Easter bonnets
I’m dating myself, I know, but one of my favorite memories from childhood was shopping for a new Easter outfit.
In my house, Easter meant the works–shoes, socks, undies, dress, gloves and, of course, a hat. My mother–and, I suppose my father, although I don’t remember him being consulted in any way, shape or matter about the selection process–was extremely indulgent when it came to Easter shopping. Which is not to say Mom actually shopped. Oh, no. In fact, I distinctly remember being dropped off at Cole’s Department Store and being told to ask someone to call me a taxi when I was done (my parents owned the taxi company). Mom had a charge account. The clerks knew me.
Wow. The power, right? But you have to understand that shopping was different in those days. Your choices were limited. Even the nicest department store probably stocked fewer than a dozen or two different styles of little girl dresses. Designer names were unheard of. All I cared about was whether or not the dress came with a hat. After all, everyone knew Easter wasn’t Easter without a bonnet.
I don’t think little girls care about hats these days, but one of my favorite Easter photos is of my eldest granddaughter when she was three. Her great-aunt bought Easter bonnets and gloves for all the little girls in the family. Doesn’t this make your heart smile?
Celebrate with style and have a very Happy Easter.
Deb
April 3rd, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Oh my gosh, how adorable! Love the hat and gloves…and look at those rosy cheeks! Happy Easter
April 3rd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Hi Deb – Malte is just too, too cute. I remember those years of new dresses, shoes and socks. My grandma would make dresses for all six granddaughters – all matching. But I remember the year I got a store-bought dress – it was beautiful, and (I’m pretty sure the only time)I thought I was beautiful, too. It was lavendar, with a satin sash and flower. See how much I loved it? Hope you’re getting yourself some new duds and a bonnet this year!
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
My Easter dresses were always home made by my mother as were all my clothes. I don’t remember having store bought clothes until I was well past my teens. But I did get new shoes and a hat for Easter until I was in my teens.
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Waving happily at my friends!!!
Rula, she’s getting so big now. She’s eight! But I love this shot so much.
Jackie, I’m sure you were the most beautiful girl in church. That was point, of course–to look extra special and go to church. No bonnet for me this year, but I am on the hunt for a new purse. LOL. I just bought all three girls new shoes and dresses. They were delighted and it makes me happy, too.
Ellen, my mom made most of my clothes but store-bought dresses were extra special and I always had to have a new hat.
And gloves. Ladies wore gloves in those days, too. We are much less formal now. Thank goodness!!
Lovely to “see” you all!
Deb