Homestyle Draperies & Alterations: Your Place for Prom Alterations

“Details are the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.” ~ Aphroditi Katsoudas

Prom season is a special rite of passage that many anticipate for years. Moms look forward to sharing their daughters’ prom shopping experiences to find the perfect gown. Ensuring that a prom gown fits perfectly is important, so that you enjoy your special evening in comfort and look fantastic in all those prom pictures, from those that will be taken in your living room and at the car, to the posed ones at the event.

A visit to Homestyle Draperies & Alternations, owned by Aphroditi Katsoudas and her husband, Jimmy, is guaranteed to ensure a perfectly fitted gown. Aphroditi has years of experience in fitting prom and wedding gowns. “I enjoy working with the girls and their moms. Everyone in the shop enjoys it when the girls come to pick up their dresses and put them on that last time—it’s a special moment for me and the ladies who work with me,” explained Aphroditi. During the 2018 prom season, Aphroditi shared that she and her team provide alterations for300 clients.

For Aphroditi and her staff, prom season runs from late January to the end of May. Typically, her daughters-in-law and daughters assist Aphroditi and Belen, “her alter sewing ego,” who works at Homestyle Draperies & Alternations full-time. These extra hands are needed during this time to meet the many prom-date deadlines. However, be assured that Aphroditi personally conducts every fitting and marks all needed alterations.

The initial fitting appointment usually runs about 30 to 45 minutes. The changing rooms are spacious to accommodate full-skirted dresses. The pedestal for hemming is positioned with mirrors and there are several upholstered chairs available for family and friends to enjoy during your fitting.

Over the years, Aphroditi has developed recommendations that she shares with her clients to make their prom experiences not only magical, memorable times, but comfortable as well:

Select a gown that looks good on you. Focus on your personal style and likes while shopping.
At your first fitting, bring the shoes you plan to wear to prom. A dress cannot be hemmed unless you have your prom shoes with you. If this is your first time wearing heels, practice around the house. Make sure the shoes are comfortable from the first time you put them on. There are lots of styles and heel heights to pick from—comfort is key.
Bring any undergarments you plan to wear with you as well, especially Spanx or other form-fitting garments.
Allow plenty of time for alterations—a minimum of two weeks.Heavily beaded gowns or gowns with layers of tulle take time to alter. “A properly altered gown results in a customized, unique gown that is specially fitted just for you,” shared Aphroditi.

As the business name implies, Homestyle Draperies & Alternations offers custom bedding, pillows, drapes, bridal fittings, and more. Aphroditi and Belen work with local designers on a regular basis to create unique, home interiors to fit their clients’ needs and personalities.

Homestyle Draperies & Alterations is located at 2565 Old Glory Road in Clemmons. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and on Saturdays by appointment only. During prom season, Saturdays are typically set aside exclusively for prom fittings. Call for your appointment at their office number (336.766.4040), cell (336.414.5950), or contact them via e-mail (homestyledraperies@gmail.com). Visit their website (hdalterations.com). You can also follow them on their Facebook page. Aphroditi has her tape measure and pins ready to get your prom dress fitting perfectly—give her a call!