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.

TuTu Chic

As a designer and a lover of pretty fabrics, I have always been intrigued by tutus and the world of ballet couture. While the stiff and formal performance tutu demands a certain amount of respect (it's construction being formidable), the longer bell-shaped tea-length tutu is graceful and romantic. Think of all those Sugar Plum Fairies in The Nutcracker, or the myriad of swans in Swan Lake.

TutusChic is based in Palo Alto, CA and will be featured in Martha Stewart's Wedding Magazine Spring 2011 issue.

The creations of a former professional dancer turned designer, the tutus are constructed with the dancer's body and movements in mind. However, this does not exclude a non-dancer from purhasing one to wear around the house while vacuuming . . .

Have a look at this beautiful long tutu skirt in chocolate and cream by TutusChic. The skirt is composed of four layers of cream tulle topped with a light and frothy layer of chocolate tulle. The waist band is a decadent caramel chocolate satin.

This tutu skirt would be wonderful for attending a late spring or summer wedding celebration. Or for sipping tea and nibbling on petite sandwiches and enjoying strawberries with cream in the garden. Or walking along the beautiful shops in Paris. See how it has been paired with a long sleeve henley style shirt and a pair of flip-flops in the photo shown right. (model photos appear courtesy of Lucy Snowe Photography).

What I'm saying is that tutus are not just for attending the ballet. Nor are pointe shoes required.