Homecoming Dress Shopping

My Featured Article:http://theteentrends.com/homecoming-dress-shopping/

For most high schoolers, Homecoming is only a few weeks away. Which means ladies, if you haven’t found your dress by now (or guys, a tux or suit); you’re running out of time. 

But don’t go into panic mode just yet because as always, we here at The Teen Trends have got you covered. Whether it’s a floor length gown or a sexy sheath you’re dreaming of, the following sites and stores have got everything you’ll need.

Check out places like:

•Promgirl.com

•Jessicamcclintock.com

•Gojane.com

•Davidsbridal.com (Yes, they carry more than just wedding dresses!)

•Or the formal section at most department stores (For both girls and guys)

*A helpful tip- dress swapping might come in handy for those looking to save on the night’s expenses. Exchange, or simply borrow a dress from a friend who has already worn it to a previous dance. This will save you both time and money. Just don’t forget about the accessories like shoes, jewelry, ties, or clutches.

So get a jumpstart on planning, and beat the rush of others ordering corsages and boutonnieres, or making dinner reservations for the big dance.

Here’s to your school’s victory on the field and your victory in the fitting room. Happy Shopping! 

Fall Jacket Guide

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/fall-jacket-guide/

Get ready to bundle up! Here's a look at some of this season's best jackets.

Blazers

Still so trendy for juniors and women are blazers. These sport coat inspired jackets can really dress up an outfit, without doing too much. The great thing about blazers is that they come in a variety of fabrics, styles and colors- so you can purchase a few without feeling like you're repeating an outfit. 

The 'One Button Color Blazer' from Papaya (pictured above) is a great option. ($21.99)

Trench Coats

The essential rainy weather item.  Available in different lengths, trench coats look great on everybody. 

Forever 21's 'Belted Button Tab Trench Coat' (shown) is definitely a winner. ($34.80)

Pea Coats 

A slightly heavier coat designed to keep you warmer as the weather cools down; pea coats are fashionable for both guys and girls. Made in an array of styles and colors to please every fashion sense. 

The women's 'Belted Performance Fleece Peacoat' from Old Navy (shown) is beyond fierce. ($34.94)

Jean Jackets 

When you need something that goes with everything, a jean jacket serves that purpose. This selection is a classic, it will never go out of style- just be careful when wearing a jean jacket with jeans, as the washes should never match. 

Levi's 'Authentic Trucker Jacket' (shown) is the perfect pick. ($78)

Down Jackets 

In regions of the country that get unreasonably cold during fall months and worse during the winter, a down jacket is ideal. The feathers are great insulators of heat which is what keeps you so warm inside those soft puffy jackets. Downs also come in different lengths and styles and are perfect for outdoor activities. 

Old Navy's 'Frost Free Quilted Jacket' in Gray Leopard (shown) is utterly adorable. ($49.94)

Leather Jackets

A clear indicator that the weather has changed is signified with the leather jacket. Like the jean jacket, a leather jacket is also timeless. This item is the epitome of cool. Available in a variety of styles and colors, as well as real and faux materials. 

Nordstrom's 'Collection B Quilted Faux Leather Jacket' (shown) is just so chic. ($33.90)

Which ones will you be wearing this fall? 

Autumn's Hottest Shoes

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/autumns-hottest-shoes/

Just because the weather is cooling down, doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to also. In fact, it’s time to start heating things up with Autumn's hottest shoes.

My favorite fashion pleasure during this time of year, are boots. You can’t go wrong with them no matter what part of the world you live in.

For an all-purpose boot this season, I suggest a flat riding boot like my favorite- 'The Montage' boot by Bamboo. Pair these with leggings or skinny jeans for a relaxed every day look. 

(*Boot is available from different retailers including online. Prices will vary.)

And who could forget everyone’s favorite…Ugg Boots by Ugg Australia? It seems like every year I’m getting a new pair because I simply can’t get enough of these adorable trendy things. Uggs are perfect for hanging around the house, going to school, and just about everything in between. They keep you comfortable and warm, which are two things I’m sure we all want to be during this time of year. 

