Friday Preview #4: Instant Wardrobe

When did I say this next preview would be posted?? Let's just pretend it was today, shall we? All better then.


Here, then, is the Instant Wardrobe for girls.

The Abigail pinafore, always a popular seller. Plus a pair of shorts, a pair of long pants, and an appliqued tee.

All in coordinating fabrics, to be worn in nearly limitless combinations:
Wear the Abigail alone.

Wear the Abigail with the tee.

Wear the tee with the shorts.

Or the tee with the pants.

Or the Abigail with the pants.

Or the Abigail with the shorts.

Or the Abigail with the tee with the shorts.

Or the Abigail with the tee with the pants.

You get the idea.

In lots of different fabric combinations, as you can see. The pants and shorts in cotton are mostly flat-front with a hip pocket, but some are elastic waist. All the linen pants are elastic waist, with a wide leg for roomy playtime (oh, and ALL the linen is machine washable, just like the cottons, because I can't be bothered with anything else!). I'm partial to the giant dahlias and the apple dot, but I'm pretty wild about the Jay McCarroll deer-and-shrooms up against the Michael Miller pretty plaid in peony pink (say that five times fast).

Personally, I've always gravitated towards separates as a shopper and as a dresser. But this spring, I'm concentrating a little more on coordinates in general and on "sets" of clothing--not outfits necessarily, but a mini-grouping that can be worn lots of ways. Makes me feel as though I'm getting more from less, and that seems to be how ALL of us are feeling right now.

Next up: Tween Time!

Friday Preview #2: Reversible Skirt

This is the Kirsten skirt, in sizes 12mo to 12 years. I've done it in loads of fabric combinations this season, and one of my favorites is this Sandi Henderson fabric:

Elastic waistband makes it fully reversible, with bright flowers in pinks on one side, and a flush of petals on the other:

I like the "paper bag" effect of the waistband here, too--does anyone else remember this style from the late 80s? on the "Boyfriend Jeans" we had in 9th grade, perhaps?

Hem is fully encased in wide bias tape, visible on both sides:


I love this style for its simplcity, its clean A-line shape, and the fact that it works so well for so many ages. Vary the fabric, and it has a whole different feel!

Remember the GIVEAWAY coming in early March--as I post previews of the spring collection each Friday, the selection with the MOST COMMENTS will be given away to a reader in a random drawing. Thanks for stopping by!