Telling Stories With Jewelry

Everyone has a story to tell, and when it comes to fashion I am always on the lookout for pieces that help personalize my look. Pandora, monograms, and other trinkets of the sort have made their mark on young ladies and women alike. But my new found favorite, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, allows you to customize a locket full of sentimental charms.

Naturally I found more than enough charms to portray my personality and hobbies! Inside my locket are the cross, family heart, gold wing, diamond & champagne stones, and laptop (for my love of blogging!). The only charm missing is a BUTTON of course!

Besides the variety of charms to choose from, Origami Owl gives YOU the reigns in creating your locket from start to finish. You can choose everything from the type of chain, locket size, color (the trendy color in Rose Gold is gorgeous), charms, and dangles. I am positive that with the  many options Origami Owl offers, everyone has the opportunity to personalize the perfect "living locket".

 As you can see, this locket not only tells a story, it is TRENDY and chic. The locket and chain are interchangeable if you prefer to mix things up, and the charms can be removed and switched around to accommodate your look.  I will say that my favorite part about the locket is being able to switch around the charms and dangles.  As milestones in life go by, I will likely purchase new charms for my locket.

So whether you are looking for a new staple necklace or a sentimental gift, this locket is an essential and it is timeless!

If you are interested in "telling your story" through an Origami Owl locket, contact  Ginnie Chapman. I promise you won't regret it!

Yours Truly,

Jenna O.

Summer 2013 Accessories Guide

Summer has officially arrived! Here are five essential accessories that you want to invest in this season. 1. A fedora hat keeps you cool and stylish.

2. Sunglasses are instant glamour.

3. A colorful scarf keeps things fun and festive.

4. A beach bag keeps all of your essentials stylishly in one place.

5. Nail polish in a bright color adds the finishing touches to any summer outfit.

Have fun accessorizing this season! Take risks with color and accessories. Summer is all about bright color palettes and fun patterns.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

Color Block Nail Art

Nail art is THE THING TO DO right now! If you spend anytime on Pinterest or Instagram, you will see countless images of nails decorated with everything from glitter to chevron patterns. You will also find an endless sea of DIY nail art tutorials. Nail art was all over the runway at New York Fashion Week and will be a top trend this Summer. To achieve the above look, you can either take the picture to your local nail salon and have them re-create it. Or you can do it your self!

Here is how you can re-create this look on your own:

1. Start by picking three colors. You will need one light shade for the base,  one medium shade, and one darker shade. The colors above were all OPI colors: “Sweetheart", “French Quarter For Your Thoughts" , and “Black Onyx.”
2. Paint on two coats of the lightest shade as a base.
3. Take the medium shade and sweep it from left to right across your nail.
4. Take the darkest shade and sweep it from left to right across your nail.
5. Paint on a top coat. And let your nails dry.

It takes a steady hand to do this. If this is too hard for you, tape strips can be cut and placed on the nail to serve as an outline to keep the lines straight. Make sure each coat of polish is dry before you put the tape strips on your nails!

Nail art adds a fun twist to your regular one color manicure. Have fun playing with different colors and patterns. Branch out and use nail art as a way to accessorize this season.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

Photo by: Reagan Miura

Where to Find Modest Shorts: Trendy Vs. Appropriate

Whether a girl is 5, 9, or 16 years of age, she can purchase the same style of super short shorts. Shorts literally can't get any shorter than they make them now.  With the combination of summer heat, the  fashion industry promoting, and clothing stores lining the shelves with these super short shorts, it's no wonder the trend has caught on. One might ask, "so what does a pair of  MODEST SHORTS look like?"  Well, when comparing a 0'' inseam to a pair of shorts with a 5" inseam, the 5" inseam would be considered more modest than the 0" inseam.  We can all agree on that.  But we know everyone's definition is different on the matter.  And truthfully, a modest length can't be based on the length of an inseam, because the height of a young lady affects where the short will hit on the leg.  With that being said, we are working to find shorts that provide more coverage than most of the current trends offer.  Since a mid length is still fun, reasonable, functional for all body types,  and provides more coverage, this is our starting point.

Questions to think about

When it comes to the length of my shorts, what is my boundary? Do I have one?  Should I have one?  When someone sets the boundary for me, Do I get frustrated? Why or why not?  Are there environments where longer shorts would be more appropriate than others?  What are those places and why would this be so?

