Holiday Parties Decoded: Find the perfect dress for your upcoming holiday party! Whether it’s for work, a social group, or your friends and family, you can find everything you need to look fabulous and appropriate at T. carolyn Fashions!
Old Store Now New Location
It is with great regret that we had to close our location in Vintage Park as of April 2021.
However we are open in Conroe, Texas
We do not have the same beautiful store front and huge layout. We are now in a business suite at Storage 105 in Conroe, Texas. The savings we are making on rent is being put back into inventory that is why we are one of the few stores like ours that has New Merchandise. We are also one of the few dress shops where we have size 0 thru 26 that can be tried on. We do still have several carryover styles that have been winners in the past.
Please do not misunderstand we are the same company and same beautiful dresses just not the same beautiful location.
However we are now in Conroe location, Set your appointment to visit new location: Set up your appointment
These are not samples, dresses are ready to sell off the rack. A few are samples and we are taking orders off them because delievery can take a few months.
Below are a few pictures of the old store and to let you know we are still the same company just not at the Vintage Park Location.
However new merchandise is being added regularly. Even the newest styles for next year.
View Larger Map
Small is the New Big!
While 1,200 in-stock special occasion dresses might not sound small, we’re small in comparison to self-serve department stores, on-line big box stores with banks of telephone operators who’ve never actually seen the merchandise, or rogue Chinese factories who put up websites to give the illusion that they are retailers with an actual store.
Department stores buy based off of excel spreadsheets. We buy our dresses based on over 30 years of hands-on experience. We carefully hand pick all of the best dresses from all of the best designers in all of the best colors in a variety of sizes ( size 0 - 26W) and price ranges. In that respect, we’re unapologetically small. We love working with our customers, hearing about their families, weddings, galas, proms, Quinceaneras and other upcoming special events!
We love seeing them time and time again! We’re family owned and operated and like to treat everyone as if they’re friends or family. We are standing by ready to guide you through the process.
We appreciate your reading this and hope you will set an appointment. If you’re out of state and can’t come by, we’re happy to help you too! It’s always a privilege to be a part of someone’s very special occasion!
--------- Dante, Terrie & Barbara
Read our articles Featured in Weddings in Houston
How Chinese New Year Affects MOB Dress Shopping
T. Carolyn Fashions’ Breast Cancer Survivor’s Guide to Shopping for Wedding Attire
MOB Special-Occasion Style from T. Carolyn Fashions’ Terrie Tibbetts Martin
WHITE TIE
The most formal of the social events. Full length gowns are a must and ball gowns are definitely an option. This is the time to pull out all the stops. Long gloves are an option. Think glamour. Beautiful beading, fabulous fabrics and Red Carpet worthy silhouettes are definitely in order. You will want to pay particular attention to your accessories. The perfect earrings, necklace and bracelet should complement your gown, not distract from it. If you choose a strapless or sweetheart gown you will certainly want to select a necklace that frames and illuminates your face. If you choose a one shoulder gown you might consider wearing earring that make a statement paired with a matching bracelet. A sophisticated clutch is the piece de resistance that completes the look.
BLACK TIE
While not as formal as White Tie, Black Tie definitely calls for formal attire. Full length gowns are definitely in order. This is the time to enjoy dressing up and wearing something special. Have fun! Think elegant. While the color Black is always a staple in fashion, take the opportunity to experiment with beautiful and interesting colors. There are so many gorgeous evening gowns with layers upon layers of beautiful mixed fabrics that incorporate beading and sometimes even lace as well. If tulle and beading aren’t your thing, there are plenty of chic minimalistic designs to choose from. Traditionally, Black Tie has always been equated with formal gowns. More recently, however, cocktail dresses have become more accepted. When choosing to wear a cocktail dress you should be sure to select something quite dressy. Beading would certainly be appropriate. For ladies with mobility issues, very dressy pantsuits are definitely an option. This type of attire covers the legs and gives a more formal look. There are many beautiful more formal pantsuits available now than ever before. The beading, sequins and crystal detailing on these pantsuits are truly exquisite. This should be considered a great option. Just as with White Tie, accessories are the key to completing your look.
DRESS for MOTHER of the BRIDE or MOTHER of the GROOM
Mothers of the Bride today are very different than in the past. Mothers today want to look fabulous and won't tolerate matronly – nor should they! Fortunately, there are more amazing options today than ever before! Today weddings are in barns, at beaches, in vineyards, historical buildings even castles. There is absolutely a dress for every wedding, venue, taste and size under the sun. The options sometimes seem limitless.
