Little Mermaid Princess Inspired Purple and Teal Outfit

Back in March I talked about the Little Mermaid dresses that I had designed for a customer's little princess, but now I want to focus on the outfit that was made to highlight her mermaid side! So I've always wanted to be a mermaid, plain and simple fact about me! I was fortunate enough to have a pool in my backyard that my sister and I would swim in constantly, and I specifically remember trying to swim "mermaid style."

 

My original design

As with the Snow White outfit, my first drawing was the design I went with because I liked it so much. However, now that I look at the picture, I realize I never added the bottom ruffle to the top like I have drawn, and I can't think why I left it out unless I just totally forgot about it. Maybe I thought it was too frilly, but whatever reason, I love this outfit! It is so fun and totally captures the essence of a little mermaid, in my opinion!

I didn't want a bathing suit kind of top with the belly and too much skin showing because I think some of those styles can get a bit inappropriate. I didn't want anyone thinking the outfit was too mature for a toddler so I came up with the ruched bandeau sewn onto a top that tied into a dramatic bow at the back. It still looked like mermaid top without being too provocative and still being comfortable and stylish! The pants style was an absolute must with the ruffle at the bottoms because it was so obviously a mermaid silhouette. It really came together quickly, which is a good sign for me when I'm designing!

 

Little Mermaid Inspired Toddler Purple and Teal Outfit by Papoose Clothing

 

I love how the outfit turned out, especially the details of the fabric. The pants have a subtle watercolor effect on them, they're not just a solid teal color. It reminds me of the shades of the sea, like the fabric had been dip dyed in sea colors! The dark purple fabric has a swirl pattern to it like waves cresting and crashing.

 

 

Somebody wanted to use her land legs and run around the bus terminal!

Uncle John Michael pointing out birds in the park! 

Snow White Princess Inspired Ruffle Dress with Yellow Shorts

Continuing with the princess series in my Fairytale Collection, I'm going to showcase the one princess that started it all: Snow White! Many people claim Snow White is the prettiest princess, and I have to agree that she has some very classic features. I mean, who doesn't want to look like Snow White?! She's touted with having the fairest skin, lips as red as blood, and raven black hair! That's a trifecta, people! And of course, her dress highlights her beauty. Another unmistable icon? A red apple! I had so much fun designing this dress, and it is similar without being exact with such whimsical little details! 

Very "rough" rough draft sketch

 

I knew I wanted classic colors while playing around with the design elements. I wanted an outfit a little girl could run around in and not worry about messing it up too much. This is playtime and dress-up time! So I added shorts underneath a peeking cascade skirt. I also knew I wanted something more "airy" up top, so I designed the dress with long shoulder sashes and attached ruffles to them that mimic sleeves.

 

 

Snow White Princess Inspired Ruffle Dress with Yellow Shorts by Papoose Clothing

 

I absolutely love the way the colors pop against each other, especially the red and blue ruffle on the shoulder straps! (I am a little peeved that people have decided to copy that idea, but that's for another blog post!) The yellow skirt with its gathered ruffle and the sweet little red buttons on the sides are such classic details that really capture Snow White! My sweet niece looked so cute in in, and it is such a wearable, easy outfit with loads of style!

Look at that excited face so early in the morning!

Three generations in front of Epcot!

 

This is no spell-induced sleep, poor thing was worn out!