The Smocked Bird & Basket Dress by Emily Lacey is more than just a dress—it's a celebration of heritage, artistry, and innocence. Crafted with exceptional care and an eye for timeless beauty, this dress captures the essence of childhood charm. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering, a spring picnic, or simply dressing your little one in something beautiful for the day, this dress stands as a graceful tribute to traditional children’s fashion.
An Heirloom in the Making
At Emily Lacey, we believe children’s clothing should be more than fleeting fashion—it should be part of your most treasured memories. The Smocked Bird & Basket Dress is just that: a memory in the making. With its heirloom-level craftsmanship and thoughtful design, this dress evokes the grace and purity of a bygone era while offering the comfort and functionality every modern parent desires.
Exceptional Craftsmanship: A Dress That Tells a Story
The art of hand-smocking is a centuries-old needlework tradition passed down through generations. Unlike machine-stitched garments, smocked clothing requires hours of delicate, hand-done embroidery, and no two dresses are ever quite the same.
The Smocked Bird & Basket Dress embraces this rich tradition with beautifully stitched lovebirds nestled atop a charming floral basket. These motifs symbolize harmony, love, and care—values we hold dear at Emily Lacey.
✔ Intricate Embroidery
Each dress is individually smocked and hand-embroidered, ensuring the highest level of detail and craftsmanship. The intricate lovebird and basket motif is both whimsical and refined—a small story embroidered into the fabric.
✔ Flexible Fit
The nature of smocking allows for a gentle stretch, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit that adapts as your child moves and grows.
✔ A Touch of Nostalgia
Inspired by the refined charm of vintage children’s attire, the dress carries a timeless silhouette. From tea parties to family portraits, this dress is designed to shine on every occasion.
Premium Comfort – Because Little Ones Deserve the Best
Beauty is just the beginning. Comfort is where the Smocked Bird & Basket Dress truly excels. Carefully designed with growing, sensitive skin in mind, it’s crafted from 100% premium cotton—a fabric known for its breathability, softness, and durability.
✔ Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Skin
Perfect for delicate skin, especially in younger children prone to rashes or allergies.
✔ Lightweight & Breathable
Whether it’s a sunny spring day or a crisp fall morning, this dress offers excellent temperature regulation. The cotton fabric allows air to circulate, keeping your little one cool when it’s warm and cozy when it’s chilly.
✔ Durable and Easy to Maintain
Unlike fast-fashion garments, this dress is made to last. With proper care, it holds its structure and softness wash after wash, making it ideal for handing down to younger siblings or preserving as a keepsake.
💡 Pro Tip: To extend the life of the smocking and embroidery, always wash the dress in cold water and air dry. Avoid high-heat settings in the dryer, and use a low-heat iron for a crisp finish.
A Dress for Every Season and Every Occasion
Few dresses are as versatile as the Smocked Bird & Basket Dress. Its classic design and elegant details make it suitable for both formal gatherings and casual playdates. You can dress it up or dress it down—it always looks refined and charming.
🎀 Spring & Easter Celebrations
Soft pastels and floral motifs make this dress a springtime staple. It’s perfect for Easter brunch, family garden parties, and egg hunts.
🎄 Holiday Events & Christmas Photos
Capture magical moments during the festive season with this picture-perfect dress. Its graceful design is ideal for family gatherings, nativity plays, and Christmas card photos.
💐 Weddings & Formal Gatherings
Your little one will look adorable and elegant as a flower girl or a guest at formal occasions. The dress’s flattering silhouette and subtle embroidery complement any formal setting.
🎉 Birthday Parties & Milestones
Celebrate childhood milestones in style. This dress is a favorite for birthdays, family dinners, and special "firsts" like the first school recital or a family reunion.
☀️ Everyday Elegance
Thanks to its comfort and breathable fabric, the dress is perfect for daily wear. Let your child enjoy tea parties, playdates, or storytime in a piece that looks great and feels even better.
