Wantagh Millennials on a Budget Modeled New Year's Eve Outfits at Reasonable Prices at Westfield South Shore to Help Young People in Unstable Economy

Nicole Cunningham (L) & Amanda Cunningham (R) of Wantagh, and Tara Matuszewski (C) of West Islip, model New Year’s Eve fashion finds on a budget at Westfield South Shore’s A’GACI

The Long Island Association says sluggish wage growth, a stagnant housing market, and slowing global economic growth have left consumers and the economy in a fragile state. According to the Pew Research Center, millennials, ages 13-32, are the first in the modern era to incur higher levels of student loan debt, poverty and unemployment, and lower levels of wealth and personal income than Generation X and Baby Boomers. With many young people on Long Island facing overwhelming debt and a tight budget, a trendy New Year’s Eve outfit may seem out of reach.

On December 18th, Westfield South Shore’s new store, A’GACI, held a fashion runway event, offering trendy shoes, dresses and accessories, with each outfit costing under $75. As part of the show, a newlywed, graduate student, and college student each modeled a different fabulous look appropriate for a variety of New Year’s Eve parties and events. The models talked about their respective financial situation, New Year’s Eve plans, and why their A’GACI outfit will be perfect for the holiday.

“We are thrilled to welcome A’GACI into the Westfield South Shore center,” said Vanessa Mitton, marketing director of Westfield South Shore. “Their clothing is just right for girls on a tight budget, without compromising style or quality. With many millennials on Long Island being cautious about their finances, we are happy to respond to this need and provide great New Year’s Eve looks without them having to dig deeper into their pockets.”

A’GACI District Sales Manager Eddie Albino said, “We’ve assembled trendy outfits that will have you looking on point and feeling confident. From shoes to earrings and everything in between, our fabulous finds are truly helping shoppers on a shoestring budget this season.”

The models included college student, 23-year old Nicole Cunningham, of Wantagh, who discussed the financial constraints of college and mounting student loans. Headed to an upscale gala to ring in the new year, she modeled the Flashy Formal outfit, which included a sparkling gold and black dress, flashy earrings, a statement necklace and trendy heels.

25-year old college graduate Amanda Cunningham, of Wantagh, who is working at her first job out of school modeled the Basically Beautiful style. Perfect for an informal house party or restaurant, it consisted of a festive black and beige striped dress with black pumps and beautiful gold earrings. She discussed the challenges of new-found bills, student loans and the importance of budgeting money.

28-year old newlywed Tara Matuszewski, of West Islip, wore the Sweet and Semi-formal New Year’s Eve outfit and spoke about the importance of budgeting when running a household. Her holiday attire of a sparkling red dress, strappy open toe heels, tear drop earrings and a matching necklace will be perfect for her visit to a ski lodge party in Maine this year.

Westfield South Shore has introduced a number of new stores to the shopping center, including F & F and Charming Charlie, targeted to young ladies looking for trendy clothing without costing them hundreds of dollars.