Christening dress for older child

[123LuckyMom]

As it turns out, we will probably not be baptizing DD until she's nearly a year old. It's a long story, but I'm making my peace with it. I have no idea now what she should wear. She'll probably be walking and talking by then. She's well on her way now at 7 months! I want her to wear something very special, and for this occasion, cost is not an issue. Should it still be a white dress? Do any of you have a specific suggestion? Most likely it will be in late January or early February. Lent is super early this year, so if she doesn't make it in before Lent, it will be late March (Easter Vigil is March 30th) or very early April. I'd really appreciate your help!!!

[TwinFoxes]

Definitely white. I bet you can find something from Strasburg, and perhaps Nordstrom. Or, find a seamstress to create something. If cold weather is a concern, you can do a matching long cape.

ETA: not Strasburg, they're out of business...what's the one I am thinking of that I get catalogs from with lots of blonde kids in it? Argh, it's going to bug me.

[edurnemk]

I agree it needs to be white. I'm no help with the rest though, no idea where to find one.

[lmh2402]

i absolutely think it should be white. do you have any local shops near you? i wouldn't personally want to buy online

DD's being christened next weekend and we got her gown in a little local shop that basically specialized in special occasion wear for children - they had a ton of christening specific dresses to choose from

[123LuckyMom]

I live in the boondocks, so there is NOWHERE to shop here. My nearest city is Albany, NY, which is not a style hub! I will be in Westchester, NY for Thanksgiving, so I could look at Saks, Bloomies, Nordstrom, etc. I don't know boutiques there. Do any of you?

I looked on the web at flower girl dresses last night. I just don't want the dress to be cheap or gaudy, and so many of the dresses did.

Please keep suggestions coming!

[Blue Hydrangea]

I would go with a white dress. What size do you think she'll be in? JCPenney has dresses in stock up to 12mo all year round.
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/jsp/s...equestid=39972

But for something of high quality, with a price to match, I'd look at Janie and Jack. They have two on their website that would be beautiful, sizes up to 18-24 months (but in my experience their sizes run big). I'm nowhere near retail options either, so I've only bought online, never been disappointed with J&J quality. So pretty!

http://www.janieandjack.com/shop/dep...SizeSelected=0

http://www.janieandjack.com/shop/dep...SizeSelected=0

Something else to consider would be to wait until spring if you think the baptism won't happen until then, since after January stores will start putting Easter dresses out, and you might find something you like in person that way rather than online, although those options may not be all white.

[123LuckyMom]

Thanks for these suggestions! Who knew JC Penney had so many options! I never would have thought to look there. The Janie and Jack dresses are beautiful. As it turns out, December 2nd just opened up, and I'm thrilled! It's the first Sunday of Advent and still gives us time to plan a party and get a dress. So now, would you go with a gown for an older baby (8 months) or a dress? I'm leaning towards a dress since she's not a true infant. What do you think?

[meggie t]

Here is a gorgeous dress from Bella Bliss:
http://www.bellabliss.com/product/Sm...ecial_Occasion

Comes in 12m size. They also have other white special occasion dresses that are beautiful as well.

Good luck!

[123LuckyMom]

Thanks for all your advice. I think we're going to go with this dress in white:

http://www.everythingnicechristening...lk-kd209w.html

This dress is a close second, but I can't seem to find it from a site that is good about returns, and I would be buying it with the other one to see which I like best.:

http://www.everythingnicechristening...ss-sl8301.html