When I went to prom, we piled 18 people in the back of a limo, my date slapped an overdyed carnation on my wrist, and I bought my dress at the mall (accessorized a la Claire’s). In other words, it was not a classy affair.  But since the moms and sugar dads of Generation T (Toddlers & Tiaras) have been shelling out big bucks for their daughters, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite over the top prom products to make your day all the more special.

How can you resist? You'll need enough room for the guys, the girls, the dresses, and if you're in New Jersey, their hair.

No one does a prom dress like Betsey Motherf*ckin Johnson. She's pink, she's shiny, she's crinolined to the max. Be sure to spend at least $400 on your dress, because you will get a ton of use out of it...this one single time.

Nothing says "let me take your virginity" like paying too much for flowers. Especially roses. Especially pink ones. Especially highlighted with crystals. This $120 version should get the job done.

The perfect way to top off your hot pink dress and hot pink Hummer is with a pair of blinding shoes. Remember you're still in high school, so let's not go overboard and stay in the $300 range. They may not be Swarovski, but they certainly sparkle.

And the creme de la creme of the prom princess outift is this sparkly little clutch that is actually a flask (filled with diet soda of course). It is important to stay hydrated kids! Have fun!

- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt of legendary celebrity couple Brangelina are reportedly engaged, since Angie has been spotted sporting one hell of a rock on her ladyfinger that Brad allegedly designed. Since they’ve repeatedly said they wouldn’t get married till everyone — gay and straight — had the right to, here’s hoping Fran Drescher performs the duties for these two queens. [Fashionista]

- Families are spending between $1000 to $2000 on prom this year, which is a lot of money to look like a cheap slut and get knocked up in the back of a Chevy Camaro. [USA Today]

- Jean Paul Gaultier and Madonna have reunited for the pop tart’s upcoming world tour, meaning we can only hope for conical bras, absurdly high ponytails and the return of Madge’s blond ambition, all relics of the early 90s. [Grazia]

- The Arrested Development movie is slated to start shooting this summer while the miniseries will premiere on Netflix in the first half of 2013, thus righting everything in the world. [The Cut]

- M.I.A., noted bird-flipper and giver of not-a-fuck, has written the theme song for a new talk show hosted by Julian Assange, i.e. the guy behind Wikileaks. Which makes perfect sense when you think about it since M.I.A. released the brilliantly punny mixtape Vicki Leekx last year. [Paper]

Whoever said high school was the best time of your life clearly wasn’t gay. For some people, however, that was their peak so it’s understandable that they would want to revisit a simpler, sluttier time.

The New York Times, apparently short on stories about the Middle East collapsing in on itself , sent a reporter to Green Bay, Wisconsin where 100 people or so turned up for “prom the way you always wanted it.”

And it wouldn’t be prom without awful dresses, spiked punch and of course a king and queen. Despite my cynicism, it’s actually quite cute. Who doesn’t love a second chance to do it right, do it over or do it in the backseat of their Chevy Camaro? [NYT]

1. The Tux

You tuxedo will say everything about you  this year at prom. For this reason alone it is super important that you pick the right one according to your style. If you’re the type of guy who wants to go for the traditional black suit: fine, but if you really want to make a statement then try something different. Play around without different colors such as charcoal, try a dinner jacket, or even go for a totally unexpected colored suit all together. Also in the fashion world for men tailoring is super important and that means finding a tux that actually fits. That means nothing too baggy. Leave that for your sweatpants because remember no matter what you think it is still a formal event.

2. Necessary Accessories

Along with the tux there are a few other things that are completely necessary in your prom night. They include some type of neck tie,  a cummerbund or vest, shoes, and hopefully a watch. Many times guys are guilted into wearing colors that directly match thier date. The problem with this is that what’s good for the gander is not always good for the goose. I’ve witnessed many guys wearing colors that didn’t flatter them at all but wore it for the sake of matching, This isn’t the stone age anymore and men are allowed to have a say in fashion. Instead of matching colors why not try wearing complimenting colors and if your date insists on matching for for a shade that better suits the individual.  Let your shoes and watch dictate your own personal style but make sure they fit your outfit.

