Zaara's Closet

UK brand I Love Gorgeous speclializes in creating distinct old world romantic looks with chiffon, fine textured silks, and cottons. Absolutely loving this fairytale inspired ivory dress with a sage sash. Perfect for Christmas dinner, christenings, weddings, portraits, fairy and princess-themed birthday parties, and many more special occasions. Make a beeline for it if you have a little girl who wears size 4/5 (My Beautiful Sophia has reduced it from US$214 to US$117.70). Wear with a bouffant slip (US$13.5 only in My Beautiful Sophia) to add extra pouffe. Finish off with an ivory or sage cardigan. The Neige Maritime cardigan available in sizes 4,5,6 and 7 for US$70 (originally US$140!) in My Beautiful Sophia would add a lovely pop of color to the outfit.

For a truly head turning, red carpet look no further than Luna Luna Copenhagen. In fact, at this year’s Christmas party if you want pizzaz without going over the top, put her in the Luna Luna Copenhagen Grey Gardens Tulip Dress (down from US$100 to US$77 for sizes 2, 3, 5, and 8 in Britchin Post). A crinkled pink body, golden underhem, bow tie in the back, and a lovely flower on one side makes this dress perfect for a very special occasion.  Pair with the lovely bronze ballerina flats by Pazito (get it at US$68 from Little Luna Blue ).

Behold! Another winner from Biscotti! The Florentine Gold Dress  (marked down from US$88 to US$84 at Cameo Baby; size 5-16). The deep burgundy color is very inviting at this time of year, and the cute bubble hem more than makes up for the velvet bolero.  We LOVE! Pair with the gorgeous KS Juniper flat  (US$ 44.95 at Nordstrom) or Pazito ballerina flats (US$68 at Little Luna Blue) for a sweet and sophisticated  look.

Biscotti dresses are normally characterized by an overabundant use of shimmery fabrics, velvet and satin and I was never a fan (yes, I know that one of the Obama girls wore a Biscotti the night her father was elected president; I wasn’t particularly impressed!).  I have to admit, however, that the Fancy That Netting Dress from the 2010 collection is droolworthy, and definitely something I would get for Zaara to wear at a nice evening out. Unfortunately, they don’t make it for little girls. Those of you who have older girls will want to check it out at Cameo Baby. Selling for US$76, size 7-14. Love the color (gun metal? pewter?) and the slim silhouette. Kudos to Biscotti for changing it up! I would pair it with the K S Cait flats (US$44.95 at Nordstrom).  

I relish in the wonderful transformation that takes place in people in the middle of November, whether they celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas or not (this year was extra special with Eid in November). There is an extra smile on people’s faces. Everybody seems to be a little bit more polite and ready to laugh. Zaara and I are steeped deep in a happy, excited mood, full of positive feelings, and anticipation of an indescribable wonderful something. All is well. I know it can’t last. At work, on the train, at home, I dream of my little doll (she asked me today if I’d be her baby when she is all grown up and I’m old!) in that perfect dress. Luna Luna caters to this mood perfectly with dreamy tulle and jersey dresses. One that I cannot help highlighting is the Polka Dot Bow dress. Just check out the big bow at the back! The US$100 dress is on sale for US$48 (size 3T only) at Addy’s Closet.  Pair with  Heirloom Pink ballet flats by Crew Cuts for Kids.

I like pastel colors and pure fabrics during the daytime, summer or winter. The simple  pastel pink dress by European clothing brand Eliane et Lena fits the bill well. The ruffle detail on the bodice and the twirl skirt give the otherwise light dress that special appeal, making it ideal for the daytime on Christmas. Little Luna Blue has marked this dress down from US$79 to US$39.5. Pair with the Sweet Ivy cardigan (US$12.90 at Nordstrom for size 3); bloch ballet slippers (US$95 at Saks) for her feet and a three-strand whimsical headband by SweetKiwiCrochet for her hair. We are all set! 

I guess you know by now that I L-O-V-E Monsoon UK children’s clothes. Whimsical and elegant at the same time — how can I but fall in love? My second showcase for Christmas Lunch is the Baby Girl Penny Jacquard Dress  (US$28.10 for sizes 0-3 months to 2-3 years) by Monsoon. Fully lined with adorable velvet bow detail on chest. Match with Monsoon UK’s Baby Girl Jackie Spot Cardigan (US$37.5 for sizes 0-3 months to 2-3 years) and Baby Girl Flower Nylon Tights (US$11). Sigh…

The Evita in black by Luna Luna Copenhagen is sold out almost everywhere. Cupcake has sizes 3T and 4T (remember to size up) marked down from US$122 to US$91.50. Go for it! While you are there, check out the Cupid Lounge Dress for your 3-6 month or 6-12 month old.