Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Three Black Dresses

 Last year, we spent a small fortune on the matching dress selected by majority for Vocal Jazz for DD2. Even with a 40% off coupon, it came to $119 from Macy's. This dress was a compromise from the favorite dress that was nearly $200. It was pretty and they looked lovely- for the two concerts the dress was worn. This year, the majority decided to get matching shoes, but each would select their own  just over the knee length black dress. When DD2 went shopping for shoes, two girls wanted $70 numbers. Fortunately DD2 and her friend H pushed for common sense and found equally nice shoes for $30 at JC Penney's. This is where mom code needs to step in. There was no reason for $119 dresses, and no reason for $70 shoes. While I like the fact the kids take charge of their ensembles, some kids have no concept of money, no consideration that there is not a blank check for life. 

DD2 is small, but like her mom, more endowed in the bust. Black dresses were hard to come by in the stores that were the right length, and cut in a way that they weren't overly exposing herself. Because she is so tiny, but needs room on top, so many dresses looked like sacks. We took to the internet where there are tons of options. We weren't sure if small or extra small was best so ordered three, one extra small on clearance, last one, and two in small. Because cuts were slightly different, all three worked! At sale prices of $42, $37, and $32, free shipping and returns, plus Kohls cash, it was a painless process. I'll end up with $10 in Kohls cash once I take two dresses back today. She chose the $37, and the style will be one she can get years of wear out of, the shoes potentially as well. Still not cheap at $67, but loads better than last years dress cost, which will hang in her closet unless some other tiny person decides they can get some use out of it. Here's the dress-it is longer on her because of her height compared to the model, going just past her knees, so the perfect length. It looks lovely with the shoes and I'll get a full picture at her concert next week.  
The expenses for her keep wracking up, but I'm proud of her having a level head about things financial. Now, she needs to figure out how to walk across the stage in these. 

8 comments:

  1. EE gads, that was outrageous! I blame the choir director. What was the director thinking allowing that last year? I can't imagine our high school's choir director allowing such outrageous expenses, particularly on top of the other fees that are not flexible, such as travel costs, entrance fees, etc. Did he/she not realize what a stretch this might be for some members, or is his goal to limit participation in this group to those of a certain economic standard? Teachers are there to teach students, and that should not be limited to just teaching their subject of expertise. This would have been a perfect time to teach the members a quick lesson on personal finance. If it were me, I would have had a lot to say last year to the director about this. I doubt I would have been the only one feeling this way. Besides, even if nothing changed, at least MY student and the director would have known that I did not give tacit approval to this absurd expense.
    That said, the dress you show is pretty! I am sure she will be lovely. Not sure why the director isn't requesting character shoes, though--they'd serve a variety of functions.

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    1. This is Vocal Jazz, so not the show choir-no traveling and no entrance fees and no dancing. They generally perform in between the school concert choirs, and at a few special event sin the community. the reason only worn twice last year is that the dresses were late arriving for a couple of the girls so they didn't wear first concert, and then the April Night of Jazz was cancelled due to a mid April snow storm and not rescheduled. She wears character shoes for show choir. It has just been a tradition for vocal jazz to each year select their unique look. I think the fact that the dresses are all black this year was a response to the cost last year.

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  2. I take dresses to sell to a shop in town. I never leave for consignment because things get ruined. You will not get much for things. What are character shoes? I like that dress. It is modest without being too prim.

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    1. Character shoes are a standard high heeled flexible sole shoe for dancing. I could try and resell, but won't untl after her graduation party.

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  3. I'm glad this year is so much more affordable than last year! The dress is cute, and I really like the shoes.:-)

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    1. They are pretty and the group looks very polished when all together.

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  4. I think the idea of each female buying their own black dress is a great idea, especially since one style does not fit every single body type. The shoes are very cute. Kudos to those who have the ability to nod to fashion with reasonable costs.

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    1. The guys will wear red bow ties-they will look slick! I'm excited for Monday night, the first concert.

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