3. That Extra Touch

If this will be your senior prom then it is the perfect night to let your style inhibitions go wild. It’s your last night to party with the rest of your seniors and you should make the most of your night. Make your outfit scream your name. Add splashes of color, throw on and layer accessories, wear a pair of converses; do anything that will make you feel like yourself,without getting you kicked out that is

BONUS: Me At My Senior Prom (I practice what I preach)

What are you wearing to prom?

You have been in the spray tan industry for seven years and just launched your own product line in November. From being in the industry for so long, what have you learned and put into your products from experience?
One of the biggest things that makes Be Bronze different than other spray tan companies is our huge training program for our professional clients. Every salon that brings our products in to use for their professional treatments goes through a hands-on training course with us. So they learn how to properly use B.Bronz® products, which is a huge factor in preventing an orange, uneven or streaking tan. When developing the product line, we looked at what was missing with the current offerings on the market, and wanted to make the tanning experience even better. We took more of a medical, scientific approach to developing the products and infused them with ingredients you would find in common skincare lines. Components like glycolic acid and lactic acid help prepare the skin for a spray tan. And our fade-off is very natural – it’s like you wake up one morning and your tan is just gone.

Do you have different colors for each skin tone?
We have one level of solution that is used on everybody, but it is designed to react with amino acids in each individual’s skin. We can control the lightness to the darkness by how much we spray on the client.

How long does a B.Bronz® tan typically last?
Our product has dual active ingredients, so as long as the client takes care of his or her skin, we get 7-10 days out of our spray tans. Most spray tans are formulated without duals and only last 3-4 days.

What are some tips for keeping your spray tan beautiful?
The tan needs eight hours to develop, so not showering during that period is crucial. Moisturizing twice a day is huge. We recommend using a tan extender after you shave your legs or are exposed to chlorine pools and hot tubs. But the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and use a good moisturizing lotion.

What occasions do you see people coming in for spray tans the most? Has this trend hit a younger generation, with prom coming up and all?
In general, the younger generation is starting to become aware of the damage that UV Rays can cause to their skin. So, with the guidance of their parents, they are slowly starting to make the switch over to spray tanning and choosing to forgo exposure to tanning beds. The younger generation loves to spray tan for proms and other school dances, as well as many of the activities they partake in, including cheerleading, dance competitions and gymnastics.

Having worked in the industry for so many years, what is the worst spray tan you’ve ever witnessed? What did the technician do wrong to cause the bad tan?
Prior to the start of the Miss California Pageant two years ago (which we tan the contestants for every year), I got a phone call from a frantic contestant. She had decided to get a tan prior to arriving for the competition from a pretty reputable company in Southern California. The technician was inexperienced and applied, in my opinion, the equivalent to 4-5 times as much product than what should be applied to someone’s skin. The poor girl literally had so much product on her skin that normal exfoliating could not remove it. Her roommates spent hours helping her exfoliate with professional microdermabrasion products every day to help lessen the intensity.

What is your advice to someone wanting to go in for a spray tan? What should he or she know before or do to prepare for the experience?
First of all, it is important to ensure the person applying the spray tan is experienced. As there is no national training requirement for spray tanning, confirm the technician has gone through some sort of “hands-on” training. Exfoliate the skin using a water-based scrub, and check that there is no lotion, oils, deodorant or makeup residue on the skin. Bring loose fitting clothing and flip flops to wear home after the appointment, and make sure to ask questions if you don’t understand any of the preparation or aftercare.

You can learn more about B.Bronz® on the website.

I’ve been wearing bow ties ever since I was a bratty teenager. There’s something about one of these neck ties that can really transform an outfit. Here are three ways that I believe a bow tie can be worn without looking like a Steve Urkel reject.

The Formal Look: A bow tie is a staple at any black tie affair whether it be a wedding, prom, or charity gala. The bow tie is a very classic accessory when dressing up in a tuxedo or suit. A simple big black bow will never lose in these situations. To add a little spice why not switch up textures like getting velvet and silk ties.

The Casual Look: Nowadays men can wear bow ties outside of these super formal events. A bow tie in a casual setting shows confidence and style. In this case try to stay away from the standard black tie if you’re wearing a white shirt because they can sometimes come off as a little “cater waiter.” A tie with a pop of color or bold print can brighten up any outfit.

The Alternative Look: Who’s to say that bow ties are only to be worn around your neck with a collared shirt? This is fashion and there are never any concrete rules in it. That being said why not let your imagination go wild with your bow ties. You can DIY your own necklaces, bracelets, rings,  etc. To do this it would be best to buy a pre-tied bow and go wild.

