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Portia and Scarlett PS27229 Strapless Sweetheart Lace Corset Ballgown
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Standard: arrives in 7 to 12 days
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Description
About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett PS27229
Portia and Scarlett PS27229 is a strapless sweetheart lace ballgown built around a structured corset bodice and a dramatic full-length lace skirt. The entire dress — bodice and skirt — is covered in lace, making it the defining fabric of the whole gown. A center-front high slit runs dramatically through the skirt, giving the look movement and edge. PS27229 is available in Blue, Lilac, and Pink.
Fit & Silhouette
Portia and Scarlett PS27229 follows a classic ballgown silhouette: the bodice fits close to the body through the bust and waist, and the skirt sweeps out into a full, floor-length bell. The corset construction — with visible boning channels throughout the bodice — does the structural work, so the dress holds its shape and keeps you secure all night without additional support. The lace-up corset back allows the fit to be adjusted at the time of dressing, which gives some flexibility across a range of body proportions. The gown includes a train at the hem.
Fabric & Detail
The entire gown is constructed from lace — the same lace runs continuously from the strapless sweetheart neckline across the bodice and through the full ballgown skirt. In the bodice, the lace sits over a structured base with visible boning that creates the corset shape. Small decorative bead or button trim runs down the center front of the bodice, adding a fine vertical detail. The back closes with a full lace-up corset construction that covers the entire back — no open exposure — and provides a clean, tailored finish.
Key Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Full lace coverage — bodice and ballgown skirt
- Structured corset bodice with visible boning channels
- Center-front high slit for movement and drama
- Full lace-up corset-back closure
- Covered high back — no open-back exposure
- Floor-length with a train
- Available in Blue, Lilac, and Pink
Style & Occasion
Portia and Scarlett PS27229 is a strong choice for prom, black-tie events, galas, and formal evening occasions. The sweetheart neckline and full ballgown skirt make it a natural fit for Sweet 16 celebrations and debut events as well. Blue reads deep and rich in photos and in person — it photographs especially well under event lighting. Lilac is soft and romantic, and Pink sits in a bright, vivid range rather than a pale blush. All three colors are photographed and available. Pair with strappy heeled sandals or simple pointed-toe heels to keep the focus on the gown. Minimal jewelry works well given the texture of the lace — a simple earring or a delicate bracelet is enough.
Size & fit
- Flowy. Bust and waist matter most; the skirt has room for hips.
- Between sizes? Text a stylist and we'll help you choose.
Shipping
- Arrives in 7–12 business days, or 4–6 with Express (+$35).
- Free shipping over $250 to Canada and the USA.
- Text updates as your order ships.
Full shipping details
Your Dress — Delivered in Days, Not Weeks.
We know timing matters — especially for prom, weddings, quinceañeras, and special events.
- Receive your dress within 7–12 business days, depending on designer availability.
- You’ll receive text updates as your order moves from processing to shipping.
- Once shipped, delivery typically takes 2–5 business days within North America.
Need it sooner?
We offer rush options where you can receive your dress within 4–6 business days. Text us at +1 416-536-2956 before ordering and we’ll confirm the fastest possible delivery date.
We are an authorized retailer of top designers, which means your dress ships brand new and directly from the designer or our showroom — never used, never rented.
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We proudly ship across Canada, the United States, and Internationally, with in-store pickup available at our Toronto showroom.
Returns
- Tell us within 5 days of delivery.
- 100% store credit, a one-time exchange, or a refund (30% restocking fee).
- Online purchases only; in-store purchases are final.
Full return policy
WE ACCEPT RETURNS!
For Online Purchases Only. All in-store purchases are FINAL.
We hope you LOVE your dress — but if you're not completely satisfied with your online purchase, you may request:
- 100% Store Credit (no expiration).
- A one-time exchange, OR
- A return with a 30% restocking fee, OR
You must notify us of a return within 5 days of delivery (including weekends and holidays — we are open 7 days a week).
We have no control and accept no responsibility for the sizing selected. Please carefully review the size chart before ordering. If you need assistance with sizing, we’re happy to help — text us at +1 416-536-2956.
ORDER CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
Once your order is placed, you have 5 hours to request a change to the color, size, or style.
If an item becomes unavailable, we will offer alternatives or provide the option of a full refund for that item.
Please see our Returns & Exchanges page for full details.
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Portia and Scarlett PS27229 Strapless Sweetheart Lace Corset Ballgown
Sale price $1,239 CAD
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — PS27229 is available in Blue, Lilac, and Pink, which makes it well suited for a court or damas group that wants coordinated but distinct colors. The most common approach is to assign one color to each role: for example, the honoree in Blue, primary attendants in Lilac, and the wider court in Pink. Because all three colorways use the same lace fabric and ballgown silhouette, the gowns read as a set even when the colors differ — the lace texture and corset bodice create a unified look across the group.
