The economy is a huge challenge for all of us right now - and many are suffering badly.

And yet - First Communion comes up and it is causing many to stress over the expenses.

We are delighted to remind everybody that we have quite a lovely selection of VERY AFFORDABLE dresses, headpieces - and yes, even boys’ suits and separates - for First Communion!

By all means - check out our Clearance Outlet Center for bargain-basement discounted items.  Here you will find first-quality items that are available to ship immediately - all radically reduced in price.  They’re almost always 1 pc each, so don’t ponder about it long -  once that one is sold, it’s gone.

In our Communion Dresses Dept we have “Budget Sensitive Communion Dresses” (we also offer Budget Sensitive Flower Girl Dresses!)

And in our Boys’ Tailored Suits Dept - we have the Budget Sensitive Suits that are just perfect!

We really offer quite a lovely selection of good-quality affordable First Communion dresses and suits - something for everybody.

We get the question or comment in various forms . . . .

• The dress just doesn’t hang right.  There’s something wrong with one of the shoulder straps on each side (but we check - and there’s only one strap in the design).
• The dress seems to fit perfectly except the bodice is all bunched up at the top.
• The dress just doesn’t lay on her shoulders right

There are other versions, but it always comes down to one thing — the hanger loops.

Hanger loops are ribbon loops (or similar fabric) that are stitched inside the garment attached to the main part.  The purpose is to keep the weight of the garment from hanging on delicate shoulder straps (like spaghetti straps - but really, any shoulder area).  They help the garment keep its shape when hanging.

Better women’s dresses have always had these but truth is - most children’s garment manufacturers just don’t bother.

Why?

Well for one, many are more price-conscious than quality-conscious.  That makes sense.

And, the garments are far lighter weight for the most part.

And they’re likely to only be worn once.  But not always . . . .

Most of our dresses and gowns are of very high quality.  The majority have the underpinnings built right in - crinolines, linings, etc.  Even our economy dresses are made to higher-than-normal standards. They can be a bit weighty.

Most of our dresses and gowns (larger than infant sizes) come with hanger loops.  We ALWAYS use these loops to help support the garment on the hanger.

But most people aren’t used to this quality in a child’s garment.  So ultimately, some slip those hanger loops over the child’s shoulders when trying the dress on — and the result really looks odd.

Because the hanger loops aren’t intended to be worn - they should just hang loose inside the garment while she is wearing it — to be used again when you hang it up.

It’s that simple.

It’s a bit embarrassing to our customers when we explain this.  We understand.

It’s not the dress or the fit.  It’s just the hanger loops.

When does a problem arise about size selection?  We see very specific occasions when size is an issue after a garment has delivered.  They include:

• When the person ordering does not bother to measure the child and use the size charts we provide on line
• When the person ordering insists that the child/person wears a specific size regardless of what the size chart provided with that garment says
• When the person ordering insists that they want to “allow room to grow” and add on considerably to the actual measurements
• When the person ordering has measurements taken by a seamstress or tailer (believe it!  After all - they will only get paid to do alterations!)
• When the person ordering uses a size chart other than the one provided with the style they are ordering.

These are the most likely times that fit will be a genuine issue.

To avoid the problems - simply take accurate measurements and use the size chart with the garment you’re ordering — it’s that easy!

There’s really no mystery or secret to it.  We even provide a full page on “how to” in the Girls Dresses and The Perfect Pear Departments to help you.   It’s really only common sense:

• Measure over underwear only (and  not long johns, please!)
• Measure with a non-stretching tape measure (never use a string or something else)
• Take accurate but not too tight measurements
• Compare to the size chart shown with the style(s) you will be ordering
• Select the size that is large enough for all the wearer’s measurements

That’s it!

Do  you have another question or suggestion?  Please be sure to let us know using Comments.

What dresses can I have really FAST?

We get this question all the time.   So —

We created a department specific for this - called “Available Fast” in our Dresses & Gowns for Girls Boutique.

Our Customer Service staff tells us that they get this question all the time -

“What length will it be on my child?”

First, let’s talk about dress length terms.

SHORT or SHORTIE:  This is a short skirt length well above the knee.  In older girls it requires lady-like behavior and movement (especially sitting down) while in little ones it requires panty covers because things underneath will likely be exposed.  Teen, pre-teen and baby dresses frequently come in this length.

KNEE LENGTH:  At or just above or below the knee.  This is a little bit more formal and THE length for interview suits in natural pageants.

TEA LENGTH:  This length is intended to fall somewhere in mid-calf.  It can run a bit longer or shorter - it’s entirely a matter of personal preference.

