I can still remember my favorite Easter dress. It was a ruffled dress, made of peach, swiss-dotted fabric, with lace trim on every ruffle, a smocked chest and a white, lace-trimmed collar. We can't forget the puffy capped sleeves, that were also trimmed in white lace. I called it my Peaches-and-Cream dress, because in my mind, it was as close to my Peaches-and-Cream Barbie's dress that I would get. My ensemble was completed with white tights, white patent leather Mary Jane's, a little white purse to hold my offering and church mints (and probably more Barbie stuff), and a white, beribboned, hat. I remember we, my Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister and I, would get all dressed up, and stand in front of my Mom's flower bed planted in tulips. Then we would, carefully, transport our Grandmother's wrist corsage, usually a purple Orchid, to church, where we would meet my grandparents, and take more photos.
My Mom would prefer for us to all match or coordinate, but I'm pretty sure no one else matched my Peaches-and-Cream Barbie, certainly not my brother or Dad. Now that I have my own children, two sons, I at least buy them something new to wear to church on Easter Sunday. And yes, I too, try to coordinate our looks and attempt to have them both smile at the same time for photos.
Have you ever wondered why we do these things? I read a bit about the history of wearing new, fancy, clothes on Easter Sunday. For believers, what I learned, makes sense, we wear new clothes, to symbolize rebirth, new life. Wearing trendy, fashionable clothes for Easter started in the 1870's due to the popularity of the 5th Avenue New York Easter Parade. If you aren't religious or a believer, I still think we can all agree that Springtime, a new season, and the rebirth that occurs as bare trees sprout leaves and spring blooms emerge from their winter naps, is a great reason to celebrate with a fresh outfit.
The Kemp family, who has owned Once Upon a Child for 25 years, shared these amazing Easter photos of their families in 1972 (photo above) and 1976 (photo below). I have to chuckle as I compare the two photos. I'm sure Mrs. Kemp was, like I am, sad to see the day that we could no longer convince our teen sons to coordinate with us. Times have changed but two things have not, 1- kids need new clothes, every season and 2- Moms still love dressing their family up in coordinated outfits, and taking photos.
In keeping with their family traditions, Once Upon a Child in Christiansburg and Roanoke has hundreds of dresses, and boys dress wear, just in time for Easter or Spring. They only accept current styles that are in excellent condition, so you can shop knowing what you buy your kids will be like new, up to 70% off retail value.
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Do You Have Easter Photos To Share?
We would LOVE to see your Easter outfit pictures, old and new- please email them to jenniferc@macaronikid.com with PHOTO in the subject line. We'll share some on our facebook page and you'll receive a small gift from Once Upon A Child to help you purchase this year's ensemble.
