Renting Can Cut Cost for Prom Dresses

Judging from the urgent requests that have come across the desk lately, there are three items that many bargain shoppers are seeking right now: prom dresses, outdoor lighting and ceiling fans.

I’ve written about One Night Affair in the past for wedding attire and formal affairs, but never touched on prom dresses. If ever there is a “wear it only once” occasion, this is it, so rental seems like the best approach. Jeff Gates, owner of One Night Affair, tells me that many prom goers want the gowns they saw stars wearing at the Oscars. Obviously these carry high price tags to buy, but renting can be more affordable.

Starting at the top is a $2,200 Vera Wang, one of those most requested, for a prom night rental of $175. Bob Mackie, Oleg Cassini, Versace and other top designers fall into the same general price bracket. But many others rent for $45 to $100; a $350 dress by Tadashi is $45 and a Nightline design that retails for $400-$500 is $100. Sizes go from 2 to 30. One Night Affair, 2370 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. Call for appointment at (310) 453-7782.

For friends in Orange County, there’s a location in Westminster, (714) 375-2200.

For outdoor lighting and ceiling fans, there are some excellent bargains at Lighting Liquidators in Glendale. Ceiling fans range in price from $39 to $159, all with a 10-year warranty. One Emerson fan (these motors are considered the best in the industry and are used in the heavily advertised Casablanca fans), that sells elsewhere for $369 is $119 here. There are many models to choose from and a good selection of glass light shades to customize the look.

I found some terrific deals in outdoor lighting here, particularly some 20-inch-high coach lamps that one major lighting chain sells on sale at $99.95, but are marked $29.95 at this bargain source. Lighting Liquidators just may be the best source for quality lamps (check out the large selection of Tiffany styles) and lighting fixtures in the L.A. area. Lighting Liquidators, 561 W. Colorado St., Glendale. (818) 545-0470. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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Weekend Super Sale: One day each month, Second Nature, a manufacturer of silk flowers and plants, sells at wholesale prices to the public. Saturday is the day. If you want an arrangement, bring the container and, time allowing, the staff will put one together for you. Or you can select the colors and do it yourself. Second Nature, 1206-10 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank. (818) 545-0470.