For that special occasion

Rags to Riches Boutique

3342 Long Beach Road

Oceanside

(516) 442-4770

Kim Verdino was a stay-at-home mom with a passion for dressing her children. She would happily search far and wide for that special outfit. If it meant traveling to Brooklyn to find a white silk vest for her son’s communion … no problem. When her daughter needed a fancy dress, she would eagerly take her on a trying-on expedition. Following her love for children’s clothing, she opened Rags to Riches, a children’s specialty boutique, in December.

“There is nothing like seeing a little girl’s face when she tries on a dress she loves, and adds a gorgeous head piece to complete the look,” said Verdino. “And, watching new parents choose that special Christening gown for their baby, is a priceless experience.”

While Rags to Riches Boutique specializes in Christenings and communions, it also carries boys’ and girls’ dressy attire and accessories to wear to bar/bat mitzvahs and other child-related special occasions. Sizes range from infants’ to children’s 16, including boy’s husky. The shop is colorful and inviting, rendered in bright apple green. Windows are cheerfully embellished with beads and accessories. Merchandise is easy to view.

Featured are Vivian Nicole communion dresses with accessories to match. Nu Angel communion dresses are shown, as well as ones by Christie Helene, who also designs Christening gowns. Piccolo Bacio Christening gowns are on display too. Girls can shop for dresses by Un Deux Trois, Isabella Chloe, and Sara Sara. Sugar Lips offers more casual wear. Boys can be decked out in Ike Behar suits and dress shirts, and shirts by David Oliver. In an effort to be a one-stop shopping experience, Rags to Riches stocks hair accessories, veils, stockings, socks, tiaras, gloves, silk flower bouquets, neck ties, arm bands, rosary beads, and imported shoes, from high end to more affordable.

To ensure individuality — so that someone else won’t purchase the identical dress for the same event — there is a sign-in book. Write down your little girl’s name, dress style, and the event’s date, time and place.

New inventory arrives daily. In addition to clothing and accessories, the store carries infant baskets, blankets and other gifts. Rags to Riches Boutique opens every morning at 10:30 a.m., and closes at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. For every communion dress or suit purchased, the child gets a special gift.