Russie Rogers, Bayou a Dress for Less, never tires of seeing the faces of customers light up after they’ve found the perfect dress.

“They usually do this little twirl,” Rogers said, demonstrating as she holds up the hem of an imaginary gown surrounded by 2,000 square-feet of space filled to the brim – and running over in a few places – with gently-used, but predominantly new prom gowns, bride, mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaid dresses in sizes 0 to 40.

“The most popular bridal gown purchases are in the $399 price range,” Rogers said.

New prom gowns sell for as low as $129, and prices go up to $500. New bridal gowns start at $149. Gently-used gowns begin as low as $29.

“What’s really exciting is when someone comes in, tries on a gently used gown at an unbelievably affordable price that has already been altered in such a way that it fits to a T,” she said.

Styles of gowns include a-line, ball/fairy princess, fit and flare, illusion, mermaid, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, strapless, sleeveless, sleeves and gowns with matching jackets. Colors of prom gowns include every color under the rainbow and even patterns and prints. Choose from partially to fully beaded, chiffon and other fabrics.

“Hot this year for prom is neon,” Rogers  said, walking over to swaths of bright orange, pink, yellow-green and yellow.

One style has an attached scarf that can trail behind or be draped around the neck in style reminiscent of vintage Hollywood glamor.

“What the girls want changes every year. Nevertheless, some will want what I call the classics and I have those dresses as well,” Rogers said.

Bayou a Dress for Less also offers, in addition to prom, bride and Mardi Gras gowns, short gowns (purchased mostly for homecoming dances), cocktail dresses, homecoming suits and accessories, including hats, shoes, undergarments, belts, shawls and wraps.

A list of seamstresses Rogers has vetted is available to customers.

Rogers started the business in 2015. She was working full time, in a Mardi Gras Krewe and needed a gown.

“I just couldn’t see paying $400 for a gown that I would wear only once,” she said. “Plus, I was probably three sizes larger than I am now and there wasn’t much out there in my size.”

A friend suggested Rogers try selling the gowns she had on a social media site and put the money on a new ball gown purchase.

“Three sold right off the bat,” she said.

Others asked her to do the same for them. To ensure she wouldn’t be inconvenienced by buyers who showed up late or not at all, she converted a scrapbook room to her new endeavor.

“The plan was to sell only gently used Mardi Gras gowns, but the business grew,” she said.

She started selling new and gently used gowns in a small shop behind her house. In 2017, she moved to her current location at 4303 Common Street. After the hurricane, she resigned her office management job and now devotes full time to Bayou a Dress for Less.

She takes consignments. Here’s how it works. If she accepts an item for consignment, when it sells, the purchase price is split 50/50. If the dress does not sell after four months, it is returned to the owner. Bayou a Dress for Less does not purchase dresses for resale, only consignment as outlined.

Hours during prom season are extended to make it more convenient for customers, Mon., Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues., Wed., & Thurs., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.