Prom Chic At Great Prices
On Wednesday's Chic on a Shoestring, The Early Show takes a look at prom dresses.
Spring is here and that means the high school prom is right around the corner. Prom night can be a costly event, but you don't have to spend a lot for your daughter to look fabulous.
Susan Schulz, the editor-in-chief at Cosmo Girl magazine, shows this year's trendiest looks, as she puts The Early Show co-anchors to the test. Rene Syler and Julie Chen tied for first place. Sorry Harry, maybe next time.
Schulz says trends are taken from celebrities and the red carpet. Key trends this year reflect what is hapening in women's clothing in general: Bright and pastel colors, feminine lines, and vintage gowns and accessories.
Neutral Dress
This look was what Julia Roberts wore on the red carpet this year. It's a glam gown in a neutral color that goes perfectly with glowing makeup and romantic hair. Having dragonflies, butterflies and anything whimsical on the shoes is hot this year. Schulz says the bags are about beading and the metal clasp gives the bag a very retro aspect. Also, mix glam with vintage. Don't stick to one era.
Splurge:
For more information: Call 1-213-895-4400
Available at Ivory and Co: Call 1-718-980-1660
Total: $759
Steal:
Available at Windsorstore.com
Available at Macy's
Available at Macy's East
Total: $234
Schulz says the expensive dress has more details -- larger rhinestone accent, more draping and a more expensively finished hem. The expensive bag is made by a variety of embroidery and beading techniques. Also, the expensive shoe's dragonfly detail is made with Swarvoski crystals, compared to the rhinestones on the less expensive pair.
Yellow Dress
Yellow is the trend of color for spring. Schulz says wearing strappy shoes with the dress will make it look sexy. The metallic gold shoes are another big trend for spring.
Steal:
For more information: Call 1-800-232-8426
Available at Macy's East
Total: $208
Splurge:
Available at Neiman Marcus
Available at Viaspiga.com
Available at Moynallc.com
Total: $744
The splurge dress is made of and fully lined in silk. The cheaper version is made of polyester. The expensive seamed bands at the neckline and waist are finished with topstitching. The skirt is trained. The splurge shoes are made with natural leather, compared to synthetics on inexpensive pair. The expensive bag is hand crafted with a more intricate beading on 100 percent silk fabric.
Black and White
Schulz says the black-and-white look will never go out of style. And, the color combination is great for all body types. Schulz also says anything shimmery and sparkly is a great accessory for a basic black dress.
Splurge:
Available at Henri Bendel NYC
Available at Stuartweitzman.com
Total: $1,124
Steal
Bag by Sasha, $25
Available at Phimar Fashions NYC, Call 1-212-889-8000
Total: $143.95
The expensive dress is a weightier, more lustrous high-quality satin; it has a more detailed notched bustline with silver accent. The expensive bag is hand-made with real glass beads and a more intricate design; the less expensive one is made with sequins. The expensive shoe is made with real crystals and less expensive one is made with rhinestones.