The Belle of the Ball: To Be or Not to Be

Have you always had a princess fantasy? Did you dream of dressing up in a sparkling dress with layers upon layers of tulle and chiffon? Did your imagination have you surrounded by a court of maids preparing your stunning frock? Followed by being surrounded by a court of suitors waiting to carry you away on their white horses?
Maybe your fantasy didn't take you that far, but still many girls dream of wearing a billowing ballgown for their special event, be it prom, wedding or even a military ball. After all, what's more handsome than a soldier in his dress uniform with his stunning wife in her elegant ballgown.
Often, a bride envisions herself floating down the aisle with hoops of white skirt surrounding her, trailing a train that glides along behind her and her distinguished father. At her reception, she spins around the dance floor with her newly minted husband, all eyes captured by her beauty, turning misty at the dreamy atmosphere of the perfect evening.
Of course, when we work with our young Latinas preparing for their quinceañera, the special 15th birthday party, we understand that the bigger and frillier the ballgown the better. These gowns reach billowing proportions that most girls never even imagine. All variations of ruffles and floral designs in the layers of chiffon also grow in popularity.
What has continued to amaze us each year are the number of prom girls who long for the poofy, but not too poofy, ballgown to fulfill their own childhood fantasies.
Ballgowns have followed many of the trends over the past few years, now featuring the illusion shoulders or the off-shoulder sleeves. Some also feature long sleeves sparkling with the beading of the bodice.
Another change many parents are relieved to see is the old wire boning in the hoop petticoats has evolved into the plastic materials that allow the skirts to swirl while dancing but collapse when sitting, eliminating that fear of the skirt flying up and exposing the garments beneath.
What would be your fantasy dress? Come share your vision and we'll see how we can make it a reality.