Belles Blog

The Perfect Nursery

2012-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

As I find myself searching the Internet so I can learn and grow Maison de Belles Choses, I am finding great blogs and online stores.

My recent "searching" led me to Project Nursery (www.projectnursery.com)

This blog was created by two Moms and business partners, Melisa Fluhr and Pamela Ginocchio. They have some beautiful ideas for your baby's nursery and share photos of their projects. They also sometimes mention children's clothing, like Busy Bees, and resources for Moms. Their site is a wealth of information while also aesthetically attractive.

As I was checking out their projects, I pictured an adorable baby dressed in sweet Pixie Lily layette clothing, including the convertible gown for wrap romper photographed below.

Pixie Lily is a line out of Charleston, South Carolina created by a lovely woman named Leda Jackson. This layette line is made with the most wonderful, softest pima cotton sourced from Peru and is finished by hand with french knotting. It is lovely and compliments a nursery finished by Project Nursery beautifully.

It is amazing the volume of resources available on the Internet. I hope you find Maison de Belles Choses, www.maisondebelleschoses.com, as your resource for classic, smocked clothing for children.

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

I am finally feeling settled here in Colorado. We arrived just in time for the holiday season

Halloween

Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This made for an exhausting few months and little time to truly get settled.

Now, as the New Year begins, I thought I would share my resolutions:

1. Continue to enjoy Colorado! It is truly beautiful and offers many family friendly activities.

2. Organize my photos. I expect I am not alone with this task. I love the convenience of digital cameras but the photos are often trapped in my computer.

3. Focus more on Maison de Belles Choses. I truly enjoy seeing children, including mine, in classic, smocked clothing. I will continue to seek out well made, affordable clothing so this can be attainable for many of us.

4. I will be more active on Facebook and blogging so you, the customer, can be aware of sales and new items arriving.

5. I will offer more sales. These sales will be more specific to brands or items so they can be more frequent. I will also continue to offer our seasonal sales as well. Like right now - Busy Bees is 50% off. Every item we have ever carried from them is 50% including the great pajamas.

I hope your New Year is starting off well. Please continue to find us on the Internet and "like" us on Facebook. We really appreciate your support.

All the best,

Jennifer

Christmas is here, already?!

2011-11-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

It was amazing to me when I walked in Target two days after Halloween that Christmas was here but Thanksgiving had been forgotten. There was not a turkey in sight but the Christmas music was already playing.

I am a huge fan of the holidays, every holiday, and I particularly love dressing my children up for the occasion. My children have complimented each other in the Little English scarecrow outfits for Thanksgiving and for Christmas this year, Molly will be wearing the red cord dress by Zuccini this year.

Christian is coordinating with her in the IMP red plaid longall. I actually just found an embroiderer here in Colorado so feel free to ask me to embroider any of the clothing on Maison and I can.

We also have a few new options from Carriage Boutique. They have done a red corduroy Christmas scene every season and they are a true classic.

I am absolutely thrilled with a sweater Funtasia Too created for the season. The red is perfect and the ruffle plaid detail is done well.

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and are looking forward to eating plenty of turkey this month. Enjoy checking out the new clothing at Maison de Belles Choses.

Happy Shopping!
Jen

Announcing...

2011-10-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Maison de Belles Choses has moved! Well, my family and I have moved to Colorado so Maison de Belles Choses has also. We were ready for a change and also moved closer to family. This may sound like a familiar situation to some of you.

What this means to you, the Maison shopper:

Your item(s) will probably arrive faster now that we aren't shipping from the West Coast.
If you live in California, we no longer have to charge you tax. YEAH!
I am able to dedicate more time to Maison so expect more sales and promotions via Facebook and our blog.

What this has also meant is that I have been very, very slow at putting up our new fall clothing. We have some great items from Zuccini I just added to the site. I will be continuing to add more and more this week and will keep you posted via Facebook or a Constant Contact email.

Thank you for your continued business. We really appreciate it. Thank you for your understanding also during this time of transition.

Happy Shopping!
Jennifer

P.S. You can join our fanbook at Facebook any time!!

Go Dogs Go! Anavini Smocked Dogs

2011-05-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Our son is in love with dogs. He gets down low to pet small dogs and often offers a few fingers. He loves big dogs and will pet them with his entire hand. He also can't get enough of "Go, Dogs Go," by Dr. Seuss. He can have it read to him three times in one sitting. Our daughter is fond of dogs, but more about her clothes rather than the actual dog. Molly had an older version Anavini poodle dress we couldn't get her to stop wearing. The only time she didn't wear this was when it was dirty or her bicycle smocked dress was available. So, as you can imagine, I was determined to buy handsome, attractive dog smocked clothing again this season. Anavini succeeded in getting the job done.

Anavini created an attractive Brown Check Poodle Bishop Dress with aqua blue poodles. It looks fantastic and the poodles really pop.

Then, for the little guy, they created this fabulous Anavini Blue Check Overall with happy little puppies. The puppies on the overall are absolutely adorable. and we've noticed children are often complimented when wearing these pieces of smocked clothing.

If dogs aren't your kids thing, we also have horses, dinosaurs, frogs, fish, well you get the picture.

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

Easter Comes But Once a Year

2011-04-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's true, isn't it? So Saturday we headed on down to the School Easter Pancake Breakfast to meet the Easter Bunny. With two and five year olds, how could it not be anything but a good time for all? You'll have to go to the end of the blog for the photo answer to that question. Anyway, you can see the two are off to a good start...

Yes, Easter only comes once a year. That is why I say "Dress Them Up!" They get bigger all the time and grow out of their clothes, but the pictures last forever! People did comment on how cute the Little Man looked all dressed up, but I didn't do it to get compliments (although those are nice). I did it because I genuinely love seeing them dressed well. And I'm enough of a realist to know they may not go along with my sartorial suggestions for much longer. Work it while you can!

Pictured above is the Anavini Pink Tuck Blue Check Dress. It's a great all-around Spring dress and even features a petticoat underneath.

When we first walked in to the breakfast the little guy was enthusiastic about his visit to the Easter Bunny. "Bunny! Bunny!" he said. From a distance, big bunnies can appear smaller than their actual size.

Get a little closer, and they can become truly terrifying in the eyes of a two year old, as you can see.
The Maison de Belles Choses 15% off Spring Sale continues to the end of April, but if you'd like something before Easter you may have to spring for the 2 day UPS delivery. We have one style of Boys Seersucker Suit, good to wear all Spring long!

Have a great Holiday everybody, and Happy Shopping!

Easter is Quickly Approaching!

2011-04-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Easter is quickly approaching and Maison de Belles Choses has great options for the holiday and beyond!

I love seersucker! Every season my little man has to have something seersucker. This year it is the Funtasia Too Seersucker Suit which he will be wearing for Easter. I just love little guys, and their Dads, in seersucker in Spring.

I enjoy matching or complimenting my children in their clothing. Molly loves wearing dresses so it is never too difficult to convince her to wear a new dress. I am also a big fan of Funtasia Too's Pillowcase Dress. It's reversible! I haven't decided yet which side she will wear it on to best compliment her brother. Christian will definitely be in his knee high socks and saddle shoes. I just love this look and I am not sure how much longer I have for him to wear it. I have heard mixed reviews on this - 2 or 3 or even 4. I am pulling for 3 years old so I have another year to see his chubby little legs over saddle shoes.

Other great non-Bunny options - for little sister, the beautiful Anavini Pink Checked Smocked Bishop Dress and for the little brother, the Puppies Smocked Overall by Anavini.

I hope you and your little ones enjoy Easter egg hunting and delicious brunches with family and friends.

Happy Shopping & Happy Easter!

Spring Sale 15% off at Maison de Belles Choses Now Happening for April

2011-03-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

It is clearly Spring here in San Francisco. It has been so sunny that our daughter Molly swears it is summer and time to go swimming. We are getting close and to celebrate this great weather, Maison de Belles Choses is having a Spring sale. The entire website is 15% off and this includes recently marked down items put on Sale.

We have great new items from Zuccini including the Girls Ice Cream Short Set or the Boys Truck John John.

We also have a adorable Fish Romper from Anavini and a smocked Monkey A-line Dress. I think you get the picture - beautiful and handsome smocked clothing on sale now at Maison de Belles Choses.

The little boy pictured at the top is sporting the Vive la Fete Classic Car Shirt and Cargo Short Set, in case you were wondering.

Happy Shopping!

Ribbit, Ribbit! The Sound of Smocked Frogs

2011-03-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Frogs are extremely popular in our house. Our son loves to say 'Ribbit' and both children love to hop like a frog. And honestly, when do you ever see frogs depicted in a surly, unpleasant manner? You don't. Even when the Prince is stuck as a frog, like in the latest Princess & The Frog movie by Disney, overall he is still a happy little guy.

Claire & Charlie created very friendly frogs on their Smocked Frog Bishop Dress and their Smocked Frog Shortall. I love the purple gingham fabric for the dress and the aqua blue check fabric for the shortall. And, of course, everyone in our house loves the adorable, smiling frogs! These are great complimenting outfits for Spring.

The Sailboat Option

I try to have some options for brothers and sisters, particularly since I find great joy in dressing my children in the complimenting outfits. Another great option for the little brother and sister are the Zuccini Embroidered Sailboat Romper and the Zuccini Two-Piece Smocked Top and Bloomer set. These are fabulous! I love the complimenting blue colors and the styles are just wonderful. For the complete selection of sailboat themed clothes and swim suits (and there are quite a few) please click here.

Feel free to email me if there is something you are looking for and don't see it on our site. I will see if I can special order it for you. It is my pleasure to see children dressed in smocked clothing from Maison de Belles Choses.

Happy Shopping!!

Fabulous Swimwear from Funtasia Too!

2011-03-23T16:49:00.001-07:00

I know I may say this every summer season since I have started buying swimwear but this may be my favorite swimwear yet!!!

