CRANFORD, NJ — Prom season is an exhilarating time of year, especially for high school girls, as they search to find the perfect dress, shoes, and accessories to wear to this special event. Not all girls are privileged enough to afford these expensive items. There is no reason to miss one of the most memorable high school experiences with the Glass Slipper Boutique, a formal wear sale at the Jumble Store, a thrift store located in Cranford.
The Jumble Store is owned by the Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield. All income is used to help families in crisis in Union County. The Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield is an all-women organization with a focus on promoting volunteerism, empowering women and improving communities. The store is run by volunteers. Donna Laterza is the president and Alison Lampert and Jane Jacobs are co-chairs.
“We are very excited about the upcoming Glass Slipper Boutique. It gives us a chance to play fairy godmother,” said Laterza. “It’s fun to watch the girls come in and try on the dresses. It also gives young women a chance to purchase formal wear at an affordable price.”
When spring cleaning this year, going through semi-new formal wear might free up some closet space and make a valuable donation to the Glass Slipper Boutique. The store welcomes lightly worn, cleaned and laundered dresses. They are also accepting shoes, jewelry and handbags. The store is encouraging donations for prom wear now until March 21. There will be tax deductions for the street value of any dresses donated.
Prom gowns are sold at a serious discount, making it possible for girls throughout Union County to find affordable dresses. These gowns can also be worn as bridesmaid dresses, or to other formal events such as weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs. In addition to the dresses, there is also a large selection of shoes, jewelry, and accessories. The store’s hours of operation are Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The boutique has been very successful for the past few years, with many girls coming in for prom shopping.
“We’ve had girls from all over Union County come to the Jumble Store for their prom dresses during the past few years,” said Laterza.
The Glass Slipper Boutique’s preview night will take place this year on Friday, April 1, from 7 to 9 p.m., and all day Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The boutique will remain open until June 1.
The Jumble Store is the main fundraiser for the Junior League, and they are proud of the store’s Facebook page, which highlights some of the store’s events and inventory. The Glass Slipper Boutique is just one of the many fundraisers that support the association.