If your group wants everyone in the same color, all three options hold up well for a full court in a single shade. Blue is the boldest and photographs with the most contrast under event lighting. Lilac reads softer and more romantic in both photos and in person. Pink is vivid and warm — it tends to look slightly brighter in person than in some online photos, so it is worth ordering a swatch or requesting a sample image from the team before committing the full group to it.
For sizing across a group, keep in mind that PS27229 has a lace-up corset back, which gives a small amount of adjustability at the time of dressing. This is helpful when fitting multiple people of different proportions into the same gown. That said, the corset back is not a substitute for proper sizing — each person in the group should be measured and sized individually. Portia and Scarlett sizing runs close to standard US formal-wear measurements, but bust and waist measurements should be cross-referenced against the brand's own size chart because lace construction has less built-in stretch than jersey or chiffon.
When ordering for a group, allow extra lead time. A standard order ships in 7 to 12 business days from the US or Canadian warehouse, but coordinating a large group order — especially across multiple sizes and colors — benefits from at least a few extra weeks of buffer before alterations. If you have a tight event date or need to confirm stock across colors and sizes for your group, contact the team directly: text or call +1 416-536-2956, or reach us on WhatsApp at +1 213-868-3131. We can check availability and help coordinate the group order from start to finish.
Portia and Scarlett PS27229 is built for formal events — the full ballgown silhouette, floor-length lace, and structured corset bodice put it squarely in black-tie and formal-evening territory. Here is how it fits different occasions:
Prom: This is one of the most natural fits for PS27229. The dramatic center-front high slit, the lace-up corset back, and the full ballgown skirt are all details that read as prom-ready. All three colors — Blue, Lilac, and Pink — work well in a prom setting.
Black-tie and galas: The construction and length qualify PS27229 for black-tie events. The sweetheart neckline is formal without being overtly bridal, and the lace fabric reads as elevated rather than costume-like. If you are attending a gala or formal charity event, this gown fits the dress code.
Formal evening events: Any formal-dress-code event where a floor-length ballgown is appropriate is a reasonable setting for PS27229. This includes formal military balls, award ceremonies, and similar occasions.
Sweet 16 and debut: The ballgown silhouette is a classic choice for a Sweet 16 or a debut presentation. The three color options make it easy to match a party's color palette, and the structured corset bodice gives a polished, put-together finish.
Wedding guest: PS27229 does not qualify as a wedding-guest dress under Marlas Fashions' guidelines. The center-front high slit and the strapless corset styling tip it into event-wear territory rather than wedding-guest modesty expectations. If you are attending a wedding and looking for something in a similar lace-and-ballgown direction, the team can suggest alternatives.
Casual or semi-formal events: The full ballgown construction is not practical for a cocktail party, a semi-formal dance, or an outdoor daytime event. The gown is deliberately over-the-top in the best way — it belongs in a formal setting with proper venue space for the skirt and train.
If you are unsure whether PS27229 fits your specific event's dress code, describe the event to the team and they can give you a straight answer.
Yes — the structured corset bodice in PS27229 does most of the support work for you. The visible boning channels run through the bodice and are designed to hold the strapless neckline in place without a bra. Most people wearing this gown do not need a separate strapless bra. The lace-up corset back also pulls the bodice snugly to your torso, which adds to the overall stability.
For undergarments, a seamless nude-tone brief or shapewear short is the most practical choice. The full ballgown skirt adds volume, so heavier shapewear is generally not necessary underneath. Avoid undergarments with visible seams or thick waistbands that could create bulk under the corset bodice.
Because the skirt has a center-front high slit, you may want to consider a pair of fitted seamless shorts under the skirt for comfort — especially if you plan to dance. This is a personal preference rather than a requirement, but many people wearing gowns with a high slit find it adds confidence for a full evening of movement.
If you have concerns about the fit of the bodice or the level of support for your bust size, bring those questions to your alterations appointment. A seamstress can add internal cups or additional boning to the bodice if needed. Discuss this before the gown is altered anywhere else, since bodice adjustments affect the overall fit.
Hemming a lace ballgown like PS27229 is more involved than hemming a simple chiffon or jersey gown, and it should be done by a seamstress who has worked with lace before. The lace pattern at the hem has to be matched or re-finished carefully so the bottom edge looks intentional rather than cut. Budget more time and cost for the hem than you would for a plain-fabric gown.
For shorter wearers, the most common alteration is a hem shortening from the bottom. Because PS27229 has a train, ask your seamstress whether the train length should also be adjusted relative to the new hem, or whether you want to keep the full train and only shorten the front length. Bustle options may also be worth discussing.
