[Student Reporters] Low Cost Prom Dresses in Wake of the Economic Downturn

Julia Kim / 11th, Crescenta Valley HS

With the end of the school year looming ahead most seniors have succumbed to terminal stages of senioritis unable to keep their interests in any school related work. They are simply counting the days left in the school year until graduation when they will receive their high school diplomas and toss their graduation caps into the air. Yet one school event that seems to keep the interests of the seniors is the Senior Prom.

A once in a lifetime experience prom is the year-end highlight of high school. Everyone wants to look his or her best for the occasion. Yet with the recent downturn in the economy many will find that they are without the monetary funds to buy the perfect brand name dress or designer suit that will cost a year's worth of allowance. With the dress limousine flowers and dinner to pay for many will exhaust their budget for prom.

"Because of the recession a lot people are looking for cheap limousine services and prom dresses. I'm a little worried because I want to buy a good dress that isn't so expensive but it is really hard to find" said Crescenta Valley High School senior Christine Lee.

However unbeknownst to many there are cheap prom dresses of great quality on sale. Pricey department stores are not the only place to buy quality prom dresses. One of the best ways to shop for prom dresses priced at reasonable prices is online. A couple clicks through the Internet will bring up a batch of choices that will cater to a wide array of tastes.

The most reliable source is eBay the world's largest online auction place. eBay is not only a reliable source for quality dresses but most of the bids start at a low or reasonable price.

"eBay is a great place to shop if you're short on money. I bought a dress on eBay worth $100 for half the price which is a really cheap price. The dresses are of really great quality too" stated Crescenta Valley High School junior Elis Lee.

Searching through the site one will be able to find brand name dresses on wholesale that are half the price of their retail counterparts in department stores. On eBay one will also be able to find "knock offs" of certain brand labels with bids starting at amazingly low prices.

Closetelite.com is a wonderful site for anyone having budget shortages. This site is actually a rental site that leases designer dresses from Dolce & Gabbana Roberto Cavalli Chloe and Versace. The rentals are priced as low as $26 and shipped directly to your house dry-cleaned and ready to wear.

If you are really feeling the pinch then visit donatemydress.org the website of a non profit organization that supplies dresses to individuals with financial troubles. The website lists local dress drive organizations where individuals can receive their dresses.

Prom is the highlight of one's high school years which will be remembered very dearly by everyone who attends. It is your time to shine but do not let financial woes ruin one of your most important high school memories.