Category Archives: Dresses

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forever blue

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Cos Curved Hem Dress (1-8 years)
I have discovered that it is virtually impossible (for me anyway) to find anything that I don’t like from Cos kids, so I try to keep my visits to the store to a minimum. They have totally nailed their kids’ collection. It doesn’t change that much, which I actually quite like (I am definitely a creature of habbit when it comes to dressing…), and they often repeat the same item season after season (if it aint broke and all that…). They have been doing this dress for a while now, and I bought it for Tabs last year, but I generally find Cos kids’ sizing to be quite generous, so it didn’t fit her until recently (it was too long, and one of my pet hates on little girls is long dresses). So on Sunday, I dusted it off for a friend’s bbq. She wore it with her Mini Boden neon orange sandals (which can I just add, get numerous compliments every time she wears them!) and very cute she looked too. This is the perfect ‘non-girly’ dress. Still pretty, but in that lovely, simple pared-down way. Gorgeous.
£27.00  cosstores.com

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all white

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Little White Company Broderie Long Sleeve Dress (2-8 years)
This dress instantly reminded me of a gorgeous Chloe dress that I once shot when I was at Glamour, then subsequently became obsessed with (and ended up borrowing to wear the the Glamour Awards). I was so sad to send it back. It was silk and a pretty blush colour, but it was the shape and the frilled bib detail that I loved. As you can tell, I still think about that dress! This one is such a cute little girl’s version. Very Alexa Chung (she might even be able to squeeze into the age eight!). Again, like yesterday’s jumper, this picture does not do it justice at all (check out the pics on the website to get a better idea). It’s completely adorable. I love the broderie anglaise detail around the (scalloped) cuffs and hem, and of course the frilled bib front. I am picturing Tabitha wearing this already (particularly now that it’s in the sale)…
£25.60 (was £32.00)  thewhitecompany.com 

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folk chic

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Gap Embroidered Baby Girl’s Dress (0-24 months)
A little bit A.P.C, a little bit Isabel Marant Étoile… Love the folky vibe of this sweet Summer dress. I bought one for my friend’s daughter because I simply could not resist it (and someone had to have one!).  It’s just been reduced, so snap one up while you can!
£15.99 (was £19.95)  gap.co.uk

ps: you can now follow Little Spree on Instagram (littlespree) for even more style inspiration for little ones.

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ruffles

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Zara Ruffle Dress (3-36 months)
I do love a pretty, girly dress, as long as it’s pretty in the right way. I’m loving this lime green (definitely not an obviously girly shade…) version from Zara. It has a bit of a Holly Hobby feel about it. And I love the wide ruffles. It will look so cute worn with plain white sandals (preferably these – my favourite ‘Surfer’ sandals from Sun-San). Now if this dress was in pink, it would be a whole different story…
£14.99  zara.com

ps: Tabs has a gorgeous cream crochet dress (also from Zara) that I bought her last Summer, and after posting a photo of her on Instagram wearing it, a lot of people have been asking me about it. Obviously you won’t be able to get your hands on that exact dress, but I have just noticed this very similar one that is almost as cute…

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pretty in pink

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Emma Levine April Lace Dress & Knicker Set (0-24 months)
Dream and float through Summer in this enchanting dress and knicker set… That’s what it says on the website, and I couldn’t put it better myself! Such a gorgeous dress. Now we all know that pink is not my favourite colour, but somehow this just feels so right (and it’s a ‘good’ pink). I love the embroidery around the neckline and sleeves. Such a unique and special little outfit for a baby girl. Would make a beautiful gift for a newborn. And if, like me, you are feeling a little crest-fallen about the 24 month cut-off point (yes, I’m still thinking about that Gap dress!), don’t be. Here’s the ‘big sister’ version, which goes up to nine years. Phew!
£29.00  emmalevine.net

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dvf & gap kids (part ll)