How do you wear your bow tie?

Fashion designer and film director Tom Ford goes the traditional route at the Oscars.

The model search, set to align with prom season, will launch March 8th and run through May where two lucky winners will receive a dream prize package from PromGirl and NEXT.

From March 8th through May 6th girls can enter at the official website www.areyouthenextpromgirl.com by submitting details and photos via an online entry form.  Industry executives at NEXT will review all entries and select ten finalists based on overall appearance and photogenic qualities. Each finalist will create a short video explaining why she should be The Next PromGirl. The videos will then be posted to the official website and put to a public vote.  After one week of public voting, the two girls with the highest combined totals (public votes 33%, judges’ votes 67%) will be crowned the winners. The prize package includes a general modeling contract with NEXT Models, an all expenses paid trip to NYC for winners and chaperone, one prom photo shoot featured on PromGirl.com and one fashion photo shoot, a $500 gift certificate to PromGirl.com and a professional style consultation.

Did I mention that Jason Wu is designing her prom dress?.. Um, no I’m so not jealous.

Aside from crucial high school career dress decisions Kloss also revealed in an interview with E! News last week that she has career plans other than wearing designer dresses: “Going to medical school . . . some day, I’ll get there.”- @Karlie_Kloss

Although she looks stunning in just about everything she wears it’s all about what makes her feel like a diva… right?

Paul Iacono is R.J Berger in the new MTV’s scripted show “The Hard Times of RJ Berger.” In the interview, he talks about his new role, his upcoming projects, and tonight’s PROM, where he will be a guest Judge. Keep reading…

How would you describe your character RJ berger?

Richard James Burger or RJ is a budding hipster, intellectual, 15 year old kid stuck in the middle of Pinkteron, Ohio. And like most 15 year old boys, he wants nothing more then to lose his v-card, hopefully with the most beautiful girl in Pinkerton, Jenny Swanson, although it’s gonna take a lot more then a natural well endowment for that happen.

Why did you choose to be a part of this new show?

When I learned that MTV was taking an entirely new direction with the network, moving away from reality and focusing on scripted comedies, I was intrigued. And after reading the pilot I was sold.

What are your next projects?

I’m continuously revising my first written play, Prince/Elizabeth, which will hopefully have a New York public reading this summer.

How was your high school prom?

One of the best nights of my life.

What is your ultimate life goal?

To be happy.

What do you like to do during your spare time?

Yoga, Reading, Writing, Living, Learning, Loving

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

New York. Where else?

-McArthur Joseph, Part Time Fashion Blogger/Full Time Badass: The Temptation: Shout

Ok so the energy of this song is just so epic and when it played at my senior prom I lost my mind

-Daniel Saynt, Fashion Indie Founder: Vitamin C – Graduation Song (Friends Forever)

This is the biggest cop out I have ever read boss. (I’m so getting fired)

- Jeffrey Costello &Robert Tagliapietra, Designers: Thompson Twins- If You Were Here  &  Killing Joke- Eighties

I would love to go to these guys’ prom

-Geordon, from the Misshapes: Mazzy Star-Fade Into You

It’s so grungy and unconventional, but I would rock out to it at prom.

-Julie Henderson & Julie Ordon, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models: The Righteous Brothers-Unchained Melody& Billy Idol- Dancing With Myself

So retro yet still amazing.

-Paul Johnson Calderon, Star Of CW’s High Society: Alphaville-Forever Young

This is such a classic and a great last song.

-Stefanie Skinner, Publicist/Star of Bravo’s Kell On Earth - Time After Time- Cyndi lauper

I just want to dance around like Romy & Michelle did at their HS reunion when I here this.

-Julie Frakes, Papermag Blogger: Jeremy Jay- Slow Dance

Indie pop at its greatest

-Steven Rojas, Tastemaker: Talking Heads- This Must Be Place

An 80′s love song….You know it’s perfect for any prom then.

-Lindsay Luv, Celebrity DJ: Sisqo- The Thong Song

Obviously every good girl’s prom anthem

It’s finally here, Prom 2010 is tomorrow! Everyone here at the Fashion Indie offices are letting out sighs of relief.  After months of planning, emails, meetings, etc. – we’re getting super excited! For all you last minute ladies, you can still get a dress from Rent The Runway. Browse their selection of prom dresses hand-picked by their styling team.  If you live in NYC, you can get the dress by tomorrow!Remember to use promo code: INDIE2010 to receive $10 off your first rental (only 2 days left!!!!!)

