-make all the blends, each are unique- you won't find them anywhere else.

Designer Malan Breton in an Ember Heart pendant.
The gemstone pendant is part of the Fashion Scents Gift set found here!
Malan has been such a great supportive person through all ups and downs of the world if you have never seen his lovely designs and craveable handbags you should!

Check out all of Ember Heart's Custom Blends
Malanscents, Malan Breton
Forest Fairy, Wendy and Brian Froud
jolie Miraval!, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Maysong, Aaron May

THANK YOU to Blogging Project Runway for being my first big website supporter and running my little ad :) Wonderful site, wonderful people!

Top 10 Influential Fashion Films

cmerry — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:31:12 +0000

This video is about a street poll on the influential role film has played in fashion. Stella McCartney, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and other UK designers such as Lulu Guinness, Philip Treacy and Oswald Boateng join design legend Giorgio Armani and international talent such as Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, John Rocha and Michael Kors to give their opinions. The overwhelming winner was Breakfast at Tiffany’s in which Givenchy established one of the most important wardrobe staples: the ‘LBD’ (little black dress) and the large black sunglasses. It is interesting to note that the majority of these iconic films, are vintage, proving the classics in style will be influencing fashion for decades to come.

The Top Ten
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
2. American Gigolo
3. Funny Face
4. Bonnie and Clyde
5. Desperately Seeking Susan
6. My Fair Lady
7. Pulp Fiction
8. The Great Gatsby
9. Thomas Crown Affair
10. The Graduate

5 Tips for Shopping for Vintage Fashions

cmerry — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:55:58 +0000

What is Vintage? Essentially, 'vintage' is just another name for second-hand clothing, but it can be expensive. Antique flapper dresses from the 1920s and original Raoul Dufy designs are gorgeous, but discovering unique pieces doesn't have to be expensive.

Thrift Shopping If your funds are limited, but you are adventurous, try thrift store shopping. It sometimes takes effort, depending on how the shop is set up and organized, but the results can be very rewarding. My most recent finds were a full length Eileen Fisher silk skirt and a vintage Valentino Boutique Couture Blouse (tags still on) for $17.00, total. Another trip netted me several silk designer scarves (Echo, Ferragamo, Valentino, Liberty of London among them) for $20.00 total for the bagful. Even if I had the money for these at retail, I would choose to spend those 100's of dollars on other things. I love owning a beautiful designer piece, but love even more that I own them, and spent so little.

The List The key to a successful shopping trip is to go with a piece (or pieces) in mind, otherwise it can be overwhelming. Do you need a skirt for a special event, a belt to freshen up a t-shirt and jeans look, or a silk blouse to brighten a dull business suit? This way you can scan shelves and racks for the colors and textiles you want, and only pull those items out. It is safe to say, if you are looking for a black slip dress, you can skip the obvious yellow neon plaid and green striped numbers.

Choose Well Build up a list of ideas whenever you go out and come up with your own thrift shopping rules. Steer clear of anything stained rather than just a little dusty, and things with the strong scent of mothballs should be avoided because that scent will never come out 100%. Tiny holes can be mended if they are not very visible, you want to look good not like a little rag doll (unless that is your personal look). Fabric and pattern choices should fit your current wardrobe if you want to incorporate it in everyday use. Choose the wilder looks for parties and special events.

Patience Give yourself time. You may not find the perfect piece the first time, or the second, but the third time you might. Take the time to build a perfect wardrobe. Explore the shops and flea markets and if you find yourself frequenting one shop, introduce yourself to the owner and ask if they will give you a call the minute new things come in.

Accessories If you're still unsure about 'second-hand clothes', just shop for accessories. Bags, belts and scarves are easily incorporated into an everyday wardrobe. Finding pretty pieces sometimes takes as much dedication as scanning for clothing, but when you find that perfect pair of 1960's pink rhinestone basket earrings for $2.00 you'll be converted. Then you just might look around and take a chance on a new ruffled tuxedo shirt or a fun 1970's mini skirt, and you'll never see shopping the same way again. Look at it this way, it's closet of fashion you can raid without mom and grandmom getting mad at you!