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This is not the first time Gap and Diane von Furstenberg have joined forces, but in my opinion, it’s definitely the best. I must confess, bright colours and clashing prints are not normally my thing (or Tabs’ seeing as I buy and police her wardrobe!), but I love this collection, and it’s so perfect for Summer (when you really want a good print). I’ve picked out some of my favourite pieces for you, but there is tons more to choose from. I really love this blue and white printed playsuit (how cute with simple, flat sandals?), which I homed in on immediately at the press breakfast last week. And this easy t-shirt dress (which comes in other colours too, as do most of the pieces in the collection) will be worn into the ground once Summer decides to put in an appearance. And I can definitely see these yellow heart print leggings with a grey tee or sweatshirt. Ok, so Diane might not approve of how I might deconstruct her ‘clashing vision’, but then that’s what I love (and admire) about her clothes – you can go as crazy or as low-key as you like, and they always work. And the fantastic thing about this particular Gap Kids collaboration, is that it covers such a broad range of ages, from toddlers right up to teens. Perfect. I know my ten year old neice will love some of the pieces as much as Tabitha (for different reasons). And as much as I loved the Peter Rabbit collection, I still feel sad every time I see this white broderie anglaise dress, knowing that Tabitha will always be too big for it. Ok, time to get over it – it’s been months now…
www.gap.eu 

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cool stripes

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Joules Striped Dress (3-12 years)
I love this dress. It definitely has more than a whiff of Marc by Marc Jacobs about it (which, of course, I love). It has great details, such as the large patch pockets, the chambray trim three quarter length sleeves, and the industrial style zip at the back (super-cool). And of course the stripes are winning me over too. All in all, a definite hit! And one will be winging its way into Tabitha’s wardrobe any day now…
£29.95  joules.com

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summer florals

Alice à Paris Floral Print Nightdress (18 months-10 years)
This is one of my all-time favourite styles of dress (don’t be put off by the nightdress label – this is way too cute to sleep in!) – simple shape, adorable tiny floral print, 100% cotton… I am going to be ordering one in each colour (oh yes, this isn’t the only print, although it is my favourite…)) for Tabitha for the Summer. And I’m sort of wondering how big age 10 will be…
£19.00  aliceaparis.com

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a nod to isabel…

John Lewis Broderie Anglaise Dress (2-12 years)
I always love a bit of broderie anglaise (for myself and for little girls), and actually have quite a few dresses (mostly vintage) quite similar to this. But this particular one bears more than a passing resemblence to a gorgeous Isabel Marant dress (that I was obsessed with!) that I recently shot in a ‘White’ story for the June issue of Red. I have however, already got a white cotton broderie anglasie dress from Isabel Marant that I bought a couple of years ago, so I’m not necessarily in the market for another one right now. But Tabitha? Well yes, quite possibly. So this could be a bit of a ‘mini me’ situation… I just love the simplicity and ease of a white cotton dress in the Summer (just add simple flat sandals). So sweet. Ok, possibly not the most practical of colours, but who cares when something is this pretty?
£20.00-£22.00  johnlewis.com

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baby cord

Little Bird By Jools Navy Cord Tunic Dress (6-18 months)
This is the kind of dress that I live in (but possibly shouldn’t now I’m knocking on a bit…). So easy to just chuck on with knitted tights and flat boots for an everyday, running around, ‘non-jeans’ (but just as comfy) outfit. So by proxy this is also one of my favourite kinds of dress on Tabitha (a ‘chuck on & go’ dress) that always looks cute, but with minimal effort on my part (ideal for nursery or any other event that requires exiting the house by 9.00am). Love the Peter Pan collar and the patch pockets (all the better for stashing things in to take to nursery that never come home again…). And it’s £7.50! And navy! Could it get any better?
£7.50  mothercare.com 

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has spring sprung?

Du Pareil Au Meme Floral Printed Dress & Knickers (3-23 months)
Is this weather teasing us, or could Spring really be on the horizon? Either way, here’s a gorgoeus little Spring number for us all to drool over… And don’t forget – it can be worn now with a navy fitted sweater layered underneath and knitted tights (remember to size up to make sure it lasts well into the Summer…).
£20.00 dpam.com 

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calling all mini magpies!

Derhy Kids Sequin Dress (6-14 years)
A grey sequinned dress? A really cool grey sequinned dress no less? Can it be true? I stumbled across this on the John Lewis website yesterday, and it stopped me in my tracks. It’s so cool. Now I know I keep saying this recently, but I really want this (for me) too! It’s a little bit hippie, but the simple shape stops it being too ‘hippie dippy’ (if you know what I mean?). It reminds me of old Antik Batik dresses… Love the grey, and the t-shirt style. It would satisfy the most twinkly of little magpies out there, but minus the girlie, (potentially) naff elements. I love this dress. But this is no party dress. Oh no, this is a ‘hanging out, anytime, anywhere’ casual kinda dress… Oh, and it’s ‘on sale’ (I’ve decided to adopt the American way of saying it’s been reduced – just sounds so much better than ‘in the sale’ don’t you think?).
£27.50 (was £55.00)  johnlewis.com 

