PROM 2011: Top Spots To Find Your Dress
Ahhh, prom: the hair, the nails, the make-up, the date...and most importantly, the dress! Find your perfect gown or frock with the help of our Philadelphia guide to the top prom dress shops. -Chelsea Karnash
BOUTIQUES & SPECIALTY STORES
DressGoddess
800-337-7766
www.dressgoddess.com
Got an extra $14,000 to spend on a prom dress? This online-only retailer (started by the owner of Philadelphia-based Golden Asp, see below) offers what is arguably "the most expensive prom dress in the world." The gown features diamonds--yes, diamonds!--hand-sewn all over the bodice and skirt...and a price tag of $13,997.
Looking for something more reasonable? We thought so. DressGoddess also has tons of more affordable options, including a practically identical version of the diamond dress that sells for 1/3 of the price.
Golden Asp
2438 Pasqualone Ave.
Bensalem, Pa. 19020
215-752-4990
www.goldenaspprom.com
The reviews for this store in Bensalem are…golden. They carry sizes 0-28 and do not require an appointment. Additionally, the store will put your specific dress on a "registry" with the name of your high school, so that you don't show up in the same dress as that annoying junior.
Ideal Fashions
483 N. White Horse Pike
Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-561-2712
3180 Glassboro Cross Keys Rd.
Glassboro, NJ 08028
856-243-5172
4110 Landis Ave.
Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
609-486-6328
With three locations, a huge inventory and a dress selection in sizes that run the gamut from 00-32, you're bound to find the dress you're looking for at Ideal Fashions. Call 1-800-753-4544 ahead of time to find out if your dream dress is in stock.
Kimberly Boutique
123 S. 16th St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19102
215-564-1066
www.kimberlyboutique.com
It must be said: Kimberly is a splurge. Located just off of Rittenhouse Square, the well-edited store doesn't have a huge prom inventory, but what they do carry is impressive. If money is no obstacle and you're looking for a designer dress, this small store is worth a look.
Marlene's Dress Shoppe
710 Haddon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ
856-858-4777
www.marlenesdresshop.com
Mother-and-daughter team Marlene and Gina run this store, along with a full-service salon across the street. They offer top prom designers and a variety of dress styles. Visit their website for a coupon for 10% off the price of your dress.
Occasions Boutique
30 E. King St.
Malvern, Pa. 19355
610-296-0442
www.occasions-boutique.com
Occasions offers a large selection of dresses, plus attentive staff and a comfy boutique setting. Check their website frequently for trunk shows.
Phuong's Tailor and Fabrics
818 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19147
215-551-6704
Crafty girls looking to make their own dress will be in love with the fabric selection here, and those looking for a custom-made dress need look no further: Phuong's is capable of whipping up practically any design you can think of.
Verenique Plus Size Boutique
710 Haddon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
856-869-9779
www.vereniqueplussize.com
Former plus-size model Carol Girardi runs this store, which offers a wide variety of plus-size clothing—and a large selection of prom gowns—in sizes 14W and 1X to 32W and 7X.
DEPARTMENT STORES & NATIONAL RETAILERS
Macy's
BCBG
Nicole Miller
Bloomingdale's
Lord & Taylor
Daffy's
H&M
J.Crew
JC Penney
Jessica McClintock
VINTAGE, CONSIGNMENT & THRIFT STORES
Astro Vintage
720 S. 5th St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19147
215-922-0483
www.astrovintage.com
Philly fashionistas know that Astro Vintage is one of the best. Though a little pricier than other area outposts, owner Karin gets glowing reviews for everything from her merchandise selection and displays to her warm personality.
Philadelphia Vintage
2052 Locust St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
215-834-3733
Philadelphia Vintage is praised for its prices, merchandise and its cute brownstone location. Owner Jen is both friendly and knowledgeable, and she stocks from Chanel on down.
Reverie
205 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19123
215-769-2302
www.reverievintage.com
Treasure-hunters look no further: Reverie is chock-full of fun stuff to sift through. And reasonably priced.
Second Time Around
1728 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19123
215-988-9903
www.secondtimearound.net
"Resale goes upscale" is their motto, and that's about right. The store, located just off Rittenhouse Square, sells high-end and "better" brand designers, but they also have a sale room--of items under $20!--that's worth a peek.
Wilbur Vintage & Designer Clothing
716 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19147
215-413-5809
www.wilburvintage.blogspot.com
With reasonable prices and hand-selected inventory, Wilbur is a great place to start the hunt for a unique prom dress.
OUTLET MALLS
Philadelphia Premium Outlets
18 W. Lightcap Rd.
Limerick, Pa. 19464
610-495-9000
www.premiumoutlets.com/philadelphia/
From BCBG and Neiman Marcus to Charlotte Russe and a soon-to-be-open Forever 21, the Limerick outlets have tons of stores with beautiful dresses for bargainistas.
Franklin Mills Mall
1455 Franklin Mills Cir.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19154
215-632-1500
www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=1245
Franklin Mills also has a Neiman Marcus Last Call, plus a Saks Off 5th, JC Penney and BCBG, and bargains abound.
Reported by Hadas Kuznits, KYW Newsradio