If you haven’t gotten your prom tickets yet, go here. Use promo code Fashion20 and get 20% off your tickets!

We’ve got Prom on the brain here at Fashion Indie so we’ve put together some of our favorite prom disasters. Feel free to comment on the ludicrousness that are these outfits. If you still haven’t purchased you tickets for Fashion Indie’s Prom you can get them here. (You never know if you will see any of these looks) …

1. The hot mess picture above.

So I really didn’t want to include this picture because I have seen it everywhere, but then I came to the realization that you can never go wrong with a classic train wreck.

2. Zebra meets Cinco de Mayo?

Ok these two are wearing me out. I am in love with all the volume. Check out the matching shoes.

3. Genie in the Bottle Goes to Prom

This is so 90′s teenie bopper. The one good thing about this outfit is that the girl doesn’t have a huge gut.

4. The Blazers

I guess this couple really loves basketball. What do you think their favorite team is?

5. Toga Time

Ok mix Jennifer Lopez’s infamous green Versace dress with a white bedsheets and there you have it folks, this girl’s prom dress. Don’t forget the forehead bling because you need to keep it classy.

6. The Belle of the Ball

If this were for a Halloween these two would win hands down. I mean look at how cool these two look. This look is so gimmicky and too obnoxious for a real prom. (A+ for effort though)

7. Undercover Horror

So at first I was going to talk about this girl and her skimpy dress and fishnets until I caught a glimpse of the creeper in the background…AHHHHHHH

8.Strappy and Satin

Did Sisqo get like 3 feet taller or are my eyes deceiving me. Hey at least they match the decor.

9. Rainbow Bright

Ok besides the obvious novelty of these outfits, I must say this is pretty original. Colored stripes are the new black, right?

10. American Sweethearts

The title says it all for this Yankee Doodle Dandy couple. Her shoes are pretty fierce though.

The hugest event in Fashion Indie history is just a few days away and we’re just brimming with excitement!!!

Jared Eng of JustJared.com took a few moments from his round the clock schedule to give us his ideal prom scenario. Find out who he’d take as a prom date and be sure to be at PROM this Saturday as Jared and a panel of celebrity judges choose our 2010 King & Queen.

FI: Which Celebrity Would You Want to Take to Prom and Why?

JARED: Britney Spears. Because she’s Britney Effing Spears!

FI: If you had to choose would you rather Slow Dance, do the YMCA, the ChaCha Slide or the Electric Slide?

JARED: Slow dance… with Britney Spears

FI: What’s Your Favorite Cheerleader Movie?

JARED: Bring It On, of course. The boys all love to stare!

There’s still time to purchase tickets for Prom: Class of 2010, the ultimate dance party. Head to www.FashionIndieEvents.com

This month, Teen Vogue.com gives us much needed advice on how to have the perfect PROM: how to find the dress, your prom style, accessories, and hairstyles. Too old for high school, don’t fret, FashionIndie and Joonbug are hosting a Prom on May 8th and tickets are still available here.

LINK LOVE: Teen Vogue

Our upcoming Prom Fundraiser just got some major attention from WWD!!! You can check out the excerpt after the jump, just remember to get your tickets NOW!!!  There are a few VIP spots left and our goody bags include presents from Vera Wang, David Barton’s Gym, American Apparel, Banana Republic, Uni-K-Wax, iSkin, Bliss and many more!!! Buy tickets now – www.fashionindieevents.com

LAST DANCE: For many, prom night is not an occasion they would hurriedly return to, but that isn’t the case with an intrepid fashion crew. Rebecca Minkoff will host Prom Class of 2010 with help from JustJared’s Jared Eng, High Society’s Devorah Rose, Callie Thorne of “Rescue Me” and MTV’s RJ Berger, among others. St. John’s cheerleaders will perform, a prom king and queen will be crowned, and DJs Josh Madden and Claudine DeSola will spin long lost prom songs provided by a host of actors and musicians. Organized by FashionIndie.com and Joonbug.com, the May 8 fund-raiser at Espace will help bankroll independent fashion bloggers’ travel expenses for New York Fashion Week. – Source WWD

One of my favorite jewelry lines, Carelle Jewelry has generously donated THREE necklaces for a giveaway. For your chance to win please email Tracey@Fashionindie.com with your most embarrassing Prom story!Some other fantastic news for Carelle, their deliciously colorful pieces are now available for purchase in Vegas!! Visit the MGM Mirage and/or Mandalay Bay to see these flashy gold baubles for yourself.