Funtasia Too has created the most fabulous whale embroidered and appliqued swimwear on blue gingham. As for an emblem to signify swimming, what could be more apropos than a whale? If you've ever seen them launch out of the water it is hard to imagine anything more grand or majestic!

I loved Bailey Boys blue gingham swimsuits with red ric rac last season (Yes, I see the pattern) but the wonderful green embroidered whales on the boy swim trunks and girl one piece really makes the suits pop!

In case you're interested, the girl at the top of the blog is wearing the Bailey Boys suit with the red ric rac, and here it is just above. It is perfect for a monogram!

Until this season, I have not bought a two-piece bathing suit for girls. I am in love with this Funtasia Too Two-piece Appliqued Whale Bathing suit for the big sister. The top extends pretty well down the torso and the bottoms have the fabulous ruffle also found on the one-piece. I think this swimsuit is still sweet and innocent and a perfect compliment to the embroidered options.

Funtasia Too picks great fabric and does a wonderful job with the embroidery on this suits (I believe there might be a few swim trunks in red gingham with embroidered navy anchors in the sale section). Funtasia Too knows their strengths and I am so happy to be able to offer these adorable whale bathing suits this season!

For all the choices for girls swimwear click here. For all the boys click here.

Happy Swimming!

Smocked Clothing for Every Occasion!

2011-03-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

So I recently took a photo of my daughter in one of her favorite dresses. My daughter only likes to wear dresses, for now at least, and is always up for a smocked one. In this recent photo, as you can see, she is wearing her beautiful Bois de Rose blue floral dress with her construction hat and goggles. This got me thinking - smocked and classic clothing look great for any occasion! It also reminded me that I make a point as the buyer (and owner) for Maison de Belles Choses to buy quality at multiple price points.

I have been very pleased with Royal Child and Carriage Boutiques and the quality of their clothing at more affordable prices. This Celery Smocked Bishop Dress by Royal Child is beautiful! The color is great and the smocking is well done. What varies, I noticed, is the material is a cotton/polyester blend, rather than 100% cotton. The pink accents throughout look wonderful and this dress will get a ton of wear throughout the Spring/Summer season.

Carriage Boutique did a great job with this Blue Striped Smocked Dress. I love the fabric with the slightly raised white lines. The smocking is nice and tight and well done and the puff cap sleeve and peter pan collar just finish is out so well. It also comes with coordinating panty cover in the smaller sizes.

Funtasia Too is another favorite of mine and the brand is made in the USA. This is a family affair and they are true advocates for dressing kids well without breaking the bank. I am a huge fan of their bathing suits (more about them in another blog) and the Pillow Case Dress. This dress is well made, reversible and absolutely adorable! You can't pass this dress up this season.

Two dresses stand out this year in party dresses. First, the Vive la Fete Pink Smocked Party Dress has a wonderful vibrant pink for those girls who go for a more intense color scheme. For those with perhaps a more delicate color preference, the Zuccini Pink Party Dress is sure to please. The quality of the smocking and fabric is evident. Your little girl will look beautiful in these dresses also for her special occasion!

My children are often spotted in smocked or appliqued clothing - at school, at parties, and many other days. I find all the brands we carry to wash well and to last. My son has gotten almost everything on his smocked shirts and I can always get it out and the clothes hold up. I think you can never go wrong with well made clothing, at all price points and I hope you agree that smocked clothing can work for everything occasion!

Happy Shopping!

Bunny Reversible Appliqué for Spring

2011-03-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Searching for fun bunny facts, I discovered that bunnies can get pregnant while pregnant! Yikes! I enjoyed pregnancy, but hey, a break was in order after those ten months. No wonder bunnies proliferate so fast. Hmmmm.

So if bunnies as pets could be a bit much, why not add some bunny appliqué to some darling outfits? Even though these bunnies are guaranteed NOT to multiply, the outfit itself is two in one. That is, if you turn it inside out you have a different appliqué outfit. Now that's the kind of multiplication I can deal with - extend the outfit life beyond the holiday on into the summer!

For the girls we have the Zuccini Bunny Reversible Dress. Rather than a flat cloth rabbit, the bunny is made with a soft white terrycloth. The stalk of the carrot is actually a thin green yarn. The appliqué is set on pink seersucker.

Turn it inside out, and Voila! an outfit ready for the summer with appliqué watermelon pocket covers. This side is done in blue and white seersucker, and there are buttons set at the top with an ingenious system of hiding the tag.

For the boys we have the Zuccini Bunny Reversible Shortall. Same bunny as the dress in blue on blue seersucker - a great match. Turned inside out we find a shark, perfect for the summer.

I love the way Zuccini multiplies the wears their clothing give us as well as the length of time our kids can wear the clothes - and with such a high quality, too.

Pink Smocked Dresses for Spring

2011-03-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

Once toddlers begin to sing, the potential for lyrical "enhancements" takes on comic possibilities. That is, on purpose or not, they can mangle songs in a very funny way. Molly had just learned the song "Hot Cross Buns", a simple and straightforward tune. One day she was wearing pink pants, and started singing "Hot Pink Pants, Hot Pink Pants, one-a-penny, two-a-penny, Hot Pink Pants!"

Our new Spring Arrivals lack Hot Pants, pink or otherwise, but we've added some great pink smocked dresses by Vive la Fete and Jeanine Johnsen. Have a look!

The first is a stunning dress by Vive la Fete, the Pink Smocked Party Dress. The smocked area in front has amazing detail, with a white chevron design reminiscent of Bois de Rose. Integrated with the white chevron are pink flower designs in vertical columns. The collar has subtle red and white stripe piping on both edges and this is carried down below near the hem on top of a ring of ruffles. Sizes are from 4T to 6X. This dress has a lot of wonderful subtle touches, perfect for birthday parties in the Springtime!

For smaller girls, there is the Vive la Fete Pink Smocked Sun Bubble Dress. It features the same white chevron with flower design the the Party Dress has, but in a rectangle on the front. This would be perfect for a pair of sisters - similar, but different enough to not be too cute. The sizes range from 6 months to 24 months. The collar has the same red and white piping.

Changing it up, we have a lovely dress from Jeanine Johnsen, the Soft Pink Striped Dress. Fairly simple, the narrow ruffled collar adds just enough to make it stand out and get noticed. It is fully lined and comes with a complimentary pink and white striped panty cover. Sizes are 6-12 m, 12-18 m, and 18 to 24 m.

Do you have funny story about how your little one mangled (er, improved) a song? Would you share it with us? Either here on the blog or on Facebook, we'd love to hear it!

Rite of Passage

2011-02-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

It appears the cutting of one's own hair is a true rite of passage around the age of 4. Our daughter Molly accomplished this task stealthily in our bathroom two days before Christmas. She was very tidy in this endeavor and placed all of the hair in the trash bin, as if we wouldn't notice. Well, we noticed. We didn't overreact but we did start referring to her as "FuzzBall Molly." The ironic thing about this is we have had tons of women comment on her hair and then say, "I did that when I was her age too." It is a rite of passage.

You can see the haircut we are referring to in our latest website photos. As we learned from our hairdresser, hair grows 1/4 inch every month. It will be a little while till Molly has normal bangs. Maybe everyone will look at her attractive clothing from Maison de Belles Choses rather than her bangs? Well, probably not but both will be noticed. We have new arrivals for Spring and Summer arriving often, including this Busy Bees racer back dress as featured on Molly. This is a great, easy everyday dress for your little girl. I am also excited about this beautiful white with blue polka dot and apple pique fabric dress by Sarah Louise. It is great fabric and looks fantastic with the pleating detail.

This is the second installation of our new Spring arrivals. The first one was on our new crab smocked clothing. Hope you like them and Happy Shopping!

Crab Season!

2011-02-01T20:31:00.001-08:00

It is dungeness crab season here in San Francisco. It is also crab season in smocked clothing at Maison de Belles Choses. Anavini has created the most adorable crab boy bubble and crab dress I have ever seen. I am in love with the light blue and white striped fabric and the unique straps on both pieces. The boy bubble has these adorable criss-cross back straps and the dress has these button front straps. I just really appreciate these little details. These are well made, unique smocked outfits that will look fantastic on your little one.

First, the Girl's Anavini Crab Smocked Dress...

And then the Boys Anavini Crab Smocked Bubble...

Our spring/summer clothing has just started to arrive. We have new items from Sarah Louise, Anavini, and Vive La Fete at Maison de Belles Choses and are receiving new items often. Check back to see what we have for your little ones this season!

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to Maison de Belles Choses' blog. I hope you had a wonderful 2010 and are looking forward to a great 2011.

The little guy on the left is wearing the Little English Red Corduroy Shortall. We can monogram your purchases (an extra $8). Just list what you'd like in the "comments" section of the order and be sure to include a contact telephone number.

It has been great fun for me to own and buy for Maison de Belles Choses. I didn't realize how much I love classic, smocked clothing until we got started on this. I have to thank my husband James for supporting me and letting me give this venture a go.

Why wait for Summer to hit the beach? This Claire and Charlie Smocked Wizard of Oz Longall went for a walk on the beach one brisk day last November and had a great time. Longalls pose a barrier to sand, which can find it's way into the remotest parts of a child's clothes. Not perfect, but it may be our best shot at playing defense.

Thank you for all your wonderful feedback. It is great for me to hear what was a hit, what washed well, how things run in size, etc. I try most of the clothing out on my children but it is always good to get another person's experience.

Recently, one of our customers let me know that another smocked clothing website out there charged her a $5 restocking fee. Here at Maison de Belles Choses there are no restocking fees. My goal is to make sure you are happy and your little one can wear the dress or Jon Jon you choose. It is my pleasure to exchange items with you with NO restocking fee. This same customer, when she went back on the other site to buy the correct size, noticed the price had changed and had increased an additional $5. Again, this will not happen at Maison de Belles Choses.com. We list our prices at the beginning of the season and the only time we change them is when we put them on sale.

