Growing up, I was never one for frills or fancy dresses.
In fact, I’m still slightly traumatised by the time I was seven and Mum sent me and my sister to a Christmas party in matching floral prairie dresses. Don’t get me wrong – the dresses were lovely, but I’m just more of a jeans and a jacket type of gal.
So it’s certainly not from me that Lil Sis inherits her passion for all things pretty. She’s the kind of girl who walks around with artfully applied chapstick (because I won’t let her wear the lipstick she so desperately wants), and matches her hair ribbon to her dress and shoes.
She has a real knack for putting an outfit together – often in combinations you’d never think would work – and I love watching her personal style grow and develop.
When we were given the chance to try something from the MONNALISA range I just knew Lil Sis would adore this girl’s party dress. It has a soft, jersey cotton tank top cinched with a pastel-pink bow belt. Below billows a full skirt of tulle mesh, with embroidered pink roses circling the hem.
‘I feel like a princess, Mummy,’ Lil Sis gasped, as she tried it on. She twirled, and the skirt floated outwards in a perfect circle.
If you’re not already familiar with the brand, Monnalisa was created in Arezzo, in Tuscany Italy, in 1968. Founders Piero Iacomoni and Barbara Bertocci wanted to establish a label that focused on fun but sophisticated fashion for children, made from the finest fabrics and designs.
Collections are released twice a year with a super-stylish catwalk fashion show, and can then be bought through online websites and boutiques around the world (search Monnalisa).
What I love about this range is that the designs are classy and beautifully made, and have a whimsical, couture twist that would look perfectly at home in the Piazza di Spagna, or along the Champs Élysées.
European elegance for your mini-fashionistas.
• you might also like to read about Big Sis’s Monnalisa star dungarees, or Lil Sis’s Geox kids’ biker boots.
I’ve already noticed my daughter developing her own style, and it’s wonderful! Especially since she handpicked a toddler’s Metallica t-shirt and refused the Disney ones, haha!
Oh my goodness I love this dress, she looks so beautiful. My little miss would love this dress. Must have a look at one just like it for her xx
Oh wow these dresses are so pretty, perfect for a flower girl at a wedding. Very whimsical and love the design.
Laura x
Brilliant! She sounds like she has more of my eldest daughter’s style, which I’d describe as rock chick meets skateboarder! 😉
Absolutely beautiful! What a lovely model you have too! I wish my daughter would wear more dresses x
Hello Jacqui, wow! She is looking so cute in this white outfit. I want same for my daughter. You have shared such a lovely blog. Thanks for sharing.