| As another school year comes to a close this spring, | | | | buy second-hand goods. You're also very likely to find |
| most teen girls are focused on prom and looking their | | | | brand new items mixed in with the older treasures. |
| best for this exciting yearly event. What they tend not | | | | Many consignment shops also specialize in pre-owned |
| to realize is that prom can be a great expense for | | | | formal wear. Since most girls only wear their prom |
| parents, who are often expected to pay for | | | | dresses once, chances are the dresses you find will |
| everything from that perfectly styled hairdo to the | | | | be in like-new condition. Why pass up a deal like that? |
| dream dress she's set her heart on. Throughout my | | | | Step 3 - discuss possible alternatives to costly |
| years as president of Wilhelmina Kids & Teens, I've | | | | professional services for nails, hair, and makeup. Offer |
| spoken to so many mothers and daughters about their | | | | to give her an "at-home manicure" with a new bottle |
| experiences with prom planning, and I know just how | | | | of her favorite nail polish. If it's a fancy 'do she's after, |
| frightening the price tag for the night can be. I always | | | | mention that by buying hair products and helping her |
| tell moms that with a little bit of communication and | | | | style her own hair at home, she'll be able to achieve |
| planning, you and your teen can work together to | | | | the same look many times over instead of paying |
| create the ultimate prom night, all while staying within | | | | loads of money for a one-time salon visit. Soft curls |
| the family budget. | | | | pulled back into a loose ponytail makes for a simple |
| Step 1 - Create a "Prom Budget" with your teen. | | | | yet classic prom night look. Perhaps your teen even |
| When she says she needs a new pair of heels, have | | | | feels comfortable doing her own makeup; if not, many |
| her do a bit of research to find the best possible style | | | | department stores offer a "beauty makeover" for |
| at the lowest available price. Sometimes this will mean | | | | free, with the purchase of just one product from the |
| she may not end up with her first choice item, but until | | | | salesclerk (try Elizabeth Arden or Estee Lauder). Call |
| money grows on trees, a bit of compromising is | | | | them up and talk to them about making an |
| essential. The "Prom Budget" is a great start to | | | | appointment. |
| teaching the basics of financial planning and reasonable | | | | Step 4 - Prom night transportation can be a huge |
| spending. | | | | expense, so it's time to discuss ways to save. For just |
| Step 2 - In keeping with the family budget, you and | | | | about all prom-goers, a limo is the undisputed way to |
| your teen should be prepared to bargain hunt in unlikely | | | | go. Tip: Don't rent a limo for the entire evening. You'll |
| places. Ensure that you both keep an open mind while | | | | end up paying mostly for time spent waiting around in |
| the two of you scour the shelves of thrift stores and | | | | parking lots! Instead, consider dropping off your teen |
| consignment shops. These shops are especially great | | | | and her friends at dinner, and then hire a limo take the |
| for finding unique vintage accessories -- you'd be | | | | group from dinner straight to the prom. The larger the |
| surprised at the tons of gorgeous jewels available at | | | | limo the better -- more room means more people to |
| discounted prices! Remember, shopping at | | | | share the bill! |
| second-hand stores doesn't always mean having to | | | | |