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little grey

The Little White Company Floral Dress & Knickers (0-24 months)
It’s never too cold for a pretty dress as far as I’m concerned. You’ve just got to get into full-on layering mode (there is virtually nothing in Tabitha’s wardrobe that she doesn’t wear year-round, except possibly her bikinis…). Just add a vest, a chunky knitted cardigan,  knitted tights and you’re good to go. I love this subdued grey and white floral print one – it has a lovely vintage feel to it. I love the pretty stitch detail and the blouson style sleeves. And of course, the adorable patch pockets. And you can save the cute matching knickers for the Spring (which will be here one day apparently…).
£26.00  thewhitecompany.com 

ps: I’m off to Lanzarote tomorrow to shoot a story for the June issue of Red. Apparently there is no wifi (yes, apparently that is not a sick joke…), so it might be a bit touch and go as to whether (and where?) I can post. I will (as always) endeavour to bring you a stylish, affordable item if I possibly can. But don’t hold your breath that’s all I’m saying…

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your chance to win a few of my favourite (mini boden) things…

I love Mini Boden. Fact. I have almost used an entire pack of post-its (mini neon pink ones if you’re interested?) ear-marking all my favourite things that I am planning on ordering. Fact. I just think the collections are getting better and better each season. Fact. I’ve even ordered a super-cool Johnnie b beach cover-up for myself – you really should check out the Johnnie b collection for yourself!). Fact. Anyway, I’m poised, ready to put my order in for the new season, but in the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite pieces from the Spring collection. And here’s the best bit. Now you have a chance to get your hands on some too! Thanks to our lovely friends at Boden (and they really are lovely – even the people who take your order on the phone are super-friendly) you have a chance of winning one of these eight pieces. All you have to do is choose your favourite item (from the eight I’ve selected here), then click on the pink link below to select the exact size you would like, then go to ‘comments’ below this post. Then simply state the item and size and how your lucky little one is going to wear it/them if you win. Then eight winners will be selected at random and announced here on Friday 1st March. It’s that easy. Good luck!

1. Pretty Woven Top  £16.00-£18.00 (0-3 years)
2. Leather Sandals £24.00-£28.00 (sizes 24-37)
3. Alphabet Print T-shirt £10.00-£12.00 (0-3 years)
4. Roll-up Trousers £16.00-£18.00 (0-3 years)
5. Colour Pop Jumper £28.00-£32.00 (1.5-10 years)
6. Stripey Pocket Tee £12.00-£14.00 (1.5-10 years)
7. Easy Printed Dress £22.00-£24.00 (1.5-10 years)
8. Towelling Top £16.00-£18.00 (0-3 years)

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all that glitters…

ILoveGorgeous Disco Ball Dress (2-13 years)
This is not a ‘good on paper dress’. If someone was to describe a girl’s dress as being covered in gold sequins, I’m instinctively thinking of something pretty naff and tacky. Then you see this dress and you kind of fall in love with it… I love the gold sequins! I also love the pretty butterfly sleeves in white (such a sweet contrast), and I love that the shape of the dress is loose. This is a cool sequinned dress. I have been asked to recommend a good girl’s party dress by a few different Little Spree followers recently, and this was the first one that I suggested. Also, it will appeal to adult and mini magpies alike – let’s face it, all girls (including myself!) love a bit of sparkle don’t we? And don’t just save it for special occasions either – this would look super-cute dressed down with a navy and white long sleeved Breton t-shirt layered underneath. Did I mention that I love it?
£55.00 (was £110.00)  lovegorgeous.co.uk

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one last sale post…

Zara Checked Dress (3-36 months)
Amazingly Tabs doesn’t have this (well I do have to take a break from shopping to do some work occasionally), but I think it’s a really cute dress, and it’s in the sale! Just an easy ‘chuck it on and go’ dress that I love. Would be so cute with knitted tights and a cardigan now, but then would still see you though to the Summer months too…
£9.99 (was £19.00)  zara.com

