A friendly dress shop

With Commencement Ball just shy of three months away, the women of the senior class have a list of things to do, but the most important is buying a dress. The dress they wear to this dance will be symbolic of their graduation from college and their induc­tion into the real world. Consider­ing most college students are broke, especially people 21 and older, a re­gal, elegant gown may be out of the question. Luck­ily, Vieira's Bridal & Fashions shop in Bristol offers a wide selection of dresses at dis­counted prices.

"We love when Roger Wil­liams students come in. Both of my daughters graduated from the school," said owner Carmela Vieira, who runs the five-year-old shop with her husband, Albert. The Vieiras have been involved in the fashion business for over 30 years. They opened their first business in Avon, Conn. in 1973. Besides sell­ing bridal gowns, prom dresses, and cocktail dresses, shoes and handbags, Vieira's offers al­terations, tailoring, and tuxedo rentals.

"We have a wide range of sizes and prices. We've had a lot of girls from the school come in that can't afford the dress they want, so we negotiate to make it possible," Vieira said. The Viei­ras are very proud of their shop that, over the years, has compiled dresses from a variety of designers around the world. "We want our custom­ers to become our friends. We want our friends to look beautiful on their special day," Vi­era explained. The Vieiras are willing to accommodate to their "friends'" price limit.

"I remember how beautiful my daughters looked at their semi-formals and the senior Commencement Ball, so I wouldn't want to take that op­portunity away from any girl who couldn't afford the dress they want," Vieira said. "Send friends to our shop and we'll work something out."