Giggles N Curls Girls Clothing - Hot Fashions in Girls Clothes!

I look forward to Thanksgiving dinner with Mom and Dad and all the siblings and kids. I do. I really, really do. And I figure if I say that long enough, I’ll convince myself that I mean it.

It’s not the dinner, or the company, or even Uncle George’s false teeth antics, it’s the getting everyone ready.  The first winter I had two children, I thought the snowsuits, boots, mitts, etc was a nightmare. Well, it’s nothing compared to getting a whole family dressed and ready to go for a special occasion.

I found two keys to success were planning ahead, and getting ready way before we needed to, which allowed time for excuses (kids), accidents (me), and lost clothes (husband).

It’s not like you don’t know that ___ (insert occasion) isn’t coming, but if you procrastinate, you’re only piling pressure on yourself, and setting the whole family up for a miserable start to the day by being in a bad temper when things go wrong.  So I sit down way ahead and do some shopping for the girls.  Once I located what I wanted, I let our oldest choose her own.  She went for the funky stuff and asked for a Lili Gaufrette Bright Pink Dress.  That was fine with me. After all, it’s not dinner at the White House.  And for our little one, who already shows an inclination for the feminine frills, an  Amacello  Lace  Bodice Dress.

Let’s just hope the older one’s outfit survives, because I see her sister eyeing it as a hand-me-down.

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I remember when my sister’s daughter was born.  She was determined that no girl child of hers was going to become a tomboy.  It took a great deal of willpower, but I managed to restrain myself and just smiled.  Because I knew someday she was going to lose that battle.

She didn’t realize how active and energetic toddlers can be.  Or how much energy it takes for Mom to keep up with them.  It has nothing to do with girls being unfeminine. At that age, gender and what one should or shouldn’t do, has no relevance whatsoever.  Especially when you are trying to save your sanity.

So when the time came, I suggested what I had done with my own children – enroll her in toddler gymnastics. There’s nothing wrong with a girl having the same romping fun as boys, and in a structured environment, they learn to do it safely while playing with others. 

There are a whole lot of benefits as well, including improving their coordination, learning to socialize, and hopefully getting them into a habit of being fit and active from an early age.  It’s not like they need special clothes, either. A cute little romper  set and they’re good to go.

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I remember when my oldest daughter was little, and into her curious phase. Which she hasn’t outgrown yet, despite being an adult.  One day, it started with “Why do girls wear dresses and boys wear pants?”

That’s when I made my first mistake.  I actually tried to answer her directly, fishing up some details from a long-forgotten history course.  “Well, at one time, we all wore the same thing. Way back in cave man days, when the first men learned how to tie the skins of animals together and drape them around themselves, it was sort of like a dress.”

“Why?”

“Because that was all they knew how to do.”

“What are cave man days?”

“That was a long, long time ago.”

“You mean, when Granma was little?”

“Way before Granma was born.” 

“Well, it’s not long ago now, and Jeffrey has pants. How come he gets to wear them and I don’t?”

The waters were getting deep, and I was treading carefully. Even as the mother of three, I still found myself floundering.  “But you do have pants, sweetie.  And those pretty tops to go with them.  So you have the best of both worlds.  You get to wear dresses and pants!”  I was feeling pretty pleased with myself for coming up with an explanation that even a child could understand.  The feeling lasted for all of 60 seconds.

“Maybe Jeffrey would like to wear a dress, too. I’m going to go ask him.”  And off she ran next door.  I laid my head on the table, sighed, and waited for a call from Jeffrey’s mother.

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Sometimes I wonder how much credit our girls are given for “smarts”.  I don’t necessarily mean their scores on a physics test, but their curiosity about the world and how things work.  Taking stuff apart and putting it back together isn’t the sole province of boys, at least not when girls are given a chance to get their hands on the tools they need.

Educational toys  aren’t just for the boys anymore, although at one time it seemed like their subject matter was directed towards “he-man” stuff.  Besides the traditional girl activities (which still have a value) like play cooking or dress-up, there are a whole host of toys and activities that will stimulate their imagination from an early age.