Love these stacked rings?? Then come to Prom! Carelle will be showcasing their most popular precious gems for an auction during our Prom Event on May 8th. Buy your tickets, and get a first hand glance at the beauty and amazement behind Carelle and speak with their representatives. Rebecca and I had so much fun at their factory yesterday choosing special pieces for YOU to bid on for a silent charity auction for the SIFJ.

BTW… The necklaces for the giveaway are: 2 sterling silver necklaces, one has a Rose Quartz pendant and the other is a Lemon Quartz pendant, and the third necklace is a sterling silver key with detailing. Send your story in for a chance to own a piece of Carelle now!

If you haven’t heard yet: Fashion Indie has teamed up with Joonbug.com and is throwing our own version of Prom on May 8th in Manhattan. (See above invite). This is going to be an event of ridiculous proportions. Drum roll please… Now the top ten reasons you should go to prom.

1. You get to relive or have your first prom experience

Prom is supposed to be one of the night you are suppose to remember forever. Now you have a chance to do it allover again, but with more fun.

2. Do all the things you couldn’t do at your own high school prom

I was in high school, catholic school at that, not to long ago and I remember all the restrictions (no drinking, no dirty dancing, no getting crazy)!  At prom we totally encourage all of these these and more.

3. You’ll have a chance to be nominated Prom King or Queen and get $1000 in prizes just by being best dressed

At regular prom, the best dressed usually get a barrage of compliments or lots of dirty looks from envious losers. This is your chance to look amazing and win yourself some great prizes to be envied.

4. Watch your favorite celebs accept their superlatives

We’ve nominated a bunch of your favorite personalities for categories such as “Life of the Party,” “Class Clown” and “Biggest Flirt.” You won’t know who wins unless you’re there.

5. Get to hobnob with New York City’s most beautiful people.

Mix and mingle with celebrities, fashion designers, influential nightlife figures, top bloggers, and models.

6. It’s the only PROM at Espace.

Once inside, eyes will be drawn to the innovative lighting and neon niches. With its sleek open space and sexy, low cushioned seating, Espace is the ultimate fusion of contemporary style and elegance. This ultra-chic nightspot is the perfect backdrop for a fabulous evening of high energy and supreme style.

7. Two Words: Open Bar

Enough said!

8.  Same Sex Couples Are More Than Welcome

Don’t worry about prom being canceled because you want to bring your lesbian girlfriend…

9. It just another excuse to get dressed up

Don’t waste another fabulous outfit on drab Saturday night plans…This is a perfect excuse to buy that gown you saw in the window on your way to work, or try throwing on your old prom dress (cross your fingers that it fits).

Or you can check out Rent The Runway, a site which lets you borrow clothes from your fave designers at a fraction of the cost. If you use the code “indie2010″ you will get $10 off your rental through May 9th, just in time for Prom.

10. Because You Love Fashion Indie

Let’s be honest you wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t. You can come on down and meet all of your fave bloggers including myself and have an AMAZING time.

I’m sure this list has motivated you to buy tickets here.

I’ll admit, I was really skeptical when I first heard about a coffee filter dress. I was imagining all of those duct-taped dresses that are a complete disaster, just because they’re the kind of people that put duct-tape all over everything and aren’t willing to stop at prom.  

Aimee Kick, a senior from St. Charles, MO spent a month constructing this dress out of coffee filters, and the finished product is definitely more sophisticated than duct-tape.  I’m sure if this dress was in a store it would be hundreds of dollars, but Kick’s one-of-a-kind dress can’t be found anywhere else.

I’d wear it, would you?

SOURCE: Buzzfeed

The force was definitely not with me that night. I couldn’t even get her to engage my lightsaber.

I returned home and went at it Han Solo. Good thing though, her Sarlac pit was hairier than a Wookie.

If there was an all ghetto version of The Wizard of Oz, we’re almost positive this is what Dorthy would look like.