A thought to consider

The fashion industry is not encouraging us to have healthy boundaries out of respect for ourselves and others as they continue to promote clothing that is shorter and tighter than ever before.  Simply put, there is a lot of competition for your bucks and they are doing every thing possible to get us to buy their clothes.  This encourages young women to care more about wearing what's trendy than what is appropriate.

Often what is trendy conflicts with what is appropriate.

But it is possible to have a healthy balance of both...

This doesn't mean the  Bermuda style is the only modest option!  (Although Bermudas are nice too.)  But finding a pair that reaches mid thigh (even for a taller girl, although much more difficult), would be... reasonable.  Shorts that are mid thigh do not inhibit airflow during the summer heat.  They work well with all sorts of trendy tops.  They look great on all body types. Wearing them makes a bold statement... It portrays the fact that just because something is popular doesn't mean you will wear it.  Also, there is no doubt that young women will look attractive in a mid thigh short, just as much as, or more than a super short short, and they are functional for most settings.

At Top Buttons we love a good challenge, and it is quite challenging to find modest shorts.

School Shorts 

If you want to get a head start on getting your wardrobe ready for the upcoming school year, here are our Top Buttons's picks for Fall 2013!  (They would be great shorts for summer too.)  We will provide more Modest School Options as we get into July!

• Striped Boyfriend Roll-Up Shorts
• Gap's 1969 Denim Bermuda Shorts
• Banana Republic's Tie Front Short in Orange and other colors
• Paisley Print Linen Cotten Shorts with 6" Inseam

A MODEST TIP:  Shorts with High Heels

When wearing high heels, the inseam tends to appear shorter as the heel raises you up and elongates the leg.  When wearing Bermuda shorts, a girl can wear heels with no problem.  Even heels with a short that hits mid thigh could look great with the right pair of wedges.  But you might consider wearing a low heel or flat when the shorts are borderline mid thigh or above, otherwise shorts look shorter than they actually are.

Work out shorts

Work out shorts are typically pretty short, or they are bizarrely over the top in length and amount of fabric.  But we found a few that would be TB approved...We would like to find some other options.  If you know of any, please comment below!

• Feel Fit Wear- Braid Workout Shorts with a 4.5 inch inseam
• Asics Women's Abby Long Short in Black
• Adidas Women's Tastigo Short
• Sparkle and Fade Biker Short by Urban Outfitters

Our Favorite Places To Find Modest Short Options: The Limited, The Gap, and Loft

Our Top Buttons Pinterest Account would be a great place to find some other ideas on how to wear shorts that are both current and modest!  We are as excited about summer as you are!  Be on the lookout for some changes coming to our website.  You will be pleased.  

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography

Rebekah's Find Of The Week: The Triangle Necklace

I had been crushing on this Shopbop triangle necklace for a while, but I had never bought it because of its steep price tag. I could not justify spending $75 on a trend that may not last. This weekend, when I was at my local Forever 21, I found a similar necklace for a mere $5.80! So, of course I had to buy it!

You’ve got to love Forever 21 for their inexpensive finds. Now I get to try out this trend without diving deep into my pockets.

Happy bargain shopping!

Rebekah

DIY Chevron Knuckle Ring

Knuckle rings are a trend that I am absolutely LOVING right now! I have been seeing them all over Etsy and Pinterest. Recently, I was just about to pull the trigger on ordering some, when the thought crossed my mind, “why don’t you just make them yourself!” So…off to Michaels I went! Today, I am going to show you how simple it is to make these fun chevron knuckle rings. The supplies: 1. Wire cutters 2. Thin wire (16 or 18 gauge wire seems to work well)

Start by cutting off about 2-3 inches of wire.

Take the wire and bend it into a point. You can start off using your fingers to shape the wire into a chevron pattern.

You can also use the end of your wire cutters to help reinforce the shape.

Next place the wire on your finger at the height that you want it.

Wrap the wire around your finger and twist together.

You can use the end of your wire cutters to help mold them together. Be careful with the edges of the wire, they can be sharp. You can sand them down a bit with a nail filer to take off the sharp edges.

