Red Carpet Worthy Dresses That You Can Afford

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The dresses that walk across the red carpet cost thousands of dollars. The only time I have ever worn a dress that would be "red carpet" worthy is prom and my wedding day. I tried on about 20-30 dresses before I found my wedding dress and even then I wasn't really sure if it was "the dress." For my prom dress I had it made because I didn't like any of the dresses I was trying on. Did anyone else out there have the same trouble finding the perfect dress?

If only Fame & Partners had been around as I searched for my prom dress! I'm obviously WAAAAY too old for prom, but if I have another special occasion where I need a "red carpet worthy" dress I'm definitely checking out Fame & Partners.

Not only do they have dresses that are relevant to fashion trends, but you can customize the dress to your liking. You can change the color, you can make a dress separates, you can add sleeves, etc. Below is a little Q&A with the founder of Fame & Partners, Nyree Corby. I couldn't believe it when she said that there are over 4 million girls with fashion-focused blogs. WOW!!! Read on to learn more about what inspired the company, why she feels it's important to offer a customization option and if it's okay for 29 year-olds to were these dresses. =)

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1. What spurred on the idea to create Fame & Partners and why the name? 

I am a girl that loves fashion and technology. The mish mash of the two means that millions of girls are inspiring other girls, every day, with style inspiration; this is shaping a culture of girls that want an individual look; girls that are curating and creating fashion trends, not just following them.

There are over 4 million young women with a fashion-focused blog and yet very few fashion forward options for formal dresses. I wanted to bring the best of style options to young women around the world, for their special occasions; encouraging them to discover their own style profile and craft a look that is unique to them. Giving them the tools and support to do so.

We think that every girl should feel famous when she creates a look that is unique and special to her; it's kind of a tongue-in-cheek name in this celebrity obsessed world that is about finding the fame within and the partners, like confidence, that go with that.

2. Why is it important to offer customization? 

Every girl is unique! And every girl should have a dress that is unique to her - we think it's important for a girl to contribute to the process of making the look her own. That's why we offer customizable dresses, plus free stylists to complete the total look.

3. I'm 29 and I want to wear these dresses. Is that okay? I can totally see myself wearing these dresses to fashion events, cocktail parties and on dates. 

Absolutely! There are many Fame & Partners dresses in my wardrobe! Our customers are the fashion forward girls of the world that want that special dress for their special occasion, whatever their age.

Summer Lovin'

Summer is in full swing! In Arizona that's not something we really celebrate because it means 100 degree weather is a regular occurrence, BUT it also means new fashion trends and wardrobe additions to my closet. =) There are three main summer trends that I'm implementing in my wardrobe, and I think you guys might love them too...

1. DRESSY SHORTS - I love shorts! They are comfortable, easy to wear and they show off your legs. I especially like to wear them with blazers and cardigans. If your outfit looks this cute with a blazer or cardi, it's worth battling the sweat. You can find great shorts at Urban Outfitters, H&M and Ann Taylor Loft.

2. BOLD COLOR - Last winter I wrote about how much I love my bright red pants. Well, now I want skirts and pants in  every color of the rainbow. Don't you?! You can find this green skirt at Zara or splurge on these yellow pants at Tory Burch.

3. FLIRTY SKIRTS & DRESSES - Light and flirty skirts come back every year, and I never tire of them. They're feminine, cool and comfortable. Anthropologie has the best selection!

Pleated Skirts & Dresses

When I think about pleats ugly old man khakis and private school uniforms come to mind. However, this year I've started to see pleats in a whole new light.

Long, flowey pleated chiffon skirts, bright colored knee length skirts and origami pleated dresses have caught my attention.

Tell me, are you in love with pleats? Do you own any dresses or skirts? What are you pairing them with?

Prom Dream Dresses

Do you remember picking out your junior or senior prom dress? We only had senior prom at my high school, and I had the privilege of designing my own dress. It was such a blast! Many of you probably had a section of your closet devoted to formal gowns with wonderful memories attached to each  by the time you graduated high school.

Well, my co-worker, Charnissa Moore, is in the process of starting a non-profit organization called Char's Blessings where people can donate cocktail dresses, bridesmaid dresses, old prom dresses, formal shoes and accessories to give to those that cannot afford to buy a formal gown and give them the opportunity to attend their school dances and feel just as beautiful as the next girl.

If you have any items that you do not mind parting with that can help this cause, please send me an email (alex.evjen@gmail.com) or e-mail Charnissa Moore directly if you have further questions.

Legs for Days

I'm seeing a lot of celebrities these days wearing long-sleeved mini dresses, and I'm liking this look. I think it's a chic way of looking sexy and I prefer this to loads of cleavage. Even if you don't have long legs you can still pull this look off. Just add some nude pumps to your dress, which gives the illusion of longer legs and some height if you need it.

Legs for Days by Alexandra Evjen featuring Christian Louboutin shoes