See a CNN story about a young woman from an orphanage making a difference in our world:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/passing_on_the_blessing/

Scroll down and watch the video - be sure to turn the sound up! 

The jury is in . . . and the balance of power has definitely shifted!

Once upon a time it was mother and grandma who picked little girls’ dresses.  But things have changed.   The young ladies themselves are weighing in on the decision making process in a BIG way these days.

The older the girl, the more input she provides.  But we’re hearing reports that even tiny 4 year olds have their own definite opinions on style these days

While the full, poufy little girl dresses will always be with us and cherished for little ones, the older girls (and some mini divas too) are opting for sleeker, more sophisticates styles.

The #1 choice today among our little fashioniestas is the A-line dress.  This is a smooth silhouette that is narrow at the top and widens to the hemline but has NO gathering (though it may have one or two pleats).

 The #2 choice is the circle skirt dress.  That is literally a skirt that is a full circle attached to the waistline (high or natural) without any gathering or pleats.

What else?

Beading and bling!  Today’s little girls want style and detail on their dresses!

And of course, we have all this and more at The Perfect Pear Children’s special occasion boutiques . . . and our Girls Dresses & Gowns Boutique.

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. 

Have you SEEN our Outlet Center?

Maybe we’re going just a BIT crazy there . . . .

Lots and lots of beautiful things are DEEPLY discounted there.  Dresses - baby suits - shoes and more!

Be sure to check out our Outlet Center - most things can be shipped immediately and all are available very quickly!

Everything is BRAND NEW - FIRST QUALITY!

You may have wondered where we went since the middle of last week?

Huge storms have rolled through Michigan.  We’ve had torrential downpours, straight and circular winds of high intensity, downed trees and power lines . . . lost phone service, power outages and surges. . . .

Bottom line - it took our network out.

We’re back! And trying to catch up as quickly as possible.  Shipments begin again today so, if you’re waiting for something to go, watch your email later today for the notification.

As always, we have SO many back up systems in place that the entire Eastern Seaboard would have to go down again [like it happened once before] for our site to go off line or stop working.

Looking forward to talking with you again!

Are styles disappearing? 

Yes - it’s not your imagination.

Styles come and go throughout the year.  But a large number of styles leave us after First Communion season each Spring.

Yes, both dress and headpiece styles are disappearing.

Can we still get them for you?  No, sorry. If you loved one that is gone, you missed your opportunity.

But we have literally HUNDREDS of styles still available — and new ones coming!  So — Happy Shopping!

We haven’t been blogging much lately.  Why?

Because we’re going a bit crazy around here!

Yes, it’s true - Spring Fever HAS set in.  But beyond that . . . we’re working VERY hard behind the scenes to serve you even better.

There is oh, so much on the drawing board that it can make your head spin!

One - you’ve probably already notice - is Live Chat.  This is INSTANT access to Customer Service during business hours 8:30-5 EST Mon-Fri.  This means that you can use Contact / Customer Care link at the top of any page any time any day or night of the year . . . . or Live Chat during biz hours.  And, of course, our Order Center is ready to take your orders by phone (not provide customer service, as has always been the case) during business hours too.

We’re working to hire and train even more Customer Service reps to help you even more. We hope to be expanding hours soon.

What’s more?  New items, for sure!  Watch for an announcement shortly!

A new look on our main website?

Yes - we thought it’s time to freshen up the look and improve on some things!

We’re not done yet . . . but we’d love to hear your reactions!