The stylish toddler dress I stole: Mini Mod #15

I'm finally resurrecting Mini Mod for 2012.

I've been meaning to show you this dress forever! Have you heard of BabySteals (or KidSteals)? It's one of those sites where you sign up and get an email every day (or twice a day) with the deal of the day you get for like 40-50% off.

I've signed up for so many of those dang sites that I've just had to delete most of them before opening. I mustn't be tempted with cute swaddling blankets, birthing balls and toddler toys. I believe in good deals, but good deals can quickly become expensive if you're always buying them.

But one day, I saw a steal I couldn't resist.

Jelly The Pug. What the..? I know, I asked the same thing at first. But I opened the email anyway and behold, I saw some of the most darling dresses I had ever seen.

I don't think I've ever dropped $50 on a dress for Lil' J, but these were half off, so I could spend less than $30 and get the ruffled goodness before my eyes.

I caved, picked the one I thought was the cutest, and bought it (in 2T although she was only in 12 months at the time), just before all of the steals sold out.

It shipped and arrived super fast, but it didn't matter because it was so big, and totally swallowed her up. She didn't wear it out of the house for some time. But finally, one day, as I was sorting through her closet, I noticed this bright piece in the back and realized it wasn't so small anymore. I still had to tie the straps extra tight but she was able to wear it to church. And on a chiller day with leggings and a cardigan.

This is... Dare I say it... My favorite dress of hers right now. I've been studying it and trying to figure out how I could duplicate it with a double skirt, bias tape, and ruffles at the top. I searched Etsy for weeks and found a pattern that's almost identical from Create Kids Couture, except the straps are halter style. Of course I bought it (I think I'll send them some photos of Lil' J to use after I complete it).

I haven't had time to try it yet but now that the seasonal holidays are almost over (I don't see myself making St. Patrick's Day dresses, and will probably only make a couple Easter-themed t-shirt dresses) I'm looking forward to picking out fun fabrics in bright Spring colors and making dresses she can wear past the holidays. Initially I was sticking to the holiday-theme because it gave me a deadline. I only had X amount of time until Christmas and if I have a heap of Christmas fabric I needed to sew fast so she could wear it. Same with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentines Day.

Anyway, I'm in love with this dress, and excited to fill her closet with a few more like it, whether I'm getting another steal or making it myself.

As for the rest of her outfit. Leggings, shoes, and cardigan/ undershirt were all from Walmart. Sorry but you can't beat their Granimal deals. When it comes to solid tees and pants I love them, and they're great for t-shirt dresses. The shoes aren't my favorite. This girl has so many fabulous shoes, but most are soft-soled and those don't always fly so well when it's damp outside, or when she's running around at school.

Have ya posted pics of you cutie wearing something fab lately? Add your link to the list below so we can see!

<a href="http://babymakingmachine.blogspot.com/search/label/mini%20mod" target="_blank"><img alt="Mini Mod" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww115/jborget/mini-mod-grab-button.png"/></a>

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