I don't have a perfect figure. And honestly, I'm yet to meet a woman who is 100% happy with her body. There's always something we're trying to lengthen, hide, smooth or reduce. And for me, I'd like to do all four (and then some). So, when I realised my upcoming high school reunion required a cocktail dress, I did the obligatory freak out and grumpily declared "I'm not going!"
Enter the Fairy Godmother of fashion.
Cinderella Bridal & Evening Dress on King William Road is a small corner shop which houses a vast range of beautiful wedding and evening dresses. What makes Cinderella so different to other dress stores in Adelaide is the service, the custom-made styling and the price.
Juliana is a softly spoken woman who goes above and beyond your expectations. When I came to her in a fluster, wanting "something black (I think)-pleated-50s-flowy-chiffony-longish-shortish-I don't know" she just smiled, took my measurements and said "no problem." She took the three week deadline gracefully and made my dress within two. And it's perfect. I mean, perfect.
Juliana adds such a personal touch to her customer service that you leave feeling like you've made a new friend. And you want to have everything made by her in the future because nothing bought off the rack will come close to fitting you so well.
Dresses at Cinderella are made to fit you and to suit you. You can add/remove sleeves, shorten or lengthen the hem, add beading or lace, remove pleats - whatever your wish, Juliana waves her needle and thread and gets to work on making it come true.
Such care is put into every individual request that the dresses are works of art, with the most exquisite, intricate detailing on each.
And no, you won't have to feel guilty about the cost. On my first appointment at Cinderella I watched a bride-to-be try on dresses with her bridesmaids. They couldn't believe that the $2,500 dress they liked off the rack (which was breathtaking) could be altered in every which way they chose, and would still be only $2,500. And, would be ready in the three months they needed it (and likely, earlier).
And my cocktail dress is something I will wear again and again. It is an elegant, classic black affair with a fully pleated skirt, tulle, silk, chiffon, an adorable bow and even a bolero for when it's cold. And it cost $450, and was made in two weeks. I could shop for two weeks, spend twice that amount and still not be entirely happy with my outfit.
If you need a dress for a wedding, a year 12 formal, a cocktail event or just for that special feeling you get from really being comfortable with yourself and what you look like, pay a visit to Cinderella Bridal & Evening Dress. It might be clichéd but you really will feel like a princess.
