Dress exchange boutique provides local student with prom dress of her dreams

SPOKANE, Wash. — “Oh! This one is like Cinderella!” said Aislinn Lautenbach, Daybreak Youth Services marketing coordinator who also doubles as a stylist at the Royal Closet.

The Royal Closet, which falls under the Pathways to Prosperity program at Daybreak Youth Services, is rapidly expanding. In just under a year, the one-stop shop for prom has more than tripled its inventory.

On the morning KXLY 4 News visited their space at 960 3rd Avenue, donations from Breast Intentions and Hannah’s Prom and Dress Closet were piled up in front of the doors.

“In one of the bags we opened today there was a $500 gown! Half the gowns we get haven even been worn yet,” Lautenbach said.

The timing for the deliveries could not have been more perfect. The Royal Closet was preparing for a visit from 30 seniors from On Track Academy, eager to pick out the prom attire of their dreams!

On Track Academy senior Elizabeth Welker was one of them, on the hunt for the perfect princess gown.

“I really want that big froufrou prom dress that every girl wants,” said Welker.

It wasn’t too long ago that Welker was thinking of ditching prom altogether.

“For my family, I really wanted to go to college. It was either the enrollment deposit or the prom dress,” said Welker.

A moment she looked forward to all of high school – price tag not included.

“Obviously I chose the enrollment deposit,” she added.

With the help of the Royal Closet, Welker is able to not only plan for college, but get that great dress minus the financial burden, as youth get the dresses, tuxedos and accessories free of charge.

When it came to shopping, trying on and picking the right dress, Welker was done in record time!

“Its absolutely the ultimate princess dress,” she said as she described her purple and sparkly frock.

It was an ultimate princess moment, complete with a pair of heels that fit like a glove!

The Royal Closet isn’t just a spot for prom attire. They are open year-long for occasions like a black tie dinner or wedding, where buying a new dress or suit is simply not in the budget.

For kids 18 and under, rentals are free. For 18 and older, the Royal Closet asks that you trade in a new or gently used dress, or make a donation.

To rent, customers are asked to fill out a contract that states you will return the dress in 7 days.

The Royal Closet might look filled right now, but they are in need of plus size dress donations, dress shoes for men, heels, suits and tuxedos.

All donations should be dropped off at 960 3rd Avenue.

To set up a shopping experience, send an email here.

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