Prom Spot - Donate Your Prom Dress

Come on -- we all know the odds that you'll wear your prom dress again are pretty slim. So why not donate your dress and give another prom-goer the chance to wow in your gorgeous gown? Still need some convincing? Check out personal shopper Camille Ashbaugh's story for a little inspiration.

Camille's Story
During one of my first days at the Ruby Room (a nonprofit organization that provides teenagers with formal gowns), I was still learning and watching other personal shoppers to make sure I didn't mess anything up. A girl came in with her mother, and both looked quite skeptical. A personal shopper walked them around the boutique and the girl chose a few dresses, but that still didn't erase the disappointed look on her face. Her mom sat nervously as her daughter went into the dressing room. After hearing some zipping and rustling fabric, she came out of the dressing room and stood in front of the mirror. She looked up from her iridescent purple gown and was glowing. I'd never seen a smile so radiant. Her mom immediately began crying and saying, "My little girl looks so beautiful...so beautiful." I came back to be a personal shopper volunteer in the boutique nearly every Saturday after that.

Camille's Shopping Tips for Finding a Free Prom Dress:

Have an open mind. Hey, you may not find the dress of your dreams, but you'll find something that makes you look and feel amazing.
Don't expect to wear the exact same size you wear in regular stores because many donated dresses have already been altered. If you find something you love that's not in your size, definitely try it on.
If a dress is ripped or has a minor fit issue, don't disregard it. Often it's a quick, inexpensive (sometimes free) fix for the store's seamstress.
Be positive and have fun! What you get out of an experience is what you put into it.

For more information on the Ruby Room, check out RubyRoomSeattle.org.

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--Heather Levine