March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Look Like A Million Dollars Without Spending It:

I had three black-tie galas to attend in the last month. Two major hospital galas, and one County Government black tie affair.

I had several black formal dresses in my closet, but none of them really called out to me.  It had been a while since I had attended a black tie/long gown gala, and I was in the mood for color.

But the last thing I wanted to do was to search for three dresses to buy. I did not have the time to search, nor did I really want to spend between $2,000 to $3,000 or more plus alterations, which I did not have time to do either. And, I was not going to break the cardinal rule of wearing the same gown to all events. God forbid I see someone at one gala, wearing the same dress as I wore at the other galas!

Driving down Sepulveda Boulevard about a month ago, I noticed a small space with a sign that read “One Night Affair.”

It was that place that rented gowns for the evening! A couple of my friends frequented the place, and always looked amazing at every function they attended. Maybe I should check it out.  

A few days later, I called, and made an appointment to view their gowns.  

OMG! I felt like I had gone to evening gown heaven. There was every color, style, and size imaginable. I recognized a dress that got Nicole Kidman on the best-dressed list at the Academy Awards several years ago. Awesome! I began to dig in.

I tried on at least 20 dresses. One of the galas was a 1920s theme. I chose a slate-blue beaded sleeveless gown that was altered to perfection for that event. The second one I chose was a turquoise beaded gown, with thin straps and a plunging neckline. Pretty and slightly sexy, the turquoise blue made me feel instantly happy. Again, a perfect fit with their alterations department on the case. The third one was a flowing red satin gown with beading along the décolletage. Understated and elegant, but red! If I were to buy all of them, it would cost me about $750 a piece. I rented them for $150 each.  

One Night Affair opened its doors in 1986. Owner Sharon Gilchrist realized that men had been renting tuxedos for every event, so why not have women rent high-priced designer gowns for an evening at a fraction of the cost? They house more than 1,500 wedding gowns, 1,200 evening gowns, hundreds of bridesmaids styles, and a collection of short cocktail dresses, complimented by a full line of accessories. According to their website, recently One Night Affair dressed more than 600 women for the Academy Awards.

What a find! What stopped me from going there was my height. I never thought they would be able to fit a short, curvy gal like me. What makes all the difference in the world when you wear a dress is the fit, and of course the cost.

Thanks, One Night Affair! One night turned into three!

Hot Flash Universe is the go-to source for women over 40 seeking insight into the hottest, most current trends, products, and issues. Topics are approached with candor, intellect, and a healthy dose of humor.

Barbara Bishop is President of Santa Monica-based BBPR, Inc. For comments or suggestions, email Barbara.bishop@bbprinc.com.

in News
Related Posts

Customers at These Palisades Stores Can Get Cash Rewards for Sharing Their Experience

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Thumzup is Starting its L.A. Footprint Expansion with Pacific Palisades Thumzup, a company which aims to democratize the social media...

Homeless Man Sentenced to State Prison for Crimes Against Homeless Women

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Man Pleads No Contest to Series of Sexual Assaults Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, has pled no contest to a series...

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....