Socially Responsible Shopping Thrifting and vintage shopping is also a great way to recycle. With so many beautiful fashions in thrift and vintage shops you may be able to find what you need and in essence recycle a well-made garment. If the current trends aren't your taste, you may find past looks in great condition. If you are like me, and dress to express yourself, not follow the trends to the letter, then I think you'll be very happy. Many thrift shops benefit charities too, so in some cases just by shopping, you'll be doing a good deed. Just get out there and look!
Photo, vintagevibes.com

Click here for more Vintage Fashion articles

My Beaded Skirt on Australia's Next Top Model!

cmerry — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:31:45 +0000

The skirt, inspired by Vintage Fashion Style Icon Zelda Fitzgerald, I made for Malan Breton's brilliant design line is going to be on the new season of Australia's Next Top model!! I am so excited, I was at the show itself I might even be on TV (!) We will have a viewing party sometime around June- I can't share any of my pix due to confidentiality agreements but after the show airs I will post my cute pix I took. So tune in to see the final three "stomp to the death" and see my fave model in my beautiful beaded skirt. Pictured above is the picture I took of the gorgeous Melrose from America's Next Top Model wearing it!

Modern Lady, Vintage Style

cmerry — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:49:26 +0000

Thandie Newton has the right idea when it comes to fashion. In a recent news item she says vintage clothes are not only glorious, but a great way to recycle. Thandie is known for her passion in making the world greener. Why buy new things when there are so many lovely fashions in vintage and thrift stores already? Her tastes may be vintage but her ideas are very modern.

Thandie Newton has said she can’t understand why people buy new clothes when there is so much great vintage material out there.
She said that she loves buying secondhand clothes because of the benefits for the environment: “It is grotesque how out of control manufacturing has become, and the excess, the pollution that’s caused by it.”
“Vintage [fashion] is not only glorious and stylish, it’s also the way forward in terms of recycling.”
“Whenever I go into great vintage stores, I wonder why we ever buy new things.” Source: fametastic.co.uk

Remember to check out Thandie in her new film Run Fatboy Run with Simon Pegg.

"Frock Me!" Vintage Fashion Event in June, London

cmerry — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:34:56 +0000

Frock Me! on June 8th is a vintage fashion event that is held in London several times a year at the Chelsea Town Hall. In addition to clothing, pick up accessories such as hats, shoes, gloves and jewellery from a retro era.

And according to Frock Me! organizers, vintage clothing attracts a diverse clientele, from stylists and models to fashion students and collectors and even stage and film costume designers.

Those looking to mingle with designers and celebrities may well spot them rummaging for fashion one-offs in the crowd as items can reportedly be found to suit "all tastes and budgets".

Stocking items from a range of eras including the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, period Pucci, Lanvin and Chanel items are all among those likely to be found at Frock Me!
Ckick here for more info: "Frock Me" Vintage Fashion Event

Vintage Fashion Fair in London April 6

cmerry — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:13:49 +0000

Are you going? I have a feeling this one is going to be even more amazing than the last. The Vintage Fashion Fair will be held on Sunday 6th April in Notting Hill.
Anita Bott founded this one after the end of her previous partnership with Battersea Vintage Fashion Fairs. Anita's Vintage Fashion Fairs (AVFF) organizes six fairs a year and features vintage clothing, textiles and accessories dating from 1800 to 1970. Everything from vintage buttons, braids and trimmings to stage costumes and high fashion can be found at the Vintage Fair.
She is hoping to make this the Number One Vintage Fair in the UK and is off to a great start because AVFF was voted 16th out of Vogue's 100 'Guide to the Greatest Shops off the Beaten Track'.
Click here for more info: Anita's Vintage Fashion Fairs

Ancient Vintage Fashion Inspiration

cmerry — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:35:33 +0000

Don't feel bad if you look to past iconic eras of fashion for inspiration, everybody does. The decades that come to mind instantly might be the 70's or even the 20's.. sometimes it might be the BC's!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Zac Posen at the 2007 Academy Awards

Prom Project in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska

cmerry — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:19:55 +0000

New addition to the big list of Free and Low Cost Gowns! A very cool service that includes not only help getting a gown but also photography! Click Prom Project in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska to get more info if you are in the area. Remember if you have a service in another area that is not listed let me know so I can add it.

Coming soon! The Louisville KY, Cinderella Project

cmerry — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:14:18 +0000

Check out this event if you live in the area. Remember if you have an event for the donation of and receiving of low cost or free gowns coming up for formal dances and prom let me know so we can announce it here. Contact the Louisville Chums for the complete details. This is such a wonderful concept, to give and receive, and everybody feels great!

Check out the big list of free and low cost gowns here . If you have or know of others please let me know so I can add you.