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peter rabbit: style icon

If you follow me on Twitter, I apologise, because you’re probably sick to death of me gushing over this collection already… Peter rabbit is 110 (and looking good on it!), and to celebrate Gap have collaborated with Beatrix Potter with this completely adorable collection for babies. I have to confess, I was slightly sceptical when I first got wind of it – how would such a collaboration even work? It just sounded a little gimmicky to me, and I suppose I just didn’t ‘get it’. How wrong I was. I first saw the collection on Tuesday in the Oxford Circus store when I dashed in to check it out quickly (in the name of research) on my way home. I was instantly smitten, and promptly scooped up two rabbit face jumpers (one with pink trim, one with blue) and his and hers packets of socks in the most gorgeous colours (I always find it a struggle to find good socks for toddlers…). Officially the age range is 0-24 months, but I wasn’t about to be defeated that easily, and on inspection of said items, endevoured to squeeze my two (who just turned three) into them. Bingo! Both jumpers (age 18-24 months) fitted, and the socks are perfect. Where there’s a will and all that… Fast forward to the official press launch breakfast this morning, and I arrived feeling like I had already seen the collection in its entirety. Wrong again. I had barely seen anything – this collection is huge! The colours are spot-on – lots of grey (oh yes!), navy, dusky pink, pale blue, saffron (which I’m loving at the moment – so easy to work into a neutral-ish wardrobe, and so chic) etc. It’s just the perfect mix of whimsical and cute. Stylish and so, so sweet. Here are my favourites (including the jumpers I bought for Tabarlow, and Marlow’s days of the week socks), but I also particularly loved the days of the week bodysuits for little babies (up to six months). They would make the lovelist gift for a newborn. The blue shawl-neck cardigan (or possibly jardigan?) is based on Peter Rabbit’s own ill-fated jacket (how cute is that?). Love, love, love…
from £7.95  gap.eu

ps: available online and in-store now.

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liberty belle

Liberty London Pink Poplar Dress (2-8 years)
I am obsessed with this dress! The print is just too gorgeous for words. My fingers have never moved so fast to order something online! Move over Tabs, I want this dress for me! I love the faded out colours, and the fact that it’s a lesser-known Liberty print (I will endeavor to sniff out more things in this gorgeous Poplar print from now on…). It feels a bit like a Liberty/Isabel Marant hybrid to me (and what could be cooler than that when your about to turn three?).
£30.00 (was £75.00)  liberty.co.uk 

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last little spree of the year!


Stella McCartney Kids Charcoal Polka Dot Dress (2-12 years)
I’ve had my eye on this dress for a while now (I actually first spotted it on Pinterest), and low and behold, it’s now half price in the sale! A result indeed. It’s my favourite combo of cool and cute (loving those patch pockets!). And I thought it was only fitting to end the year with a fantastic sale bargain. Stella Kids is always on my radar as you know, but it’s also very much on my boyfriend’s when he looks at the bank statements, so I really just limit my purchases to sale time. I am definitely buying this dress for Tabitha. Oh, and always remember to size up with Stella – her kids’ things tend to come up small in my experience (and I almost always size down for Tabs in every other label).
£30.00 (was £60.00)  alexandalexa.com 

ps: I would also like to thank you all so much for your support throughout 2012. Little Spree (which I started in January 2012) simply wouldn’t exist without you (well it might, but that would be a bit sad really wouldn’t it?), and I always love to hear your thoughts and feedback (both via the Little Spree email and the ‘comments’ on the site – I really love it when you comment!). And please spread the word (the more the merrier as they say)! I will of course, continue in my search for the most stylish things for the best prices (so even January sprees can be relatively guilt-free..), and promise to share them with you all. Happy New Year to you and your (ever stylish) little ones! xx

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understated pretty

Massimo Dutti Combined Silk Dress (4-14 years)
This is my first Massimo Dutto post for various reasons. But the main one being that I just assumed their prices would be on the higher end of the (‘style for less’) bargain spectrum. Not so. This particular dress was a tip-off from a lovely work collegue/friend, Vicky. I loved it immediately, and was soon scrolling through the rest of the wesbite, checking out other things (there were tons of gorgeous pieces). Their kids’ clothes really remind me of Zara, but with a slightly more luxe feel. This dress is just adorable. So cool, but also so pretty (never an easy balance to strike). I love the combination of the knit and the silk skirt, and the muted grey and ‘mulberry’ (it’s clearly a week for shades of purple…) colurs. And it has sweet buttons running all the way down the back. I am definitely buying this for Tabs (if I can track one down in her size). You never know, I might even manage to bribe her into it for her birthday party in January (although it’s probably worth mentioning that it will have some pretty stiff (literally) competition from a 100% polyester ‘princess dress’).
£39.95  massimodutti.com 

ps: I kind of want this dress too…