BALLET LENGTH:  This term is not frequently used.  It is typically right around the top of the ankle.

WALTZ LENGTH:  This term is not frequently used.   It is typically right around the lower part of the ankle.

FLOOR LENGTH - FORMAL LENGTH:  While it is often called “floor length”, it is NOT intended to actually touch the floor; this can be a hazard!  Ideal floor length would be approximately 1″ above the actual floor when worn with shoes on.

How will THIS dress look on YOUR child?

There is only one way to know for sure - use the size chart and get a measuring tape out. 

Every manufacturer has a different sizing standard.  Every dress style runs just a tad differently of course, too.  But by using the size chart and measuring on your child, you should have a VERY good idea of where that dress in the size you need will fall on your child.

• If tea length is too long, it may be wearable as a formal length dress on your child.
• If tea length is too short, you might consider getting the formal length (if available).
• If formal length is too short, consider selecting a dress that offers the option of being made with additional length.  For instance - almost if not all dresses beginning with the prefix “VN” (except those in stock on clearance) can be made with additional length.

We hope that this helps you in selecting the right dress length for your child!

And remember - EVERY dress can be altered to be made smaller or shorter.  We ALWAYS recommend a highly qualified professional alterations specialist - preferably one whose specialty is bridal attire.  S/he will understand exactly how your dress can be altered to perfection.  For instance - a dress with a fancy hemline would be shortened from the waistline.

Like the Glossary of Fabric terms we posted earlier, here’s a Glossary of Fashion (Style) Terms!

We’re always striving to make your shopping experience more enjoyable - and to help you be fully informed!

Do you get confused about terms in descriptions of garments - like what is that fabric really like?

 Visit this wonderful Glossary of Fabric terms!

Christening gowns - Communion dresses - Bris, Naming or Mitzvah outfits — we often want to save those special garments for the future.

There are really two ways to preserve a garment properly.

1. Have it professionally cleaned and sealed into a container.  Be sure to use only a very high quality, specialty dry cleaner for this process.  This is not only expensive - it renders the garment inaccessible to view or enjoy.  To view or use the garment, the seal must be broken so the process must be repeated to continue preservation.
2. An alternate form of preservation is appropriate - especially for garments with natural fibers such as cottons, linens and silks - that avoids both the cost and inaccessibility of sealing it. 
   1. First, be absolutely certain that the garment is in no contact with petroleum products (which includes zippers, plastic, vinyl and even oil on zippers). 
   2. Second it should be kept from any chemical contaminants often present in may bags - both fabric and definitely plastic. 
   3. Third, keep it away from dust and light.
   4. This type of preservation is best done with a properly prepared Heirloom Preservation Bag (which we offer, of course!).  It should be made of 100% unbleached muslin (which allows the garment “to breath”) free of any chemicals.  Be sure that the hanger is also made of unbleached materials (ours are).

In our opinion, the Heirloom Preservation Bag provides the best alternative for long-term storage of natural fiber garments but can also extend the life of man-made fiber garments as well. 

And, of course, the garment must be impeccably clean before being put into the bag.  This means it should be thoroughly laundered and gently rinsed repeatedly so all residue has been removed.  It is very possible for a spill to not show on a garment immediately after it was worn but show up hears later as a very dark stain - so be sure that the garment is very clean first. 

You’re shopping and need an answer fast — what do you do?

You click on our Live Chat icon!

When it’s green - we have Customer Service Reps available instantly to help you!  This is during normal business hours Monday - Friday PLUS Saturdays!

When it’s red, our offices are closed.  What do do then?

Then - and always - you can contact via email by clicking on the Contact link in the top navigation bar.  This will take your questions directly to our highly trained Customer Service staff.

What can you ask about?

You can ask information about the garments you see on line.  You can ask any questions about the ordering process.  You can ask just about anything!

How will they help you?  Our highly trained staff will help you find all the information you need to make a fully informed decision!

We strive to provide you with all the information necessary to make your choices easily. 

We’re often asked about the ‘right’ color(s) for flower girl dresses in black and white weddings.

Yes, many dresses DO come in all black, or black with white or white with black.  Or ivory.  But there are times these really seem to be a bit harsh, don’t they?

Consider this darling polka dot dress!  It comes in white/black and also in white/red and white/pink.  Perfect - don’t you think?!?!?!?  It is sweet and youthful but not “babyish” (a complaint we hear a lot from older girls - say, ages 7 and up).  In fact, we think it is very modern and stylish!

What’s more - it can be ordered with extra length for our tall/thin girls.

 Perfect!