Thoughtful Details That Make a Difference
What sets this dress apart is not just the smocking—but the small, refined elements that come together to create a truly luxurious garment.
✔ Hand-Covered Buttons
Each button is covered in fabric to match the dress, giving it a seamless and polished appearance that enhances its overall sophistication.
✔ Piped Peter Pan Collar & Capped Sleeves
Classic features that add vintage charm, making the dress look picture-perfect from every angle.
✔ Attached Belt & Back Tie
Accentuates the waist for a more tailored fit, adding shape and elegance without compromising comfort.
✔ Flared Skirt for Movement
The gently flowing skirt gives plenty of room for twirling, walking, or running through the garden. It moves gracefully with each step, encouraging both elegance and play.
✔ Delicate Hand-Embroidery
A touch of whimsy meets refined elegance with the embroidered lovebirds and floral basket, crafted stitch by stitch to tell a story of love and tradition.
Styling Tips – Create a Picture-Perfect Look
The Smocked Bird & Basket Dress is a canvas for creativity. Add the right accessories to personalize your child’s look for any occasion.
👑 Emily Lacey Signature Hairbow
Choose from pastel hues or coordinated shades to match the embroidery. Our bows are soft, comfortable, and perfectly sized.
🧣 Layer with a Knit Cardigan
In cooler seasons, add warmth and style with a soft cardigan in complementary tones—blush pink, ivory, or pale blue.
👠 Classic Footwear
Pair with timeless Mary Janes or ballerina flats for a complete vintage look. Ivory or soft brown shoes work beautifully.
💎 Jewelry for Little Ones
A simple pearl bracelet or dainty locket adds just the right amount of sparkle and keeps the overall look elegant.
Care Instructions – Preserve the Beauty
To keep your Smocked Bird & Basket Dress looking as stunning as the day it arrived, follow these care tips:
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Machine Wash Cold: Gentle cycles preserve the embroidery and smocking.
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Use Mild Detergent: Stay away from harsh chemicals and bleach.
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Avoid High Heat: Air drying is best, but low tumble drying works too.
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Iron on Low Heat: A light press will bring back that freshly-pressed look.
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Store with Love: Hang or fold neatly. For long-term storage, use acid-free tissue to maintain the dress's shape.
Why Choose Emily Lacey?
At Emily Lacey, we are proud to offer handcrafted garments rooted in tradition and made for today’s world. Our collections honor the beauty of simplicity, the elegance of classic design, and the importance of quality.
✔ Authentic Hand-Smocking
Each dress is made by skilled artisans, ensuring superior detail and unmatched charm.
✔ Premium Materials
We use only the finest 100% cotton to ensure that each dress is soft, breathable, and durable.
✔ Ethical & Sustainable
Our pieces are made in small batches, reducing waste and honoring the slow fashion movement.
✔ Sizing That Grows with Your Child
Flexible smocking and thoughtful tailoring allow for room to grow—ensuring longer wear and better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dress true to size?
Yes! It runs true to size. For the best fit, refer to our detailed Emily Lacey Size Chart.
Can this be worn for daily use?
Absolutely. It’s comfortable, breathable, and stylish enough for both playtime and special moments.
Is it machine washable?
Yes. Cold wash with gentle detergent is recommended. Hang dry or tumble on low.
Are accessories included?
Accessories are sold separately, but we offer perfectly matched bows and cardigans to complete the look.
Do you offer returns or exchanges?
Yes! If you're not satisfied with the fit, our hassle-free return policy has you covered.
Final Thoughts: A Cherished Keepsake for Years to Come
The Smocked Bird & Basket Dress isn’t just an outfit—it’s a keepsake that captures the innocence of childhood in every stitch. It’s a dress you’ll remember in photos, hold onto for the memories, and maybe even pass on to the next generation.
Whether for a celebration or simply to make an ordinary day feel special, this dress brings elegance, joy, and timeless beauty to every moment.
