Christian Fashion Week 2015

Top Buttons intern Ashley Lumetta and staff member Alexis Gauthier had the pleasure of attending Christian Fashion Week 2015 this past weekend in Tampa, FL.

Our encounter at CFW was one to remember! We love their values that founder and host Jose Gomez presented at the beginning of the show and reminded us all throughout the evening. "Christian Fashion Week wants people to know that we C.A.R.E. about Contextual modesty, Affordable fashion, Responsible usage of natural resources, Ethical labor practices."

On that note, enjoy this recap of some of the runway designs from the show!

---

Noka Posh seemed to trademark her collection with  A-line dresses. Some were over-sized while other dresses had a fitted waist-line, as pictured. Her dresses were feminine and versatile. She paired some with pants, others with tights, and still some with bare legs. Noka Posh is gifted in creating long-sleeve dresses in particular, a style that is becoming increasingly popular.

---

 The "After I Do" Collection took the models on a chronological journey of what a bride and groom might wear down the aisle and then to events throughout their honeymoon. We really appreciated designer Constance's bright colors and detailed seams.

---

Designer Angel Myers (pictured in the bright pink fringe dress) designs with size in mind, and we value that so much! Her attention to body curves in her designs is so flattering for any shape! Again, there are lots of bright colors in this line which is ideal for spring and summer wear. A white dress serves as a nice blank canvas to accessorize with bright jewelry and big hats.

---

 Aleksandra Designs presented a lot of business attire, and while most of her line is made for the workplace, there were a plethora of concepts to appreciate about her designs that can inspire fashion ideas for your own style of attire.

Aleksandra is bringing back the mid-waist belt, as seen in three of the outfits pictured. This trend cinches any outfit in to create a slimming waist with a peplum affect.

---

Messiah Couture blew us away with their elegant detailing of beads, sequins, and fabrics. What surprised us most is that this collection was the designer's very first debut in the fashion world. These gowns are perfect examples of colors, textures, and shapes for the upcoming prom season.

---

Essence Flower's line featured all black-on-black outfits. Each model wrapped tulle around their face, almost like a veil. The outfits were made out of a mixture of leather and tulle with creative one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder necklines. Each outfit was a unique piece of art in an of itself!

---

One of the highlight's from the night was Julia Chew's "Firebird" dress. In 2013, Julia Chew was discovered as a designer at Christian Fashion Week. Since then her career in the design industry has launched forward in success.

---

So, in response to what we saw at CFW, here's eight fashion take-aways trends from the runway:

1. Long Sleeve A-Line Dresses
2. Bright Colors
3. Big hats
4. The color white as a classy & clean canvas
5. Mid-waist Belts
6. Lots of sequins!
7. Leather and tulle
8. BLACK is ALWAYS in style

All in all, our Top Buttons team members had a FABULOUS time representing on the red carpet, making connections behind the scenes, and marveling at the latest trends in the fashion industry.

Fit For A Princess: Creating Princess Moments One Dress At A Time

 On a recent Instagram post the Top Buttons community of followers got a sneak peek on Alexis' involvement with something called Fit For A Princess. Here's the scoop:

Fit For A Princess (FFAP) is an organization in Lakeland, FL whose purpose is to create 'princess moments' for underprivileged high school students who would normally be unable to attend their prom. FFAP has carried out this vision by previously holding dress collections throughout the academic year to donate to the girls of Kathleen High School.

While founder Rachel Kelly was studying in her undergrad at Southeastern University, she read an article about a local high school student who couldn't attend her senior prom because she couldn't afford a dress.

“I realized in that moment that I wasn’t going to let a dress be the reason a girl would miss out on a Princess Moment,” says Kelly.

Since then, Rachel Kelly's dream for these girls became a reality. Currently, FFAP has over 200 dresses in their collection, although they are still looking to expand the variety of not only dresses but now accessories too. In addition, FFAP has received a lot of positive publicity, expansion, and donations. Miss Teen Florida has even offered to collect and donate pageant dresses from fellow pageant contestants and she has promised her presence at the dress give-away event in February.

“I got the call when I was in the store shopping. I literally threw the cart down the aisle and almost dropped my phone,” says Kelly. “You wouldn’t believe how many people are backing this. I have so much support."

This movement to create 'princess moments' has now been adopted by Florida Southern as well. Because two universities have now teamed up to make this event possible, Kelly expects to collect double the amount of dresses and even provide dresses for double the amount of girls by opening up their event to the students of Lakeland Senior High School as well as maintaining their involvement with Kathleen High School. To ensure that this vision is possible, Top Buttons is also supporting FFAP's endeavors and will be assisting in collecting dresses as well.

On February 22, 2014, Top Buttons will be teaming up with the FFAP team to transform Southeastern University's Sportsplex into a fancy boutique full of dresses, where high school students are invited to shop the dress selection completely free of charge with the opportunity to become a princess. On the day of the event, Top Buttons stylists and FFAP volunteers will be dressed as personal fashion consultants to create a dream come true.

More information regarding donations or volunteering can be found by emailing Alexis Gauthier at Alexis@topbuttons.org, or by contacting the founder herself -- Rachel Kelly -- at FitForAPrincess1@yahoo.com or visiting their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/fitforaprincess1

Where to find the Perfect Prom Dress 2013

Seriously, trying to find a modest and yet noteworthy PROM DRESS is almost as difficult as finding a modest costume at HALLOWEEN! So while it may seem impossible, trying something new or going your own route just might make you the bell of the ball. Prom is often associated with boys, make out sessions and after parties. There are plenty of magazines with an eyeful of content such as that to read. Our plan, however, is simply to give you some tips on where to find fun prom dresses so you may enjoy your evening in a way that honors your body and your values.

