01:00 AM EST on Sunday, March 20, 2005

Want a great deal on a new bridal gown or prom dress? More than 40 new wedding dresses, valued at up to $4,000 each and some by names such as Priscilla of Boston, are being sold in a silent auction April 10 to raise money for the Bradford Jonnycake Center, an emergency financial assistance center in South County. The event also features 35 new party gowns suitable for proms, and more than 50 "gently worn" black-tie-event gowns.

The dresses have been donated by bridal salons, and can be tried on in fitting rooms at the 1 to 4 p.m. event, called Gowns & Glamour, at Venice Restaurant and Banquet Center in Westerly. Dresses are all sizes, but many are sizes 8, 10 and 12. Tickets are $15 and include a pasta buffet luncheon; they can be purchased from the Jonnycake Center, 16 N. Main St., Bradford (377-8069), the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce on Route 1 (596-7761), or by mail by sending $15 to Jonnycake Center, P.O. Box 273, Bradford, RI 02808.

For an Easter bunny with an Ocean State look, pick up the RI Red Roger at Ocean State Chocolates and Confections, 294 Atwells Ave., Providence. The 3-D bunny Roger is atop a chocolate Rhode Island Red rooster. Saila is a nautical bunny ready to sail the Bay. And if you really want to impress, Bunny King is nearly 1 1/2 feet tall (this is not a typo). You'll also find Marzipan bunnies and eggs, and handmade Torrone, Struffoli and heirloom Italian cookies. Call (401) 273-2022.

Belong to the Red Hat Society? You might love the new Keds collection of red and purple casual shoes inspired by the society's fun attitudes. Leather flats are $45; sneakers are $40; see www.redhatsociety.

This column rounds up local news involving stores, services and products. Send items three weeks in advance to LIFEstyles, What's In Store, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902.