I know that you requested website information, but I felt I should share with you a location where I found the dress I plan to wear for our upcoming cruise. I got it at David's Bridal, which when I was looking for a wedding gown a few years ago I despised the place.
I'm in my mid thirties so the prom dress look doesn't work. Plus, I am a full-figured gal and short so I have a hard time finding anything that fits me well. I, like you, have things that would work for the formal evening, but, hey, can't a girl get something new?
I knew that David's has a clearance rack and if you can keep tabs on it you might find something between now and your cruise date. I happen to get lucky and found something on the first visit. I found a $130 gown for $19.99 and it doesn't look like a bride or as my sister with me said about some - a grandma dress. It is shatung silk, merlot in color (deep red with hints of black when the light hits it) with a straight skirt (slit in back for easier walking) and a modest tank style top with princess seams. The top is attached to the skirt with an underlining. Yes, I will have to alter it in length and for once in my life I'll have to take in the bust. The cost of these alterations (done by the seamstress who sewed my wedding dress) will be inexpensive and still keep the total cost for the gown under $50. I hate to shell out a ton of money on a dress that I might wear once or twice, but the nice thing about the one I found is that the style is fairly classic so I can hang on to it for many years.
The best advice for finding a formal at a reasonable price is to keep searching the clearance and sale racks at your local shops such as Famous Barr, Dillards, bridal shops, etc. If they are in a mall or an area which you frequently go, stop by and have a look from time to time. You might find something like I did or at least you can keep your eye on a gown you really like to see if it makes its way to the reduced price rack.
Laura ºoº