I know there is a lot of competition out there on the web and we really appreciate your business. We hope you have confidence and comfort shopping at Maison de Belles Choses and may choose us over the competitors next time.

Thank you again for a wonderful 2010 and we look forward to helping you in 2011!

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

2010-12-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season! We would love to see pictures of your adorable children in smocked clothing from Maison de Belles Choses. Please post your images on our Facebook page if you would. I love pictures!

We have just started to receive our Spring inventory and I will be uploading it shortly. Until then, check out our sale page as I am always adding new items there.

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer

Bees

2010-10-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends from college lives close by and has watched our children grow up. One day, she taught our daughter the song, "Baby Bumblebee" and it was an instant hit. Of course, Molly's favorite part was the 'bzzzz, it stung me' and she laughed over and over again. So, when I saw the adorable K & L's, a division of Vive La Fete, bumblebee overall, I had to buy it.

The cut of these overalls are great. I love the cinching at the top and the ribbon detail around the cuff. Plus, this same friend who taught Molly the song isn't an absolute "pink" fan so I thought the balance of blue and pink would be perfect for her little girl. Yes, now I have the pleasure of watching her child grow up. I will have to think of a good song to teach her.

When I think of bees, I also think of the line Busy Bees. This was a line of clothing created by a mom in Marin California and her friend who resides in Nashville. I am a big fan of the overalls they created for little boys.

My son was just wearing his green and navy pair today. He received a few compliments from the other Moms in the music class. People enjoy seeing children dressed in classic clothing and it is our goal to find great pieces for you to choose from.

Happy Shopping!

Tools & Purses

2010-10-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun watching children grow and hearing the funny things they have to say. We have friends who have a son who truly fits the mold of a boy. He loves tools and trucks and even simulates debris falling from his bed like at a work site. For this little guy, I immediately think of the Royal Child smocked tool longall.

I actually had him in mind when I bought it this season. Our son loves to bang away with his tools, his forks, his sippy cups, etc. also.

These friends of ours also have a little girl and she behaves like a little girl. She loves her doll and brings her with her everywhere. She also loves purses, particularly one of her Mom's favorite evening bags. I do have to say she looks adorable in her smocked dress, holding her doll and carrying her purse. Zuccini made a fabulous purse smocked purple gingham dress.

It is just perfect for any little tea party your little girl may have with her dolls. I am particularly fond of the soft purple color.

It is so much fun buying every season with particular people in mind. I hope you enjoy the clothes at Maison de Belles Choses as much as I do.

Happy Shopping!

Smocked Thanksgiving - Feast Your Eyes On This!

2010-10-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

The trifecta of year end holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - is upon us. Each has their charms for different people. Around here, everyone goes all out for Halloween, whether they are kid or adult. Excitement about Christmas hardly needs comment, really. But Thanksgiving, the least flashy of the three, has a surprisingly huge fan base. As to why, I'll get to that later...

For fans of smocked clothing, Royal Child has created the Turkey Smocked Bishop Dress. At last, Thanksgiving gets some sartorial love! The clothing material is green and white check. These Turkeys are about as pretty as you can make them, and the quality of construction is excellent.

Harvest time is not neglected either here at Maison de Belles Choses. We carry cornfield and scarecrow smocked clothing in sleeveless romper, long-sleeve romper, longall, and dress jumper - everyone's outfit preference is covered.

Now for my thoughts on why Thanksgiving is the sleeper holiday: For a lot of people, it lacks the gift-buying pressures of Christmas. The focus is on collecting family and friends for a large feast with delicious food. To be sure, there is a lot of work involved, more for some than others, but still it's worth it. For the "others", lounging on sofas watching the game, drifting in and out of a turkey-induced coma is absolute bliss. At the end, sure there's a clean-up but look what you got in return - a happy, well-fed group of people! Nobody got too sick on candy, and everyone can now look forward to the end of the year festivities. What could be better than that?

Happy Shopping!

Smocked Princesses and their Dolls

2010-10-05T20:34:00.001-07:00

Cinderella and Raggedy Ann and Andy

Vive La Fete has created a fabulous smocked dress featuring Raggedy Anne & Andy. Raggedy Anne was originally created as a doll in 1915 and a book was written about her in 1918. Her brother, Raggedy Andy appeared in 1920. There have been many variations of the dolls created by numerous manufacturers or handmade using McCall's sewing pattern. When my daughter was born, her Great Uncle bought her Raggedy Anne & Andy dolls. I had my own Raggedy Anne & Andy dolls as a child as well. I am so pleased to be able to carry this wonderful dress by Vive La Fete this season.

Speaking of princesses, a season can't go by without offering the wonderful Cinderella dress by Royal Child. We picked it up again this fall in long sleeves (and still have a few available in short sleeves). Royal Child did a great job capturing the scene of Cinderella and her castle and her carriage. And if it's a Pant Set you're looking for, Vive la Fete has a Cinderella Pant Set in checked pink that is quite attractive.

Happy Shopping!

Busy Bees Blackwatch Plaid

2010-09-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

In our experience, it is never too early to get organized for the holiday season, specifically Christmas. I personally received an email from Classic Kids Photography just yesterday to schedule our holiday photo session. We have had numerous people purchase holiday clothing as early as August. I am always impressed someone is thinking of the holidays that early and is that organized.

So, without further ado, I would like to introduce to you a few holiday season options from Busy Bees. Busy Bees is a brand that was started by two Moms, one based in California and another in Tennessee. They have a great sense for classic children's clothing.

The Busy Bees green velvet dress is made from a beautiful, rich velvet fabric with adorable blackwatch plaid patch pockets. It was also made with three-quarter sleeves exclusively for Maison de Belles Choses.

The big sister option is coordinatingly reversed. The dress is made of a luxurious blackwatch plaid with a green ribbed cotton patch pocket. Again, this dress was made exclusively for Maison de Belles Choses with a 3/4 length sleeve. I am partial to a longer sleeve dress for Christmas due to the weather in most places.

Finally, we can't forget the little brother. Busy Bees made a great Jon Jon in this blackwatch plaid. I am anticipating my little guy will be wearing this for the holidays with a white turtleneck, white socks and white Willits shoes (available at www.shoebuys.com). Our son will be 22 months at the holidays and I won't be able to get him in this great look for much longer.

As you get prepared for the holiday season, maybe these Busy Bees options will fit your visions of the holidays. If not, please continue to check back often for new options at Maison de Belles Choses.

Happy Shopping!

Classic Socks for Girls, Cool Socks for Boys

2010-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Socks, socks, beautiful socks, beautiful socks with a .....well, you get the picture. I now understand why Dr. Seuss makes up words to rhyme together. Maison de Belles Choses is now carrying beautiful socks for your little girls and adorable socks for your tough little guys. We have lace and ribbon socks available for girls and cars and dinosaurs for the boys. I think the socks are the final detail to a great outfit. Hope you agree. Pictured above is the Jefferies Fancy Lace Socks which come in white and pearl.

On the left are the Jefferies Lace Socks which come in purple, white and pink. The lace on both types is quite delicate in appearance but not fragile. On the right are a pair of Jefferies Ribbon Socks. Our daughter has worn these socks numerous times to much acclaim. They come in both pink and white.

For the boys we have two styles: The Country Kids Automobile Socks (very cool with the checkered flag soles, only in white) and the Country Kids Dinosaur Socks. They come in blue or white. What kid wouldn't groove on a pair of those?

Happy Shopping!

Favorite Smocked Sale Items - Girls

2010-08-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Back from a much needed break, just in time for the Day Care end of the summer production (pictured). Last time we highlighted some of our favorite boy sale items - Now it's the girl's turn! We've already started receiving and posting our new Fall clothing, some of which you will see highlighted on this blog. Stay tuned...

Anavini Pink Floral Bishop Dress - 3 months

Hot pink floral dress by Anavini. This is a great dress and very versatile.

Original Price $74, Sale Price $59

Busy Bees Ladybug Smocked Bubble - 6 months

Eye catching red "ladybug" fabric with adorable striped buttons by Busy Bees. The ladybug smocking is on the back so your little girl will look great from the front and back as she is crawling around.

Original Price $69, Sale Price $51

Zuccini Strawberry Smocked Dress - 12 months

A delicious playground-ready dress festooned with strawberries around the collar.

Original Price $58, Sale Price $45

Little English Butterfly Smocked Bishop Bubble - 24 months

Adorable pink and purple butterfly bubble. Perfect in great summer weather.

Original Price $66, Sale Price $48

Jeanine Johnsen Lobster Dress - 2 (and 4) Toddler

This dress has been a great hit every season we have carried it. The navy and red combo is perfect!

Original Price $74, Sale Price $59

Happy Shopping!

Favorite Smocked Sale Items - Boys

2010-07-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Sale Page at Maison de Belles Choses brings together all the beautiful items that are the last size standing for a particular piece. This blog will get you quickly to the size and price of our favorite sale items, sizes 6 months to 4T. The first one is for boys, and the next blog will cover the girls.

Sarah Louise Sailor Romper - 6 months - $34 (was $48, save $14)

This boys romper has an applique sailboat on the front, bubble legs below decks, and for the top mast a sailor cap. The only people I know who can successfully pull this look off are children under 24 months or actual sailors.

Anavini Smocked Duck Shortall with shirt - 9 months - $53 (was $69, save $16)

Duckies are always popular with any small child. Not only do you get the Anavini smocked shortall but also the white collared shirt with blue trim. Quelle bargain for the quality!

Anavini Smocked Firetruck Shortall - 18 months - $48 (was $68, save $20)

Fires will be doused in no time with this red gingham shortall by Anavini. Comes complete with white collared pique shirt and red trim.

Busy Bees Red Seersucker Shorts - 2T - $22 (was $34, save $12)

Every little boy needs some seersucker. If not the suit, (which we used to carry) why not a pair of classic shorts in red?