(*Styles and prices vary. Available through most retailers.)

Do you need a dressy shoe but it’s just too cold or wet outside for a heel? The next best option, are the stylish and sophisticated flat. I can’t even begin to tell you how many pairs of these I own. Flats are perfect this season because they can be both formal and casual while at the same time practical. For a put together look, add a pair of flats with slacks and a cardigan. Think class presentation. For a more casual look, try flats with rolled up denim and an oversized sweater. Think an afternoon at the mall. I adore my Tory Burch ‘Caroline’ flats in Nude.

 ($225, Nordstrom.)

Now this next category is solely dependent on how rainy your part of the world gets. For outdoor fall activities like Trick-or-Treating or visiting the pumpkin patch, you might want a shoe that can take a beating. For these needs, I suggest owning a pair of rain boots/galoshes and/or a pair of comfortable tennis shoes for all that walking you’ll be doing outdoors. Since these guys might get a bit dirty I won’t recommend anything super pricey. Also keep in mind that comfort is just as important. So I leave this one up to you- find something you like and wear the heck out of them, if necessary.

Are you as excited about those options as I am? I sure hope so! And in the words made famous by Nancy Sinatra, or rather Jessica Simpson, as this generation is more familiar with- “Are you ready boots? Start walkin!”

Backpacks Under $50

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/backpacks-50/

Because it's that time again, I give you another back-to-school article..enjoy!

Gear up for school with these fashion forward backpacks. With plenty of styles to choose from and each bag under $50, get ready to make a statement in the halls.

For the Diva

Go wild with JanSport's High Stakes Realistic Chee Backpack (shown in Black/ Multi). Available at Sport Chalet and sportchalet.com, $40.

For the Jock

Support your favorite team with the Concept One Slingbag (*Backpack shown is one of many teams. Available only on target.com, $29.99.

For the Techie 

Carry your laptop safely in Pottery Barn Teen's Gear-Up Messenger Bag (shown in Black Damask). Messenger bags can be made customizable with embroidered names or initials for an additional charge. Available at pbteen.com, $39.50.

For the Trendsetter

Get noticed with this super popular trend in Mossimo Supply Co. aztec themed backpack(shown in Multicolor Stripe Print). Available only on target.com, $29.99.

For the Practical Student 

Tote your belongings to and from class with the GAP Herringbone Backpack (size senior). Available at gap.com, $25.86. 

As always, Good luck in school and Happy Shopping! 

Sunglasses: Finding the best Fit for your Face

When shopping for sunglasses, the key factor should be their shape. That shape, should also be one that flatters your face. Because everyone’s face is different, certain frames will look better on you than others. Yes, we want to wear things that we like, but we should also want those things to look nice as well. Below is a guideline you might find useful when shopping for your next pair of shades.

The Shape: Heart, Reese Witherspoon

Since heart shaped faces feature a wider forehead and cheekbones with a slimmer jawline and chin, choosing cat-eye or round frames will accent the angles of your face.

The Best Fit:

Cat-eye or rounded

The Shape: Oval, Eva Mendes

Because the angles of an oval face are symmetrical: equal forehead, cheekbones and chin- you will look good in any style. Lucky you!

The Best Fit:

Any shape

The Shape: Square, Jessica Simpson

Square shaped faces include a wider forehead with a squarer jaw line. Because of these features, any rounded frame is most flattering on you. Stay away from rectangular or square frames as they can make your face appear wider.

The Best Fit:

Rounded frames

The Shape: Round, Halle Berry

Round faces have narrow foreheads and jawlines with fuller cheekbones. To compliment the roundness of your face, you’ll want to stick with over sized rectangular frames and avoid anything round.

The Best Fit:

Over sized rectangular frames

What's your face shape and best fit? 