For taller wearers, PS27229's floor-length construction may already be close to the right length — check the brand's size chart for the gown's finished length in your size before assuming you need to add length. Adding lace to a hem is significantly more expensive and complicated than shortening, so verify before ordering whether the gown's stated length works for your height in heels.
The corset back allows some vertical adjustment through lacing tension, but this does not substitute for a proper length alteration. Plan to have the gown hemmed with the shoes you plan to wear on the day — bring them to the fitting.
The structured corset bodice holds you in firmly, which is reassuring for a long event but does feel more rigid than an unstructured or stretch-fabric gown. Most people adjust to the structure within the first hour of wearing it. The lace-up back lets you control exactly how tight the bodice is laced, so lacing it to a comfortable rather than maximally tight fit makes a significant difference for an evening of extended wear.
The full ballgown skirt is voluminous and sweeps the floor, which means you will need to manage the fabric when moving through crowds or sitting for extended periods. The center-front high slit gives your legs room to move when dancing, which partially offsets the volume of the skirt. Many people find that the slit is one of the most practical features of this gown for dancing, since it allows a full stride.
The train is worth planning for on the dance floor — practice moving with it before the event, and ask your seamstress about a simple bustle loop that tucks the train up during dancing if you want full freedom of movement. Overall, PS27229 is a gown that rewards a bit of practice wearing it before the night of the event. Do a full walkthrough at home, including sitting, walking up stairs, and a few dance moves, before wearing it to a formal occasion.
All three colorways are photographed in the same composite image, which gives a useful side-by-side comparison, but here is what to keep in mind when making your choice:
Blue: The Blue reads as a medium-to-deep blue in the photograph, and it tends to hold that depth in person under both natural and event lighting. It photographs with strong contrast, which makes it one of the more striking options for professional event photos.
Lilac: Lilac can shift slightly depending on the light. In warm indoor lighting it may read as slightly more pink, and in cooler or daylight it reads closer to a true soft purple. If the photos show it as a pale lavender, that is roughly accurate for natural light — expect it to warm slightly under ballroom or venue lighting.
Pink: The Pink is a vivid, saturated pink rather than a soft blush. It tends to look slightly brighter in person than in some online images, particularly if you are viewing the product page on a screen with a warmer color profile. If you are planning a group order and the whole court is wearing Pink, it is worth requesting a physical swatch or asking the team if a sample reference is available.
For any colorway, if accurate color matching matters — for example, to coordinate with a partner's accessories or a court color scheme — contact the team before ordering. They can give additional guidance based on their knowledge of current stock.
Lace ballgowns require professional dry cleaning after wearing. Do not attempt to spot-clean or machine-wash PS27229 — lace is delicate and the corset boning structure can be damaged by water or agitation. Take the gown to a dry cleaner who has experience with formal-wear and structured gowns. Mention the boning and lace construction when you drop it off.
For storage, hang the gown in a breathable garment bag — not a plastic bag, which traps moisture and can cause lace to yellow over time. If storing long-term, consider acid-free tissue paper tucked into the bodice and skirt folds to prevent creasing.
For travel, a hard-sided garment bag or a travel dress bag with a flat fold is the safest option for a ballgown. The skirt volume makes PS27229 difficult to pack into a standard suitcase without significant wrinkling. If you are flying to your event, carry the gown on if possible rather than checking it. Most airlines will allow a garment bag as a carry-on or will hang it in a closet on the aircraft if you ask at the gate. Steaming — not ironing — is the correct way to remove wrinkles from lace; use a handheld steamer held a few inches away from the fabric and work in short passes.
Because PS27229 has a full ballgown skirt and a center-front high slit, shoes are partly a practical and partly an aesthetic decision. A heel that is too low can cause the skirt to drag on the floor and the train to catch underfoot — a heel height of 3 to 4 inches is the most common range for a floor-length ballgown. Strappy heeled sandals work well because they are lightweight and do not add bulk under the skirt. A pointed-toe court heel is a cleaner, more streamlined option. Avoid chunky-platform shoes, which tend to conflict with the fine lace texture.
For jewelry, the lace itself is already a detailed surface, so minimal jewelry tends to work better than layered or heavily embellished pieces. Simple drop earrings — crystal, pearl, or a clean metal — are the most versatile choice. A delicate bracelet or a thin cuff works on the wrist. Skip a necklace entirely if the sweetheart neckline is your focal point — the neckline draws the eye upward on its own. If you do want a necklace, keep it fine and short, sitting just above the neckline rather than competing with it.
For hair, an updo shows the sweetheart neckline and the corset back to best effect. A half-up style also works. Wearing the hair fully down is a personal choice, but it covers the corset-back detail, which is one of the stronger design elements of PS27229.