We’ve been out and about shopping for prom dresses for the last two weeks. The styles are stunning. But, wow... are they pricey!
The prom season is here and my 17 year-old daughter, Kayla is anxious and excited. Her primary focus this month has been to find the “perfect” dress. On Saturday, she bought a sleek and absolutely gorgeous off-white gown embellished with sequins.
The dress did not meet all of Kayla’s requirements, but to me, she did find the perfect dress. (She’s blonde and blue-eyed and a size 1, so how could anything not look fantastic on her?) She did not want a white dress (too bridal). And she was hoping for something showing more detail on back... But time was closing in on her. The prom is less than 2 weeks away, and we had to consider time for any necessary alterations. She bought the dress.
We made an appointment for alterations with Vivien of Vivian Alterations in North Scituate, RI. This lady is a super-talented dressmaker! She did the alterations for my wedding gown in 2005 and Kayla’s prom gown last year — she’s wonderful!
So while Kayla was changing, Vivian and I talked a little bit. I shared my opinion about how outrageously expensive dresses are these days, and of course, it was no surprise to her!
When Kayla first asked me about shopping around for a new prom dress, my initial response was “Why not wear last year’s dress?”
The prom season is here and my 17 year-old daughter, Kayla is anxious and excited. Her primary focus this month has been to find the “perfect” dress. On Saturday, she bought a sleek and absolutely gorgeous off-white gown embellished with sequins.
The dress did not meet all of Kayla’s requirements, but to me, she did find the perfect dress. (She’s blonde and blue-eyed and a size 1, so how could anything not look fantastic on her?) She did not want a white dress (too bridal). And she was hoping for something showing more detail on back... But time was closing in on her. The prom is less than 2 weeks away, and we had to consider time for any necessary alterations. She bought the dress.
We made an appointment for alterations with Vivien of Vivian Alterations in North Scituate, RI. This lady is a super-talented dressmaker! She did the alterations for my wedding gown in 2005 and Kayla’s prom gown last year — she’s wonderful!
So while Kayla was changing, Vivian and I talked a little bit. I shared my opinion about how outrageously expensive dresses are these days, and of course, it was no surprise to her!
When Kayla first asked me about shopping around for a new prom dress, my initial response was “Why not wear last year’s dress?”
Kayla and her boyfriend, David,in a photo taken before last year's prom
The words slipped out before I had a chance to consider her obvious reaction. As you might expect, Kayla was outraged!
“Mom, they’ve already seen me in that!”
(And I’m thinking... Yeah, for a whole 4 hours.)
Anyway, Vivien had an idea... Why not have a dress exchange at a local school?
I’ve tried selling once-worn prom, bridesmaid — and even my Wedding gown — on eBay with little success. If they sell, these dresses aren’t likely to bring very much.
I think the reason is that the girls really want to see the actual dress. The color and the details are extremely important. They want to try it on too and check it out in the mirror, from all angles. This kind of dress is especially special, and it isn’t something they want to take chances with — even if it saves money.
Boys can rent what they wear. That makes sense. But high school girls are expected to pay hundreds for a dress worn for only once. Add on the other expenses for hair and nails and invisible undergarments -- It’s crazy!
In today’s economy, we’re all on the watch for ways to save money. I bet lots of young women have a few once-worn gorgeous gowns hanging in their closets. Why not get together and have a dress exchange?
(And I’m thinking... Yeah, for a whole 4 hours.)
Anyway, Vivien had an idea... Why not have a dress exchange at a local school?
I’ve tried selling once-worn prom, bridesmaid — and even my Wedding gown — on eBay with little success. If they sell, these dresses aren’t likely to bring very much.
I think the reason is that the girls really want to see the actual dress. The color and the details are extremely important. They want to try it on too and check it out in the mirror, from all angles. This kind of dress is especially special, and it isn’t something they want to take chances with — even if it saves money.
Boys can rent what they wear. That makes sense. But high school girls are expected to pay hundreds for a dress worn for only once. Add on the other expenses for hair and nails and invisible undergarments -- It’s crazy!
In today’s economy, we’re all on the watch for ways to save money. I bet lots of young women have a few once-worn gorgeous gowns hanging in their closets. Why not get together and have a dress exchange?
Vivian Alterations
(401) 934-3209
15 Village Plaza Way, North Scituate, RI 02857
http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=10297278
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