Some Prom Dress Alternatives

Prom is on its way, and that means frantic dress shopping, stress, and...more frantic dress shopping.  Finding just the right dress can be a hair-pulling experience, and any bide to be will tell you, and although others may fully appreciate or understand what you are looking for, when you see the right dress, you will know it, deep in your gut.  Best places to buy prom dresses?
 
Check out BCBG for occasionally affordable but always well-made prom dresses.  This year my favorite from BCBG is the Marley Tiered Taffeta Dress, with layers of white taffeta cascading to the floor.

Marley Tiered Taffeta Dress - $934

Ok, so not every prom queen can drop a thousand dollars on a prom dress - what's a girl to do?  Check out vintage or handmade prom gowns!  After all, prom gowns were traditionally made by the girl who would be wearing the gown (or her mother).  A vintage gown that has been handmade by a former prom girl has so much more meaning and history, and you know that no one else will show up for the dance wearing the same dress as you!  Here are some of my faves from Etsy:

Sweet little pink and white vintage party dress from Kitten Paws Vintage - $64

Stunning gold and black brocade party dress from Thrush Vintage - $320

Poly dress, made to order, by On the Trashy Side - $90

Vintage Belle of the Ball Gown from Poor Jean - $125

Still dont' see the right dress?  Consider phoning grandma and asking if she still has her old prom dress.  What a great way to save some money, and wear a unique, meaningful dress this year!

 - PJ

Introducing 80% Upcycled Frocks at Poor Jean

Upcycled doesn't have to mean lower quality.  For the summer Poor Jean will start carrying dresses, shirts, and skirts made of over 80% upcycled and vintage material with special care and attention to detail.  Each piece created from these materials may be made of 80% upcycled, but they are 100% unique!

I enjoy working with reclaimed material because of the challenge it presents.  Unlike a clean, new bolt of fabric (a blank slate) taking a bed sheet or an old prom dress and turning it into completely new garment is puzzling and sometimes frustrating, but the end product is always interesting and one of a kind.

All the material used for my upcycled clothing has been meticulously checked for defects, thoroughly washed and is guaranteed to be clean and sturdy.  Curious to see what kind of alchemy has been taking place?  Check out my bedsheet frocks below - the first two of many to come!

Upcycled Dandelion Frock, coming soon to Poor Jean. 
This dress is made of 90% upcycled materials, including the lace and buttons.

100% Upcycled Garden Party frock, coming soon to Poor Jean. 
All materials, including the lining, is reclaimed or vintage.

80% Upcycled Garden Party Strapless frock.  Soon to be on sale at Poor Jean.