Little English Baseball Smocked John John -4T - $46 (was $66, save $20)

The baseball season lasts a mighty long time. Cute pictures taken of your little boy in this john john will last even longer, maybe forever with proper archiving.

There are more sale items for both boys and girls, but here you have an easy way to see the highlights on a size basis. Stay tuned for the girl-focused blog soon.

Smocked Bicycle Romper for Boys

2010-06-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

We are a cycling family. Well, actually, my husband is the cyclist and we join him if we want to see him on the weekends. Before we had children, he would go out for 3-4 hour bike rides on the weekend. Then, we had children and he was lucky if he got out on the bike at all. I heard about it A LOT.

We recently purchased the trailer bike for our daughter to be able to join him on some rides. I thought this was a win for him to get back out on his bike and a win for me to have one child with me and one with him. Naively, I thought it was bar you put on her bicycle and attached to Dad's bike. I had no idea it was another bike in and of itself. (Will the car EVER fit in the garage again?) This was very exciting and her Meme even went online for her to wear a cycling outfit like her Daddy.

I know you can already imagine where this is going. We carry the most adorable cycling romper by Remember Nguyen. They are based out of Louisiana and they created this great aqua blue romper with bicycles. This is a great outfit for any little guy, particularly if he is a part of a cycling family.

I love it with or without the classic white top by Remember Nguyen, depending on the temperature outside. We just had a customer buy the combo and thought it was an outstanding idea.

My husband once rode professionally, even raced against Lance Armstrong a few times when the future Tour de France winner was just starting out. I am nervous one of my children will want to ride down mountains very fast like Daddy did. Soccer, anyone? For now I will stick to dressing my little guy in this adorable romper.

Happy Shopping!

Stars and Stripes, Fathers and Daughters

2010-06-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sending smocked and classic clothing out gives us a thrill. Why? Because we know soon some lucky darling will be wearing these wonderful clothes. If there was a special event planned, we'd like to imagine the outfit would add a little extra something to it. We can only guess what happens once the package goes out. Were there compliments given? Were pictures taken that will be treasured for years to come?

Every once in a while we get a little glimpse into what actually happens. We are always interested, probably because there usually is some fun story and pictures that are offered up. Sometimes, the customer even gives us permission to mention it in our blog...

Recently, we were contacted by an Army wife stationed in Italy. She had found the Jeanine Johnsen flag dress on our website and thought it was perfect for her husband's upcoming commissioning ceremony. Their daughter was to be a part of the ceremony and her father was being promoted to Lt. Colonel. And she was kind enough to allow us to post the pictures - congratulations and best wishes to the whole family!

As the July 4th holiday approaches, it is nice to be reminded of the many brave men and women who fight for our country. My brother safely returned from a tour in Afghanistan and Iraq and we fly our American flag with pride for all our servicemen.

You can expect some sort of July 4th themed clothing at Maison de Belles Choses year after year. I enjoy seeing children in smocked flag dresses or, for example, the appliqued truck with stars by Funtasia. I have been very pleased with the July 4th series of bathing suits from Bailey Boys as well.

Smocked Clothing Belongs in the Zoo!

2010-06-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends say I've gone over the deep end. Others say I'm obsessed. As long as they're talking about me and smocked clothing, I'd have to confess they're probably right. Take yesterday, for example. A simple trip to the Oakland Zoo with friends means... you guessed it... zoo-animal themed smocked clothing for the kids! (A tip for visitors to the Bay Area - the Oakland Zoo is better than the San Francisco Zoo, though as a San Franciscan I hate to admit it.)

What could be more fun than putting your child in an outfit with the design of their favorite zoo animal and then heading down to the zoo? It's like they have a special connection or are in the club with the critters. We went to visit the pediatrician for our daughter's annual. The Doctor looked at her palms and asked, "Do you like the Monkey Bars?" Busted! The evidence was there - callouses from swinging to and 'fro like the monkeys do!

Here she is caught in the act.

Naturally, Molly opted for the Monkey Bishop dress. Zuccini Smocked Clothing has a hutch-full of the stuff . Usually it's a trio of our simian pals lined up front and center like the classic "Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil" minus the hand gestures. Generally they're posing like you would imagine monkeys do - one arm up, one arm down, swinging from trees, etc. Zuccini makes a great set for girls and boys. The Smocked Monkey Jumper and Blouse is a pretty combination and the Boys Smocked John John would make any monkey sympathizer proud!

Meanwhile back in the Amphibian house we saw blue South American Tree Frogs that are so poisonous that if you touch them it is fatal - for you. These little guys supply the poison found in the famous "poison darts". I'm not sure how the poison goes from the frog to the dart, but somehow the natives are able to do it (built up immunity? special gloves?) Usually frogs are looked upon as non-toxic and certainly this is true on any smocked clothing, as our son would attest if he could talk yet. This was Mom's choice for his Zoo trip (he is 16 months and easygoing when it comes to clothing choice - got to take advantage of it while it lasts!) Here's a picture of the little man fortifying himself with a pancake pre-Zoo.

Claire and Charlie have gilded the lily with their selection for boys and girls. The Boys Smocked Frog Shortall is great for a hot summer day at the zoo.

One incredibly cool feature of the Oakland Zoo is a chairlift. Yes, just like the ones at a ski resort. You get a bird's-eye view of the Zoo, the Bay, and even San Francisco in the distance. Down below we saw a lion sleeping, camels, elephants, bison, and all kinds of other animals, including the best giraffe yard I've ever seen. I captured this giraffe relaxing on the ground, which I imagine is just like capturing a shark sleeping or a snake jumping in the air.

Giraffes have a coloring that ranks up in coolness with anything Mother Nature has to offer. It might not surprise you to hear it from me but there are giraffes featured on smocked clothing. Alennys has two outfits for boys and girls. The Smocked Giraffe Boys Longall is in light cotton, and the giraffes have raised fur and a puffed yarn tail. The Girls Giraffe Smocked Romper in pink and white gingham also features a yarn tail.

For those who can't make up their mind which animal to choose or have a child that loves them all, why not go on Safari and have them all? It's Zuccini again, with the Boys Smocked Safari Longall.

One of the best parts of any trip to the Zoo is what you haul back to the house: tired kids!

Classic Swimsuits for Children - This Years' Collection

2010-06-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's not hard to find kids' swimsuits. What's hard is getting a swimsuit that is classic and stylish and will accept a monogram! Fortunately, this season Bailey Boys comes through with gingham swimsuits for both Boys and Girls that have made a big splash at our local pool.

This suit is blue checked gingham with red ric rac and ruffle trim on the top. We can monogram it for you as well, just let us know what you'd like in the comments section of the order form. For the boys they've made a straightforward version (no ruffles or ric rac) in the same blue gingham ready for the monogram.

Vive la Fete has a girls smocked swimsuit with sailboats. Could there be a better beach/bay/ocean motif? Smocking is relatively hard to find in a swimsuit, but this one holds up well. It is a one-piece blue and white check cotton fabric. There is a matching boys smocked sailboat suit available as well.

Funtasia Too offers a Crab Applique swim trunk for boys in blue striped seersucker (yes!) with a red gingham crab to finish off the piece. It's perfect for those with boys who know how how crabby they can be from time to time. (Ours is one, though he's mostly sweet he's been fussier than his sister.)

Swimsuits can be embroidered as well, and Funtasia Too delivers with the Boys Anchor Swim Trunks in red gingham.

Happy Shopping!

Smocked Frog Blog - Claire and Charlie delivers this year!

2010-06-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

I think frogs are cute, particularly smiling frogs. Claire & Charlie has created an adorable coordinating boy frog shortall and girl smocked bishop dress for this season. I love the choice of the aqua blue check for the boy shortall. Surrounding our amphibian friends is an assembly of bumblebees.

The girl's bishop dress is an attractive purple gingham which looks great with the three smiling green frogs, separated by three pink flowers.

Frogs are hot right now, that is in preschool. My daughter's class has a frog named Pedro as the home-room resident. Her friend Marina's class at another preschool has one as well. Frogs are a great way to teach children about animals and are not too much work for the teachers. These outfits are no work for your kids to wear and will look great for summer.

Happy Shopping!

Smocked Dresses for the Summer

2010-04-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

We are getting closer... I see the evidence at the grocery store. Summertime makes me think of fresh fruit and flowers. Here in chilly San Francisco, seeing them there can be my only clue that summer is on the way, as those things come in from nearby sunnier places. Also, we get our summer clothes shipments - that helps remind me it's on the way!

Summertime is always the perfect time for picnics and fruit salad. Carriage Boutique created a wonderful sleeveless strawberry smocked dress with an adorable collar. The pink color is lovely with the three duos of red strawberries. I do appreciate Carriage Boutique finishing their dresses off with a bow tie closure on back. I think it just adds that little bit of girliness.

I hope you are eagerly anticipating summer and time at the beach or at family picnics as much as we are!

Happy Shopping!

Funtasia Too - Spring Arrivals

2010-03-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

My order from Funtasia Too has just arrived and I couldn't be more pleased! I ordered this classic dragonfly bubble with aqua blue gingham and three appliqued dragonflies. The bow ties in the back to finish off the outfit! It is a great piece for your little one.

I finally have some sweet yellow outfits. I couldn't resist the Lemonade Stand Appliqued Short Set by Funtasia Too. It immediately reminded me of Alex's Lemonade Stand, which is an incredible nonprofit organization. This short set will surely make your daughter's lemonade stand this summer a big success!

For the older sister, Funtasia Too created this fabulous Yellow Plaid Dress with ribbon detail. I ordered this in sizes 4 - 6X because it looks older to me. The colors are great and it is perfect summer dress.

Although we still have Easter to go, we are ready for the 4th of July and have a super Navy Gingham Shortall with Truck and Stars by Funtasia Too. I think this piece is perfect for all of summer but also the holiday specifically.

I hope you like what we ordered as much as I do.

Happy Shopping!!

