If you’ve poked around this site a bit, it should come as no surprise to you that I love very classic children’s clothing. That’s not to say that I always get away with making my kids wear it (It is sometimes expensive and my daughter has entered the age of Bieber and Justice. Sigh.) but I love it nonetheless.
First Communion and baptism attire are non-negotiables for me. No spaghetti-strapped, mini-bridal gowns. No pageant-looking party dresses. My son wore khaki linen trousers, navy jacket, blue dress shirt, bowtie and loafers – and looked darling. My daughter will look equally classic.
I stumbled across the Etsy shop of Embroidered Heirlooms today and it took my breath away. Let’s just say the word “heirlooms” in the shop name is not an exaggeration. Stunning.
The “Elizabeth” is made of 100% Handkerchief Linen. The bodice features handmade lace insertions with silk ribbon accents, and rows of meticulous pintucks. The silk ribbon at the waistline ties to a beautiful bow in the back. This dress is fully lined with 100% Cotton Batiste. The back closes with five mother-of-pearl buttons. If desired, Janet will embroider the name and Communion date in white on the front bottom edge of the slip for no additional charge. Seams are professionally finished – French seams available for an additional $30.00.
The “Grace” is a 100% Silk Dupioni First Communion Dress featuring an overskirt of silk organza trimmed at the hemline with a 2″ silk satin ribbon. Bodice is made of silk dupioni, and a centered French lace block of lace insertion with silk ribbon, entredeaux, and lace with a peter pan collar trimmed in French lace. Puffed sleeves are made of silk organza trimmed with French lace insertion and silk ribbon ties. The underskirt is also made of silk dupioni. The dress is completely lined in 100% Cotton Batiste, with an attached slip. The back closes with five mother-of-pearl buttons.
The “Ava” has a Silk Dupioni underdress with 100% Silk Organza overskirt and sleeves. Bodice is hand-embroidered with silk ribbon rosettes, white silk floss stems, pale green leaves, and seed pearls. Embroidery is framed with five rows of pintucks on either side. Collar is embroidered with silk ribbon rosette and trimmed in delicate French lace. Sleeves are made of Silk Organza and trimmed with the same delicate French lace. Both the underskirt and overskirt are a very full 90″ in diameter. The dress ties in the back with a full organza bow. The dress is completely lined in 100% Cotton Batiste with an attached slip. The back closes with five mother-of-pearl buttons.
The “Patricia” is a Handmade, Heirloom First Communion Gown of 100% Handkerchief Linen, trimmed in Swiss edging of beautiful, delicate flowers at the hemline and sleeves. Bodice features pleats framing the Swiss Embroidered Floral insertion at the center, and a collar edged in Swiss scallop trim. Side ties come to a beautiful full bow in the back. Fully lined with an attached slip in 100% Cotton Batiste. Back closes with five mother of pearl buttons.
These dresses range from $199 (the Patricia) to $225 (the other three dresses). They are custom-made and require eight weeks to make and ship.
What do you think? Pricey? Yes. But if you look at it as a family dress as opposed to a dress for one girl for one day, is the price a bit more palatable? Am I just trying to rationalize it?! (They are sooooo gorgeous!)
