Honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect from the strip-mall dress shop.

Was it a consignment store? Wedding boutique? The place where last season’s prom gowns go to die?

Oh, no, friends. Trisha’s Gown and Dress Boutique is a real dress shop, plain and true. 

Scratch that. Not plain. Never plain. But definitely true. 

We happened to drop by about a week after the boutique opened in the Topsham Fair Mall. A friendly, chatty sales associate told us the shop’s owner wanted to cater to the teen-and-older pageant set. That’s pretty apparent — there were no shrinking violets on these hangers. Many of the dresses had a decidedly pageant feel, with a lot of sparkle and plunging neck lines, the kind that have to be over-the-top so they photograph better and dazzle at 100 yards.

But the shop also had an array of stunning cocktail dresses, flirty prom gowns and elegant dresses that looked appropriate for bridesmaid duty or a really nice Christmas party. There were a few unique regular dresses as well, the kind just right for, say, an evening out with your significant other or attending this weekend’s Maine Press Association awards ceremony to pick up some prizes. You know, either way. 

Trisha’s also had an amazing dressing room: two couches and magazines for those kept patiently waiting (“I swear, size 6 used to fit . . .”) tall mirrors and a whole black-and-white, this-could-conceivably-be-a-classy-club-at-night motif.

Gather your thoughts on world peace and join us in the racks:

* London Times black and white dress, $49.99

We’d love it if Trisha’s carried more like this: Black with white circle pattern. Knee length. Low-cut, but not wardrobe-malfunction low. Dressy, but not wear-it-once-then-stick-it-in-your-closet dressy. Really, the perfect little black (and white) dress.

* Earrings, $12.99

Little sparkly crystal hoops with tiny crystals hanging from the bottom. Depending on your job, these probably aren’t going to be your everyday earrings. Then again, we’d back you if you wanted to start Sparkle Wednesdays in the office.

* Pink gown, $375

We couldn’t tell who the maker was, but we can tell you this dress is pink, sparkly and contains lots of tulle. Think princess-ballerina. If we were 6, we would each be wearing this now. 

* Sherri Hill black satin corset cocktail dress, $199.99

Complete with a bejeweled waist and silver chain skirt. Hello, ’80s. Hello, hooker. Hello, er, something. (Note: It’s advertised online as a prom dress. Apparently proms have changed.)

* 2Be Social teal strapless gown, $159.99

Gathered with a simple half-bow at the waist, not too frilly. We hear teal is one of this season’s hot colors. Take that, aqua.

* Black and silver gown by MNM, $549

Um. Wow. Looks like it’s dripping hot lead in silver, white and black. It’s not often you can say that about a dress.

* Tony Bowls Paris yellow multi-colored gown, $349.99

Purples, yellows, greens — like a plant convention, with a spray of purple tulle and jewels at the bust.

* Tony Bowls fuchsia cocktail dress, $99.99

Polka dots with a pink satin sash at the waist. Sort of, “Hey there!” or, “I just got my driver’s permit!” or, “The sitter’s booked until 1 a.m.!” Really, it says a lot. That’s versatility.

Best find: Dora navy blue or maroon gown, $165.99

Several layers, roped jewel under the bust, flowy, to the floor and beautiful. Looks like it would flatter every figure.

Think twice: Jovani bright coral gown, $285.99

If “bright” and “coral” don’t have you wincing, add “bejeweled.” Don’t look directly at. No, really, don’t.

* Prices as of 9/21.

Bag Lady and Shopping Siren’s true identities are protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who dress for success and the cute poodle next door) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach them at baglady@sunjournal.com or shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link