Suggestions for Dress up Dresses...

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various options and experiences related to purchasing dress-up dresses for children, particularly focusing on brands, quality, and sources for acquiring these dresses. Participants share personal anecdotes and suggestions based on their own experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking recommendations for dress-up dresses for their daughter's birthday, expressing a preference for full-length options.
  • Another participant shares their experience purchasing a Belle dress from eBay and mentions positive feedback about dresses from JCPenney.
  • Several users note that they have found success with dresses from thrift stores and Goodwill, highlighting the durability of these options.
  • One participant discusses the benefits of using prom and bridesmaid dresses as play dresses, sharing a personal story about repurposing old dresses.
  • Another participant mentions finding princess dresses at Target after Halloween at discounted prices, indicating satisfaction with the quality of these dresses.
  • Some participants express that the quality of adult dresses may surpass that of typical play dresses, suggesting they last longer.
  • One participant reflects on the excitement their daughter has for dress-up and the importance of finding durable options for frequent use.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not having a daughter to shop for dress-up clothes, instead focusing on their son's interests.
  • One participant mentions a favorite brand, Storybook Heirlooms, which is no longer in business, and recommends another brand, Heartstrings/Kitestrings, for quality children's clothing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the best sources for dress-up dresses, with some participants favoring thrift stores and others preferring specific brands or online retailers. No clear consensus emerges on a single best option.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal experiences and preferences, reflecting a range of approaches to finding and using dress-up dresses for children.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and parents looking for insights on where to find quality dress-up dresses for children may find the shared experiences and suggestions beneficial.

Jules711
Jules711
Silver Member
Messages
1,929
I'm looking to purchase some dress-up dresses for my DD's birthday. I was wondering if anyone has been thrilled or disappointed by any certain brands/sites. I'm looking online since most in stores near here are not great (Wal-mart, Toys R Us). She LOVES when they are full length.

Any suggestions (or warnings :p) are welcome. Thank you!!
 
I am looking to by my DD a Belle dress for disneyland and I found a site on Ebay and they look pretty good and resonably priced they are from my dress up trunk. Also my friends sister bought my daughter some play dresses from JcPenny's it came in a little heart box, had cinderella, sleeping beauty, and snow white and 1 accesory for each dress they have held up pretty well also.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
The one you found on ebay is actually the "brand" I guess that I was looking at. It's on littledressupshop.com though. It seems to be the same dresses on all of the sites. It's VERY important that they are floor length. Makes sense b/c princesses do have gowns :) Thank you for the input. I'm just hoping these dresses are as good as they say.
 
If you get it let me know how good it is. The ones from Penny's is floor length. Also I read through the reviews and people seem pretty happy with those dresses.
 
Goodwill is a great place for "play" dresses. If you want good quality/durability, check with local bridal shops to see if they have unsold flower girl dresses...
 
the best dress up dresses my daughter ever had were actually prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses that I had stored away from when I was younger. My mom cut them down a bit and rehemmed them. My DD is now 15 but those dresses were always here favorite thing to play with for a long, long time. When my son was born and started toddling along after her, she would dress him up in them too! It was a great way to recycle the dresses.
Melinda
 
janetupnorth said:
Goodwill is a great place for "play" dresses. If you want good quality/durability, check with local bridal shops to see if they have unsold flower girl dresses...
Click to expand...

This was going to be my suggestion, almost verbatim...
 
One year I went to Target the day after Halloween and picked up almost all the princess dresses at 1/2 price (I purchased the deluxe ones) for my daughter and she got them all for Christmas. Also Disney online has great deals after Halloween too. I ordered several last year and they have held up really well.
 
It really depends on how much you want to spend. I have gotten all ours from yard sales and 2nd hand shops.
 
melindag said:
the best dress up dresses my daughter ever had were actually prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses that I had stored away from when I was younger. My mom cut them down a bit and rehemmed them. My DD is now 15 but those dresses were always here favorite thing to play with for a long, long time. When my son was born and started toddling along after her, she would dress him up in them too! It was a great way to recycle the dresses.
Melinda
Click to expand...

I sent all the bridesmaid dresses in my closet to my sister for my nieces to play in. And my wedding dress (I'm not gonna need it again!). My sister ended up cutting apart my wedding dress to make a first communion dress for my niece, who is also my Goddaughter.