Malan Breton Fashion Week 9/12 2007 Pete Wentz

cmerry — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:03:26 +0000

I got to Style Lounge at about 10am on the day of Malan's show and Pete Wentz was there and had been there I was told since 9am working on a show of his own. He worked straight through to Malan's show and then stayed and sat in the front row. His cool lounge Angels and Kings / AK-47 is the ground floor of my building here in NYC so it was funny seeing him there. He is a very sweet person. AK-47 is a great place with really nice people working there. Come by and have a drink sometime.
So in the mix of Pete and the camera crew Malan Breton was preparing for his stunning Fashion Week show. The usual missing model drama that so many designers have happened but didn't stop the show. Melrose, wrongfully called bitchy by ANTM was an angel helping and trying on the fashions to fill in for the missing girl and when a model had a bad cough had some friendly folks go out and get her some tea. Every time I have met her Melrose has been amazing and sweet, I think the America's Next Top Model season she appeared in just needed a villain and played up the stress to make her look like that kind of person via editing but from my experiences with her it's NOT true. Project Runway seemed to try to make Malan into a bad boy and the opposite is true he is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. No sewing from me this time I have some cool art projects you'll hear about soon-ish that have been swamping me (happily so). I feel lucky to have him in my life and as part of my family in this world.
These are my pix and vidz from the event mainly before and during from backstage.

The quiet before the Fashion Week storm..
Pete Wentz Runway Walk

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Pete does his runway walk

Pete Wentz pulled about

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Yes people were pulling Pete back and forth and everywhere for literally hours

Malan and Pete
The Mists of Fashion Week

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Mists of hairspray began to rise as the hairstylists got down to it. Even angelic looking redheads need a little style help
Melrose Fashion Week run-through

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Melrose starts off the run-through before the show

Malan Bretons show begins

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All the months of work come down to this moment..
Backstage at Malan Bretons Fashion Week show 9/12

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Backstage the models wait to walk the catwalk and Malan watches over all of it

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Blogging Project Runway's YouTube vidz of the show
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Fun backstage and afterward

Bratz Movie Review

cmerry — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:57:49 +0000

My Bratz Movie Review Scroll down past the video and photo galleries. :)

Bratz cast interview for Bratz World!

cmerry — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 19:31:06 +0000

Just for you cool Bratz Worlders!

"Hi Bratz World!

Click here for the cute interview by the Bratz cast for Bratz World!

Pre-prom panic: Dressed for distress

cmerry — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:30:00 +0000

Pre-prom panic? Aversion to pantyhose? Mom stressing? Think it's just you? Read this cool article and know you are not alone- and some cool tips too!

When it comes to low necklines and high hems, Sucro said, "Most reputable stores will have prom gowns that are appropriate. This is the time to say, 'I'm going to let her look more glamorous.'" She reminds mothers that as long as you are paying for the dress, you still have some say in the style, but ultimately, the person wearing the gown should be completely happy with the purchase.

Fashion, Social and Shopping advice

Pre-prom panic: Dressed for distress
Mothers and daughters do annual gown-shopping ritual, complete with arguments
BETH BRELJE Pocono Record Writer

She may never make it as a bank robber because of her aversion to pantyhose.

As proof, here's a recent conversation overheard through a dressing-room door at Deb clothing shop in Stroud Mall:

"You'll need pantyhose."

"No, I won't."

"They'll make your legs look nice."

"Don't care."

"You can't wear a dress like that without hose."

"Don't care."

"I'm not buying the dress unless you agree to wear hose."

"Don't care."

It was a mother-daughter shopping duo on the prowl for a prom dress, and the exchange hinted at tension instead of eager prom anticipation.

Ramona Sullivan, co-owner of Bridal Creations by Ramona on Main Street, Stroudsburg, says girls tend to shun hose, possibly because they want to show off a pedicure.

She also says that the mother-daughter dynamics of shopping are subtle.

Mom says, "Get whatever you want," but if Daughter lands on a dress Mom does not like, she may say, "Well, are you sure?" or "You should look around a little more."

Sullivan says mothers are sometimes happier than daughters when the perfect gown is found "because they can stop shopping."

Today's prom-going gal, just like generations before her, knows what she wants, and often it is not what Mom has in mind.

Beth Sucro, a family therapist at Pocono Therapeutic Services in Tannersville, says shopping for prom dresses is a great bonding opportunity.