And you are finished!

Article by: Rebekah Miura Pictures by: Reagan Miura

It’s Not That Black and White

  I’ve been checking out these stunners for far too long and finally had to lay my hands on them.  I’m not really the type to run after every single trend out there but you have to love print trousers.  This black and white Aztec printed trouser is a statement in itself.  It would simply look just as amazing with a simple black top lightly accessorized with a few bangles and a necklace. However, if you decide to play on a bright colored top, you might choose to keep the accessorizing minimal. Chances are, you've already created a nice work of art.! I just couldn't resist adding my oversized DIY bow as a cherry on top of it all. It’s not that black and white. Just have fun and play around with the look!

You can find similar items by clicking these links.   Pants | Sweater

Post by: Sandra Eneh

Rebekah's Top Five Mascaras

Mascara is truly a girl's best friend. With just a few strokes, it can enhance, brighten and open up the eye. When I ask a woman what beauty product she can’t live without, nine out of ten times she will respond with “MASCARA!” It is a quick and easy step that is a MUST for every woman's daily makeup routine. Here are my top five mascaras that I have personally used and loved.

Article by: Rebekah Miura

Above mascaras left to right:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Sustainable Fashion: Upcycling Trends

Did you ever think that hand-me-downs would be cool? Well they are! Sustainable fashion is taking a huge turn in the fashion industry and there's more to it then just saving money. Let me start by explaining sustainable fashion: it's basically recycling your style! All of you thrift shop seekers know what I'm talking about!  Everything that's old is new again, right? Well why buy something new that LOOKS old when you can find an original? I've seen a lot of examples on Pinterest. From thrift store shopping to finding something in the attic your mom wore 30 years ago, upcycling (or updating a recycled item to current trends) not only is super cool BUT also earth-friendly! The shirtdress I'm wearing in these photos was handmade by women in the Honduras in a fair-trade shop using recycled shirts! And my adorable combat boots were found in a thrift store! Upcycled or recycled fashion is a great way to create your own, unique style all while helping the earth be a little less cluttered.

Fair trade? What is that?

When products are fair-trade they most likely were made outside of the United States. The companies that sell fair-trade create working environments that are proper and well-equipped for workers versus sweat shops that use child labor, pay very little and work employees 15+ hours a day in a building that literally makes them sweat because it is so hot. The bracelets I am wearing in these photos are made with paper beads that have been hand-crafted by women in Uganda through a fair-trade company called Bead for Life. Thanks to new laws in Uganda, many women are getting a second chance at life to develop skills to sustain their children and families. Jewelry like this is fun to wear and supports a great cause!

So whether you shop in your local thrift stores or buy fair-trade products, I encourage you to use your style to make a difference.

                                                                                    Dress | Boots | Bracelets | Beads

Guest Blogger: Casey Scheese

Photo Credit: www.thewaywewerephotography.com

In Style: Geometric Print

Among the fashion trends for Spring & Summer, geometric prints have made its mark both on and off the runway. Geometric prints are noted for their bold and eye catching patterns: blocking patterns and tribal shapes are appearing on everything from pants to dresses and  handbags.

So what is it about these quirky patterns that draw our attention. For starters, geometric prints make for an easy focal or statement piece. If you are looking to stray away from the typical "pop" color garment and statement accessories, geometric prints are the answer. Styling with geometric prints as the focal piece is an easy and great way to spice up any outfit, whether it be a geometric pant or over-sized geometric tee. And if you are not worried about the styling aspect of geometric prints, give the trend a try simply for the FUN factor. Trends come and go, but geometric prints add such life and fun to any outfit! Prints range from sphere's to triangles, from tribal to sophisticated blocking and the color pallets are boundless.

Below is a styling option with a geometric pant.

Mint is not only a fun color for Spring and Summer, it pops against the geometric print.

Flats are always a go-to option with pants, but with warm weather on the horizon, sandals and wedges should be THE first pick!

Geometric prints are versatile and offer a range of possibilities regardless of your styling preference. So whether your style embodies a classy approach or a boho-chic, geometric prints may just be what you have been searching for this season!

