BY KATIE LAMONT, East Lake High

With prom comes stress, but you can save yourself from a few stomach knots if you do a little work on the front end, before you walk through the door of the dress or tuxedo shop.

To get the low-down on stress-free prom shopping, tb-two* talked with Toni Positano, owner of Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique, a glittering and family-run shop in Palm Harbor that specializes in outfitting customers for prom and homecoming dresses and tuxedos (tuxes are for sale or rent). Here are five tips from Positano to help make the experience as delightful as you hope your prom will be.

1. Do some research. Sometimes the diversity of dresses or tux styles can be so overwhelming that you won’t know where to start. Before you go, check online for style ideas and color combinations.

2. But, you don’t know until you try it on. While you may want coral and coral only, it’s important to stay open-minded. Not every color and style works for every body! When in doubt, try it out.
3. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be leery of online shopping. You may think you’re getting a Sherri Hill gown but the reality? It could be fake and poorly made, and they’ll charge you designer price anyway! Or, as tb-two* has heard, some sites may take a really long time to fulfill the order, enough to make the nailbiting begin. If you shop online, know the company’s background — is there a local brick and mortar store?

4. Your price is right. Be realistic when budgeting. Many new gowns can cost upward of $200. Check to see if, like Nikki’s, your store offers layaway to make payments easier.

5. Size does matter! If you live in your gym attire, you’re probably clueless as to whether you’re a 4 or a 6. Have an idea of what size you usually wear before you come in, because guessing can only make the experience take longer and add to the frustration. Check the tags on some non-sweatshirt items in your closet. That said, dresses can run smaller or larger, depending on style. (You might be able to wear a 10 in a strapless gown but a 12 in one with sleeves, because of the shoulder fit.)

Want to shop?

Nikki’s Glitz & Glam Boutique
34246 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor
(727) 785-3399
nikkisglitzandglamboutique.com