Y’all, I could not be more excited about today’s post!! Not only does it feature my favorite people…but my favorite people all dressed up in the swankiest special occasion wear!
I mean, just look at these precious faces!! I don’t know if I want to hug them, or ugly cry over a box of Girl Scout cookies! #passthethinmints
As you know, this is our teen’s Senior Year, and I’ve been navigating all the emotions that come with the milestone. It’s such a bittersweet time, full of so many ‘lasts,’ but also joys as we watch him grow and prepare to go out on his own.
One of the privileges of his final year, is the chance to attend Senior Prom. It’s not until April, but preparations have already begun, and it’s so fun to see the excitement he and his friends have for the big night!
Fortunately, he’s fairly practical, and didn’t see the need to buy or rent a new tuxedo…instead, we made his existing suit Prom-ready with the addition of a bow-tie! This one comes in a slew of colors, and the silk is so luxurious. And bonus, it comes pre-tied!! (Who know how to tie a bow tie, anyway?!)
But really, where did my baby boy go? Nothing but handsome young man, so full of clever wit and kindness.
Slim Jacket | No-Wrinkle Shirt | Slim Trousers | Similar Belt | Bow Tie
Slim Jacket | No-Wrinkle Shirt | Slim Trousers | Similar Belt | Bow Tie | Dress Shoes
Never one to shy away from style, he also added a set of suspenders to give the look a little more personality. Depending on his date’s dress, he’ll likely swap the basic black bow tie for this quirky polka-dot one!
Sugarplum Style Tip: Opt for suspenders that actually button, instead of clip on the pants. Simply add hidden buttons to the trousers for a more elevated look. (He actually sewed his own buttons…one of which came undone in the shoot, hence the safety pin!)
I could not love this boy of mine more. After all, he made me a mom, and brought me more joy and love than I ever dreamed possible.
Bow Tie | Suspenders | Similar Belt | Polka Dot Sweater | Best Black Jeans | Lipstick in ‘Yu’
Fortunately, he’s able to ‘borrow’ from Dad’s shoes (for now), and has already asked to wear these beauties to Prom.
But while he may like dad’s shoes, he much prefers the slim fit of Topman suits. Jackets and pants are sold as separates, so he’s able to get the best fit, and Nordstrom offers free on-site alterations to take care of the rest.
Both he and Mr. SP are fans of these no-iron shirts. They literally comes straight from the dryer wrinkle-free, and hold their shape so well. I think it’s a good thing I’ve already seen him dressed up…maybe I’ll be able to keep my emotions in check on the big night! #fatchance
Slim Jacket | No-Wrinkle Shirt | Slim Trousers | Similar Belt | Bow Tie | Dress Shoes
Now let’s talk about this beauty! Prom may still be a few years away for her (thank goodness!), but she still has plenty of events that call for special occasion dresses, and she’s totally smitten with this floral number.
Sugarplum Style Tip: Keep at least one ‘dressy’ item in their closets at all times. Kids special occasions always seem to pop-up last minute, and trying to find a dress you both love (and agree on) can be tricky with limited time.
Can you believe our darling Little Miss turns 13 next month? She was only four when I started blogging! We both love the flirty, yet appropriate, shape of this floral fit-and-flare. The fabric makes it feel extra-special, and the back details are so pretty for young girls.
If you have tweens and teens, then you know the conversation of ‘appropriate‘ comes up often! One of the things I like about shopping for them at Nordstrom (besides the free shipping and returns), is the selection of clothes is always age-appropriate and well-made.
Fit-and-Flare Dress | Patent Block Sandal | Quilted Bag | Makeup Set
She loves these block-heel sandals, not only because they’re comfortable and easy to walk (and dance!), but she feels so grown-up with the slight heel. #momcompromise
This little makeup kit is perfect for tween girls, too…just a touch of color, and only the products we agreed on.
Now let’s talk undergarments for a moment. She’ll cringe if she reads this, but these are the things women talk about! When the time came that she asked for a bra, the first place I took her was Nordstrom. After all, it’s where I find my own favorite bra (on sale!) and undies!
We found several great options that are super comfortable for her, and perfect for her style and frame. She wears this bralette with v-necks or tops with straps, and this bra or this one with shirts and sweaters. Since this dress is mostly backless, I gave her a pair of these to make her more comfortable.
Fit-and-Flare Dress | Polka Dot Sweater | Best Black Jeans | Lipstick in ‘Yu’
This girl…she has all our hearts, that’s for sure!
Fit-and-Flare Dress | Patent Block Sandal | Quilted Bag | Makeup Set
On Him: Slim Jacket | Shirt | Slim Trousers | Similar Belt | Bow Tie | Shoes
On Her: Fit-and-Flare Dress | Patent Block Sandal | Quilted Bag | Makeup Set
On Me: Polka Dot Sweater | Best Black Jeans | Leopard Flats | Lipstick in ‘Yu’
Seriously, where did my babies go? Am I shrinking, or are they just growing that much?!? This blog has brought so much joy and opportunity, but I’m also grateful for the scrapbook of our lives it’s created. I literally consult it all the time to remember trips we took, birthdays we celebrated, and more! Sharing the different stages and seasons with you has been such a blessing.
If your sweet babes are headed to Prom soon, Nordstrom has a dedicated Prom Shop for girls here, and Men’s Formal Wear here. What do you remember most about you Senior Prom? I remember absolutely loving my dress, and feeling so grown up (even though we had to add pads to fill out the top!) Ha, not much has changed!