"Most mothers have control issues, which can be a good thing. But this is a good time to get in the back seat and let your daughter take more control of the situation."

When it comes to low necklines and high hems, Sucro said, "Most reputable stores will have prom gowns that are appropriate. This is the time to say, 'I'm going to let her look more glamorous.'" She reminds mothers that as long as you are paying for the dress, you still have some say in the style, but ultimately, the person wearing the gown should be completely happy with the purchase.

KEEPING MOM AND THE PROM IN SYNC
Tannersville therapist Beth Sucro's tips for prom shopping mothers and daughters:

• Set a reasonable maximum price limit before you go shopping.

• Consider bringing a friend or hip adult whose opinion you trust.

• Expect your daughter's alter ego to come out.

• Make a day of it. Don't try to get it done in 45 minutes.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• Plan to have lunch.

• If a dress your daughter loves looks bad, elicit the help of a sales person.

• If you give an opinion, give options — for example, "Which of these three dresses do you prefer?"

• Make it a memory.

THIS YEAR'S PROM FASHIONS
Ramona Sullivan, co-owner of Bridal Creations by Ramona in Stroudsburg, says while fuller skirts are always in for formals, straight lines are flattering and popular. The newest look is charmuse, a light, smoothly tactile fabric with sheen that creates sophisticated lines. Also popular are dresses with a gentle bustle effect all around the skirt and open back cuts. Tulle skirts are softer to the touch and less poofy than in years past. Tulle gives an instant princess effect. Hot colors for formals include a light olive green, red and pink.

Interesting Prom Mentions in the News 5

cmerry — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 03:22:12 +0000

Parent outraged over glassware passed out as Prom momentos

Some parents are outraged over junior prom souvenirs. Copper Hills High School students are getting glassware that look like beer mugs and champagne glasses. That’s what Gary Davis' son brought home from school after he bought his prom tickets. Davis says, "I was shocked, appalled that this type of material was given out by the school to underage kids." Concerned parents say these glasses send a mixed - and dangerous - message to high school students.

Dresses recall eras of boogie, twist, big apple

Glitzy or glamorous, smart or sassy, the dresses featured in the second annual Dare to Be Vintage Prom Fashion Show, were just as individual as the high school models wearing them. Those who shop at Eclectic Twyst in downtown Howell have come to expect standout items.

Millburn students give Shoa survivors a reason to celebrate

The evening, like the “Prom of Your Dreams” for Shoa survivors held two years ago, was conceived in the eighth-grade Holocaust studies classroom of Mary Vazquez. As they did for the prom, vendors donated their services, from the fresh flowers to the live music to the catering hall, which was provided by owner Allan Janoff, whose son is in the Holocaust studies class. (He also had a child in the class that created the prom.)

Copycat gowns not on at girls’ night of nights

According to Perth designer Dana Mathers, a girl’s dream night will quickly spiral into a nightmare if her double is seen dazzling the crowd on the same dance floor.
The exclusive frock, costing anywhere between $259 and $849, is recorded on a custom-designed prom registry, promising that particular gown will not be sold in any other colour to anyone else attending the same event.

Valley View Students Learn Danger of Drinking & Driving

With prom season just around the corner, school officials teamed up with Jonesboro Emergency personnel to show students the dangers of drinking and driving.

"At any moment you could be dead and lose everything that you ever loved or ever wanted," said Jordan Huggins who participated in the mock accident.

Priceless Prom Winners

cmerry — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:47:06 +0000

Congratz to the winners! You can help decide what they'll wear to Prom by logging on and voting. Hope they have a wonderful time!

How the win helps: The time together is great, they say, but a paid-for prom has a real shot at perfection. Both teens work to pay for cell phones, cars, insurance and gas. Last year, Paul, 18, had to borrow money from his parents to cover prom costs, and he used his job at Pizza Hut in Winchester to pay them back. This year, Amber, 17, planned to wear an old pageant dress instead of buying a new one with her pay from her new job as a hostess at b.d.'s Mongolian Grill.

Read the article:

Winning couple value their time together and the free ride
By Jamie Gumbrecht
HERALD-LEADER CULTURE WRITER

Tates Creek High School students Paul Walraven and Amber McKinley are the winners of the Lexington Herald-Leader's Priceless Prom contest.

