However, though not on the same scale, the Christmas craze has given way to the frenzy associated with Old Year's night, with shoppers flocking the stores to get just the right outfit to ring in the new year.

With 2001 fast fading, people in Guyana, as around the world, have been making preparations to usher in 2002 - some planning to stay at home with the family and prepare the cook-up so that the new year will find food in the home. Some will not pass up the traditional Church service at midnight while others are getting in gear to greet the new year on the dance floor.

Several places in and around Georgetown have long since started advertising gala activities for that night, offering party-goers a wide range of places to choose from.

In Georgetown, Le Meridien Pegasus will be hosting 'A night with the stars' costing $19,000, per person. Palm Court on Main Street presents a country and western theme with food off the grill all night for $3 500 per person. Hotel Tower, also on Main Street, presents a show and dance which starts at 20:00hrs. This costs $2 500 per person. Or party-goers might want to visit Side Walk Cafe on Middle Street for its after-lunch lime which starts at 14:00 hours and goes into New Year's day, free of costs.

	This beautiful red gown with glitters is available at Exclusive Styes for $15 000. The silver shoes and mathing handbag cost $4 500 and $4 000, respectively.

Grand Coastal Inn on the East Coast will be hosting a 'Grand Coastal Party’ commences at 21:00 hrs on old year's night to continue until sunrise. Music will be provided by Best Stereo sounds and admission is $10,000 per person.

As such, the appropriate attire is now the main concern of those who plan to usher in the new year with a bang, whether they will attend Church services or the gala events in town.

And the boutiques are offering just the right combination of evening gowns, elegantly casual outfits and footwear for the ladies and though limited, some boutiques ensure they also have well tailored suits for the gentlemen.

Sleek evening gowns, and the tiny backless outfits with matching strappy sandals and accessories are already leaving the stores though several boutiques in the city, popular for their wide range of ladies and gents apparel, are anticipating better sales in the last minute shopping frenzy.

"You know how Guyanese are. They wait for the last minute to do everything...", one proprietor said.

A bit revealing, this black body-fitting gown at Exclusive Styles cost $15 000. The black pumps and handbag cost $6 500 and $4 000, respectively.

Though the prices are already reasonable, staff there said with the purchase of two gowns, shoppers would be entitled to discounts on the items.

It caters for the ladies, who can get gowns in various colours, styles and lengths with sandals and handbags to complement the outfits which cost as much as $19,000 each.

Boyo's has also recently opened another branch on King Street, 'Today's Fashion' to meet the needs of shoppers looking for fashionable clothing at this time.

Exclusive Styles on Camp Street, is catering for the men who can get an outfit for $15,000. At this boutique, which is offering 10 per cent discounts, ladies can also get their gowns for Old Year's night from as low as $7 000 to $15 000 with matching shoes and handbags to complement the dress for an additional cost.

Available at Lifestyles, the off-the-shoulder gown (right) costs $23 500 with shoes and earring, $6 000 and $2 500 respectively. The two-piece red outfit costs $22 000 and matching Italian-made sandals, $2 000. The gold two-piece at the center costs $28 000.

Shoppers might want to hurry down to Lifestyles on Barrack Street, Kingston because the gowns there have been going like crazy the staff said. Gowns at this boutique cost as much as $28,000, but those looking for something less expensive can get a gown for $9 000.

Staff there said the season’s sale of evening gowns started since the first week in December and so far has been better in comparison to last year's. Lifestyles is offering special discounts on evening gowns as well as its casual dresses, tops, pants and sandals. Ladies can get jewellery here to complement their outfit.

At Clairans, the gowns are less expensive this year, and proprietor Clair Pires said she is trying to cater for the ordinary man, in this case, the ordinary woman! She is offering discounts on gowns with prices ranging from $9 000 to $29 000. She said a limited number of more expensive gowns she had on sale this year, has already been sold.

Shoppers can get this two-piece outfit on sale at Clairans for $29 000. The matching shoes and handbag are on sale separately.


Shoppers for evening gowns on the last minute rush will benefit from slashed prices at this boutique, which, on Old Year's day, will be reduced by 25 per cent and 50 per cent.

Clairans is also catering for the men who can find their entire outfit for the evening at reasonable prices.

Nanda's Boutique on Sheriff Street caters for men and women and offers designers clothes “to that make you look good”

Gowns at this boutique cost as much as $38,000. But for $9 500, ladies can also get a gown and look fabulous on Old Year's night. Shoppers can benefit from a five per cent off on all gowns Old Year's Day.

Men can get an outfit here for $16,000 and can choose from Dockers slacks, Ralph Lauren shirts, long sleeve Tommy shirts, Polo dress pants and shoes, silk ties and Timberland dress footwear.

A customer at Clairans seems intrigued by this beautiful black and green gown.

He says he stays at home and works late into Old Year's night to get outfits ready for those who made last minute orders.

He is there to create and design the perfect outfit taking into consideration the person's size and maturity.

Moore said he realises that at this time, business persons tend to take advantage of the situation and the high prices in some boutiques might deprive the ordinary man from looking great.

His creations are reasonable and ladies get the opportunity to look gorgeous for $12,000. This season, Moore said he prefers to work with stretchy fabrics which he said would definitely be more comfortable and flashy.