Everything I Needed for Prom? I Found It at Ruby’s Fashions

✔ A Dress That Didn’t Cost My Entire Savings

I had a max budget of $500 — and Ruby’s came through. Most dresses were between $300–$600, and the selection was way bigger than I expected. From fitted jersey styles to over-the-top ballgowns, I didn’t feel boxed into a price range. The staff didn’t upsell me, either. No shady tricks. Just real help and real options.

✔ Brands I Actually Recognized

I tried on a few sleek styles from Jovani’s glittering mermaid gowns with waist cut-outs and one ultra-dramatic strapless number from Alyce Paris’s stretch satin ballgowns in bold jewel tones. They also had Cinderella Divine and Dave & Johnny. Honestly, it was nice to see legit labels without having to drive across the city or wait three weeks for shipping.

✔ A Staff That Knew When to Help (and When to Chill)

One thing I really appreciated: they let me browse. I’ve been in stores where you barely touch a hanger before someone is hovering. Ruby’s had a good balance — they were nearby when I had questions about fit or needed a different size, but no one was breathing down my neck. When I asked about alterations, they gave straightforward info without trying to “sell” me anything.

✔ A Place That Didn’t Feel Pretend

This isn’t a boutique with fake French music and stylists who call you “hun.” Ruby’s is more like: here are the gowns, the fitting rooms are over there, and if you love it, let’s make it work. It felt real. The girl two rooms down from me was with her aunt and ended up crying happy tears when she zipped into this red halter dress. No Instagram-perfect moments, just people finding the right thing.

✔ One Store. One Stop.

They had accessories right up front — rhinestone heels, clutches, jewelry. I even grabbed a pair of silver drop earrings at checkout. It saved me from running around later to different shops. They also offered alterations in-house, which I didn’t need (my dress fit perfectly, thankfully), but good to know if you’re cutting it close.

✔ A Hidden Gem in Maple Heights

Ruby’s isn’t flashy, but it works. It’s just off Libby Road and easy to miss if you’re not looking. But girls from Bedford, Warrensville, even Cleveland Heights all know it. They’ve been doing this since back in the Randall Park Mall days, and it shows. I went in with a plan and walked out with my full prom look in under two hours.

If you want a dress that fits your vibe, your budget, and your schedule — Ruby’s is it. Don’t let the outside fool you. Inside, it’s everything you need.