Hunting for Easter Outfits

By Jen Smith
April 1, 2010

Holly Brown and Hadley Peterson with their children (Photo credit: Rachel McGinn)

The Inside Source crew is more than a little obsessed with kids clothing. Expectant mothers, former editors at Cookie magazine, moms and aunts alike, we're always on the hunt for shopping resources that combine style with originality and practicality—and that offer options that won't break the bank.

Tada! Shop is our new favorite virtual shopping spot. Founded by Holly Brown (a mother of three boys) and Hadley Peterson (mom of three girls), the site aggregates the selections of hundreds of children's brands across tons of stores and puts them all in one easy-to-shop place. You can shop the traditional way (by category, brand, etc.) and you can also explore the latest trends, peruse staff picks and "meet" trendsetters in the children's fashion and design world. You can also create your own looks directly on the site, save your favorites and keep them organized while you shop from a variety of e-stores at once.

Since Easter is high time for kids fashion (all those adorable bonnets, sweet dresses and miniature suits!), we asked Brown and Peterson for their thoughts on the occasion. “When it comes to dressing for Easter, I tend to be very traditional," says Peterson. “I am also not one to go out and buy a dress or shoes that can’t be worn for other occasions.” Brown agrees. She, too, opts for the more classic, fancy occasion clothing—and then adds a twist. “For boys, I look for prints like giant ginghams, interesting plaids, even stripes—in springtime colors. I like classics mixed with something a little more amusing or boyish, which I achieve with a fun belt that has a playful buckle or by adding a bright colored shoe to a more subdued outfit.”

Curious about what fellow moms were feeling for the holiday, Peterson and Brown asked 23 moms across the country to choose the outfits that their own children will be wearing on Sunday, and compiled them in "Looks for Now: Easter" on their website. The fun feature serves as inspiration for Brown, Peterson and their customers alike.

“Holly and I both are enamored with neutrals this spring,” Peterson says, pointiing out the Neige Petra dress and Brooke Cardigan as among her favorites. “Then there are the bright colors, and it’s the contrast of these color pops, oranges and bright pinks, that make those neutrals stand-out.” Brown agrees, saying “Another trend we love are all the pastel ginghams. We are seeing them for both boys and girls. Perfect for spring!”

We challenged Brown and Peterson to shop eBay, which they describe as a "great resource for an occasion like Easter," to find the sweetest stuff for kids to wear this coming Sunday. Here's what they picked:

Peterson's Picks: Girls

1. New Baby Infant Pink Girl Leather Mary Jane Crib Shoe (buy it now price, $12.99) “These are just like the dress-up shoes I use for all my girls. While I find it hard to pass down shoes from child to child, these are amazing hand-me-downs. I always got them in white, but this pink pair is so cute for Easter."

2. Nwt TroiZenfants Girls Size 4 Pleated Skirt Summer 2009 (buy it now price, $29.99) “I adore neutrals combined with light pink. I'd put this soft patterned skirt with a white blouse and light pink ballet flats.

3. Nwt Trussardi Baby Girl Cardigan (12m) (buy it now price, $28.50) “Easter can be cold sometimes and buying a dressy jacket for just this occasion doesn't warrant much other wear. Layer with a sweater like this one, which is such a basic and will be worn a million other times."

4. Kindercaps Kids New Raffia Cloche Sun Hat Girls 2-8 (buy it now price, $18.95) “I don't usually put my girls in hats, but if I did, this straw cloche would be my choice!” says Hadley.

5. Girl's Bois De Rose Blue Dress Easter 3T (starting bid, $28) “I love smocked dresses for Easter. One year, I found this Bois de Rose dress with bunnies on it and had to get it. While I do still love the dress(as it gets passed down through my three girls), it kind of kills me that it seems appropriate only for one day!”

6. Nwt Jacadi Pink/Fuschia Sandals (buy it now price, $19.99) “When buying for Easter, I always look for things that can be worn again,” advises Hadley. “ My girls had these sandals and literally wore them into the ground; they were so comfortable and versatile. I see these paired with a colorful floral dress or simple white dress.

7. Nwt Jcrew Girls Twinkle Ballet Flats Glitter Gold (starting bid, $19.99) “I love these gold glittery shoes with something very simple on top like a sweet white dress.”

Brown's Buys: Boys

1. Nwt Boys Lord & Taylor Seersucker Suit Blue Easter (sold for $109.99) “Seersucker is perfect for an occasion like Easter. It’s fun to mix and match seersucker by pairing each part with pale khaki separates . I even love the idea of the blazer with khaki shorts!"

2. Nwt Lilly Pulitzer Boy’s “So Buzzed” Necktie Tie (buy it now price, $25.99) “A bumble bee tie in Palm Beach Lilly colors is a humorous addition to a more traditional suit,” says Holly.

3. Nwt Converse All Star Yellow Sneakers Youth Shoes (buy it now price, $29.99) “A bright pair of converse could be cute with a more classic look.”

4. Nwt Gap Kid Boy Indigo Easter Gingham Shirt Top (buy it now price, $25.50) “I love a pastel gingham shirt for Easter, especially one with a festive, oversized check.”

5. New Petit Ami Seersucker Romper Jon Jon Boys 12 m (buy it now price, $19.99) “Being that I am from the South, I gravitate to the 'john john' or 'shortalls'—the more serious short suits feel a little too formal for a boy."

6. Youth Boys/Girls Minnetonka Moccasin Sz 1 Slipper (buy it now price, $7.99) “Pale bucks remind me of Easter Sunday, but this year I am leaning toward moccasins. They are fun and can be dressed up or down. For Easter, I would choose a lighter tan color.”

7. Hickey Freeman Madras Plaid Blazer Boys 10 Easter (winning bid, $36) “I see a lot of potential with this jacket. I would pair it with a lighter pair of pants and an oxford shirt.”

A freelance editor who recently relocated to Tucson from New York, Jen Smith was the Fashion Director at Cookie. Before that, she was the Senior Fashion Editor at Lucky.

Tags: