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With 'prom season' approaching and lots to prepare ahead of the big day for teenagers across the Bailiwick, a charity is helping to ease the financial pressure by holding a sale of evening and occasion wear.
Autism Guernsey has been holding regular fashion shows using new and nearly new clothing for the past few years.
This means the charity has built up a supply of clothes including dresses of all lengths and styles in a variety of sizes - many of which are suitable for proms which have grown in popularity in Guernsey over the last 10 to 20 years.
This Sunday, 14 January, Autism Guernsey is holding a sale at its office in St Martin's where dresses, shoes, costume jewellery, hats and fascinators and handbags will be available.
Office and Fundraising Manager Mandy Rowlinson said as well as prom dresses, a number of the dresses are suitable for weddings, cruises, Burns Night or other social events meaning people of all ages are welcome to come and peruse the sale.
"We have now changed our dress sale to include dresses for proms, cruise, cocktails, balls, wedding attire, including hats and fascinators," she said.
"Last year we went around a lot of the senior schools with a van filled with dresses, shoes and handbags to allow the students to purchase dresses at very reasonable prices. We felt that as times were getting tougher financially and the prom is a one-off event, it is silly to pay £100+ for a dress when they could purchase one from us for £15-£25.
"The girls loved this idea and were fully embracing upcycling, especially since a lot of the dresses still had labels on them."
Pictured: Some of the dresses, shoes and accessories Autism Guernsey has for sale.
The decision for a one day sale emerged from this with Ms Rawlinson explaining how anyone interested will be able to peruse the stock in one place.
"As it was so difficult wheeling rails and rails of dresses, shoes etc in and out of the van for each school in one hour during their lunchtime, we decided it would be easier to hold a one-off event in our offices. The will also be the first time we have decided not to hold a fashion show.
"Dresses range from size 6-22 in short and long lengths and we have something for all age groups. We also have lots of wonderful sparkly shoes, handbags, hats and fascinators.
"The event is open to anyone who just fancies popping by and having a look between 10:00 and 16:00. We have a changing room if anybody wants to try a dress on!"
The one day sale is this Sunday, 14 January at Autism Guernsey's office on La Grande Rue in St Martin's, in front of Matalan.
Parking is behind Matalan in the gravelled car park and the entrance is at the side of Matalan up the rear staircase. There will be signs directing people.
All items have been donated, with Matalan providing a large selection of underwear including bras and crop tops in sizes for teenagers and young people.
Cash and card will be accepted for payment with all money raised going towards services provided by Autism Guernsey.
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