Homecoming 2012 Dress Shopping Guide

Image via House of Wu

Looking for a Homecoming dress? Choose your style below and plan your Santee Alley shopping trip!

Party Dresses: 
Where to go: Mertella & Co. and AP Design
What you'll find: At Mertella & Co. you'll find vintage inspired designs in chiffon, silk, and lace fabrics as well as sequined party dresses. AP Design is the place for body-con party dresses. It's also a great place for sequined dresses and animal prints. Price range: $

Plus-Size Party Dresses
Where to go: AP Design and Sweeties Plus
What you'll find: The best selection in plus-size party dresses. Sequins, prints, short, long, high-low, you name it, they have it. Price range: $

Cocktail & Special Occasion Dresses:
Where to go: Black Cat
What you'll find: A wide selection of cocktail dresses in all price ranges, including designs popular brands Paparazzi by Mori Lee, Jovani, Faviana, and Mac Duggal. Price range: $$

Designer Dresses:
Where to go: Noell
What you'll find: The latest styles from some of the most coveted special occasion and pageant gown designers. These dresses are steeply discounted (often sold at wholesale price) but still carry a heavier price tag. Price range: $$$

AP Design: Plus-Size and Custom Designs

Aaron Perez, a retired Mexican designer, set up shop in the Fashion District years ago to manufacture and sell his clothing line AP Design. The store has since expanded to four locations in the Fashion District and sells trendy women's clothing as well as some of Mr. Perez's unique designs. The family-run business prides itself in having the newest styles, with new inventory arriving in stores twice a week.

AP Design also makes custom-clothing for pageants, the Latin entertainment industry, and special events. They take custom in-store orders for quinceañeras, prom, and weddings. Everything is made in LA!

AP carries plus-size women's fashions for retail and wholesale. Much of their plus-size inventory (like the rest of their merchandise) is comprised of casual and party dresses. Super cute!

For wholesale and retail purchasing and manufacturing inquiries contact AP Design directly:

1223 S. Santee St.
213-747-0902

1229 S. Santee St.
213-748-2383

1059 Maple Ave. (inside Santee Alley)
213-765-0177