Nothing ruins a prom photo like a twin. Clelia's Party Dresses has a simple fix for that.
We register your dress along with your event to ensure that none of our customers duplicates your special gown at your event.
Clelia's puts it in writing. Buy your dress here, tell them where you're going, and the shop logs the gown against that event so another Clelia's customer doesn't show up in it.
The shop has two homes on the Southside. One sits inside The Avenues mall on Southside Boulevard, on the first floor next to Belk, and a second store, Clelia's Party Dresses Town Center, is at The Markets at Town Center.
The woman behind the racks
Clelia, whose name is on the door, did not start in retail. She spent several years as a social event and wedding planner at a prominent hotel in Boston, and she brings more than 30 years of fashion experience. She hand-selects designer dresses and gowns from around the world, and the store says her gowns are ones you won't find at any department store.
The service is built around the whole outfit, not just the dress. Shoes and jewelry are part of it, and the goal is helping women look their best and enjoy their event.
If the dress you want is not on the floor, Clelia's leans on its designer relationships. The store can order the gown you have your heart set on from the designer and have it sent to the store within days.
Prom labels and school ties
Clelia's prom lineup includes Sherri Hill, Jovani, Portia & Scarlett, Jasz Couture, Rachel Allan, Johnathan Kayne, Ariana Vara and Lara.
Clelia's also carries homecoming, pageant, evening and cocktail collections, along with quinceañera gowns.
The shop's community ties are specific. Clelia's is partnered with Bartram Trail and Nease high schools in St. Johns County, and is a member of the St. Johns and Hispanic/Puerto Rican chambers of commerce. Mandarin High and Atlantic Coast High are nearby on the Duval side of the line, in northeast Florida.
Bridal and mother-of-the-bride dresses round out the collections. Clelia's names Pronovias, Allure Bridals, Casablanca Bridal, Justin Alexander and Sherri Hill among its wedding dress designers, along with Clelia's Collection. Both stores keep regular shopping hours, and you can book an appointment online if you would rather have a set time.
Clelia's registry and special orders
How does the Clelia's dress registry work?
Tell the shop which event you are attending when you buy, and it logs your gown against that event so another Clelia's customer doesn't wear it there.
Can Clelia's order a dress that isn't in the store?
Yes. The shop can order your dress from the designer and have it delivered to the store within days.