How to look fab at formal (Without spending thousands)
A GOLD Coast mum is on a crusade to ensure parents don’t have to shell out thousands for teenage school formals.
Lisa Baker, whose 17-yearold daughter Tahlia has just had her St Hilda’s year 12 formal, knows what it’s like to spend thousands.
She said the experience had inspired her to open a designer boutique, where gowns could be hired for less than $200.
“Don’t tell the husband is always the rule at formal time,” Ms Baker said.
“It's a big deal for these kids, and no matter what background they come from, they want a stunning gown.
“There are so many girls I know that are spending thousands
IT'S A BIG DEAL FOR THESE KIDS, AND NO MATTER WHAT BACKGROUND THEY COME FROM, THEY WANT A STUNNING GOWN
LISA BAKER
on their formal dresses, and those who don’t want to shell out that kind of cash spend hours on end trying to find something cheap.”
Ms Baker said she was so fed up with prices and the lack of choice that she decided to open ‘The Formal Gallery’.
“I have worked in high-end fashion in London for 16 years, I am hoping to get gowns from New York, London and Sydney.
“I will be renting gowns out for only $100-$180, saving parents hundreds.”
Her daughter Tahlia’s dress retailed at $600, a price that is considered a steal in formal circles.
Her shoes, accessories and clutch combined was $230, while hair, fake tan and makeup cost another $225 and formal tickets were $300 for her and her partner
Tahlia said girls wanted to look glamorous, no matter the cost.
“It’s something you will re-
HAIR, MAKEUP AND TAN SHOES, CLUTCH AND EARRINGS DRESS
member for the life,” she said.
Tanya Wang, owner of Dress-U-Up-Formal at Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre said her dresses cost anywhere from $50 to $1000, but her average customer spent under $300.
“I heard one of my customers mention that she paid $800 for a dress for her daughter’s rest of your
FORMAL TICKETS
formal that she will never wear again,” she said.
“Years ago girls borrowed a dress, or someone they knew made them one - now it’s big business.
“Some year 12 girls would ask their parents to pay $1000 for a dress.
“I like to stock affordable dresses so girls can still look beautiful on a budget.”