Claire & Charlie - Spring Arrivals

2010-03-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Our Claire & Charlie clothing has just started to arrive!!! It was a little late this season but worth the wait.

Claire & Charlie also did a great frog dress this season. Frogs were a big hit during the fall so I brought a great option back for Spring. This purple gingham looks dynamite with the three smiling frogs. It is a bishop cut again and a great dress for Spring.

We have a little more simple, traditional option by Claire & Charlie also. They call it the Lavender Dress and it is a bishop dress in purple gingham again, similar to the frog dress, with pink rosette smocking around the collar. We ordered this in the smaller sizes and it would compliment well with the frog dress.

Thank you for being patient as our Claire & Charlie got here. We still have some more clothing arriving next week!

Happy Shopping!

Lobster and Flags by Jeanine Johnsen

2010-03-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Lobsters are Back!

Maison de Belles Choses carried this navy dress with red embroidered lobsters by Jeanine Johnsen two seasons ago and it was a HUGE hit. Last Spring, Jeanine Johnsen did not do this shift dress but after great demand they have brought it back for Spring 2010. It is a great navy dress with red ties at the hem! It works all summer, perfect for July 4th and a great blue option for your little girl.

Speaking of navy and white, Maison is also carrying the Jeanine Johnsen smocked flag dress. This navy and white striped dress is dynamite and great for the holiday. It is even fully lined and comes with complimenting panty covers for the smaller sizes.

Just a quick note: For smocked-lobster outfits, Busy Bees makes splendid Lobster-themed kids clothes. The Lobster Smocked Dress is a great hot-weather piece.

Happy Shopping!

Smocked Clothes - Duck Motif

2010-03-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

It appears I love ducks. I didn't know I loved ducks until I realized every season I purchase ducks-themed smocked clothing.

The Anavini duck shortall above is from another season. There is one left in size nine months. I just love those pictures so I thought I'd book-end the blog with them. Even though they grow out of the clothes the pictures last forever!

Happy Shopping!

Spring New Arrivals from Carriage Boutiques

2010-03-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

Carriage Boutiques is a tried and true favorite of mine. They have been in the business for a long time and have nurtured a long relationship with the same producing facility for years. Their clothing is made by hand and the prices are good because of that that relationship. Even better, it is a family business.

I am a fan of this season's blue bishop dress with great smocking around the collar and embroidered flowers on the body of the dress. It is a beautiful color blue and will work all spring, even for Easter.

They also created a stylish pin tuck pleated bud dress in white. I carried something similar to this last Spring from Sarah Louise and had to reorder it. This white sleeveless dress has the pin tuck pleating around the chest and hem and is complimented by pastel flowers.

Both these dresses will look perfect for the Easter holiday as well as all Spring/Summer long. Carriage Boutiques does it again for quality, design, and price point!

Happy Shopping and Happy Easter!

Smocked Clothes for Easter

2010-03-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here Comes Peter Cottontail....

Easter is quickly approaching and we have some great options available. For the true smocking enthusiast, we have a great boy shortall from Anavini. This blue cotton pieces with the adorable three bunnies are perfect for the big day. I have to say Anavini probably does holidays and special occassions the best!!

Another option for your little man is the navy gingham shortall by Sophie Dess, a very simple, traditional option. And here is the Anavini Easter Bunny Smocked Shortall...

(Update for 2011): Zuccini has two (one for boys, the other for girls) bunny applique outfits available. Both are reversible - the inside for the boy is a shark, and watermelon pockets for the girls.

I hope you are having fun preparing for the holiday - getting the egg dyeing ready, the less-is-more chocolate in the Easter basket, and most importantly, the batteries charging for all the photos!

Happy Shopping!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - Clothes for Boys

2010-03-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

I am always conflicted at market when I am looking for the next season. Do I buy that adorable John John? Will Mom's want their little guy to match the older sister? It is pretty consistent that people will dress their daughters in adorable smocked clothing but sometimes it is up for debate about the little boys. Well, I couldn't resist.

My son Christian is big into his toy trucks and cars right now. He finds it fun to push them around the house. It is pretty incredible to me how planes, trains and automobiles are an automatic attraction for him and his sister couldn't have cared less when she was his age. So, of course, I was attracted to these same things when I was buying. Carriage Boutique created this adorable short-sleeve longall with blue airplanes.

Then, of course, I can't forget the trucks. I love seersucker and the Vive La Fete traffic-signal short set with two trucks at a traffic light is a great ensemble for looking good. It is also versatile for the little guy who is ready to potty train.

There is no bigger thrill for a little one, boy or girl, than their first ride on a train. Even if it is the light-rail version, such as BART in San Francisco or MARTA in Atlanta. It's a winning trip, even if you don't go anywhere. And then not to mention the standard-issue Toy Train set that nearly everyone has or has seen. A clue: It begins with a "T". Here at the store we have a number of Train embroidered kids clothing. The first is the Sarah Louise Train Shortall. In light blue gingham, we have both 12 and 18 months sizes and it comes complete with a white shirt. Next is the Carriage Boutique Train Overall. It is in dark blue corduroy and comes with a long-sleeve shirt. Perfect for cooler spring days but easily modified for warmerwith a short-sleeve shirt. We have 3 and 6 months.

Lastly for bringing home baby is the Petit Ami Train Embroidered Convertible Sack. Meant for premies, it holds babies up to 12 lbs. The sack is convertible, which means snaps at the bottom can break apart to fit the newly-minted little one into a car seat for the ride home from the hospital. It comes complete with a cute hat to keep little noggins warm.

Happy Shopping!

Vive la Fete Smocked Bathing Suits make a Splash

2010-03-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

Swimming anyone?

This is the first season I have carried smocked bathing suits. My friend LeeAnn is a big advocate of smocked clothing and turned me onto these. Vive La Fete did a great girl one piece sailboat bathing suit in blue and white gingham with ruffle. The ruffle has red ric rac trim and the back of the bathing suit is rouched. It is just adorable and the boy swim trunks are just as great. I love how Vive La Fete did a red and white gingham around the waist to really compliment the sailboat smocking panel. Your children will be the hit at the pool!!

After the pool party, for the sailing aficionados, Carriage Boutique did a great dress and hat combo with embroidered anchors. The crisp white dress with the red and blue anchors is eye catching and will work for July 4th as well as the entire summer. The hat is adorable and I love the complimenting ribbon trim which pulls in the dress. For the little guy after the pool party, I love the sweater by the Boutique Collection, a division of Feltman Brothers. Again, it features a great anchor and the flag and will work all summer.

Hope we will all be swimming soon!

Happy shopping!

The Sarah Louise Jacket Sweater is Back!

2010-02-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

My favorite sweater is back! Sarah Louise just shipped me the Jacket Sweater in all sizes both pink and ivory. I had been sold out of the 12 month and 18 months sizes for some time and I apologize. I try to order this item in bulk because of its popularity but as I have learned in retail, it is very hard to get it perfect.

This sweater is versatile and well made. I call it the jacket sweater since it is fully lined and heavier than a normal sweater. It can work as a cardigan or jacket throughout the year. My daughter has gotten a TON of wear out of hers and has literally drug it through the mud. It washes really, really well and you would never know her pink sweater was once brown.

This is a great gift or just the perfect sweater for your loved one. I can't say enough about this sweater. You just can't go wrong with the Sarah Louise jacket sweater!

Happy Shopping!!

New Spring Arrivals - Zuccini Smocked Clothes

2010-02-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Zuccini has outdone themselves this season. I have already told you about the popsicle treats they created as well as the cupcake delights. They have also created the best blue gingham smocked strawberry bishop dress with coordinating car John John.

The strawberries on this great collar are delectable and the smocked car is just adorable. I have one of each for Christian and Molly for this summer. I love the covered buttons on the shortall but I am sucker for covered buttons. I think it is nice to put blue on a little girl for a little change of color.

I just received phone calls from Vive La Fete, Carriage Boutique and Jeanine Johnsen that our spring orders are shipping so check back often as I will be blogging about more and more new arrivals. Just a little teaser - I ordered very adorable smocked bathing suits from Vive La Fete and incredible Fourth of July dresses from Jeanine Johnsen.

Happy Shopping!

New Spring Arrivals - Sarah Louise Dresses

2010-02-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

Spring is here! Well, not exactly. But spring clothing is arriving. Being relatively new to retail, it still catches me off guard when the manufacturers call me to tell me my Spring order is ready to ship and it is January, and I haven't even taken down the Christmas tree in my house. Then, I get excited to see everything I ordered that I haven't seen since visiting the Market in October.

Sarah Louise is my go-to retailer for girly-girl dresses and they never fail me. This season Sarah Louise created the most precious light pink smocked flutter sleeve dress. This is perfect for any special occassion or new introductions.

Take the floral embroidered dress with multiple color flowers as another example. They really pop against the crisp white dress. I really appreciate the attention to detail Sarah Louise includes with every dress down to the built-in petticoat and tie bow on back.

I always finish off the look with a pair of ruffle panties by Sarah Louise. My Mom first turned me onto these because she is not a fan of a pair of pampers hanging out the bottom of an adorably dressed little girl. We carry these panties in white, pink and cream and are always reordering them since it appears my Mom wasn't alone in her sentiment.

While you are shivvering on the East Coast or getting soaked on the West, I hope you can enjoy looking at our spring smocked clothing and eagerly anticipate the warmer weather ahead of us.

Happy Shopping!

Christening Gowns and Clothes Now at Maison de Belles Choses!

2010-02-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce the arrival of Christening gowns and outfits at Maison de Belles Choses! We have been able to find some great options for this special occasion and found a need for them in San Francisco and online. We are carrying Christening attire from Bailey Boys, Sarah Louise, and Isabel Garreton. We are also carrying wonderful, traditional coming home outfits from Petit Ami and Feltman Brothers.

