The Purple Princess Dress

Just received picture back from a photo shoot of some of my new dress designs. Adorable gorgeousness.

The dress shown is an iridescent deep purple colour with a crinkle to the fabric. So pretty. The sash is the same material, and is separate from the dress, so it can be tied either in front or behind, centered or to the side. I personally like it tied off to one side in a sort of kimono folded-bow. I’ve teamed it up with a white-on-white delicate floral print for the bodice and sleeves. The dress has an attached underskirt or petticoat; white cotton with layers of purple tulle to give the dress body and flounce. Perfect for any princess who likes to twirl.

This would make a great dress for a birthday party or for a flower girl. Sizes 6 months to 5T are available. I also have this fabric in a rich chocolate brown, which would have an ecru coloured petticoat and tulle. Although I try and make all my garments machine friendly, this is one that would need to either be hand washed and hung to dry or sent to the dry cleaner. I know, I’m sorry.

The little dark angel of a model is Adalee Sophia, whom I booked through Boutique Beauties. I am in love with her cheeks. I think she did a fabulous job, and the camera definitely loves her.

I have a whole bunch of fabrics I am just itching to get to, and with only four more weeks of school (have I mentioned I have THREE design projects due this week????), I will be devoting whole days to designing and sewing. Stay tuned for more styles to show up soon.

Dress available in sizes 6m to 5T here. Other colours and style available.

Sweet and Pretty . . . take 3

Today’s helping of Sweet and Pretty is actually a collection or treasury of items discovered by Bella of Allami. While the grouping is definitely inspired by Russian matryoshka dolls (you know, the nesting ones you played with as a child), the items would be perfect for a nursery or little girl’s room. All well priced, these are sure to bring whimsy and delight to any princess, no matter the age.

One of the items that really got my attention was this painted horse box by GoodWoodDogs. Other than being pink and girly and a great place to store special trinkets, the hand crafted, hand painted pine and basswood treasure is made by a father - daughter team. The father is a retired chemist-turned-artist.  Dad does the carving, daughter does the painting. Which I think is just great, and adds a bit of back story to the item.

In a time where more and more children’s toys are mass produced, it’s so nice to see hand-made items with care and attention to detail . . .and no batteries required.

Delicate and Pretty . . . take 3

Today’s “Delicate and Pretty” installment features the definitely delicate workings of Licia Beads. Based out of Seattle, Washington, the creator has an eye for working with beautiful colour and materials that seem to bring her creations to life. Each is hand-made, and each a little different.

From the designer:“I began my beading passion (obsession) in 1990 and have been collecting and selling jewelry since then. I sold items while in school and at college to obtain a little extra spending money (which was used to keep me well caffeinated).


When I look at these, I envision a lush backyard garden party with butterflies and hummingbirds flitting around. These would look great dressed up for the evening or down for the office during the day, and are sure to garner compliments either way.

An afternoon wedding perhaps? A Sunday brunch with the family? I would also recommend just enjoying these on your own with a good book and a cool drink in the shade of that aforementioned lush backyard garden.

* * * UPDATE * * *

Licia has just offered a 10% discount for purchases made from June 01 until June 30, 2012. The coupon code is PRETTYINJUNE, it will be vaild during the whole month, but be sure to shop early for the best selection. All you need to do is input the code at checkout on her store page to receive the discount. It's so simple. Simple is good. Happy Shopping !

No Ordinary Neutral

just some items I threw together from my closet this morning . . . .No seriously, this is a set I put together in 2 minutes on polyvore. Nothing neutral about these neutrals. Brunch anyone ?

No Ordinary Neutral  featuring brass jewelry

Dorothy Perkins crew neck tee
$45 - dorothyperkins.com

Mexx tailored jacket
€120 - mexx.eu

Donna Karan draped skirt
$830 - stylebop.com

Elie Saab ankle wrap heels
$685 - boutique1.com

Soft leather tote
$2,416 - boutique1.com

Bracelet
nelly.com

Brass jewelry
$33 - whistles.co.uk

Miss Selfridge gold jewelry
$25 - missselfridge.com

Miso ring
£8 - republic.co.uk

Stella mccartney sunglasses
$225 - forwardforward.com

More Shoes - take 3

have I mentioned I adore shoes? Well, I do. Here are the pair I am lusting after today:



A girl could easily fall in love with this pair. And really? . . .wouldn't blame her.

.. . . for the Love of Buttons . .. .

How gorgeous are these vintage inspired rhinestone buttons, offered up by Hennytj ? Gorgeous. Very gorgeous. Perfect down the front of a tailored suit jacket or to replace those boring white buttons on a button down blouse.

Mother's Day Ideas . .by etsy

Looking for some last minute Mother's Day ideas? Here is a Mother's Day inspired collection of gifts sure to make mom smile.

The Paris Print Shop

Today’s little bit of lovely is brought to you courtesy of Nicole from The Paris Print Shop. Based in New York City, Nicole has a great eye for making the ordinary extraordinary when it comes to photography.

From her website; ”My shop offers photos from the Paris Color Project which began when I moved to Paris in 2009. What started as snapshots of my neighborhood evolved into a series of photographs that document color on the city’s streets. I’m drawn to the way color contrasts Paris’ neutral facades, the way layers of paint erode into a form of abstract art, and to the details that are often overshadowed by the Eiffel Tower and other iconic landmarks. Each image was discovered serendipitously while walking on an unfamiliar street. I sought out objects that resonated with the energy of the city, one particular color at a time.”

Nicole and her lovely images have been featured by Martha Stewart, Real Simple, The New York Times, and HGTV (and that’s only naming a few of who’s who). Her book “Paris in Color” by Cronicle Books is available in bookstores and boutique shops, including Anthroplogie.

In her shop, Nicole offers both single images and mini-collections. I especially like that a variety of sizes are available. You can opt for all one size in a series of four or nine images, or choose one large feature photograph.

For something really eye catching, you could do both: have a large print on the left, with a series of smaller images to the right of it. The collage style arrangement will be sure to get conversation going at your next dinner party.

Les photographies sont très chic, n'est-ce pas?

Little Bit of Lovely - version 2.0

If it's true that April showers bring May flowers, then I would like my May flowers to be in the form of this dress. Gorgeousness!

I'm sorry, I've lost who the designer is. It could be Elie Saab. It has the silhouette of an Elie Saab. I don't know. But if perhaps you do, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due.

In the meantime . . le sigh . . ..