Okay, so it’s not really a day in the life. The planning can start years before when the young man or women gets their date to become a bar/bat mitzvah. So now what?
Should we have an afternoon or evening event? Color themes are decided… maybe. And when these decisions are made, then the wardrobe planning begins. This can be a stressful time in the midst of joy.
We asked some of our favorites to chat about the process and the trends for the whole family. Look gorgeous dahling. This is your special day…enjoy!

Simon and Sons
Newton
Owner Paul Simon says that it is a family affair when planning for the bar mitzvah. The main focus is on the bar mitzvah boy as that is what Simon and Sons is geared to. Fathers and sons do get a special incentive if they both get their clothing at the store. Simon and Sons will rent or sell tuxes and shoes. The trend is a suit for temple and perhaps changing to an artsy shirt for the party.

Infinity Boutique
Swampscott
Spring is all about celebration of color says Pauline Spirito of Infinity Boutique. The new cocktail dress is all about jewel tones, bold colors and eye-catching prints. Florals and statement jewelry take you from drinks and dinner to the dance floor. Infinity carries social separate which Spirito says is an explosive category primarily because it appeals to both the young bat mitzvah as well as to mom, aunts and bubbie’s.
Jewelry and accessories are also featured at Infinity. Remember…it’s all about the BLING.

Lorraine Roy
Danvers
Owner Jeanne Hennessey’s store focuses on ensembles for mom and adult women but not for the bat mitzvah girl. She suggests beautiful suits for the service or dresses with a shrug. Another trend for moms is “rouching,” gathering at the waist or even down the back.
V-necks for taller women and off the shoulder outfits balance a fuller hip. The au courant colors for this season are hot pink and purple.

Artistic Nails
Swampscott
Cindy Le has a cadre of customers who follow her around but now she has her own shop at the Fisherman’s Plaza in Swampscott. New for spring is opaque beige. The French manicure is still popular. Always popular are OPI and Essie colors.

Spinale & Co.
Swampscott
According to Spinale and Co. Hair Design in Swampscott the trends for 2010 bat mitzvah are simple easy updos for evening affairs. The store opens at 7 a.m. for morning service. Book them again for the evening event when an elegant look is called for.

Giblees
Danvers
Alan Gibley says the trend is for a dressier event for bar/bat mitzvah. At Giblees you will find a pool table, cappuccino maker and refreshments. The store does special and custom orders but customers can get a suit or tux right off the rack. Dad may coordinate with son on color or fabric and sometimes mom comes along but this is definitely a father/son bonding experience. Giblees has some things for the bar mitzvah boy but caters to dad and adult men. For black tie events, Giblees staff will help put your own spin on it.

Gold Bug
Marblehead
Bat mitzvah girls come by this unique jewelry store to look for that perfect accessory or to let mom know what others may want to give her for gifts. Suzanne Green, owner, says that girls still prefer white gold and they like simplicity. Pink sapphires and blue topaz are popular. Comfort is key whether it be a ring, necklace or earrings and something the girls can wear for years to come. Often friends and relatives will give a gift certificate so the bat mitzvah can choose what is perfect for her taste.

So dahling…as I said before…make it fun and enjoy your special day…it’s all about YOU!