Swampscott girls help play Fairy Godmother with Dress Drive

SWAMPSCOTT – It must reflect its wearer’s personality, showcase her best features, perfectly match her shoes and accessories and, most importantly, not be worn by anybody else.No wonder a prom dress costs around $350. But you better enjoy your evening, because according to the unofficial rules of fashion, it can also only be worn once.”You feel bad,” said Swampscott High School sophomore Alexa Steriti. “No matter how pretty it is, it’s afterwards just hanging in your closet.”So Steriti and her friends, Alyse Lavoie and Marina Roberts, are organizing a “dress drive” to collect new or slightly worn gowns, accessories, hosiery, jewelry, and other items from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 at Periwinkles Food Shoppe in Vinnin Square.They will donate all items to the nonprofit North Shore Fairy Godmother Project, which provides dresses and other items for girls who cannot afford to go to the prom.Stariti said she was inspired by her own efforts to find a new or borrowed dress to wear to her boyfriend’s prom on Tuesday.While researching her options, she learned about the Fairy Godmother Project. She also learned that from the circuit of formal dances, bar and bat mitzvahs, and hand-me-downs, her friends had plenty of options for her to wear.She and her friends also realized that they were extremely lucky to have these wardrobe options, and the support of parents who would help pay for other aspects of the evening.The girls estimated that tickets cost $150. Hair, makeup, and a manicure and pedicure cost $50 apiece and require reservations. Throw in brow waxing, tanning, and flowers for $25. Who knows what accessories will add up to. Hopefully the date helps out with pictures.”I had no idea it was that expensive,” said Lavoie, on reviewing her bill from the junior prom she attended.”We feel lucky, our parents paid for some things,” Steriti said. “Some girls pay for the whole thing.”And that is hard to think about while looking at a beautiful dress that will never leave your closet again.Prom is also, at least to these teenagers, still very much a big deal.Finding a date who is a romantic interest remains governed by a code understood only by highschoolers. “Going as friends” can become a group affair . After-parties and transportation are now organized by the school, but girls are left to their own devices to secure appointments at the salon. Plus there’s the nostalgia.”It’s kind of your last night to hang out with your friends you’ve had since kindergarten and look your best,” said Steriti.Yet, there’s also a sense of guilt about the extravagance.”At the end of the day, it’s way too much” money,” acknowledged Roberts. Knowing that another girl could wear the dress and have fun,”it makes you feel better.””Dress Drive” will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 at Periwinkles Food Shoppe in Vinnin Square. Drop off gowns, purses, shoes, jewelry and accessories that are clean and in good condition during those times. New and unopened makeup and gift certificates for services will also be accepted. For more information, call 781-910-9441 or 978-595-8595 or email [email protected] or [email protected].