Here are similar options:

Geometric Pant | Studded Tank  | Wedge Sandal |  Necklace 

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography

How To Wear The Neon Trend

Colors, prints, and neon are huge for Spring and Summer. If you are apprehensive of neon, start small. Try on a neon necklace, scarf, purse, or a simple coat of nail polish. Accessories are a safe way to incorporate this trend into your daily wardrobe. Above are 6 key pieces to keep you in style this season. I have put together two looks to help you navigate the neon trend. Both mix neutrals with neon. The first is a chambray shirt, neon pants, earrings and a statement necklace, paired with a neutral purse and shoes. The purse and shoes help to ground the neon and break up the bright colors, keeping the eye moving and not landing on just one area.

Shirt | Pants | Shoes | Purse | Necklace | Earrings

The second is a sleeveless shirt, pants, and neon necklace paired with neutral accessories. The purse and shoes have an element of neon that ties in the look, while not being too loud. A solid gold pair of earrings and bracelet compliment the outift.

Shirt | Pants | Shoes | Purse | Necklace | Bracelet | Earrings

Neon can be worn many different ways. You can be as BOLD as you want to be this season. Start out by adding neon accessories and then move on to adding neon clothing. Experiment with different pairings. Don't be afraid to add in florals and patterns with neon. For more outfit inspiration check out our Pinterest board here.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

The 6 neon accessories above can be found here:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

How To Wear The Wedge Sneaker Trend

Wedge sneakers have a tendency to raise many eyebrows. People usually love them, hate them, or they just don't know how to wear them. Today, I am going to talk to you about ways that you can wear this controversial trend and the perks that come with it. If you are looking to add a couple of inches to your stature, but you don't want to wear traditional heels, wedge sneakers may be for you! These shoes give you the height of a high heel with the comfort of a sneaker.

Wedge sneakers come in a wide variety of colors, with some having embellishments such as studs or diamonds.  You can find wedge sneakers on the market for as high as $600 or as low as $39.99 at places such as Tj Max and Marshalls. If you are new to the trend and want to try it out, I suggest purchasing a pair with a lower price tag. That way if you end up not liking them or they go out of style, you didn't break the bank.

So how do you wear this trend you ask? I have seen wedge sneakers paired with skinny jeans of all colors, leggings, shorts, dresses and skirts. The most popular way seems to be pairing them with skinny jeans or leather leggings.

 Shirt | Pants | Shoes | Purse | Sunglasses | Hat

A slim pant leg works well with this sneaker since they can often be a bit bulky. Try pairing your skinny jeans with t-shirts, sweaters, and jackets.

 Shirt | Pants | Blazer | Shoes | Purse | Earrings | Watch

Shirt | Skirt | Shoes | Purse | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bracelets

Wedge sneakers add a sporty edge to outfits. They are definitely out of the box, but they are a fun and stylish trend worth trying. For more ideas on how to wear wedge sneakers check out our Top Button's Pinterest board here.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

*Here are links to the wedge sneakers pictured at the beginnings of the article.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

How To: Tight Curls Tutorial For Prom

Searching for the perfect prom hair style?  Team member, Delaney, shows us how to get the perfect curls for the perfect night!  There are many products you could use to accomplish this look.  What products do you use to get your curls to hold tight throughout the night? Still trying to put together your total look for Prom?  Click the links to see our posts about  Prom Makeup &  where to find the best Prom Dresses!

Video by: Delaney

Color Pop: Trending Spring's Favorite Colors

Spring Fashions are trending non-stop, but let us not forget the color trends that are bringing fashion to life: Cobalt & Monaco Blue, Poppy Red, Marigold & Lemon Yellow, Khaki, and Emerald, to name a few.

While selecting a popular color for an outfit may not be at the top of your list, pairing  the RIGHT colors is must for a successful outfit. Below are a few accessories that compliment our color pop choices.

 Torn between gold or silver accessories? Pick a necklace that showcases both. As for this look, the gold brings attention to the pop of  yellow while the silver offsets the outfit. If you are wanting to keep it simple, a necklace as bold as this is all you will need. And if you are on the adventurous side, play up your look with bangles and cluster rings.

 These cobalt blue wedges not only compliment yellow, they also pop against the grey.