To make their prom night as fabulous as possible, she'll receive a dress from Dillard's, hairstyling by Ziyan Salon and accessories from Nitro in Frankfort; he'll get a tuxedo rental from Geno's Formal Affair; and they'll go to dinner at Giuseppe's, and get flowers from Bel Air Florist and Gift Shop in Versailles, prom tickets and a Seventeen Magazine prom planning guide. (And mama McKinley will pitch in a limo, too.)

This monarchy is subject to a democratic process, though: Kentucky.com readers will vote for the dress, tux, hairstyle, flowers and accessories for the couple. Voting starts next Tuesday with three choices of dresses, which you can see online and in the Health & Family section.

Why they're royalty: As a stroke of chivalry, or maybe monetary desperation, Paul entered the contest, listing the reasons they deserved to be prom royalty: They're short on time and cash, but big on love, a situation many teens recognize.

"Because of our busy schedules, our time together is extremely limited," Paul wrote, "but the time we do spend together is priceless, even if it is just watching a movie with her parents or listening to music ... there would be nothing better than going to prom in style and having a night we would never forget."

How the win helps: The time together is great, they say, but a paid-for prom has a real shot at perfection. Both teens work to pay for cell phones, cars, insurance and gas. Last year, Paul, 18, had to borrow money from his parents to cover prom costs, and he used his job at Pizza Hut in Winchester to pay them back. This year, Amber, 17, planned to wear an old pageant dress instead of buying a new one with her pay from her new job as a hostess at b.d.'s Mongolian Grill.

How they met: The couple met in May 2005, when her best friend was dating his best friend. They went to a fair together, and the first impressions were good. (In fact, Amber knew a girl who'd dated Paul -- "Everything I'd heard about him was good," she says.)

They hung out more, and by the next month, they were a couple. For the record, she was the first one to say, "I love you."

What they fight about: "Time," they say, in unison. Before sports took over their lives, before work became a necessity, they used to be together constantly. Now with Paul nearing graduation and Amber occupied with work, school and sports, there's rarely a spare moment.

His hometown: "Everywhere," he says. His family moved often, finally settling in Lexington when he was a sophomore.

Her hometown: Right here in Lexington. "I've lived in the same house since I was born," she says.

His ideal prom: "Just a good time -- I'm not picky."

Her ideal prom: "Romantic, starry sky-type, really pretty."

His sport: He played soccer for Tates Creek.

Her sport: She spent most of her life dancing, but now she plays volleyball for Tates Creek and a club team.

His plans: Paul is waiting to hear whether he was accepted to the University of Kentucky, but he's also looking at Georgetown College, Eastern Kentucky University and Kentucky Wesleyan College. He wants to study business management.

Her plans: Amber has another year of high school, but she's already trying to score a volleyball scholarship. "I'll follow wherever that scholarship goes," she says.

Reach Jamie Gumbrecht at (859) 231-3238 or 1-800-950-6397, Ext. 3238, or jgumbrecht@herald-leader.com.

Free and Low Cost Gowns

cmerry — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:55:00 +0000

Remember the list is always being updated (click here!) as I find mentions of these services. Plus if you know of one not listed here let me know! I hope this can help people have a great night and not miss out because of costs!

Interesting Prom Mentions in the News 3

cmerry — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:08:00 +0000

Spoto juniors step in to help Chamberlain seniors

A Chamberlain High School teacher was accused of embezzling almost $10,000 from the north Tampa school's senior class prom fund.

The Spoto junior class realizes the importance of the senior prom. They have decided to forego their junior prom to save money for next year's senior prom. Spoto opened in August and has no graduating class this year.

Lindsay Landram, a Spoto teacher and the junior-class adviser, called Chamberlain with one question: What can we do to help?

Students Bag Prom, Raise Money For Darfur Instead

Students at the Cape Cod school have launched "No Prom for Darfur" - a campaign that donates the hundreds of dollars students would spend on prom dresses, suits, hair and limos to those fighting for their lives in Darfur.

Boston Market and SADD Team Up for Safe Celebrations

Through their partnership, SADD and Boston Market will encourage high school students, administrators, and parents to host substance-free parties following proms and graduations. These "after-parties," which often feature games, music, prizes, and food, offer students a safe venue to continue their celebrations. SADD provides tips for planning the parties, and Boston Market's "Time for Your School" fundraising program helps schools raise the cash for their bash.

Proms fashion on the catwalk

JOHN Hanson Community School hosted a glittering Prom Fashion Show last week.
It was staged as an enjoyable way for this year's school leavers in Andover and the area to see the beautiful prom clothes, hairstyles, make-up, handbags that are available.

