Sometimes Simple Really Is The Best!

Okay, I'm really beginning to fully understand the magnitude of how difficult it is to dress young ladies in things that are age appropriate, feminine, pretty and still fashion forward. I spent the other day going through Abby's closet and drawers trying to figure what still might fit her from last Fall and trust me. . . there isn't much. She has grown so much this past year that she is now needing to wear bigger sizes because she is so tall. I, of course am happy to make her dresses and skirts but it's the "other" stuff that is the problem. Pretty little tops, leggings and sweaters to go with everything. I started poking around on line to all the usual places and to say that I was really unhappy with the selection would be an understatement. It was ALL either way to "grown-up" and not in a good way or it was too little girl-ish.  Sadly, I think my days of finding cute pieces to mix and match are now going to become much more of a challenge. I used to pick up things at Gymbo, Janie and Jack, TCP, Naartjie, Gap, etc. but when I looked this time I came up completely empty handed and frustrated. Then I popped over to Hannah, Garnet Hill and J.Crew to see what they had and still not exactly what I was looking for. Finally, I went to Mini Boden and fell in love, too in love in fact! I managed to easily fill a shopping cart up and then when I looked at the total I just froze. As, much as I loved it all I just couldn't do it. "I thought to myself "What are you doing? This is what you do!" So, I decided to scale back on my wishlist and limit it to just a few pieces that Abby and I both agreed were must haves. Because I am just a novice knitter and crocheter we do have to buy sweaters and because I choose not to sew with knits we also do need to purchase t's and leggings. But beyond that I have no excuses. So, that being said this morning I sat down and started putting together a few outfits for Miss Abigail. Simple and classic little skirts mixed with pretty sweaters that still fit from last year.  I even made the little blouse in the top photo a simple white Batiste long sleeve blouse with pretty little pin tucks. I even managed to use up some of my treasured Amy Butler fabrics that have been in my stash for ages but I needed to wait until the exact right thing came along. Perfect for Fall! Sweet and simple yet still feminine and appropriate for an 8 year old.

I also made this little jumper the other day and once again I am really loving the simplicity of this design, and it looks adorable on. I've only made one so far so I am anxious to experiment more with this new design. The shorter skirt very much reminds me of a school girl. Just imagine this with fun little knee socks and saddle shoes!

D