[Shop His Prom Style]
[Shop Her Tween Dressy Style]
*Photos by the darling and talented Mary Hafner. This post created in collaboration with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, but all styling, product selections, and bursting mama-heart are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
Super preppy, a bit pricey but unique are bow ties made from feathers… brackishbowties.com
You must be from the south…I live in Columbia, SC and know a lot of people with Brackish Bow ties. 😊
Your son looks fabulous. He is so good looking and his outfit looks great. But he might want to consider ditching the belt. It has always been a faux pas to wear both. But fashions change – maybe it’s ok now?
Thank you, Lois! But I don’t pay much attention to fashion rules and ‘faux pas.’ Clothes should be fun and make you feel good, and I say wear what you’re comfortable and confident in! This was the combo he chose and loved, so I’m all for it! xo
Gorgeous kids! Their relationship with each other is admirable and shines through in these fantastic photos. God bless!
Thank you so much!!! I think the age gap has always helped, they get along pretty well most of the time!
Pssst: Occasion, not Occassion. Correct it ASAP and it will be our little secret.
PS I screw that one up all the time too
Ooops…where was spell check when I needed it!! This was a late-night work session, thanks for helping me out!! xoxo
Wow you must have read my mind. Just yesterday I thought, “I wonder if she will post something about men or children soon.” This just fits the bill. My husband and son are much older and bigger than your gentlemen, but there may be something in their sizes. My granddaughters are also growing up, esp. the 9 year old twins. Thanks.
yay, I’m thrilled it came at a good time! And twins…how fun!!
I absolutely love how age-appropriate your daughter looks! She looks beautiful but not too adult. LOVE!
Thank you!! It’s such a fine line at this age with girls!
Adorable!!!!!!!! Both of them! Don’t tell your son I said that of him….Can’t wait to see the boutonniere for that fine suit! Senior year, so exciting!
The cut, color and fabric (the whole look!) is so perfect for Little Miss! Lots of mileage from that dress. What a grand post!!!
Thanks for making us all smile……..
Love the look, beautiful children, just not into the belt and suspenders combo. I always thought it was one or the other…not sure.
Fashion is whatever you like and makes you feel comfortable! This was the combo he liked and felt good in! xo
This is precious! So handsome (he looks so much like you!) and she is just beautiful! My oldest is about to finish her first year of college and I still ugly cry at times…all those “lasts” are rough! It gets easier, but reading this definitely got me into my feels again! 🙂 The only this missing from your post is YOUR prom picture!!! Pretty please!:)
haha!! I thought about that as I was hitting Publish!! I need to see if I can rummage it up!
ADORABLE! They both look great!
Beautiful kids! You are truly blessed. Our youngest graduates this year too…sniff, sniff…
Oh wow these two precious children grew up fast. They are such beautiful children. I just love Little Miss and her smile. He is a cutie too. Really like her dress and that it is not short. Great Job Mom. I can see both you & Mr. SP in your kids.
Your children are adorable. They look so much like your husband, especially your daughter.
They hear that a lot! But Mama SP swears Little Miss is a dead ringer for me at that age, except I had super blonde hair!
They both look great! Belt or suspenders though. How can he know if no one tells him? They both serve the same purpose. Also, you are super talented and can learn to tie a bow tie in 5 minutes by watching a tutorial! Promise.
All three of us watched videos, and the bow tie never came out right! 😉 (Mr. SP wasn’t available!) I’m okay not being a good bow-tier though, especially when there are such lovely pre-tied options! And I passed on the ‘preferred’ method for belts and suspenders, but 17-year-olds have their own ideas, and I’m never one to squash someone’s style or confidence. xo
Just love this post with your beautiful children! While I don’t have issues with affording to pay for a tux rental, I just hate to do it. I would much rather invest in a suit that can be worn over and over, and usually there are sizing issues when renting suits or a tux, so there is that! My son is graduating too, so this post is perfect and so helpful!
Agreed! I’m happy to rent him a tux, but if we can spend the same and have pieces he’ll be able to wear over and over, then even better!! Enjoy the senior semester with your ‘baby’ too! xo
Thank you for this post. Your children are great models and look so precious together. My son is a Sophomore at TCU and is need of a black jacket!
Go Frogs!!!
Cassie,
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your outlook on fashion! Over the years, your take on “the rules” has been so helpful & encouraging to me. (& I’m sure others!)
I have always lacked confidence in this department & it’s so nice to finally believe that if what I’m wearing makes me feel good… I can truly let go of the worry that I’m “messing up”. I can’t thank you enough for that. Believing that white after Labor Day is legit, ok!!! (Along w/other broken fashion “rules”) has helped this Type A, rule follower gain some much needed confidence & freedom when it comes to my appearance.
Seeing how you have instilled that in your children & are focused on the MOST important thing (what makes THEM feel good!) warms my heart ❤️
Thank you again, & good job on the kiddos mama! They seem to be growing into truly remarkable people.
P.S. I happen to think the belt & suspender combo on The Teenager looks really fantastic!
Thank you, Crystal! You have no idea how much this means to me!! I’m thrilled you’ve found inspiration here, and the joy of looking and feeling good in both your clothes and skin! xoxo
Great job, y’all look terrific and it looks like you had fun with it. I have two kids your age. My most favorite times are when they help me with one of my creative (or is it crazy?) projects 🙂