Traditionally the Mother of the Bride selects her dress first as she is the hostess of the wedding. As hostess she is letting the Mother to the Groom (Most Honored Guest) know how formal the attire will be. Simply stated, full length is formal and anything else is semi-formal. Today it has become more common place to have both sets of parents – or even the bride and groom – host the wedding. In cases such as this it is perfectly appropriate for the mothers to discuss their preferences and decide together on which length will be worn. It is recommended that if one mother chooses full length that the other mother should also choose full length. In this way both mothers will be dresses equally formally – ensuring that one mother won’t “out do" the other mother and the wedding pictures will look balanced not having a long skirt and a short skirt together in pictures.
When selecting a color each mother should carefully consider her own unique coloration. This is the difference between a stylist’s approaches as opposed to an interior designer’s approach. Each woman should choose a color she looks spectacular in. The mothers may wear the same color, shades of the same color or even the same color as the bridesmaids - as long as they both look fabulous in whichever color they choose. Obviously a Mother of the Bride or Groom should never choose a color that clashes with the wedding theme, but in reality there are relatively few colors that clash in comparison to all of the color pallets that are harmonious with other colors. Remember, the goal is “She looked amazing at her daughter’s/son’s wedding!!” This day is too important to settle for anything less than “She looked amazing!!!” – for the bride AND the mothers!
The venue will definitely affect which type of dress a mother of the bride will wear to the wedding. Brides are looking to create a wedding that is less theme and more them. Outdoor weddings, especially those with country or rustic settings have been extraordinarily popular. The trend here is to go more formal and create an event that is truly special. Hours can be spent on Pinterest scrolling through pictures of brides and bridesmaids in country fields in exquisite beaded and sequined gowns. Barn wedding can be and are often some of the most beautiful elegant weddings around. Mothers often select full length beaded gowns, some with chiffon skirts others with lace or tulle. Don’t be afraid to dress up for a barn wedding!
Just as brides are making weddings truly “their own” and reflective of their style and taste, so too are mothers of the bride and mothers of the groom. The determining factor in choosing a mother of the bride – or mother of the groom dress – is simply this – do you feel beautiful in it? It’s really that easy. Just choose a dress that makes you feel fabulous. Period.
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
This event definitely allows you to dress up but gives you the most options of all of the formal occasions. Black Tie Optional essentially means that at the attire ranges from a cocktail dress, to a formal evening gown to a dressy pantsuit. There is a lot of latitude given in Black Tie Optional and this allows you to choose what you are most comfortable wearing.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE or SEMIFORMAL
This is the time to pull out your Little Black Dress, dressy separates, pantsuit or Day to Evening dress or cocktail dress. Have fun with your accessories!
UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL BALLS
Held every 4 years, Presidential Inaugural Balls are large social gatherings, both white tie and black tie, held to celebrate the commencement of a new term of the President of the United States. Planned and sanctioned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the official inaugural balls occur throughout the evening of Inauguration Day in the Washington D.C. area and are invitation-only, attended by guests who are issued pre-paid tickets. The President, First Lady, Vice-President and his or her spouse, all make personal appearances at each of the inaugural balls held in their honor. Catered food, beverages, and live entertainment performed by national and globally acclaimed musicians are provided at the inaugural balls. The attire for this event is Black Tie or White Tie. Do keep in mind that the coat check lines are quite long, so ladies should take this into consideration. Red and Blue are popular choices for obvious reasons but any color is appropriate. This is a time to celebrate, so select a fabulous gown and be sure to accesorize!
Other inaugural balls, unofficial and often less formal that occur before and on Inauguration Day, are given by state societies, businesses, and private organizations.
Holiday Parties
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year by dazzling the crowd in a glamorous gown from T. Carolyn Fashions! It’s your time to shine in a sexy all-over sequin gown or figure hugging, flattering dress! Anything from Cocktail Dresses to Formal Gowns- you can find the perfect New Year’s Eve dress at T. Carolyn Fashions!
New Year’s Eve Attire!
Get glammed up for that midnight kiss and celebrate the New Year by going all out! New Year’s Eve is a chance to be flashy and over the top! If you’re headed out for a night on the town go for a fitted glittering sequin or beaded cocktail dress! Add high-heels, matching jewelry, and a clutch to complete your night out look! Don’t forget your make-up, New Year’s Eve is your chance to pack on the glitter, try a smoky eye with glitter flakes on top and you’ll catch everyone’s eyes! Shop our New Year’s Eve Dresses to pick your perfect dress!
If you’re going for something a little more dressy, but still fun and glamorous, then go for a fun and shimmering long gown covered in sequins or beading! New Year’s Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate! Make sure you look fabulous all through the night! Shop our Evening Party Dresses if you’re looking for a more formal but fun dress!
