Prom-O-Rama offers a preview of the big day
Prom season is just around the corner.
Boys are frantically trying to figure out clever ways to ask for a date. Girls are flirtatious and overly friendly in hopes of having the opportunity to go the annual event.
Parents are putting money aside to cover the cost of the tickets, the tuxedos, the dress, hair and makeup.
Even before being asked, girls pore over teen magazines to see what prom looks are out there.
No one is keeping a closer eye on prom fashion that Mary Marconi-Popiel. As the owner of Special Occasions On the Avenue, she keeps tab on all the fashion trends, making frequent trips to New York to keep abreast of everything in the business.
Her shop specializes in day and evening wear along with some fabulous accessories to make the look complete. Since she took over the business a couple of years ago, the shop has been filled with one-of-a-kind dresses in a variety of price ranges.
"To be honest, I had personally forgotten about prom and then by nature of my business, I was thrown into the middle of it," she said.
As the girls started coming to the shop, Marconi-Popiel began to realize how important the event was.
"Some girls dream about going to the prom," she said. "They want to look special, and I thought it might be easier if we offered a way for them to see the different looks and the different services that are out there to help them."
Partnering with Batavia Mainstreet, Mary Marconi-Popiel came up with the idea to offer a Prom-O-Rama similar to the Prom Showcase offered by the Batavia High School Student Council a few years ago. She enlisted the help of Batavia businesses that offered prom-related services to create a day that will be fun for all to attend.
Marconi-Popiel is dressing 20 high school models for the event this Saturday. The girls will be able to pick up their dresses and get their hair and makeup done by representatives from Urban Style and Avon.
"At the Prom-o-Rama, everyone can visit with local businesses such as JBL Designs for corsages, Invitations etc. for tux rental Simonetti Studios for photography," she added. "Dancers from the Batavia Academy of dance will do a short presentation and then we will have the style show with over 40 different looks."
What are the hot new trends in prom fashions this year?
"New York is showing a lot of short dresses," Marconi-Popiel said. "But I have found that girls in the Midwest still prefer the long dresses. Prints seem to be big this year. The type of dress is still up to the individual girl's preference. Some girls like a sleek 'red carpet' look and others want to wear ball gowns."
A+DJ will provide the music for the afternoon and Limestone Coffee and Tea will offer refreshments. Videographer Kyle McKenna will be taping the event.
"I have girls coming from all over the Chicagoland area to look for a prom dress," said Marconi-Popiel. "I'd like to let them know that Batavia can be a destination for finding all that they need for the prom."
There will also be a raffle to benefit Suicide Prevention Services with items donated by Batavia businesses.
Don't miss this opportunity to spend some time with your daughter or granddaughter at this fun event this Saturday. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets are free but reservations are encouraged since the space is limited. Call Special Occasions on the Avenue at (630) 406-1515.
If you goWhat: Prom-O-Rama 2010, a showcase of prom-related services and businesses - clothing, florists, photographers, etc.When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6Where: Shannon Hall in the Batavia Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St, BataviaHow much? Free, but call (630) 406-1515 for reservations, or visit specialoccasionsontheavenue.comFalse20001328Batavia High School senior Cassie Roesner tries on a ruffled blue dress at Special Occasions on the Avenue in Batavia in preparation for Saturday's Prom-O-Rama.John Starks | Staff PhotographerFalse