Bailey Boys has created a handsome hand smocked boy romper for Christening. The fabric is a light cotton/polyester blend with long sleeves and a Peter pan collar. The sister compliment is a beautiful hand smocked long sleeved bishop Christening gown and bonnet. This fabric is also a cotton/polyester blend and includes a slip finished with lace.

Sarah Louise created a very handsome boy short romper with detail on the chest and pleated bottom with faux belt. This outfit is accompanied by an adorable cap for your little guy. The fabric is a nice polyester/cotton blend and this is a great option for your little guy on his big day.

Isabel Garreton is a wonderful company. Their mission is to employ underprivileged women to create their beautiful clothing and they have been doing so for over 20 years. We are fortunate to have found their lovely Christening gowns and to be able to offer them to you. We have a few options in the store but also have access to their entire collection online. We are carrying their Tucks romper for the little guy. This is 100% cotton and features pintucks on the chest, a Peter pan collar and pleated pants. There is an adorable belt on back with two covered buttons and two covered buttons at the collar as well.

I love Christening gowns and for the true traditionalist, boys and girls may wear a gown on their baptism. Maison is carrying Isabel Garreton's classic gown in white batiste. There is embroidered ivy around the collar, the sleeve and the high waist. This gown is fully lined with a beautiful tie bow in back and complimenting bonnet with the embroidery also.

For the smocking enthusiast, Isabel Garreton offers the Pearls Gown in white batiste. The craftsmanship is noteworthy with the smocking on chest trimmed with pearls and embroidery detail on the gown. The sleeves each have a delicate ribbon and is finished with a beautiful tie bow in back and complimenting bonnet. The bonnet is exquisite with smocking and pearls.

My husband and I welcomed our daughter in 2006 and our little guy in 2009, and it was important to me to bring them home in a lovely "coming home" outfit. My daughter wore a gown bought for her by her Uncles. My son wore an adorable blue outfit from Sarah Louise (we sold out of it). We have some new options from Petit Ami and Feltman Brothers. Petit Ami offers a light blue convertible gown with embroidered train. This comes with a complimenting cap. Since it is a convertible gown, it will work in the car seat going home from the hospital. Feltman Brothers has been creating "coming home" outfits for many, many years. A great boy option we carry is a White Batiste Bubble with Rocking Horse. I personally like the blue collar and cuffs on the sleeve. For your little princess, Feltman Brothers has a lovely Pink Handkerchief Dress with lace trimmed slip.

I hope you are as excited to find us as we were to find these beautiful Christening gowns and rompers and "coming home" outfits. Please email or call if you have any questions. We continue to have fun helping dress your children in adorable smocked clothing and now are excited to extend our offerings to include these special occasions.

Happy Shopping!

Sailboats and Lobster Smocked Clothing for Summer

2010-01-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday and one of the best gifts today, so far, has been the sunshine that has arrived in San Francisco after many, MANY days of rain. Days like today remind me how much I love the sun and summer. When I think of summer, I think of the beach. When I think of the beach, I think of sailboats. I love to watch the sailboats out on the San Francisco Bay and I find the sound of the waves very soothing and relaxing.

Summer is so much fun with kids. I love seeing their chubby little legs hanging out of smocked bubbles or John Johns. I love smothering suntan lotion all over and throwing on a sun hat and just playing in the sun and sand.

Busy Bees, a new brand we are carrying, created great pieces for summer and fun in the sun. Busy Bees was started by two Mom's who were looking for classic yet slightly trendy clothing for their young children. Busy Bees created a great smocked lobster red seersucker pinstripe John John for brother and shoulder tie dress for sister. It is eye catching for summer and fun and even works for July 4th. Maison is also carrying their red seersucker short which looks great with a white polo, just perfect summer clothing.

Speaking of seersucker which is a favorite of mine in summer, Zuccini created an adorable multi stripe seersucker pinstripe romper with attractive sailboats smocked on it. It is a perfect piece for the beach, the Cape, or even the Jersey shore. The green and red sailboats are particularly eye catching.

I am hopeful this sun will be here for a while in San Francisco. However, the weather man is telling me otherwise. Until then, I will have fun picturing adorable children in attractive smocked clothing.

Happy Shopping!

New Spring Arrivals - Zuccini Smocked Clothing

2010-01-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in the midst and mist of a rain soaked day, visions of popsicles and cupcakes dance through my head. That is, smocked popsicles and cupcakes by Zuccini Clothing Company. Now as I dream of sunny days and ice cream trucks (do they still exist?), I cast my eyes down to the recently received shipments of adorable hand smocked bubbles and bishop dresses and get renewed hope that those days will come back soon.

Zuccini has created the most adorable pink bubble and bishop dress with a wonderful white pique scalloped collar. I think this piece is perfect for spring and specifically, for a birthday party. My daughter Molly will be wearing it for her 4th birthday this year without a doubt.

My favorite fabric so far is the polka dot cotton/polyester blend that Zuccini used with the popsicle two-piece bubble and bishop dress. This is so eye-catching and delectable. The ruffles around the bloomers and top for the bubble are fabulous! The flutter sleeve on the bishop is still perfectly playful!

Spring clothing is just starting to arrive so check back often. The Ice Cream trucks are further behind, I'm afraid. I will be commenting on all my new favorite pieces for Spring as they come in.
Happy Shopping!

New Spring Arrivals - Smocked Giraffes

2010-01-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

For some reason the Giraffe exhibits at the Zoo always seem the easiest to get to and enjoy. There's no fighting the crowds in the sweltering reptile house or peering over heads to glimpse the penguins in the penguin tank. Giraffe heads go up and up, easy for everyone to see. I guess that's why it's the first place we go and the place we linger longest. That and their beautiful and elegant design which is wonderful to view.

Smocked clothing makers this spring have honored that stylish and unique animal with some excellent rompers and longalls. At La Maison, we decided to hop the zoo train for a stop at the Giraffe corral.

Up first from Alennys is the girls Giraffe Smocked Romper. The fabric is pink and white gingham with ruffled cuffs and ankles. Of course it is all hand-smocked. We are excited to be carrying the Alennys brand for the first time at Maison de Belles Choses.

The boys compliment to the girls romper is the Giraffe Smocked Longall. With green and white gingham fabric and a lined interior, this longall is comfortable and cozy for brisk spring days. The giraffes on both romper and longall feature raised yarn for added texture.

Technically not a giraffe but certainly one of the more attractive green colors I have ever seen in smocked clothing is the Boys Barn Animal Smocked Shortall by Amanda Remembered. The rich green is a soft corduroy, and the smocking features a cow, sheep, and chicken. Last year kid's outfits with farm animals were extremely popular. This selection is the next level in smocked animal icons for the new year!

Letting Sleeping Kids Lie in the Quest for the Perfect Smocked Outfit

2009-12-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone has been there... driving around with kids only five minutes ago were acting like drunken monkeys and are now... sound asleep. Great situation, right? No. Not really. The problem is that you must keep driving to make the magic sleep train keep rolling. Any halt in motion will break the spell. Now add a necessary errand to the mix and you have a problems that not even MacGyver could solve. You remember the show "MacGyver", right? The one where the mullet-coifed star discovers some nefarious plot to destroy the world and ends up creating some device out of scotch tape, plastic straws and fishing lines that saves the day. But when it comes to Moms searching for the right smocked outfit, they can out-think and out-scheme that MacGyver fellow in two seconds flat.

Case in point: We recently had a customer drive by our retail store. She had two sleeping children in her car and was hoping to find Christmas outfits for her daughters before they left for the holidays to see family. Needless to say time was an issue. She called the store phone -I answered. Amy explained the situation - sleeping children, the NEED for smocked clothing, an inability to stop.

Amy's first choice above: The Carriage Boutiques Flying Reindeer Smocked Dress

She could see two Christmas options in the window and wanted to know if I had her daughter's sizes. She then wondered if I had another everyday option for the girls as well. We discussed colors and combinations over the phone and from the store door as she drove around the block again and again to keep her adorable daughters sleeping. I had to call for re-inforcements - my husband had two possibilities at home and could he bring them by? - and hurry! It was very entertaining and very productive. We were able to hand them off as her car rolled by. Amy left with two coordinating Christmas dresses and beautiful pink smocked dresses and two still-snoozing daughters. It is my absolute pleasure to help dress more children in attractive, classic smocked clothing. Feel free to give me a call as you are driving around and around the neighborhood. Happy Shopping!

Amy's second choice below - The Carriage Boutiques Pink Courduroy Smocked Dress

We would have loved to show the great photos of her kids she sent to us but alas they are on Shutterfly and not easily copied.

Maison and Fundraising Events

2009-12-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

I am having a wonderful time running Maison de Belles Choses. I love seeing children in smocked clothing, particularly from our store. I have so much fun going to New York and Dallas with my Mom to buy for the seasons. We hope you enjoy shopping at Maison.

Vive la Fete Smocked Nutcracker Dress

Every season we have the opportunity to participate in some fundraising events. We love interacting with our customers and have fun selling our adorable clothes. Best of all we donate a portion of our sales to charitable organizations and help them reach their worthy goals. It is a great experience for everyone involved. For example, we have been fortunate to participate in Edgewood Fair for the past two years and a portion of our sales goes to Edgewood's mission to serve at risk children and families. It is a great event every year and a successful fundraiser for Edgewood.

We would love to help support organizations you believe in and volunteer your time with throughout the year. Please let us know if you are holding a boutique portion to your event by emailing us at info@maisondebelleschoses.com. Schedules permitting, we would love to support your organization. We would also be happy to host a trunk show in your home for your friends and family if you are interested. We may be based out of San Francisco but are happy to entertain the idea of trunk shows in other states. Through school and family, we have friends and family all over the US and this would give us another reason to travel to see them.

Bois de Rose Smocked French Blue Dress

Like I said earlier, we are having a lot of fun buying and selling smocked and embroidered clothing for newborns to four year old boys and six year old girls. Please email me if you are looking for something particular or you think there is a brand we are lacking. We can only get better with your input. We look forward to hearing from you and happy shopping!

