The number of places to find christening and bris/baby naming apparel has been shrinking lately, with the independent boutiques shuttering or simply not carrying specialty items. Here’s a roundup of the best places in Chicagoland to shop for baptism gowns.
Amazing Gracies (126 W. Main St., Barrington, 847-304-1170) – This sweet little shop is dedicated to fancy apparel for ladies and gents, with christening gowns and rompers priced between $50 and $200.
Beautiful Beginnings (4472 Lawn Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-1212) – A local shop known for its gorgeous heirloom gifts that also carries christening and bris gowns and rompers ($90 to $500) and customized wall crosses for baptism gifts.
Bebe Elegante Childrenswear (3338 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 773-477-2323) – This shop is devoted entirely to children’s special occasion wear, mostly $100 and under.
Lollipop Shop (426 S. Third St., Geneva) – This self-described shop for “bellies, babies & big kids” offers custom, hand-made christening gowns for boys and girls. Allow enough lead time for the gown to be created.
Martinelli’s Children’s Wear (3517 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, 708-425-6287) – A southwest suburban staple for more than 42 years, people know Martinelli’s as a source for school uniforms, fancy formal wear and shoes. Shop christening apparel for boys and girls as well as bonnets, and booties.
MunchkinLand Kids (30 E. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale, 630-920-9400) – This fancy Hinsdale shop is mostly geared toward girls and carries designer christening gowns and rompers ($250 and up).
Nordstrom (The Shops at North Bridge, 55 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312-464-1515; Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-571-2121; Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, 847-677-2121; Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 847-605-2121) – Nordstrom’s baby and children’s selection is adorable and spendy. Frilly baptism gowns and rompers run $75 to $300.
Pumpkin Formal (Golf Mill Center, Niles, 847-296-4225; Hawthorn Mall, Vernon Hills, 847-247-0427; Gurnee Mills, Gurnee, 847-856-8030) – A local line of formalwear dedicated to outfitting babies and kids for special occasions, including christening gowns and bonnets. Most outfits run $30 to $100.
Tommy-Terri (Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington, 847-381-2005) – Tommy-Terri carries a beautiful selection of baptism gowns, starting with cotton gowns ($50) on up to silk gowns and rompers ($250).