Scissor Sisters cut loose

The audience, in turn, rose to the occasion — featuring everything from young girls decked out in prom dresses, to couples in matching flight-attendant uniforms. It seemed everyone wore a big smile ... when they weren’t making out with each other, that is.

Curling in Prom Gowns? Sound fun!

3 Grande Prairie Ladies Bonspiel at the GP Curling Club. Entry fee is $160 per team. Theme is the worst bridesmaid/prom dress you have ever worn. Call the club to enter, 532-7221 (leave a message) or fax 532-7029. Entertainment by Brett Kissel.

Sounds like a fun unique theme

Post Prom Committee is taking donations of small stuffed animals to use for the night of the event, April 28. The theme for this year's event is "Eastside Night at the Fair." If anybody has any items or cash to donate, they can contact EHS (242-7788) for directions on who to call or where to drop things off.

Founder's vision lives on with museum

Marilyn Smith saw that Groveland was rapidly changing from a quiet, rural place to one of Orlando's growing bedroom communities. She thought it was important to preserve Groveland's history, her husband said.

Word of the Web site spread quickly. Soon, boxes of historical items piled up. Vintage trophies, dated films from Friday night football games and an old school window are among the items GHS graduates have donated. Marilyn Smith gave up the red dress she wore to her junior-senior prom with her then-boyfriend.

Senior citizens never saying never, again

KALAMAZOO--Area senior citizens will be able to relive prom night during Western Michigan University's 19th annual Senior Prom from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center on the WMU main campus in Kalamazoo.

The semi-formal event is a fun-filled nostalgic evening that brings hundreds of senior citizens together with WMU students, faculty and staff for a night of Big Band music and swing dancing.
This year's theme, "Western Royale: 007,

Beautiful Modest Gown Contest Winner

cmerry — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 02:47:33 +0000

Modest By Design has their 2007 winners posted and they are wonderful entries. It will be fun to see the dress made real like last year's black and white stunner. Congratz to all and hope you had fun!

Read the cool article below for more about the Modest by Design's fashion show which spotlights lovely designs and announces the winner of their competition.

Search for more Modest Gowns and Dresses

Modesty finds a niche in marketplace
By Brittanie Morris
Salt Lake Tribune

Backstage at Thanksgiving Point's red show barn, girls hustled to slip into evening gowns of all colors, shapes and sizes before the Modesty in Motion fashion show began.

The audience, which included members of LDS young women's groups from across Utah, awaited the start of the show sponsored by Modest By Design, a Murray store at 252 E. Winchester St. that has been staging the fashion event since 1999.

Each year the audience has grown - in size and volume. The latter is to be expected since the loudest and most gung ho group wins tickets to next year's show.

Cherie Page and Emma Ritz, 17-year-old girls from West Jordan, were among those in attendance who won tickets for this year's event.

"It's a chance to be yourself without even trying," Ritz said about the show.
The girls came with their church group last year and loved it. They couldn't wait to come again this year.

But anticipation to see the gowns and win free tickets is not the main reason hundreds of girls and their leaders come each year. The excitement centers around the announcement of the yearly "modest prom dress contest" winner.

Modest By Design has an annual prom dress competition in which girls can design their dream dress and submit it with an essay explaining why it's important to dress modestly. Applicants enter their design for a chance to win the ultimate prize: their dream dress that is custom-designed by the Murray company. Entrants in this year's contest totaled 123 and came from all over the world.
"We make that dream come true," said Heather Gist, one of Modest By Design's owners.

Last year's modest prom dress winner, 18-year-old Kelsey Malone of Hooper, Utah, found the contest online while looking for modest prom dresses.
Adorned at this year's gala in her custom Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress, Malone named Emmaline Wilson of Wilsonville, Ore., as the contest winner for 2007.

"You can be modest; you just have to look," Malone says while advising other teens looking for modest dresses.

Modest By Design is committed to making beautiful and unique modest dresses.

"We try really hard to make our dresses beautiful and different from those you find in Salt Lake," said Eddie Gist, tailor and another owner of the store.

* The company makes dresses for church, proms, elegant evenings and even bridesmaids. For more information about Modest By Design, go online at www.modestbydesign.com.

Dig Up Prom Photos to Share with Readers, IA

cmerry — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:07:36 +0000

Oh dear this will be fun to see! If you are in the Des Moines area send in those vintage photos and you could "win a dinner for two at Centro to relive old prom memories with your date."

