To most high school students, prom is the most anticipated event of the academic year, ranking just short of graduation. Teenage boys and girls alike put a massive amount of effort into ensuring the entire evening is a night to remember. The only thing on students' minds after Christmas vacation is finding a date for the big dance.

For the boys, a tuxedo, corsage and dinner reservations are major tasks on the prom agenda. Over time, preparation for the girls has developed into an entirely different ball game. In recent years, the search for the perfect gown has become a strategic endeavor. According to store owners Tom and Kim Buchanan, this pursuit kicks off as early as the New Year. 

Bella Boutique, located at 6484 Kingston Pike in West Knoxville, understands prom better than anyone.  With over 10,000 square feet of storage space, we are the girls' one-stop-shop for prom. -Tara Brooke-Wilson, book keeper and floor manager. The retail store on top of Bearden Hill sells formal wear for women of all ages, including mother of the bride. With a wide selection of ball gowns and cocktail dresses, Bella Boutique is a major source for galas, charity events, sorority formals and of course, prom.  Dresses aside, the employees of the boutique, branded as the "Bella Girls," will assist in finding your dress along with the shoes, jewelry and a purse to match. 

Employees said they currently have more than 2,000 dresses on the floor, adding that they usually receive anywhere from 20 to 100 new dresses a week. A few of the store's featured designers include Paris by Tony Bowls, La Femme, Sean and Jovani.

Coming soon, the store will carry both clothes and accessories from the hip brand BCBG and outlandish fashions from designer Betsy Johnson. For more information on Bella and their products, phone 865-602-7766 or e-mail info@bellaboutique.com