Vive la Fete and Carriage Boutique Holiday Dresses

2009-11-15T20:00:00.001-08:00

Some might wonder if we really have photos to look at of ourselves in smocked and classic clothing, as we say on our home page. Courtesy of Grandmom's special clean-out-her-closet-shipment, we do! Here's one...

Not only is that a smocked dress I'm wearing, but my brother has a sport coat on (with knee-high socks!). So there you have it, counselor, the evidence!

You may not be lucky enough to have some well-preserved clothing from Grandma's chest to hand down to your kids. My Mom doesn't fit into that role at all, since she ruthlessly threw away most everything right at the point it wasn't needed (more on that later). So to make up for it we go by what we see in the photos and this blog will attempt to get you as close as we can to the photograph.

To start with, take a look at the Vive la Fete Pink Smocked Dress. As much as I loved my dress in the picture, this one wins out on the rich detail and luscious fabric. As a dress to wear to holiday gatherings starting with Thanksgiving, I can't think of anything more elegant for a little girl to wear (sizes 4T-6X).

Not every girl looks pretty in pink. Sometimes skin tone and hair color leads you to go in a different direction. One option I'd recommend you look at is the Carriage Boutiques Teal Smocked Dress. A pure geometric design, like the pink smocked dress, this teal dress is also a stunning outfit for holiday gatherings (2T-4T).

As you can see from the top picture, my brother is sporting the blazer. IMP originals may no longer exist, but we still have some in stock in 2T and 3T. Of course we will be looking for a replacement, but until then this is what we have.

Both my mom and my husband's mom have reached the point where they finally have to deal with all the photos, yearbooks, costume jewelery etc. that we left at their house when we moved out. It might have taken fifteen years from the time we left for college to get to this point, but it came. When my mother-in-law first tried to clear out her basement, it took two jumbo dumpsters and five tons (10,000 lbs.!) of tossed items to leave her with only one big basement of stuff to clear out... that was 10 years ago and she's still working on it! (Note: 1) only a small percentage of the stuff was my husband's and his sister's and 2) the first draft of this blog had it at two tons because five tons would have been too outlandish; she wrote in to correct the error.) My own mother is less of a pack-rat, so it took less time for her to clear it out. All we got was five boxes of stuff, which included the picture at the top of this page. I'm grateful to have them, and I like the fact that I can make the decision to toss something that doesn't mean much to me anymore. We toyed with the idea of sending it back to them at their new house, but stopped at the point of only mentioning it over the phone for laughs. Most of the laughs were at our end of the phone. No doubt we have more pictures of the kids than our parents ever did, thanks to digital cameras. I just hope it doesn't simply disappear on a failed hard drive before we can print them all, which might ironically leave us with less than what our parents had to give!

The Monogram and Children's Clothing

2009-10-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of all things monogrammed - men's dress shirts (on the cuff), bath towels, and most importantly, children's clothing. I have a friend from college who sent both my children monogrammed burp cloths. I honestly think the monogram makes them attractive, even after they're used.

I found a great jumper by Busy Bees for fall that just looks wonderful with a little girl's monogram. It truly finishes off the dress. It has the interesting name of "Busy Bees Classic Shift Dress".

The Red Ribbon Jumper by Funtasia Too, which is adorable on its own with the ribbon detail, looks that much better with a monogram.

I think it's fun to see your little child's initials! Really, it's hard for monogram creators not to come up with a good-looking design, no matter what the initials.

Another great example of a monogram-worthy dress is the Bailey Boys Carousel Horse Reversible Dress - It has a carousel horse on one side and polka dot fabric on the other, perfect for monogramming. This is a great two dresses in one option! On the right is the inside of the Carousel Horse dress side.

My mom, always being the Mom, cautioned me not to put my children's name on their clothes... "always use their monogram!" Although I would like Molly's name on a sweater or dress, she said to be more careful. There are dangerous people out there who will be able to read your child's name and pretend they know her. Young children are naive and might think this person is Mom or Dad's friend and go along with them. So, although I love monogramming, I will always monogram and not personalize. I don't mean to be the alarmist and I think personalized burp cloths and onesies are completely fine because the child is always with you at that stage of life. However, when they are mobile and running around, stick to the monogram.

Some great options for boys are the IMP Longalls - blackwatch or red plaid. Either can be embellished with a monogram or can stand on their own without one.

The Busy Bee's Longalls in green or grey are perfect for the one initial monogram. I think a big "P" for Patrick would look very attractive on this longall (If you had a Patrick, that is).

At Maison de Belles Choses, we carry a lot of smocked clothing but I couldn't forget pieces that were appropriate for monogramming. Let me know if you want something monogrammed in the notes section and I will be sure to work with you to get it done, quickly and attractively.

A Hot Tip for Ironing Smocked Clothing

2009-10-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

All washed clothes get wrinkly. We've all seen it. You pull a cherished smocked dress out of the laundry and you're face to face with a daunting ironing task. How do we deal with it here at Maison de Belles Choses, especially when we might receive a huge shipment of new clothes that need some attention?

Two words: Garment Steamer. This super-handy device has saved countless hours of ironing for my husband, who is charged with the task. They can be picked up at Macy's, for example, for around $45. They are worth every penny. And they work not only for smocked clothing but also for any delicate material that really shouldn't be ironed, such as velvet. It saved the bridesmaids dresses at my cousin's wedding in August with it's speed and effectiveness.

How do you properly use the Garment Steamer? Most people make the mistake of just waving it over the material (I did). Then I was schooled by a friend who spent 14 years working at... Macy's. First hang the article up. I put it on a hook found on the back of my bathroom door. Second, you need to grab the cloth taut in a downward direction. This mostly means the hem or the cuff. Then wave the steam end of the iron over the cloth and watch the wrinkles melt off of the fabric. It is so satisfying and quick! Just watch your grabbing hand. Sometimes drops of extremely hot water leak out and on to the grip hand. This doesn't stop the attractiveness of the Garment Steamer, just be careful!

Royal Child Smocked Christmas

2009-10-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday. I love every part of it - the traditional, the joy of giving, even the commercial. I have so much fun collecting glass ornaments and decorating the Christmas tree. Last year, Molly was still an only child and we propped her in front of the tree to take her photo for our card. She was sitting backwards on one of her chairs and took a spill right back into the tree. Thank goodness she was alright, we still captured a great photo, and no ornaments broke on the tree.

This year I get to coordinate the kids. I have a few options I am deciding between - the Christmas Tree Smocked Jumper by Royal Child or the beautiful Red Royal Child Smocked Dress with Christian in the IMP originals red plaid overall. Tough decision, I know. I have been amazed at how on the ball some Mom's are for the Christmas card. We received orders in August for Christmas clothing. I can't say I am that organized but as with every part of the holiday, I love getting ready and I will have to try the outfits on the kids and decide if green or red is the better color for them. I hope you have fun searching through our Christmas choices. We tried to have a varied selection of scenes, colors, and options (smocked or not smocked). Let me know if there is something we are lacking or you are looking for specifically. It would be my pleasure to help you get your perfect picture for Christmas.

Vive la Fete Smocked Princess Dress

2009-09-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

Halloween makes me think of dress-up and what little girl doesn't love trying on Mom's shoes to clomp around the house? My daughter also likes to pretend to curl her eyelashes and put blush on like a little princess. We always want to be bigger or older than we are until the day we want to be younger and thinner than what we've become. Right now, we, the parents, want our little girls' to stay our little Princesses and Maison de Belles Choses has the outfits to accomplish that.

Vive La Fete created a smocked princess and horse drawn carriage two-piece outfit in a lovely pink with pink ric rac detail. It is very attractive for fall for your little girl who may prefer pants over a dress.

However, if she loves to wear dresses like our little girl, we have another Princess version in blue check by Royal Child. My daughter is very partial to this dress because her favorite color is blue and she has probably watched Cinderella 30 times already. The scene on here will also remind you of Cinderella with the blond princess, prince and carriage. It is nice to feel like a Princess, even if it is just pretend. With these outfits, your daughter will be dressed like one and with your love, feel like one, and that's better than any pretend.

Pretty Smocked Christmas Dresses

2009-09-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

Not all little girls are compliant in wearing the clothes you want them to all the time. Christmas is the big exception. Maybe it has something to do with the message of Santa always watching you so you should be doing what you're told. In a desire to score points with the Jolly Elf you get little girls who seem, well, easier than normal to deal with. That's OK, at least we get a break sometime!

Just arrived at Maison de Belles Choses is a stunning Red Christmas Bishop Dress from Royal Child. There's something about this red that is very rich and intense. Around the collar are hanging strands of white flowers as well as a ring of them around the cuffs. My favorite dress of this season!

Sticking to red we have the Vive la Fete Smocked Nutcracker Jumper with ruffled white shirt. Not only is there a pretty embroidered Christmas Tree and presents, but the Ballerina has an actual skirt which delicately puffs out to make the scene come alive.

Rounding out the lot is the Little English Reindeer Dress. There are three reindeer embroidered on the front. Both on top and down below are hung green garlands with intermittent red balls. I love reindeer so this is a close favorite.

A few years ago my cousin, all of three years old and more spunky than you can imagine, was hearing the "Better be good, Santa's watching you" phrase quite a lot. At school the teacher would tell her "Don't talk in class, Santa can see if you've been naughty" and at home, "He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you're awake!" Finally after the twentieth "Don't do that, Abby, Santa can see you," she blurted back "TELL HIM TO STOP WATCHING ME!!!" I guess there are times when the intrusion is too much a price to pay for the expected loot. She still got a lot of good presents.

Claire & Charlie Smocked Wizard of Oz Clothes

2009-09-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Wizard of Oz is alive and well. Sometimes to get my daughter walking a little faster, I will start to sing "We are off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz..." and sure enough, she gets a little pep in her step. I am also eager to go and see Wicked with my husband at the Orpheum in San Francisco, where the show originally got its start. I have had the chance to see it in New York and it was fabulous and I want my husband to have the experience. It's on the schedule for a date night.