From dinosaur models, to rock tumbling machines, magic kits and junior telescopes, there is a world waiting for them out there with learning tools that are appropriate for all ages.

Maybe your daughter would like to imitate Mom or even Dad’s interest in photography.  Digital cameras for kids   are inexpensive and if you do your research carefully, you’ll end up with a gift they’ll love, and one that will give you both some quality time and fun, together!

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I was having coffee with my sister the other day, and she was sitting there shivering as she looked through a children’s wear catalog.  Despite having a coffee in one hand.  When I asked her if she needed more sugar in it, she made a face and replied, “It’s not my coffee, thank you very much. It’s Allie.  She’s in that not a baby, not a junior phase and she needs some clothes for autumn. The weather is getting cool in case you hadn’t noticed.”

Well, I had of course. But why make her day?  So I asked what she was looking for.  “I don’t know,” she mumbled.  She always mumbles when she has no idea.  “Something warm.  You know, a blouse or top isn’t enough and a coat is too much.”

“Sweaters,” I nodded sagely.  “But not cardigans.  For dress-up yes. Church, visiting Mom.  But try pullovers or hooded sweaters.  They’re great for playing in outside, or for grabbing at the last minute and stuffing in a tote bag, just in case.”

“She wants ‘nice’ clothes.” My darling niece’s mother sighed and took another of those luscious double chocolate chip cookies off the plate. I reached for another myself before the bounty was gone.  “They are nice,” I told her.  “You can get her favorite color, there are sweaters with cute designs like cats, and you can even show her the sweaters online and let her choose from the ones you like.”

Just then, the four-year old subject of the conversation came wandering into the room. Wearing a cardigan.  “You ate all the cookies.”  She glared at us both and stomped off.  Kids.

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Smocked dresses and outfits for girls have a classic look that never goes out of style and can be handed down through generations.  Fine hand smocked dresses are truly an investment that you can save for your grandchildren to cherish!

Most smocking is done by hand, the quality and detail of the smocking as well as the fabric is what determines price.  Fine European fabrics, like those used by Sophie Dess, sell for a higher price.  Combine the fine European fabrics with more intricate smocking and embroidery and you have a beautiful dress that is truly special.  Vive La Fete is a brand known for it's intricate hand smocked designs.

With proper care, smocked dresses are designed to last.  Fine smocking should never be machine dried.  Manufacturers recommend line drying after washing in the delicate cycle.

Pictured above is the Michelle dress by Vive La Fete  - this is a great example of finely detailed hand smocking in a classic style that will endure the test of time. 

Posted by giggles at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Time to get ready for summer pool and beach season!  Are you ready?  Let's go shop for cute swimsuits for your girls!  (personally, much more pleasant than shopping for a swimsuit for Mom!)  What style to get?  Girls swimsuits are available in so many styles, it's sometimes hard to choose.  Babies and toddler girls look fantastic in anything - show off their adorable tummies and thighs with a bikini or one piece swimsuit.  Older girls more than likely will have an opinion and a style of their own and know what they want. 

We love the collection from Azul, which is a Brazilian swimsuit line for girls.  Sizes range from 6 months through 12.  The quality of Azul is fantastic - all pieces are lined, and made of nice weight (not see through!) fabric, and the details are fabulous.   From sequins, tulle, flowers, frill or plain, you can find your style here and the great thing is, with proper care all Azul swimsuits are made to last - you don't have to sacrifice quality to get a unique and fun look!  Most swimsuits have matching cover ups or skirts you can pair with them for a truly special look for your daughter.  (perfect for the pool or vacation!)

Click here to check out Azul girls swimsuits collection.

Click here to learn more about  girls summer swim fashion.

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Welcome to our new childrens clothing blog - this new blog is mostly about our obsession, baby and childrens clothes.  If you're looking for the store, Giggles 'n Curls, it's been merged into One of a Kind Kid.  Please visit the new expanded girls clothing section - all the classic brands are there plus some new European lines including Lili Gaufrette, Tartine et Chocolat, Floriane, Alphabet, Sucre D'Orge  - timeless European brands.

We're excited about our new children's clothing blog and hope you check back often! Don't be afraid to comment!  We'd love to hear from you!

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