Add an air of elegance

Homecoming Dress Prices Skyrocket

Each year, high school girls spend more and more on gowns for homecoming. This year especially, prices are rising exponentially. The increase can be seen across the board, not only with designer and name brand . Finding high-quality dresses for less than a few hundred dollars has become virtually impossible. Prom and homecoming consultant Ashley Baldauf explained several reasons for the upped prices, saying, n the current economy, many dress designers have closed down some of their factories in China. As a result, there are less workers trying to produce the same amount of dresses, so it takes longer to make each dress. Each one takes hours to make.? here more beading on the dresses, as well as feathers, both of which have to be sewn on individually by hand,?added Nicole Jelinek, a sales representative for popular local homecoming and prom store One Enchanted Evening. he beads themselves are also getting more and more expensive. The heavier the beads, the more they cost,?Baldauf stated. Last year, One Enchanted Evening most expensive gown was a Jovani design for $750. The rest of the dresses ranged from $200 and up. This year, the store carries several dresses for $850, and many more in the $600 and $700 range than the previous year. The dresses come from designers like Jovani, Sherri Hill, and La Femme who focus specifically on prom and homecoming gowns. Another contributing factor is the ever-increasing price of gas. The shipping costs for dresses are growing more and more expensive, and as a result, stores have to charge more for them to make up the difference. And the big brand name dresses aren the only ones costing more each year. Nordstrom dresses are anywhere from $50 to $2,250, although the dresses at the highest prices are Herve Leger. For lesser known designers, Nordstrom dresses cap at about $800. BCBG, another common source for homecoming, sells dresses that can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000. Popular websites like ModCloth sell cocktail dresses toward the lower end of the spectrum, from $60 to $200, but many are more casual and not necessarily intended for homecoming. Cache dresses fall between $60 and $200. Comparatively, dresses from department stores like Macy and JCPenny are much more affordable, falling between $50 - $160 and $30 to $60 respectively. Department store dresses, however, are widely recognized as lower quality and often include no beading, feathers, or any special detailing that would cause the price to go up. Prices show no sign of coming down anytime soon, and prom prices are likely to be even higher. If youe planning on buying a prom dress this year, or if you haven bought your homecoming dress yet, make sure you save up.

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Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Thinking Outside The Box

Whether it is a long puffy full skirt or an elegant wedding dress train with abundant decorative touches, there are some styles of wedding dresses that never go out of fashion. But what if you decided to make a bold choice and choose a modern style that shows off your individuality and creativity? More and more brides these days are doing just that. After attending wedding a line dresses for women after wedding, and paging through bridal magazine after magazine, many brides decide to think outside the box and choose a nontraditional wedding dress.

Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style and are not letting convention get in the way of their dream dress. Be on the lookout for cutting-edge designers with beautiful, original ideas. Runway designs are grabbing the attention of fashion-forward brides looking for a dress that stands out from the crowd. So ditch the pressure and start exploring all the possibilities there are in today's bridal fashions.

Short and long ball dresses Sweet

Who says a bride's strapless maxi dress dress has to include a long train. Isn't everyone expecting your dress to look like this anyway? Why not make a show-stopping appearance down the aisle in a fun and flirty short dress that embodies youthful energy and a daring spirit. A strapless silk satin short dress for example does not have to forget adornment, even though it is an above-the-knee dress. The decorative illusion hem might be adorned with crystal and pearl and embellished with Alencon

Lace and feathers. This ivory dress has the movement and energy reminiscent of a Jazz Age flapper, but with the sophistication of delicate lace touches.

For a more traditional look in a shorter, flirtier interpretation, try a silk and satin strapless short dress with spilt front over-skirt. A dress such as this creates the illusion of a full wedding dress, with the casual charm of the knee-length hem. This particular design is available in ivory and petal (a very subtle light shade of pink). For those brides that dare to be different, the strapless silk taffeta cocktail dress might be just the look. Full of intricate detail, this dress features a modern bubble skirt that plays up the 80s retro trend so popular right now.

Add an air of elegance

Veils have traditionally been demure features of a dress that covered a bride's face in yards of taffeta. Today, veils and other accessories are transforming wedding dresses, with bold statements and stylish additions. Take for instance the silk organza strapless slim gown embellished with embroidery, ribbon, Swarovski crystals, cut silk flowers and bows. This ivory dress features a floor-length veil that frames the face, but doesn't obscure it, while adding decorative touches to the look courtesy of its intricate lace detail. The silk chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt features a light and feathery ivory stole that's perfect for autumn or winter weddings. Much more than cold-weather gear, this accessory adds sparkle to the look with glistening fibers and a metallic satin bow.

White in cheap designer wedding dresses many ways

Although few can argue with the simplistic beauty of a crisp white wedding dress, there are more ways to enjoy the white wedding beyond opting for a stark color. Toned down whites, in champagne, ivory and antique white all embody the spirit of the occasion just as easily as traditional white, while adding a sophisticated touch to the look. These colors should especially be considered when selecting a tint that works best with individual skin tone and color. Many nontraditional dresses come in a choice of ivory or white, so you can select the style you want and get the right color to match you as well.

Heavenly headpieces

Tiaras and crowns have always been traditional to secure a veil, but today's hair accessories are adding a whole new level of style to contemporary dresses. A headband of white satin curls and flowers for example compliments a variety of beautiful dresses. Feathers, satin flowers and decorative hats can enhance the look of a simple gown and add a daring touch to a conservative gown.

As you can see, there are many styles and options to consider when it comes time to select a wedding dress. Trusting in your natural style and choosing a dress that not only looks fabulous, but feels comfortable will allow you to enjoy one of your most special days. By adding an unexpected touch, whether it is noticeable in the cut, shape or accessories of a dress can make your dress and your wedding the most talked about event of the season.