 Below are similar pieces featured:

Dolman Cardigan | Top | Skinny Jeans | Wedges | Necklace | Ring

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography

A Taylor Swift Inspired: Smokey Eye And Nude Lip Tutorial

A dramatic eye paired with a barely there lip is a classic look with high impact. Taylor Swift often wears this combination and it always looks amazing. Today, I am going to tell you exactly what you need to know in order to achieve this glamorous makeup look. For the face:

•  Start with applying a primer. This will help your foundation to go on smooth and last longer.
•  Next, apply foundation. I would suggest a full coverage foundation such as Mac Pro Longwear. Don't forget to put it on your eyelids and to set it with powder, this will help your eyeshadow to stay on longer and to go on evenly.
•  Apply concealer under the eyes and on blemishes.
•  Set your foundation with powder. Choose one that has a full coverage, flawless finish. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is an excellent option that has a radiant, red carpet effect.
•  Apply a peachy pink blush to the apples of your cheeks.

For the eyes:

• Use a brow pencil to fill in and shape your eyebrows.
•  Choose eyeshadows in the following colors: light grey, light brown/or taupe, charcoal/or black, and white. Dior Royal Khaki has a fun combination of colors that work well in creating a smokey eye. You can use the gold shimmer in that palette as a substitute for light brown.
•  Sweep the light grey shadow on your lid up to the crease.
•  Take the light brown color and work it across the crease and then blend slightly above the crease. Mixing in a light brown or taupe color adds depth and warmth to a palette of greys.
•  Next, take the charcoal color and apply it to the outer corners of your eyes and blend in to the crease.
•  Use the white color to highlight under the brow bone and in the corner of the eyes
•  Take a black liner and line the upper and lower lash line. To soften the look you can take an eyeliner brush, dip it into the grey shadow and sweep it over the pencil line. For a more dramatic look, you can use the charcoal shadow to brush over the pencil liner.
•  Apply false lashes. Ardell Demi Wispies would work great for this look.
•  Apply a black, thickening mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

For the lips:

• Line lips with a neutral liner and add a nude lipstick. Mac lipstick in the color Myth works well, paired with Smashbox The Nude Lip Liner.

Now that you have all of the tools and steps that you need to achieve this look, its time to practice, practice, practice! Your makeup may not come out perfect the first two times or ten times! But, just remember that practice makes perfect. Once you have this look down, you are going to love it!

Happy practicing!

Rebekah

Ways to Wear: Preppy in Pink

It is no surprise that pink is associated with girliness. What may come as a surprise is that by adding or altering garments and accessories, a preppy look can go from casual to classy or take on a unique edge.

In the photo above, we added a moto jacket to break up the softness of the look. Any garment with texture can break up an outfit, but a black moto jacket does THIS style justice. Here are a few jacket options:

1 | 2 | 3

If you are simply wanting to accomplish a preppy look, the button down is ALWAYS the way to go. Here we have a pant that correlates with the button down and a basic flat to pull the look together. Also, notice the necklace? We have it on the outside of the collar instead of hiding away under the shirt. A necklace with such detail deserves to been seen, so just tuck the chain under the collar and let the necklace do the rest!

Now completing an outfit does not always mean you have to wear the "whole nine yards". But adding a belt will not only dress up the look, it showcase a more classy approach to the prep style. So always remember, even the slightest change or alteration you make to an outfit can transform your look!

Button Down | Pants | Flats | Belt | Necklace

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography

Top Ten Expert Makeup And Beauty Tips: Prom 2013

As a professional makeup artist, I am continually helping clients prepare for special occasions. Today, I am going to share some of these secrets with YOU! Here are my top ten tips to looking beautiful the day of your big event! 1. Start prepping your skin a couple of weeks in advance. Get into a good skin care routine. This is crucial for your make up to look its best. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize! Morning and evening. Exfoliate twice a week. If you do not have a good skin care line just yet, visit your local department store and chat with the beauty advisors in the cosmetics department. They can help prescribe the right skincare for you. Estee Lauder has an excellent skincare line that offers a variety of products that meet the needs of different skin types. Investing in your skin is key!

2. Drink lots of water, it is excellent for hydrating your skin. Not only that, but it can help to clear up your skin and give you a healthy glow.

3. Use a primer under your foundation. This will help your makeup to go on evenly and last longer. Moisturize, prime, and then apply your foundation. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a great choice. A less expensive option is Sephora's Ultra-smoothing Primer.