Margarita Ball
The Margarita Ball is the largest, invitation only, charity gala in the nation and it’s right here in Dallas! T. Carolyn Fashions has the largest selection of fun and fabulous gowns—you won’t find more looks anywhere else! Check out more information about the charity and get tips on putting together the perfect Margarita Ball look!
QUINCEANERA
Steeped in tradition, the Quinceanera dress is one of the most important dresses a girl will ever pick out. Between websites on the Internet, Instagram, Pinterest & Snap Chat deciding on a Quinceanera theme can be overwhelming – let alone choosing THE dress! “Happily Ever After” Princess themes are popular – think Cinderella’s beautiful Blue ball gown courtesy of her fairy Godmother. Candy Land, Under the Sea, Paris and even Bollywood are themes for Quinceaneras.
- Things to take into consideration
Your Quince theme and your dress are representative of your personality, style and the young woman you are becoming. When choosing a theme it is very important to think about what your favorite colors are and what colors make you pop and enhance your personal look. After all, you want to select a dress in a color that makes you look your absolute best! If you don’t look fantastic in pastels, think in terms of more vibrant colors. You will want to look amazing as you make your entrance - and in your pictures. That only happens when you are wearing a color that looks fabulous on you.
Once you’ve established your best color, it’s time to decide on your theme and the colors of your Quinceanera. Your only limitation is your imagination!
While Quinceanera dresses with sleeves are still an option, strapless Quinceanera dresses have become more prevalent and often come with either jackets or stoles to wear in the church. Be sure to establish how much coverage you will want and need for your Mass. If you want to order extra fabric or beading for your Quinceanera dress the time to do it is when you are ordering your dress. Not only does it take a great deal of time to get the fabrics sent in, ordering your fabric at the same time as your dress ensures that your dye lots will match perfectly. This is the reason you will also want to order all of your damas dresses at the same time. Different bolts of fabric may have subtle differences in color, and you want everything in your Quinceanera to match perfectly. No one wants last minuet drama.
- Allow Plenty of Time to Order
Speaking of which, you will want to allow plenty of time to order your Quinceanera dress. You should plan on ordering your Quince dress nine months out from the date of your Quinceanera. This is considered the “safe zone”. Anything less than nine months and you may not be able to get your first or even second choice dress in time. Be sure to order from a reputable company. This is one of the biggest days in a girl’s life and you don’t want to take unnecessary risks. Be aware that many online retailers aren’t reputable. Many Chinese factories put up fake sites and lure in unsuspecting customers.
- Take Alterations into Consideration
When selecting your Quinceanera dress, your stylist should be able to advise you of any alterations that may be necessary. Obviously, every attempt should be made to minimize the alterations as they will add to the cost of your dress. Money saved on alterations is money that can be spent somewhere else. An astute stylist should be able to give you tips and suggestions on how to minimize your alterations. For example, using a fuller tulle petticoat will add fullness to your skirt and cause the hemline to rise preventing you from having to hem your gown. Lace-up corset backs are always a great design detail. They allow the waist to be cinched in when necessary and loosened up if needed, thereby reducing the need for alterations.
- Don’t Forget Foundations
As a young lady being presented to her family and friends, you will want to carefully consider foundations that will be need to be worn under your Quinceanera dress. After all, they are called foundations for a reason. You will want to look flawless in your Quinceanera dress, foundations will help you accomplish this. Examples would be a strapless bra, bust pads and smoothers. Your stylist can advise you on the specifics you should consider.
- The Icing on the Cake!!! – Your Accessories!
You should chose a tiara that reflectes your taste and style. It should also be scaled to your height and paired to complement the fullness of your Quinceanera dress. Fuller skirts with more ruffles and detailing allow for larger more spectacular tiaras. Your tiara should complement your hairstyle and you should consider this when choosing a tiara. You may want to consider having a practice run with your hairstylist in advance to make sure your hair is absolutely perfect for your Quinceanera. This will allow you to give her valuable input about your vision for your look.
You will want to choose earring that emphasize your bone structure and a necklace that will illuminate your face as you are walking down the aisle at your Mass and making your entrance at your party. If you choose a strapless gown or a gown with a sweetheart neckline you should pay special attention to selecting a necklace that will fill in your decollete and frame your face. Look for a necklace that brings out the beading in your bodice and complements your tiara. Always looks for clear, fiery, sparkle. Your accessories need to pass the “Sparkle Test”. If you choose good quality accessories you will be able to wear them for years to come. They really aren’t that much more expensive and every time you wear them you will remember your special day!