BasehorInfo.com

If there's pizza, they will come.

At least that's what Dawn Fuentez, owner of Timeless Formals, is hoping.

Basehor-Linwood High School's prom is only about three weeks away and time is ticking when it comes to picking out dresses and ordering tuxes, so Fuentez decided to offer a little extra incentive for students to shop for prom essentials at her store.

Students and their dates can stop by Timeless Formals, 15510 State Avenue, Suite 6B, from 1 to 3 p.m. the next two Sundays, April 13 and 20, and snack on free pizza while browsing for the perfect dress or tux.

"On Sundays we've been open, but nobody knows were open," Fuentez said. "The next two weeks will just be for them to get together with friends and eat some pizza while getting measured."

The store is largely consignment dresses. Fuentez said some of the gowns have never been worn or have been worn once for a couple of hours for a special occasion. They are picky about what they accept, she said, and will only go for gently used garments. Dresses are priced at $30 and up.

"We're getting even more particular about what we take in now that we see what people are wanting," she said.

The young men who stop in for a look will have the convenience of browsing through a large book of tux selections from Jim's Formal Wear. After they decide what they want, they will be measured and the order can be placed that day to ensure availability.

"We will know the day of if their tux is not available because of other proms," Fuentez said. "But Basehor's is on a good day because not many schools are going into May."

According to Fuentez, the selection is excellent and there is no color that cannot be matched. And, the price is right as well.

"Tuxes run from $59 to $109 and, from what I understand, that is a pretty reasonable price," she said.

To make it a one-stop shop, Fuentez also invited another local business, Connie's Floral, to the event to allow students to order flowers along with their formal wear.

Connie Burch, owner, said she will also have a book of photos for the students to look through as well as examples of different bracelets, rhinestones, colored ribbon and ornamental wire. She will be there to listen to ideas and answer questions.

"We do a lot of modern design," Burch said. "It's always up to the kids - that's where the bottom line is right there, but we do have a lot to choose from."

Tuxedos will be available for pickup the Wednesday before prom at Timeless Formals and students can head to Connie's, 14500 Parallel Road, the day of prom to pick up flower orders.

Fuentez said she hopes to make this an annual event that will not only provide prom-goers with the things they need, but also promote support for local businesses.

"We're trying to keep all the local businesses together," she said. "Word of mouth around Basehor is really good and I've appreciated how people have responded to us."