bargains

Many parents these days are experiencing sticker shock over the price of prom gowns. Yes, cheapies are out there, but chances are other belles at the ball will be in the same dress--if yours will even settle for one of those. Here is my suggestion for resolving the problem: Rent.

The demure, debutante-like prom dress is long gone, folks. The look today is a black-tie nude tank that retails for $600. If you don’t want to lay out $600 for a one-night affair, rent it for $75. Or how about a slinky black one-shouldered Donna Karan you could buy for $2,800 but rent for $125?

One Night Affair rents gowns for all kinds of special occasions. Many gowns seen at the Oscars last month were rentals, and for prom dresses there’s a choice of some 1,200 styles--try that kind of selection anywhere else. But it’s the quality and the price that convince me this is the way to go.

Rentals run from $55 to $175. A red chiffon cocktail dress with light beadwork by Niteline rents for $55 but if you bought it, you’d pay $400. At the top of the line is a Gianni Versace cocktail dress, fully beaded with Swarovski crystals and a retail price of $3,400. Anyone reading this column wouldn’t lay out that kind of cash for a prom dress. But to keep a starry-eyed teenager happy, the $175 rental charge might be OK.

Alterations for rental gowns take a special talent, and three specialists are on premises. The average cost of alterations is $5 to $15. Rental fees are based on a Friday-night pickup and a Tuesday return.

ONE NIGHT AFFAIR, 2370 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-7808. By appointment.

WEEKEND SUPER SALES: At a clearance sale that starts today at Past Perfect, you can deduct another 10% off anything on the racks (including items already marked 75% off) and the store will pay whatever sales tax applies. This is one of the Valley’s best resale stores, and bargain shoppers turn up here regularly.

PAST PERFECT, 12616 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 760-8872.