Pretty Prom Hair

I've found that the type of dress you wear and the way you do your hair varies. Girls on the west coast seem to wear shorter dresses and they wear their hair done or in a messy updo. On the other hand, girls in the south wear longer, more formal dresses and they usually wear their hair up.

Here are some of my favorite formal hair styles that you can do yourself:

1) Wear your hair done - flat iron it so it is sleek and shiny a la Gwyneth





2) Use a 1" curling iron to create soft waves/loose curls a la Lauren Conrad





3) Wear it half up half down (loose curls or straight) a la Fergie





4) Wear it half up half down, but twist the sides or braid them (see below) a la Mandy Moore/Nicole Ritchie/Whitney Port





5) The messy updo (see the main pic)

Prom Accessories - Clutchin' It

So now that you have your dress and your shoes, it's time to search for an adorably cute little purse to hold the prom night essentials (keys, ID, bobby pins, breath mints, etc.). I scoured the net for the cutest clutches for all you thrifty/trendy girls.

I think the little bow makes this so cute.

Target
Mini Bow Clutch
Also available in black and white
Now $14.44, Originally $16.99


I really like the detail of the beaded strap. This is a simple purse that you will be able to use for years.

Target
Merona Clutch
$14.99



Here's a clutch from Kohl's. I think the pleated design is very pretty.

Kohl's
Apt. 9 Pleated Clutch
Also available in black and silver
Now $13.90, Originally $34





TIP: Just because you're wearing a black dress does not mean you have to have black accessories. Make your outfit pop by pairing your black dress with a bright colored purse or some bright shoes. Check out this bright pink clutch below:

Kohl's
ELLE Faux-Leather Bow Clutch
Now $13.60, Originally $34




Other stores to check out: DSW, Claire's, Payless, and any department store.

Choose These Prom Shoes

Once you've picked the dress, you next need to pick your shoes. Find a pair of shoes that you can dance in all night long. Most girls wear their prom shoes only once. I think I wore them twice, once to prom and a couple years later to a wedding. That's why it's a good idea not to spend too much money on them.


If you're dress is long:
Be aware of how much of the shoe people will actually see. If your dress is long, only the tips of your toe might be visible, so you can be less picky with what you wear. Another issue with a long dress is the length. It can sometimes be expensive to alter a formal dress (especially if there is beading) so an alternative to altering your dress is to wear shoes with a heel that is high enough so that the length is no longer an issue.

If you're dress is short, your shoes will be on full display for all to see. Choose those shoes wisely. DSW always has a great selection and on their website there is a whole prom shoes section.

Here are a couple of my favorites from DSW.com

Caparros Elle Sequined & Ruffled Sandal
$49.95 Compare at $78
Also available in black and ivory



Sam & Libby Whimsy Satin Flower Mary Jane
$44.95, compare at $60
Also available in black




The Chinese Laundry shoes are available at Famous Footwear. They often have buy one, get one half off deals, so bring a friend and you both save!

Chinese Laundry Amelia
$49.99



I like the bejeweling on these:
Nina Vantage 2
$49.99, originally $59.99

Prom Countdown

Don't have a prom dress yet? Don't worry! There's plenty of time! Over the next few days I'm going to feature everything from prom dresses, to shoes, to hairstyles, to advice for getting ready for your big day.

TIP: Go to your nearest bookstore, grab a cup of coffee and pour through the magazines. I guarantee there are a bunch featuring prom fashion. Before heading out to the stores, figure out what you're looking for and a price range. Make sure to set a maximum price. Don't bother trying on dresses that cost more than you're willing to spend. You don't want to fall in love with a dress you can't afford.


I'll admit this is a little pricey, but I love this dress from Arden B. The embellishments give the dress just the right amount of sparkle without making it over the top.

Silk Embellished Charm Dress
$128





I love the color of this dress from Nordstrom, but if you're not a fan of the color, it also comes in black. How cute is the little pocket? I also really love the cut of this.

Teeze Me Rosette Satin Dress
$72





TIP: Buy something that fits the day you try it on. At this point, prom cannot be that far away. If something doesn't fit today, it probably won't fit in a few weeks. Besides, do you really want the stress of trying to starve yourself into your prom dress? (No, you don't. Trust me!)

World Market Friends and Family Sale

Cost Plus World Market is one of my favorite stores. If you've never been there, you're missing out. Every trip to World Market really is like a trip around the world. They have everything from Indian tapestries to Mexican pottery to fine wines and important candies. It's rare for me to stop by without purchasing a little something. Check out their online site and enter code FFAPRIL09 for 25% off (10% off on gourmet food and non-alcoholic beverages) during their friends and family sale. Hurry, because the sale ends tomorrow, April 19th.

Also, please note that the discount does not apply to alcoholic beverages.

Check out some of my favorite sale items below:

Not only are these soaps cool because they're cube shaped and they comes in a variety of colors, but they also smell wonderful. Choose from grapefruit, lavender, rose, or green tea.

French Scented Cube Soap
Regular $4.99, Now $2.48





With the advent of email and the ease of sending text messages, it seems like no one uses stationary anymore. However, with stationary this super cute stationary, I hope you will think twice before corresponding online. Graduation and wedding season is approaching and this stationary set would allow you to send out adorable, personalized thank you notes or invitations. At this price, you can afford to pick up more than one!

Write Away Stationary Sets
Regular $8.99, Now $4.48





This is one of more posts to come featuring household items at a thrifty/trendy price, and while this mirror is more than I would usually spend for a mirror, it is definitely worth it. When decorating on a budget, you should splurge a little on a few pieces you love that are interesting and different. This mirror would definitely be a worthy splurge for me. I think it's beautiful and that it would be a great conversation piece. It looks like most of the reviewers agree.

Indira Carved Mirror
Regular $99.99, Now $74.99

Victoria's Secret Coupon Code

Take 25% off a single item at Victoria's Secret. Valid through Sunday April 19. Enter code 25SAV.

Blingin' It

Accessorizing is the perfect way to spruce up an outfit. My accessory of choice these days are giant rings. Nothing gets people's attention like some bling bling. Most of my rings are from Forever 21 or H&M. I also like buying rings off the street in the different cities I travel to. They are a great conversation starter. Check out a couple of my favorite blingy rings from Forever 21...

Rainbow Jewel Dome Ring
$6.80

Leaf Side Rose Ring
$4.80

Makeup Steals

I got an email a week ago from a friend explaining that the cosmetics brand E.L.F. (eyes, lips, face) has been bought out by Nordstrom and now they are selling all the makeup branded as E.L.F. at insanely cheap prices to get rid of it (Nordstrom will begin packaging the same makeup with their name on it). OK and when I say cheap, I mean it! You can get most items for $1. What I like about the site is they also have customer reviews. It's hard to buy makeup without trying it on, but the reviews are very helpful. I plan to try their mineral makeup.

Check it out:
E.L.F.

Calling All Coupon Cutters

With newspapers and magazines going out of business, no one really cuts coupons anymore, but don't worry, you can still find useful coupon codes to use online. Usually, before I purchase anything online, I do a google search with the name of the store and the words coupons, online code, free shipping, etc. I often find codes for discounts on the price or free shipping. Try it!

I'm Back Thriftier & Trendier

Wow. I've been pretty M.I.A., but good news, I'm back! To make up for my absence I plan to post more frequently on the must have trends this spring and summer. I also plan to expand with posts on makeup steals and all sorts of other deals. Are you excited yet? No? Don't worry, you will be...