Back-To-School Shopping Essentials

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/back-to-school-shopping-essentials/

As July comes to a close, summer’s end is drawing near. Which can only mean one thing…. school is almost here. Next month, August, is probably the best time to start your back-to-school shopping. Growing up, I always had mixed feelings about this time of year. I loved the fact that I was getting new things, but I also dreaded the fact that it meant I’d be going back to school. Which I can safely assume is still the mentality of most kids.

Whether back-to-school shopping is painful for you, or you have brothers and sisters that also need mom and dad’s help, I’ve compiled a list of back-to-school shopping essentials. All the items you’ll most likely need to get you through at least half the year, if not the entire year (I’m sure your parents are hoping for the latter), and the best places to shop for these essentials.

I must mention however, that there are students who attend schools that require uniforms. For these students school uniform shops might be their best bet. All of their shopping could virtually be done in one stop! I personally think that uniforms are a great idea. They not only save time getting ready in the morning; you don’t even have to think about what you’re going to wear, but they also aid in reducing harassment at school- since every student is required to wear the same thing.

For all other students here’s what a typical shopping list might look like:

Essentials

Jeans

Shirts

Shoes

Jacket

Gym Clothes (if a uniform is not required)

Formal Clothes (skirt, dress, slacks, tie, collared shirt)

Backpack

*I could also suggest khakis, because they’re always nice to have on hand. As for the formal clothes- at least one outfit should be considered. Depending on your school, these particular clothing items could be used for such things like an assembly or awards ceremony. 

Places To Shop

Department Stores (Clothing items)

Bargain/Discount Stores (T.J. Maxx, Ross, etc. Lots of good deals can be found here)

Sporting Good Stores (gym apparel, shoes)

School Uniform Stores (if uniforms are required)

Your favorite store (this one’s a no brainer)

Easy enough, right? What are some of your back-to-school essentials and favorite places to shop? 

Choosing A Beach Bag

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/choosing-beach-bag/

If you’re planning a trip to the shore, what do you bring? Most people carry items like: a beach towel, books, cell phones, iPods, sunscreen, food/drinks, maybe even a chair and umbrella. Then there are those who bring sporting equipment like volleyballs, footballs, Frisbees- you name it. When you think about it, that’s a lot to carry, so it begs the question, “How do you lug it all around?”

Transparent beach bags are ideal for 2 purposes. One is obvious by it being see through; it makes finding your belongings that much easier. Honestly, who wants to dig for sunscreen when the sun is blazing out? These types of bags come in a variety of sizes, making them convenient for toting around lots or just the opposite. And two, because we know that there’s a possibility our things could get wet at the beach, having a bag that is water resistant combats this. Also if you’re carrying valuables with you, you want to ensure that they’re in safe keeping right? If you can’t find a bag that is completely water resistant, make sure to place the items you want protected in a smaller compartment or bag that is.

Totes with zippers or pockets come in handy if among the items you’re carrying, are smaller ones that could easily be lost or misplaced. Things like your cell phone, lip balm, iPod, headphones, etc. All of these items tend to get lost at the bottom of our purses any way, so having designated spots for them in your tote can help make your trip less stressful. You should be relaxing on the beach, not freaking out because your keys are missing!

Bags with long top handles allow you to carry your belongings with ease- as the bag can be tossed comfortably over your shoulder. If you’re at the beach solo or have bigger items, freeing your hands gives you the ability to carry a number of other things. Items like car keys, a drink, maybe even someone else’s hand. Beach bags with these types of handles make toting more efficient.

Sand, water and lots of use during the summer months can wear your bag out quite quickly. Typical use goes something like this: from the closet to the trunk, trunk to the sand, sand to the trunk, and back into the closet. That’s a lot of wear and tear! Features like thick handles and reinforced bottoms are what you should look for when shopping for this particular style. Owning a tote that is sturdy and made of good quality is a surefire way to get the most bang for your buck. Think about it, buying a new beach bag every summer is a little ridiculous. I say splurge a little now, that way you can enjoy the bag for seasons to come.

Happy Shopping!