The blue longall for the little guy includes everyone but Dorothy which seems appropriate. My friend just purchased them for her fraternal twins and I can't wait to see the picture. I think every little girl will one day enjoy the Wizard of Oz and now Mom can enjoy it again by dressing her little one in it. Claire & Charlie did a great job hand smocking this childhood favorite into beautiful, memorable clothing.

Anavini Smocked Red Corduroy

2009-09-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

This fall new to our store are two intensely red outfits from the Anavini Velani Collection. If you've ever worked with red for a painting project you know how tricky it can be to get the color to a deep hue. One example: back in the early part of the decade when it was fashionable to have rooms painted bold primary colors we decided to paint our dining room red. Many hours and four coats later it was finished. I pity the fool who tries to change the room on top of that!

This Anavini Smocked Dalmatian Boys Longall, though, has got the intense red down. There's three dalmations in sitting poses, which if you know dalmatians is probably the only way you could keep them sitting - they are so energetic! The stitching on top and below the design is beautiful, and the corduroy is pleasantly soft. With a white turtleneck this outfit would look smashing and dynamic on any boy.

Red again from Anavini is the Girls Red Corduroy Pant Set. It is a lovely design, very original but yet familiar. The pants are red corduroy, naturally, with a white polka dot on red ribbon which is echoed up top on the cuffs and chest.

If you have to make anything red it's always better to have someone else do the work, and these children's clothes from Anavini are a perfect way to do just that!

Kids Christmas Clothing that lasts longer than Christmas

2009-09-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

On days when the fog is so thick in San Francisco it's easy to fool myself into thinking it's winter. When I think of winter I naturally think of the holidays. I have so much fun shopping for the store for the holidays and have to limit my Christmas scene smocked clothing. Some people have the idea that it isn't worth spending the money if the child is only going to get to wear something once. But as you know, the pictures last forever. Since I'm always thinking about it, I find many opportunities for my children to wear their Christmas outfit(s). However, we listened to our customers and tried to find items that were a bit more versatile. I think we were successful.

As an example, I love the Red Ribbon Corduroy Dress by Funtasia Too. I think this is a great dress for fall and the holidays. I think a brother could wear the plaid overalls by IMP Originals all season long also and still look perfect for the holidays.

Funtasia Too is great at designing with versatility in mind. They are known for making reversible clothing, perfect for Halloween and Christmas. This longall has Santa Clause and his sled on one side and cars on the other side, perfect for wearing all season long. Of course, the girl compliment is also available. However, rather than cars, hearts appear on the opposite side.

I also love velvet for fall and Funtasia did a great job with blue velvet. I love shortalls on little boys with knee high socks and white shoes - very classic, I know. Funtasia Too worked with light blue and chocolate brown to create this shortall and dress, again a different option for the upcoming holiday season.

The holidays are fun for dressing your child but with the many options of classic smocked clothing, every day can be fun.

Smocked Clothing and Compliments go Hand in Hand

2009-08-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

When I have my children out at the park or for a walk when the sun is actually out in San Francisco, as it is today, we are often stopped by an admirer who comments on their appreciation for smocked clothing. It should be no surprise to you (as it isn't to my husband(!) that I dress my children often in smocked and embroidered clothing. We also hear comments like "Oh, I love seeing children in smocked clothing." or, "Smocked clothing is so hard to find." and even "I love seeing children dressed in classic clothes." To nearly all the comments we say thank you. To the comment that it is "hard to find", I would be remiss to forget to mention our store, Maison de Belles Choses and the fact we are online and retail in San Francisco, so it is no longer hard to find smocked clothing for your children, or grandchildren. Problem solved!

It's funny how one's energetic child can look sweet and innocent until they jump in the mud in their smocked outfit. Fortunately, that is a rare occurrence. Even better, the photos last forever and stay mud-free. So, Molly and Christian, get yourself ready to be smocked on all major holidays and plenty of other days, because while the compliments aren't the goal, it's always nice when they come!

Halloween-themed Smocked Clothing at the Maison

2009-08-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween has taken on the status as a major event, at least around here. Every year, Lake Street and Jordan Park are festooned with all kinds of Halloween decorations and attract massive crowds, both kid and adult. Last year one house actually gave out glasses of wine to the chaperones!

Getting costumes is the big thing and usually happens for The Main Event or a few parties. Just like Christmas, the weeks leading up to the holiday are now an important part, but wearing a costume isn't always practical, so what do you do to keep up the spirit?

Here at Maison de Belles Choses, we understand that outfitting the little ones for special holidays involves strategy: Find what is great-looking that can be shipped in time and sized right for the holiday moment.

The last two points are up to your skill, but for the first part we present from Funtasia Too the Ghost Reversible Outfit for girls, and a coordinating longall for boys. It has two appliqued designs: The first side is a ghost pulling a wagon filled with pumpkins. The reverse side is a trio of puppies. This last design extrends the wear of the outfit well beyond the Halloween season. Funtasia Too is made in the U.S.A.

Little girls have been dressing up as Princesses for as long as Cinderella and Halloween have been around. Crowns, flowing dresses and sceptres are a bit unwieldly when doing normal activities, but the Vive la Fete Princess Smocked Pant Set makes daily activity for little girls trouble-free. It comes complete with Princess, Carriage and Horses, and the all-important Castle. The pant cuff has a cute ruffled design. Just the outfit for on-the-go princess.

A double helping of smocked children - the new obsession!

2009-08-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have a new obsession these days. It used to be enjoying delicious wine but now I am obsessed with dressing my three old daughter and 6-month old son in complimenting outfits any time I have the opportunity.

We took our first family photo a few months after our son was born and he wore the Carriage Boutique Scotty Terrier Romper and his sister wore the dress. It looked wonderful in the pictures.

Then, my parents had a meet and greet for our son and he wore a Little English Smocked Pick-up Truck Shortall in light blue gingham and his sister wore the Little English light blue gingham strawberry dress. Again, a hit on and off film.
Now I am planning for the next big occassion and I just love the Little English Smocked Scarecrows so Christian will be wearing the boy romper while his big sister will be wearing the dress. I think they will be in these outfits starting in October and through November so there will be plenty of opportunities to catch this combo on film. Add it to the scrapbook!

Back to School in Bailey Boys and Bois de Rose

2009-08-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year again when parents look forward to school approaching but are also sad to see summer fun ending. Our daughter is getting excited to go to the "big school" which is preschool to you and me. As every school year approaches, and new school clothes are purchased, it is fun to get ready for the first day of school. Maison de Belles Choses offers some great options for the big first day!

Bailey Boys created an adorable green corduroy shift dress with applique unicorn that is also reversible with hot pink and white polka dot on the opposite side. (The polka dot side would look fabulous with a monogram!) Our daughter has a friend that calls one of the parks in San Francisco "Carousel Park" because, yes, you guessed it, the carousel is located nearby. This dress makes me think of her every time.

And, what little guy doesn't love dinosaurs! I don't think he would put up a fuss getting dressed in Bois de Rose's dinosaur longall for his first day.

He would probably feel like a big little guy walking into school. The handsome white broadcloth shirt with navy trim finishes off the outfit perfectly.

Enjoy these final days of summer vacation! We know we will as we wait for the "big school" to open.

2009-08-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

A Short History of Smocked Clothing

Bonjour and Bienvenue to the inaugural blogpost of Belles Blog ! We aim to make this blog interesting for our customers and will hopefully broaden your knowledge and appreciation of quality childrens clothing. In the future we plan on making this a spot for customers to find out what is new to our line-up.

Smocking originated in the Middle Ages and most sources trace its start to England. In a world without elastic, smocking served to make the collar and sleeve-ends flexible for active work as well as protection from the cold. Fabric would be pleated, then embroidery stitches would stabilize the pleats and give it the accordion effect.

Tradition has it that a persons type of work would be stitched into the pleats as a design. Horse-handlers might have horses, Farmers would have scythes or plows, a shepherd might have sheep or a crook. Indeed, in Thomas Hardys Far From the Madding Crowd , one of the principle characters seeking work as a shepherd is denied employment one day, and returns the next time wearing an appropriate smock and is hired on the spot. To be sure, just because something shows up in fiction is hardly good evidence, but you can imagine that it might have happened. We have a boys shortall with a dumptruck embroidered on the front,but I don't think it will get a lad into the driver's seat at a construction site.

The Industrial Revolution, with its fast-moving machinery, brought an end to the workaday usefulness of smocked clothing. Loose-fitting clothing could easily get caught in gear levers or cogs. The technique survived and designs became more elegant and refined as the new wearers of smocked clothing were women and children, wearing smocked dresses for special occasions.
Today the style exists for the most part in childrens clothing. Our lines are all hand-smocked, which is very labor-intensive. The technique truly demands a craftsperson and good material to work with, otherwise the end-product just doesn't cut it.

In the U.S., boys and girls wearing smocked clothing can be found everywhere. Europe, of course, has an ongoing tradition of smocked clothing for children. As an example, you can find an ode to Bois de Rose from Paris on the internet. My favorite view of kids in smocked clothing is at the end of a French language learning series entitled, French in Action. At every episode end there is an audience of smocked kids watching the closing puppet show, which always makes a reference to some event which just happened. This site has the series as free video-on-demand, by the way.

Occasionally, when out and about in the San Francisco Bay area, women will come up to us and tell us they used to smock clothing or their mothers did. The conversation starts because our daughter frequently wears smocked clothing - I know, big surprise. Or they will tell us of a trunk-full of clothing they gave to their children, whose children are now wearing the clothes. It reminds us of the timelessness of this type of clothing. When done right, the materials are of excellent quality and are durable enough to last generations. In this disposable culture we live in, I'm glad at least something with a connection to the past can re-emerge and still look as good as it did way back when.