Area dress venues offer prom trends and budget tips
Every little girl dreams of her wedding day, but what comes a little faster is prom. With today's economy, getting glammed up can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are other ways to get this year's trend without breaking the bank.
Children's Quality Consignments, in Branchville, owned by Lauri Malefyt of Wantage, stocks a host of prom and formal dresses most of which were worn once or twice and some even come in with tags still on them.
Malefyt's daughter, Courtney said while the Junior Prom sees a lot of long dresses, their Senior Prom is "less formal with girls leaning toward short, cocktail dress styles."
When it comes to shopping at consignment shops, Malefyt says it's important to take your time and go through all the racks "so you don't miss anything."
In Sparta, Bella Couture is owned by Kim Bonanno of Vernon, and is a three-generational "female family affair," with her mother, Judy, and daughter, Kiersten Bonanno, working hand-in-hand with her.
When it comes to prom, the store is currently accepting prom dresses on consignment.
"They need to be current in style no older than two years old," said Bonanno.
Bonanno noted tight fitted gowns versus princess ball gowns are the trend this year. She's seeing a lot of short dress selections as, "It seems they want to be able to move while they're dancing."
Enelda's Happy Brides in Sparta, started with Enelda Alvarez making and altering dresses in her Lake Mohwak home — now the store is located in White Deer Plaza.
The store is currently hosting a big prom trunk show offering many price options.
Alvarez said she is seeing a lot of glitz and glam with sequins and beads being very popular. In difference to some of the other shop owners, Alvarez and her assistant, Jenny, are seeing long dresses as more popular this season. "The sequins and the bead work can be as much or as little as a girl wishes," she said, "But we are seeing a lot of it."
Sew n' Sew was started by Debbie Anderson from Stillwater back in 2002 on Route 206 in Andover.
"Whether it's for prom, homecoming, coronation, Quinceañera or some other spectacular formal event, we know how important it is to find the perfect dress to express your own personal style," Anderson said. "Sophisticated crystals and sequins are hot, it's a great feeling to wear a prom dress that will have you sparkling in style all night long. Other trends for Prom 2013 include pretty pastels, lots of lace, and plenty of sheer details."
When it comes to budget, her suggestion is to go for something from last year that is still beautiful but has been discounted or to look for something more of a bridesmaid dress that's less ornate.
Located on Route 15 South, in Lake Hopatcong, Christina DiBlase is the owner of A. Bridal Co. and Formal.
Regarding this year's trends, DiBlase points to fabric.
"Charmeuse is a light weight satin similar to lingerie material and is as always popular with the girls... It's a very silky look and girls still love it," she said.
The runner up is chiffon, a soft and flowy fabric that requires a liner because the fabric is made out of a soft see-through weave.
"Satins have taken a back seat and taffeta is now dormant," she added. "Surprisingly, jersey material is taking off. It provides for a fitted look because of its stretch content but is matte and denser in the weave."
One warning, stay away from ordering dresses online.
DiBlase and her staff have seen too many disappointments and "horror stories" of girls doing this. They end up receiving a poorly constructed gown that can often have little resemblance to the photo they saw on their computer. She also suggests another budget-friendly option — borrow a dress.
Located on Spring Street, in Newton, Chrissy O guarantees they will only sell one style of dress per school.
"Trends that I have noticed are girls are loving purple and blue dresses," said Parsippany native, owner Jessica Tankle.
Tankle admits the economy plays a large role in the price of dresses girls can afford, so she is willing to work with a customer to find something in their budget.
"I don't like girls to settle. This is an amazing time in their lives and I want them to remember it and enjoy it," Tankle said.
Owned by Jill Rush and located in Lafayette, Twice Treasured advertises itself as, "the affordable consignment shoppe." Rush can't guarantee anything in the prom family will be available at any given time, she said they do get prom and formal dresses in the store.
In Franklin, on Route 23 North, Christine's Unique Boutique owner, Christine Ceol of Vernon, prides herself on offering "fashionable, fun clothing at very reasonable prices."
One of Ceol's fortes is very individualized shopping.
"I do personal shopping for the girls," Ceol said. "It's no obligation. They bring in a picture of what they want and I find something like it nine times out of 10 for less. That's how I build up my prom inventory. I find a few dresses and the girl can pick which she wants then the others go into my inventory."
This season, Ceol said it's a little bit of everything.
"Some are going for the short in front and long in back, some want trains, some like poofy and some like tight."
One thing most seem to be into is glitz. "I have mirror dresses too and am seeing the girls go for sparkly, beading and dazzle," said Ceol.
For girls who need help affording a prom dress, Project Self-Sufficiency's offers the "Sister-to-Sister" Prom Shop which has distributed hundreds of elegant, new and gently-used dresses, shoes, wraps and hand bags for area teens.
The "Sister-to-Sister" Prom Shop is operated annually during the months of March and April. Donations must be dry-cleaned and on a hanger. Gowns will be accepted through April, and can be dropped off Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Girls wishing to take advantage of the store must register. The store will be open every Thursday and some Saturdays.