Things You'll Need:
- Transportation
- Computer to shop online
- Money
- Full-length mirror
- Clothes rack
- Sewing machine
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Step 1
I recently read an article where someone asked why Tyra Banks sometimes looks like she is wearing thrift store clothing. The answer was because she does wear thrift store clothing on her show. It seems she loves to shop at thrift stores and I think it had to do with green living. Thrift stores are an excellent place to find a gown for the inaugural ball. The thrift stores that I shop at have already placed a rack in the front of the store with a sign that says "Inaugural Ball Gowns."
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Step 2
Upscale consignment shops are another great place to find a gown for an inaugural ball or gala event. If possible shop at a consignment shop in an affluent area of town you might have get a better selection of designer gowns.
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Step 3
Discount department stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross have great deals on designer clothing. You may even find a dress that has been reduced lower than the discount price.
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Step 4
You might be able to borrow an inaugural gown. Do you have friends or family member who wear the same size as you do? Maybe they have a gown hanging in their closet that they wore once or have never worn. I have 5 or 6 party dresses (in different sizes) still with the tags on them, but I don't have any gowns. Ask around, you never know.
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Step 5
You can hold a gown swap, but you have to do it very soon. Invite your friends and family and they can also invite their friends and family and so on. Have everyone bring one or more gowns. You can set up a couple of full-length mirrors and clothes racks in your family room or basement and everyone can shop from the racks. Serve light refreshments and have fun trying on the different dresses. A friend just might bring a dress from her closet that you have had your eye on. While you are at it have everyone bring shoes too and save even more money.
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Step 6
There are some beautiful brand new gowns listed on Amazon.com for less than $100.00. Check out the resources below. You can find just about anything you want at Amazon.
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Step 7
You can also check the sales rack at Macy's Lord and Taylors, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. I've heard about good deals at those stores.
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Step 8
If you have a sewing machine and you have experience sewing you can make your inaugural gown. I just bought a new sewing machine but my experience dates back to junior high school so this would not be an option for me. ;-)
Comments
hradcliffe said
on 9/27/2009 Great idea on buying an inaugural ball gown on a budget. It applies to any really formal dress. 5*
hazelknows said
on 1/11/2009 Wow this is strange I was just about to write an article really similar to this when I saw your friend request and pulled up your profile.and there this article was Talk about a small world. You beat me to it good article and pictures!