In a prior post, I mentioned that searching for and selecting a prom dress is an experience. As seniors, we're heading off to the next stage of our lives in the Fall. In my case, that's college - several hours away from home. I believe that in these last few months of high school, it's important to gather a few more family memories to remember in college. Besides, for me, it's been a fun mother-daughter thing.
The first time I had to find a prom dress, we were very last minute. I had looked through magazines for a while but we had not made an actual excursion. (My family is tragic with regards to online shopping, too. It's stores or bust with us). We headed out to a department store to try and tackle this one. I tried on a bunch of dresses while my mum helped me with zippers and sizes - like grown up dress up. Because it was so late in the prom dress season - last week of April/first week of May - we got it way on sale. We laughed as we pranced out the store with our steal. It was perfect until we got home and my mum realized I did not own a matching pair of shoes. I have size 11 feet. We hunted for DAYS. We were not successful in finding shoes until 2 days before prom - the night before my AP World History exam. That was stressful. The following year, I vowed I was going to take the pair of shoes I now had and find a dress to match.
Last year, I did indeed take my shoes with me. My mum and I decided to look more locally. In the next town over, we explored a variety of consignment shops. In one of them, I found the Cinderella dress every little girl dreams about. It was a pale blue ball gown that fell to just above the ground. It had a stunning, gorgeous, beaded bodice. It would have been perfect but it did not quite fit. Nevertheless, it's proof that consignment shops are worth the time and effort. They are perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind dress because often that gown has been discontinued or is vintage. Later that day, I made my first trip to my now-favourite dress boutique shop: Helen Ainson.
I've been to department stores and consignment shops. I have explored the online options. Nothing beats the boutique store. The ladies at Helen Ainson for example, truly care about you. They make you feel so special. Between my mum and Suzanne and Cynthia, it's the perfect place to feel like a million bucks. I remember my mum's face when I came out of the dressing room in my future Junior Prom dress. She had these tiny dew drop
s in her eyes. Pride emanated from her. It was priceless. We had such a good time.
This year, my mother and I returned to Helen Ainson - with my 10 year old sister in tow. We'd gotten a flyer that they were having a sale so we figured why not? Well, nothing quite tops your sister critiquing your dress fittings. My sister and I had been passing time going through fashion magazines and Seventeen Prom, playing imaginary dress up, critiquing the outfits. She turns up in Helen Ainson and, with Cynthia and Suzanne, picks out all three dresses I eventually actually considered. It was excellent! She was adorable! She had thoughts on everything! She helped me see reason, too. One ballroom style dress I tried on that fit me was absolutely stunning. I was sold. My sister, however, knows me well. I like to dance. She knew immediately that I could not be permitted to go home with that dress. Thank you little sister! The dress I actually did bring home, I wasn't going to try it on at all - my sister told me to: thanks to her, I have an amazing dress to wear in May.
I'm going to college. We're all moving into the next stage of our lives. Prom, like Graduation, celebrates a beginning and an end. Consider going out to look for a dress with your family. Whether you make a purchase or not, you will have one last Dress Up party to remember.
Thank you little sister,
the prom chair
Helen Ainson:
https://sewthatshow.blogspot.com/2011/12/todays-glitz.html?showComment=1540208185507#c2742747239929099654
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