The Fancy Frock Brings Formal Wear to New Tampa

Yari Davis is the first to admit that she’s a difficult customer.

When it comes to dresses, the New Tampa resident likes to try lots of things on and takes her time making a decision.

So, she said she was happy to find The Fancy Frock, a new bridal and formal wear boutique, in nearby Wesley Chapel. Owner Jennifer Smith helped her find the perfect dress for a work gala in Sarasota.

“It was just really, really nice,” she said of the experience.

Opening The Fancy Frock at 3737 Maryweather Lane, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel, is a dream come true for Smith, 40.

A former fourth-grade teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary, Smith said she needs to be creative to be happy. She opened her Etsy shop, Plumes ’n Blooms, in 2010 and makes headbands and hair clips for women and girls. Now, she also sells these hair accessories at The Fancy Frock.

Temple Terrace Patch talked with Smith to get a better idea about her and her business. Here’s what she had to say: 

New Tampa Patch: How long have you been in the formal wear business? How did it start?

Jennifer Smith: The Fancy Frock officially opened in late fall of 2012 but has been a dream in the works since 2008 when I first moved to Wesley Chapel. A series of truly divine events have led me to where I am today.

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New Tampa Patch: When did you open The Fancy Frock?

Smith: I opened the shop in late fall 2012 after years of seeing Wesley Chapel grow and waiting to see if a bridal and formal wear shop would transpire with all the growth. I truly think we are ready for this kind of boutique with everything else popping up! There is a definite need here with all of the single professional women, families and growing population of teens that need formal gowns for special events, weddings, proms, pageants, etc.

New Tampa Patch: Why did you want to open a store? Is this your first store?

Smith: I have always dreamed of owning my own business, somewhere I could truly be my creative self and enjoy making other people happy every day. This is my first real brick and mortar store, but having my online Etsy shop helped me slowly transition into this business.

New Tampa Patch: Why did you choose the Wesley Chapel/New Tampa area?

Smith: I chose this location because I live here and I love my community! [Smith lives in Seven Oaks, 45 seconds from the shop!] I also saw the need and have had strong feedback about opening this kind of business. Everyone seems so responsive and supportive of me and the shop. It’s interesting how so many people travel clear across the city and beyond to now be able to find it right here in their front yard. Buying local is important to and for the community.

New Tampa Patch: What do you offer that’s different from other bridal/formal wear shops?

Smith: I am definitely a unique bridal boutique—not necessarily because of the brands and designers I may carry, although I do try to stock what isn’t readily available elsewhere—but because the whole concept of my shop is based upon personalized customer service in a comfortable, cozy, low-key atmosphere combined with creative expertise on HOW to select a new, current style-gown without paying top dollar. I offer custom order design lines as well as a large variety of off-the-rack gowns. I also offer an extensive variety of custom, handmade accessories such as veils, headbands, hairclips, fascinators and sashes to coordinate with your perfect gown.

New Tampa Patch: What types of gowns do you carry? What is the price range?

Smith: I carry gowns for ALL occasions—evening wear, cocktail party, cruise wear, pageant, homecoming, prom, Quinceanera, Bar Mitzvah, etc., and of course bridal gowns in a variety of styles and sizes from casual/destination-style to formal/traditional. Short and formal dresses start at under $100 and bridal gowns range from $400- $2,000+, with the majority of in-stock bridal gowns under $1,000.

New Tampa Patch: What type of customer would want to shop at your store? Why should people check your business out?

Smith: This shop actually has something for everyone—for girls and women in all stages of life! Anyone who’s getting married, planning on attending a special event or just needs that right, unique dress will find something here. Even a pregnant mother will want to visit my shop to custom order a beautiful sash for her pregnancy photos. Many of my customers hang framed on my wall—just one of many ways I’ve been able to really personalize my shop and make it my own.

New Tampa Patch: How has the response from the community been since you opened?

Smith: The response from the community has been so positive. Everyone seems to feel very comfortable when they arrive and they rave about my selection and pricing. That’s great! I’ve been very blessed to have so many customers and other supportive business owners put in my path. I have found two wonderful local groups that are so supportive of small business owners: Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce; and Christian Business Connections. I am also focusing on reaching out to the community more to support different events, charities and especially anything having to do with education, since I used to be a teacher. A part of me will always love teaching, but I know God has given me my heart’s desire through this shop.

New Tampa Patch: What else should readers know?

Smith: I also offer a full tuxedo rental line with the latest tuxedo and suit styles/colors. Keep an eye out for upcoming prom specials on tuxedos and in-stock gowns! I am also currently accepting current style, great condition consignment gowns—they should come by or call to find out more info about my “Consignor & Buy Back Program” to make some money on their formal gowns taking up closet space.

Here’s what other people are saying about The Fancy Frock:

“We were thrilled to have The Fancy Frock offer a gift certificate for our 2013 Night of 5,000 silent auction, and we felt this partnership made perfect sense considering that our charity gala is a black tie event for which our members will need a semi-formal dress. We were happy to help promote Jennifer's business via an ad in one of our monthly newsletters and announcements at club meetings, in the hopes that members would be interested in supporting this new local business who was so willing to support us.” ~Margaret Andrade, chairwoman of International Outreach, GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club

“There were so many beautiful dresses, I didn’t know what to pick. …The nice thing about the place—it’s elegant. It’s not like a department store. You feel special when you go in. When you open the door, you’re like ‘Wow, look at this dress, look at that dress.’” ~Elizabeth Lugo, a New Tampa customer who recommended the store to her daughter, a 12th-grader at Freedom High School, to shop for a prom dress

“I would go there any time I need to buy a dress. I would go to her first.” ~Yari Davis, New Tampa customer

For more information, visit The Fancy Frock website or Facebook page.