For those of us not in the area we can enjoy looking at those old Prom pictures!

Details:
The oldies but goodies.
Got a photo of yourself in a dated dress?

Submit it to the Register at DesMoinesRegister.com/promphotos. Further instructions are on the site.
You can also mail them to Prom Dress, Des Moines Register, P.O. Box 957, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Questions? Call 284-8438

Dig up prom photos to share with readers
By ERIN CRAWFORD
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

They all seemed so chic at the time:

That homemade prom dress from 1958, the day-glo print from 1974, even that 1986 satin monstrosity with weather-balloon sleeves.

Being the elegant gal you are now, you've hidden all photographic evidence of your prom dress missteps.

Well, the best way to heal is to share, so get those old photos out, scan them in and send them our way.

We're looking for old prom-dress photos, from the cute to the horrendous.

Upload photos at DesMoinesRegister.com/promphotos. Be sure to include a caption.

Bring your style sense, because we're asking readers to look through the photos and rate the dresses.

If yours is voted as best example of fashion run amok, you'll win a dinner for two at Centro to relive old prom memories with your date.

Submit by April 1, please.

Reporter Erin Crawford can be reached at (515) 284-8438 or ecrawford@dmreg.com

Check out Prom Gowns at the Expo in MI

cmerry — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:43:28 +0000

Heading to the Women's Expo in Grand Rapids MI? Here are a few cool things you can do there:

Browse through the racks at on-site "boutiques" offered by local stores Clothing Matters, An'ginas Boutique, Elle Boutique, Kimberly's Boutique and Boutique Emmanuel. Young ladies also can check out the prom dress sale, and Shoe Fetish will offer plenty of fancy footwear.

Get a mini-makeover with a spray-on tan, Jessica Simpson hair extensions, color analysis, spa treatments and manicures.

Indulge your sweet tooth. In celebration of the Girl Scouts' 95th anniversary, four local chefs will create desserts using Girl Scout cookies. The goodies will be available for sampling throughout the weekend, with judging at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Healthy Living stage.

When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW

Admission: $7 for adults, $3 for ages 6-14, free to children 5 and younger; advance tickets are $5

More information: www.kohlerexpo.com

Another Project Prom, in Boston!

cmerry — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:52:18 +0000

Welcome to Project Prom. Our judges chose the top four dress concepts submitted by local fashion design college students, and now each designer will have $500 from Fabric Place and one month to bring her sketch to life. Four high schoolers will win the custom gowns and get to show them off in a Macy's fashion show and in the May 13 Globe Magazine.

See the designs chosen to compete and see interviews with the contestants. Good luck to all! Any other contests inspired by Project Runway like this out there? Let me know!

Top Design Sources for Teens

cmerry — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:56:38 +0000

Some people are lucky enough to go to Fashion Week and place their orders right off the runway. That is great obviously but those who cannot order off the runway still love those fashions and can still get those styles from other sources. I have noticed a few design lines that are sold in larger department stores that are just as fun and trendy as many designer lines. Doesn't mean you can't go out and splurge on a funky Betsey Johnson dress or a heavenly layered Marc Jacobs look, but check out these other places too. Chances are you will also find them at the mall so they are easy to have and to hold. Remember its not always about looking for a designer its also looking for a design that will fit into your style.

Online sources help people get what they want no matter where they are so give these links a look and give the whole site a once over while you're there, you may find even more goodies. Those can be your secret finds or post a comment and tell us what wonderful piece you bought. Happy Shopping!
Marc Jacobs photo credit, Style.com

Lulu's Fashion Lounge Gorgeous layering pieces in babydoll and kimono inspired shapes, accessories and many other goodies.

Frenchi This is a Nordsrom link but shop around the web for these cozy sweaters and you can have that trendy long knit look like the top models, but for so much less.

JJ Basics Another great label to look for. Wonderful knits to layer for that stylish sillouette.. and this link to Mandees has some other goodies to check out too like Mandees own store brand and knits from Say What (also spotted at Nordstrom online).

Forever 21 Casual and dressy tops, accessories and more.

American Eagle Tees, bags, knits casual and fun perfect for layered looks and pieces you can use in the summer too.

15 Dollar Store Just what it sounds like. Shipping takes a few weeks but go and see for yourself. Like the dresses trend? You need to click that dresses link then jump for joy.

Karmaloop Urban streetwear styles, includes Gwen Stefani's line. Fashions for all streets city and country.