Prom ’08 Shopping Secrets

‘Tis the season for prom gown shopping – the girls are hitting the streets in search of their dream dresses and we are smack in the middle of the busiest months for it.

“The hunt is on for the perfect prom dress,” says Daphne Spencer, fashion designer and owner of A Touch of Class.

To avoid the horror of showing up at prom in the same dress as someone else, shop in the ByWard Market, where specialty items and unique fashions reign.

“The emphasis this year is on the low back,” says Spencer, “it seems the lower the back, the better the dress!”

This season, longer dresses are the popular choice among the graduating ladies. Other trends include strapless and halter necks as well as pastel colours. Also popular are minimal beading and dresses that flow.

“Every year the style changes,” says Ayshe Sulu of Ilkiz. “It depends on what the celebrities are wearing.”

If you are looking for fashion accessories, several shops in the Market offer a variety of gems and jewels you can mix and match to perfect your look. Sassy Bead and Frou Frou offer a different shopping experience where you can piece together your own creations to suit your style. Venus is a treasure chest full of specialty items from tiaras to toe rings. Masala, Jade, and Kulu Trading also feature fantastic compliments to complete your ensemble.

To top off the prom shopping spree, corsages and boutonnières can be selected to match your gowns and tuxes at More Flowers or Tivoli Florist.