4. Use a photogenic foundation. You will be taking a ton of pictures so you want a foundation that is not only going to last through out the event, but one that will photograph well. Mac Pro Longwear and Makeup Forever HD foundations are excellent options. A cheaper alternative would be Revlon's Photoready Foundation which can be found at your local drugstore.

5. Set your foundation with powder. You do not want your face to appear shiny in pictures. Powder sets your foundation and helps it to last longer. I recommend Mac Blot Powder, it is light weight and excellent for touch ups. A cheaper alternative would be Revlon's Photogenic Powder.

6. Wear your makeup just a little heavier than you would normally. You want it to stand out on camera.

7. Play up your best feature. If it is your eyes, do a dramatic eye and keep your lips in a neutral tone. If it is your lips, choose a lipstick shade that pops and keep the eye makeup simple.

8. Get inspired! Gather pictures of makeup looks and hairstyles that you like and start practicing! Practice makes perfect! Another option is to hire a professional. You can make an appointment at your local salon with a makeup artist and hairstylist. Call in advance to make your appointment and make sure to bring a picture of the look you would like to achieve.

9. If your skin needs a little boost of color, try a self-tanner. Make sure you exfoliate first and wear gloves when applying. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse is a personal favorite of mine, it gives you instant color and has a natural sun kissed look. A cheaper alternative would be L'oreal's Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes.

10. Lastly, don't forget to wear a smile! It is your greatest accessory! If you are feeling a little self conscious about your smile, try some Crest 3D White Whitestrips. They are an inexpensive way to achieve those pearly whites!

Remember to have FUN on your big day! ENJOY the process of getting ready. Looking good starts with feeling good. YOU are going to look BEAUTIFUL! If you still have not found a prom dress, check out our blog post devoted to finding the perfect dress here! You can also visit our Pinterest Prom 2013 board here for more style inspiration.

Article by: Rebekah Miura

Photography by: Reagan Miura

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

How To Wear: The Arm Party

The arm party has graced the pages of countless magazines. It is fun, edgy, and oh so stylish! If your new to this trend, here are some tips to get you up and running. Start out with a watch and build from there. Gold is safe when you are first starting out, it goes with everything.

Next, add one thin bracelet and one larger bracelet.

*similar gold watch | love bracelet | *similar studded bracelet

You can wear this look or you can keep adding! A mix of chunky and thin bracelets work well together.

Another way to wear the arm party is to take a color from your outfit and incorporate it into your bracelets.

*similar bracelets

Try mixing textures in your arm party. Leather is a great option. Add a couple of rings and it completes the look.

rings | *similar leather bracelet

There are countless ways to throw an arm party, these are just a few pointers to get the ball rolling. I have created a pinterest board here to further assist you in creating this look. Forever 21 is a great place to build your bracelet collection. They are affordable and have a great selection. Target also offers "arm parties in a box" where you can purchase an entire look. Michael Kors makes a fabulous gold watch, but you can also find less expensive watches at stores like Target. You do not have to spend a fortune to rock this trend.

We would love to hear how you wear your favorite arm party! Comment below or head on over to our facebook wall and let us know! We can't wait to hear from you!

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

What To Wear On Easter Sunday

Haven't found an outfit for Easter yet? No need to worry! We have got you covered. We have taken the time to scout out outfit inspiration to help get you on track. Whether you want to wear a dress or pants, we have some great options for you. If you have your heart set on wearing a dress, the six dresses pictured above are styles that are not only adorable but, right on trend. Pastels, lace, and florals are all perfect for Easter. Not only that, but they are perfect for Spring. They are dresses that can still be worn after next weekend. No wasted money here!

If dresses are just not your thing, floral pants are a great option. Pair them with a peplum top and a blazer and you are straight off the runway!

We hope you are charged with inspiration and ready to put an outfit together that fits your personality and unique style! Whether you find styles like this in your own closet, your friend's closet or the store down the road we are confident you will hit a home run with your Easter Sunday look!

Have a happy stylish Easter!

Rebekah

Links to dresses above, left to right.

1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6

Links to pants outfit:

top| blazer| pants| shoes| purse| earrings| bracelets