The question is, where DOES a young lady go to find the perfect prom dress these days? Ebay, a local boutique, renttherunway.com, online style magazines, or a department store? Most young women will spend hours, days, and maybe even weeks trying to find the dress that best suits her style. Maybe She'll virtually try on dresses from Seventeen's Prom Dress Gallery. Hoping to complete the look, girls then search for Prom Hair Styles, sparkle pumps, and makeup tutorials! It's too much to fit in one post, but we're aiming to get you on the right track and find THE look that represents YOU. A look that lets your lovely inner self shine through.

BORROW A PROM DRESS FROM A FRIEND

If you're not wanting to break your piggy bank, why pay money for a prom dress at all? Ask your sisters, your friends, your sister's friends, cousins, even your grandmother may have a little vintage number awaiting you. By asking around you might find a number of dress options to borrow for your special night. Aarika pulled together the Prom looks you see in this photo shoot. These dresses were from their own closets or borrowed from a friend.

A little side note to keep in mind: Height matters when you borrow a dress from a friend. If it's a short friend with a short dress, a taller girl might have to refrain. Unfortunately, even though these girls are super close friends, Amelia and Katie can't do much clothes swapping between each other because of the height difference.

You want to know where Amelia's gown is from, right??? It was actually worn on Glee last season. They took off the belt and buttons, chopped the tool off a bit, but it was THIS Betsy Johnson dress that was seen on the program. Betsy Johnson is known for the fun, flashy, and feminine kinda looks. Not all would be Top Buttons recommended, but this one is stunning. We found several dresses on Ebay just like this one.

TRY PURCHASING A PROM DRESS STYLE THAT CAN BE WORN MORE THAN ONCE

Katie on the right (in the picture above) loves classic, preppy styles. This gold dress could be worn after prom is over to a wedding, church event, or even a fancy dinner. We are ALL ABOUT buying PRACTICAL. Being able to wear a dress more than once is always a good thing when spending lots of bucks.

RENT YOUR PERFECT PROM DRESS

What if your friends don't have fancy dresses in your size or their taste isn't similar to yours? Try RENTING A DRESS! This trend is for ladies who want to wear high end fashions at low cost, and who would NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD in the same Evening Gown MORE THAN ONCE! We looked into this NEW TREND of RENTING Luxurious Dresses Online. There are several websites that offer this option. Online rental sites offer dresses at a fraction of the cost + free shipping. Would you ever rent a dress?

A TOP BUTTONS TIP FOR ONLINE PROM DRESS SHOPPING

When searching ONLINE for a fancy dress and a modest style that suits your body type, consider looking for a neckline that cuts straight across the front like the dresses on Ahna and Kenady. A straight, square or box neckline provides coverage for girls with more curves. The one shoulder dress often sweeps elegantly upwards to one side and in doing so lays flat across the chest. Enjoy your evening without a wardrobe malfunction, by securing the right dress for your body type.

Finding the right length can be challenging as well. Dresses are either long or super short. This Dress length hits just above the knee and is very flattering for all body types, especially on Kenady seen below.

FIND LAST SEASON'S DRESSES ON EBAY

The dresses featured in this post are fun, beautiful, and perfect for a fancy evening depending on your personal preference of course! You won't find these particular dresses in the store because they have been worn and passed around within this circle of friends for years. You know it's a good dress, when your friends want to borrow it! With that in mind, if there is a particular dress featured in this post that you like, try searching Ebay for one similar... It is the place to shop for used Prom Dresses! Search for brand, color, and size. Have patience when bidding, though. If you try and outbid too quickly, you will likely pay more for the dress than you originally intended.

BE BRAVE: TRY SOME "OUT OF THE BOX" ELEGANT STYLES

• This high low Chiffon Dress NEEDS A GOOD SLIP UNDERNEATH to your mid thigh, but it's one of our favorites!
• So YES, Let me prepare you... it's OUT OF THE BOX! It's the Brightest RED DRESS you've EVER SEEN!!! It's Noteworthy. It's Modest. It's Modern, and it's priced at 49.95!
• Maybe try a Dress with Beaded Embroidery?! Here is another sweet little number (with a straight, high neckline and knee length style) from H&M that meets our TB standard. It's striking and delicate.
• Anne Hathaway does it Her Way with a formal dress and MOTORCYCLE JACKET! Check out how you can shield your shoulders from the chilly air with an EDGE on Prom Night AND STILL keep the frilly flair.
• Or try buying only a FANCY SKIRT + pair it with a more casual top for a look that shows you are truly confident in your own style.

OUT OF THE 5 STYLES LISTED ABOVE, WHICH ONE DO YOU LIKE BEST? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

THE PROM DRESS STEAL: Grab this FLOOR LENGTH, ONE SHOULDER Dress in TEAL OR ANTIQUE ROSE from H&M for only 59.95! You could trade in the belt for something more sparkly to fancify the look even more.

We have created a Top Buttons Pinterest Board for Prom 2013. Check it out and let us know what you think about our recommendations. We would love to hear the details about your Prom Dress Search experience!

Now we didn't offer you makeup tips or hair tutorials yet... KEEP CHECKING back this week and Next for some more helpful tips to make your Prom 2013 better than ever!

Written by: Sarah Powers

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography