Orient Expressed...help me decide!

[parkersmama]

I really want to order something from Orient Expressed. I haven't had a lot of smocked clothing for Amy Grace and I feel like I'm going to look back and regret that she spent all her time in Gymbo and never had any precious smocked things. I already have a pink check smocked bishop dress from Kelly's Kids for this summer so I'm not really considering anything pink. I want to order at least one but maybe two. Here are my favorites:

Violet Embroidered Bishop (lavendar check):
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-050.jpg


Red, White, and Blue Plaid Bishop:
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-008.jpg


Blue, Green, and White Plaid Bishop:
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-032.jpg


Lime Green and White Checked Bishop with Orange Rick Rack:
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-005.jpg


Ivory Sundress with Orange Fabric Rosettes:
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-058.jpg


Popsicles Capri Set:
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-826.jpg


Birdhouse Embroidered Bloomer Set:
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-009.jpg



Okay, so I know that's a ton to just narrow down to 1 or 2! Sorry! But I really can't afford (and don't want!) more than that. Right now I'm leaning toward the first two...the lavendar as a church dress and the blue one as more of a play/hanging out dress. What do y'all think?

[jk3]

I love the first dress and I think the popsicle set is cute + different. She'll look adorable in whatever you choose!

Jenn
DS 6/03

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030603/2/5/1/-5/.png

[khakismom]

Ohhhh, they are all gorgeous! I'll take them all! ... ;)

My faves are the first and last one; close behind are the lime green number with orange accents, and the white one with the rosettes. I normally am not a fan of purple or any shade of it, but that lavender color in the first dress is beautiful. My 1st choice though is the last outfit. I know it's not as dressy as the others, but it is so dang cute! I love everything--the PP collar, the sweet birdhouse smocking with the pintucking, and the bubble shorts!

Whatever you get, you must most pictures of Princess Amy Grace in her new outfit! :)

ETA: Oops, bad grammar.

[LoveMyBabyBeans]

Now now now, Denise. How on earth are we supposed to help you narrow your choices down when you give us all of that cute stuff??? Are you nuts? Get it all!! Just kidding.

If I had to pick a few favorites, I'd go with the birdhouse bloomer set and the popsicle capri set. I bet she'd get alot of use out of those pieces. Of the dresses, I like the blue, green and white one best. But like I said, I like it ALL. ;)

I've never checked out their stuff and am really impressed. Please let us know what you decide...and post pics of course.

[ktdid74]

I think they're all nice! I would have to vote for the last 2 though since I know they're the most practical. In fact, I'm going to go look at the website now :) I was just looking at smocked things the other day for M's 2nd b'day pics. Good luck deciding!

[macassi]

I LOVE the popsicle capri set and my vote would go for that one.

Of the dresses, the first is my favorite, but I'm not a huge fan of the lack of a bodice. I guess I prefer a more fitted look throughout the bodice for a formal dress.

[lmladuke]

I was just on their website and was sad that they don't have very much in infant sizes. I like the first dress and the popsicle capris - I also love the last set - that is one of the ones I am contemplating for Katherine.

Lori

Mommy to Jonathan Matthew 7/27/01
and Katherine Olivia 7/28/04

http://lilypie.com/baby1/050728/2/13/3/-5/.png

[starrynight]

If I could only buy 1-2 and wanted one for church and one for play I would pick the popsicles capri set for play and either the lime green or violet dress for church.

[parkersmama]

LOL! I added it up and the total for everything comes to (are you sitting down?!) $329.50 plus $20.75 shipping so a cool $350 for all of those clothes!! LOL! *Not* gonna happen! :)

It seems like everyone is all over the place on this one so far. Even though none of you have really said this one, I think my favorite may be the 2nd dress...the red/white/blue. It is really cute on the model in the catalog and I love that it's so summery and breezy. Plus, it will make a great 4th of July dress and work all summer, too. Interestingly, the popsicle outfit is the most expensive of all! A good $10 more than the rest. Wonder why?

[parkersmama]

I love that one with the little birdhouse! But, those elastic bloomers really got on my nerves last summer. I had two outfits for her from Amanda Remembered with elastic leg bloomers and they rode up so badly on the legs that they were always bunched up around her crotch. It drove me batty! So that's my hesitation on that one. There's also this dress with the birdhouses:

http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-010.jpg


I love it, too, of course! LOL!

[parkersmama]

Hmmm. I like the fitted ones, too. I guess I was leaning toward a bishop because they're pretty much for the 4 and under set. I figure she'll have several years after that in the more fitted dresses. Of course, since I already have one bishop, maybe a more fitted dress would be good. Argh...more decisions! Here are a couple that I like:

http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-045.jpg

http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-049.jpg

http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-846.jpg

http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-844.jpg

[LoveMyBabyBeans]

I was kidding about getting it all...you knew that, right? ;) He he he. It's all so cute. I went to the webpage and looked around and WOW, they have some cute stuff.

Ya know, I like the red, white and blue one too. We go all out for the 4th of July here because of Quinn's birthday (the poor kid believes that the fireworks are just for HIM), so I'm actually really drawn to that dress, now that you mention it.

[ktdid74]

That is so cute! Now that you mentioned the bloomer issue, I remember having to do the same last summer. I like this dress the best!

[starrynight]

Of these choices I love the second one :), the first one is ok and I don't care for the bottom 2, just NMS.

[c2lane]

My picks are the 2nd & 3rd dresses.

How exactly does their sizing run? I notice that some dresses say 6M and then go to size 1. Is 1 equivalent to a 12 months?

Carrie & Dillan Rose 01/02/04
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040102/1/0/0/-8/.png
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif 12 months

[Phoebe]

From your original post, I like #3 & #7 the best. And I agree, have her wear the bishop style while you can.

I've been eyeing the orange/yellow daffodil dress on their webpage. Have you seen that one? It has a pretty scalloped collar.

Oh, and I like the blue sail boat dress. I may have to get that with the matching brother outfit.

Can't wait to see your pictures!

Mary
Daisy 3
Owen 18 months

a.k.a. Phoebe :)

[parkersmama]

Yes, a 1 is equivalent to a 12-18 months. 2 is a 2T basically. I think that a lot of these type manufacturers use that sizing. It's hard to know exactly what to get but they do have a sizing chart that tells you how to measure.

[lctippins]

I'm loving the popsicles capri set and the ivory sundress. I've never ordered from Orient Expressed, but now I'm seriously considering trying a 2-piece set. How do they run? I'm buying DD 2T tops and 18-24M bottoms from Gymbo and 80s from Hanna. Would I be safe with a 2 from OE? Right now I'm debating between the popsicles set and this shorts set (which is much cheaper):

http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-043.jpg

Lisa - Mom to Kendall 6/6/03

[Phoebe]

Isn't this cute?! I know you're looking for smocked, Denise, but this is adorable. This is the baby girl version and then they have a halter syle for bigger girls.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20171.jpg

Mary
Daisy 3
Owen 18 months

a.k.a. Phoebe :)

[macassi]

Hmmm... I see your point. I do like the lavendar one, though. If you truly want to capture the baby-ness of AG, though, I would stick with the bishop I guess. She'll look sweet, and you're correct that she can wear the fitted ones later. Of course, to play devils advocate -- after 4 she'll have an opinion on clothes and you'll have to ask whether she'll choose the smocked dresses!

[annabellesmom]

I love, love this dress. I wish I hadn't seen it. Its still January, do you think dd could wear it with a turtleneck underneath it? It seems like such a long time to wait for summer when there is something that cute that could be worn.

[mama2galpals]

wow this one is "to die for"!!!!!!!!
rita
mommy to
olivia 2/7/97
stella 9/24/00
emma 1/23/03

[Tracey]

Well this is kind of like having to pick out which Godiva chocolate looks the best...they all look good. If you are only going to do one, I'd do an angel sleeve bishop. To me, those can go for everyday or for church. The regular puff sleeves (like the first dress) definately say church to me. I read somewhere in the thread about the shorts riding up on the two piece you had last summer. These OE sets are knee length and not panty type bloomers, so you shouldn't have that problem. The capri set is the most expensive because it has the largest and most detailed smocking plate (by far) of the group. Picture smocking and full bodice smocking are usually the most expensive because of the workmanship. Here are the outfits I am considering for Ava:


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20172.jpg

[lctippins]

I'm loving this dress too! It would be perfect for a summer birthday. Hmmm, wait a second.... now I'm re-thinking the Baby Lulu outfit I had planned to buy DD for her 2nd b-day pics.

Lisa - Mom to Kendall 6/6/03

[c2lane]

That's the dress I'm seriously thinking of buying for DD. I LOVE it!

Carrie & Dillan Rose 01/02/04
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040102/1/0/0/-8/.png
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif 12 months

[jec2]

I love the 1st, 3rd, and last ones probably the best. But, the decision IS hard! I think you'd be safe with any of them as they are all so cute!

[MelissaTC]

I LOVE the Popsicle Capri set!! TOO CUTE!! I also love the lavendar dress. Very sweet. I am not a big fan of smocked items on boys but I love it on little girls and I think your little one is too cute. She would look lovely in any of these!

[Tracey]

Aren't the colors gorgeous on that one! (definately go with the size 1)

[parkersmama]

*gasp* An opinion about her clothes! You mean, it won't be all up to me?! LOL! I dread the day!!! :D

[parkersmama]

I love that one, too! But, I feel like it's a lot more Hanna-ish or Gymbo-ish and I'm looking for a departure from that. :) It is truly adorable and I love the big sis halter dress, too.

[parkersmama]

Oooh, that's cute, too! Wow...don't they make anything that's ugly?! They are way too rich for my blood so I'm definitely limited to just a couple. :)

[macassi]

Hehe. My next door neighbor has 4 girls and she keeps telling me to have as much and spend as much money as I need dressing Abbie, because once she hits school the fun will be all over! I dread the day. She's crushed, because her last two were twins and she had so much fun dressing them and by 3 (probably the evil older sister influence) they wouldn't wear half the outfits she wanted and now they have announced (age 8) that they are way too old for Hanna. She's the one who started my Hanna obsession.

[parkersmama]

For reference, I took a photo of her in the dress from Kelly's Kids:


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20178.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20179.jpg


As it turns out, it was tulips rather than baskets of flowers. :) I really love it and I think it looks really sweet on AG.

Oh, and BTW, do we need a slip for this dress? And, if so, where do I get that??

[stella]

well, I had the popsicle bubble last summer and let me just say that it was way cute!!! That capri set would be my playday pick.

For church, I agree with the lavender viets. I have my catalog here -let's just see - here it is - between the pages of the appellate brief I am working on which is due tomorrow. I stashed my OE catalog for closer inspection when I'm taking a break!!

I do love the red and blue. But notice that it's extra long. I wonder why that is? Style or is it so you can wear it more than one 4th of July?

You know you can't go wrong with any of them. I have concerns about the white of all the bubble sets. How dirty will that get?

Let us know what you decide. And if you do place an order, my friend Katharine Harris in Montgomery is a rep, so she would appreciate your giving her the credit if you don't have a rep of your own!

[parkersmama]

Sure! I'd be happy to give her the credit! Where do you live, BTW? I am in Columbus, Georgia, so we are actually in Montgomery fairly often. We love the zoo there!

[stella]

San Angelo, Texas. You sent me the absorba dress, remember? I am from Mississippi, but went to school in Sewanee, Tennessee and that's how I know Katharine. As far as I know, she's still a rep. I think there's a place to enter it on the website. If she's not a rep, there should be no harm done!

Maybe Columbus needs a rep?

[iluvmy2boys]

these 2 are my favorites!
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-008.jpg
http://www.orientexpressed.com/assets/images/2-826.jpg

[parkersmama]

Duh! Now I remember!! Sometimes I get confused about who lives where since we are all from all over the country. :) (should be a shame-faced grin, LOL!)

But, your answer brought up an interesting question (and maybe we've talked about this before)...when were you at Sewanee? My brother and SIL went there. He was there from '91-'95 and she was there from '92-'96. They loved it and go back there often to visit. As a matter of fact, we all got a bit addicted to the place and love to go through there on trips and my parents still go back for Lessons and Carols every December. :)

[RJPO]

I like the first two -- the lavender smocked bishop and the blue gingham with the red ricrack trim.

All of those outfits are so adorable, though ... it's so tempting when you have a little girl! My first grader will still let me dress her, but it's harder to find "sweet" clothes in size 8 and up.

Rachel
mom to
Mary India, 6/21/98
James Jolyon, due 3/23/05

[lrucci]

Denise,

I've been trying to make this same decision for a few days now. I love OE. I keep going back and forth on what I like best for AG.
I love the birdhouse outfit, but you were hesitant about the elastic on the legs, so my second choice would be the popsicle outfit. My favorite dress is the violet one, that is one of my choices too.

Good luck deciding. It is a tough choice.

Lisa
Mom to Kyleigh 7/19/03

[Joshuasmommy]

I like the red, white & blue one and I love the popsicle outfit. Since you have the one from Kellys Kids already then you would have 3 smocked outfits but all in different styles.

[macassi]

Absolutely no experience with slips, but I am pretty sure that Hanna makes one. I would think you would want it to hang from the shoulders, which is what Hanna's does, so that it stays in place. I think Hannas is eyelet at the bottom so it would look really sweet if it poked out.

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one posting pictures of wild haired girls with binkies! Every day I waiver on the decision over cutting her bangs... I think I want to grow them out, but I sure wish I could figure out a way to keep them out of her eyes!

[jvbucks]

I saw this on their website and I have got to have it (well, the bigger version since Mayzie is wearing around 2T right now).

Why oh why did I have to go to their website! First it was Hanna, now Orient Expressed! Oh my.

Actually, I have never been a fan of smocked clothing, but that website is changing my mind!

[lmladuke]

Of these 4 newest choices - I love the first 2! So pretty! You know you are not helping yourself by finding more stuff!

Lori

Mommy to Jonathan Matthew 7/27/01
and Katherine Olivia 7/28/04

http://lilypie.com/baby1/050728/2/13/3/-5/.png

[steph2003]

OE - now you're talking my kind of stuff! I'd be dangerous if I had a little girl...

I love all the picks you've selected -violet/lavendar is my fave color so I'd likely pick that. And then the popsicle capri set to me is sweet, fun & casual for summer picnics, BBQs, etc.

good luck & post pics!

[vpalmer]

Lisa,

As soon as I saw that dress I, too, thought it would make a perfect second birthday dress! It looks like our daughters are only six days apart as well! We are having Eva's birthday party at Gymboree Play and Music and the colors of this dress would be perfect! OK, I know I am a nut coordinating my daughter's birthday outfit to her surroundings, but I blame it all on scrapbooking!

Veronica
Mom to Eva
Born 6-03

[lctippins]

My mouth fell open when I read your post because I am considering having DD's b-day party at Gymboree P&M! We've been going since Kendall was about 8 months old and she *loves* it there. As you can see from my post above, I'm really struggling with DD's b-day outfit. I'd love to know what you think.

We'll have to exchange pics after the girls' parties!

Lisa - Mom to Kendall 6/6/03

[vpalmer]

Well now my mouth has fallen open because guess how old Eva was when she began going to Gymboree P&M? That's right - 8 months! We started in Gym Crawlers, advanced to Gym Walkers and have been doing the music class for the past 6 months or so. Eva adores music and playing on the equipment during Play Gym. I also have been trying to figure out what Eva should wear. I am torn really, because I am almost leaning towards a Capri set since her party will be an active one. On the other hand though, I hate not to have her wear dress for her party. We don't attend church so our occasions for dresses are limited. Do you have a link to the Baby Lulu outfit you are considering?

Veronica
Mom to Eva