by Kathleen Soviak

Created on: April 09, 2009

We've all done it. Gone to the store, bought a beautiful item, only to get it home and realize that you had no idea what you were thinking when you swiped your card. What do you do when that beautiful item turns out to be a tacky prom dress that you wouldn't be caught dead in at your school dance? Here are some ways to get some use out of this avoided catastrophe.

1. Wear it. I know what you are thinking, why would I wear a repulsive prom dress out in public? The answer is because you can. Make a night of it. Get a group of girlfriends together and get dressed up in your finest gaudy apparel and go out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. Power comes in numbers, and you will have many fun memories of the looks you got when walking into a public place, all looking like THAT.

2. A Halloween costume. Since you won't care if it gets dirty or torn, do it yourself. Transform into a zombie prom date. Get some fake blood, gray powder, and a pair of scissors. A few daps and some snips, and Voila! Instant costume.

3. Return it. This is the easiest (and most boring) solution to the problem.

4. Use it for punishment purposes. Is your boyfriend making you mad? Put on that good old ugly prom dress for a hot date night. (Without ever intending to wear it out in public with him!) When he picks you up and makes a comment about your outfit, proceed to cry and make him feel bad. He will then be forced to tell you how pretty you look in your ridiculous ensemble. Meanwhile, you go change into something presentable and get your way all night long.

5. Hand-me-down. Got a younger sister? Give it to her and let her worry about what to do with the monstrosity.

6. Donate it. One mans trash is another mans treasure.

7. Get creative. Use pieces of the dress to spice up another item of clothing. For example, if the dress has lace on it, cut it off and sew it onto a plain tank top, giving it a fun, unique touch.

8. Dress-up for little girls. Little girls love playing dress-up, especially with "real" clothes. Give it to a little girl to add to her collection of frilly things to put on.

9. Keep it. It will be a constant reminder of the poor taste you once had. It can also keep you from making a similar mistake.

10. Last but not least, Dusting cloths. You can't have too many of those laying around.

After realizing the mistake of your purchase, it may seem hopeless. These ten things are just the beginning! So have fun with your mistake, and make the best of it. When life gives you lemons, you should always make lemonade!

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