Those real dresses are almost definitely better fabric and construction than play dresses, and will therefore last longer. Check with your friends to see if they have any hanging unused in their closets, or look at a secondhand store.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
that's a good idea about bridal shops! I want something that will hold up b/c she will wear them EVERYDAY if I let her. I don't mind spending a little more, esp b/c of that fact. It's her birthday gift and will be a definitely well used one (always nice if you KNOW that for a fact). :) Thanks for the suggestions!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
That is how I know how VERY VERY excited she'd be. She'll only 5 so wearing a "real" full dress isn't likely but I let her wear just the underskirt from my wedding dress and my veil and she was so very happy. I got rid of bridemaid dresses and such a long time ago, but that is definitely an idea. I would LOVE to make them for her, but I don't have a lot of sewing experience and it seems like an undertaking. My mom does, but even with pattern in hand for almost a year nothing has happened...I guess her life is busy too...go figure!
 
The other advantage to adult dresses is that you can pin them up/in, so they fit her now, but will still fit in several years, if she's still playing dress up then.
 
DD had a dress up party last year... we went to thrift stores and Goodwill and got all we needed including shoes... didn't spend a lot and she's got dress up dresses for life though i did go for things in either petite sizes or lengths just to keep fabric from being dragged around and tripped over. DD loves her dress up dresses... the fun part was going out and picking them out with her.
 
***Heavy Sigh***

Since I have a boy who has no interest in dressing up - in fact I have a hard time keeping clothes on him, he's stripped down to his underwear again right now! - well, I'll have no opportunity to ever get to go shopping for "dress-up" clothes and playing dress-up.:cry:













I'm really not complaining - I LOVE my little guy ferociously! Just no dress-up for me....but hey - he just asked me to play Hi-Ho Cherry-O - so that's fun too!
 
My nieces from Milwaukee are in town right now, Becky. Want to come over and play?
 
ChefBeckyD said:
***Heavy Sigh***

Since I have a boy who has no interest in dressing up - in fact I have a hard time keeping clothes on him, he's stripped down to his underwear again right now! - well, I'll have no opportunity to ever get to go shopping for "dress-up" clothes and playing dress-up.:cry:













I'm really not complaining - I LOVE my little guy ferociously! Just no dress-up for me....but hey - he just asked me to play Hi-Ho Cherry-O - so that's fun too!
Click to expand...

Oh, we soooo have to get the boys together some day. Kyle asks me almost nightly if he can take off his shirt and shorts (he likes running around in his undies in the summer in the house).

Of course, I don't get asked to play Hi-Ho Cherry O - Sammie is addicted to Trivial Pursuit - the ORIGINAL version. I got it at Goodwill for $2.00. She was tied with me at 2 pies the other night - the stinker!

I need to find the kids version/boxes of cards before I get my butt kicked by her!
 
ChefBeckyD said:
***Heavy Sigh***

Since I have a boy who has no interest in dressing up - in fact I have a hard time keeping clothes on him, he's stripped down to his underwear again right now! - well, I'll have no opportunity to ever get to go shopping for "dress-up" clothes and playing dress-up.:cry:




I'm really not complaining - I LOVE my little guy ferociously! Just no dress-up for me....but hey - he just asked me to play Hi-Ho Cherry-O - so that's fun too!
Click to expand...

You can come play with us! I have two nieces that are 1 and 3. They are so sweet and SO much fun. Ella, the 3 year old, is more of a tom-boy but I think Malena (1 yo) is going to be a girly girl. :)
 
My favorite for girls dresses was Storybook Heirlooms. Unfortunately it looks like they are out of business. I got my daughters many dresses there and they were so worth the money. The original owner was great. They sold for a few years and people had problems. The org. owner took over again, but it looks like they didn't make it.

The other company for kids clothes I love is Heartstrings/Kitestrings. They have very good quality and beautiful clothes.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #20
That is SO not true about boys. It's just not dresses. But there are costumes like doctor, police, firefighter, etc to do. That can be fun...just not frilly. My daughter will only be in fluffier clothes when I get something b/c she's IN dresses everyday. I shop around easter when they are all 50% off.
 
do you have a big lots I saw the disney chest and accessories there about a month ago
 
  • Thread starter
  • #22
nope...nothing like that. Closest is Sam's Club. Again...I want to have something that is easy for her to do herself and that will last through several changes. I'm excited for her. I wish there were better thrift stores around here, but really there aren't too many for her size anyway. Much easier when she was younger.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dresses are suitable for a Pampered Chef party?

For a Pampered Chef party, consider wearing a dress that is both comfortable and stylish. A casual sundress or a wrap dress can be great options as they allow for ease of movement while still looking put-together. Opt for fabrics that are breathable, especially if the party is held in a warm environment.

Should I choose a formal or casual dress for a Pampered Chef event?

The dress code for a Pampered Chef event is typically casual, so a formal dress may not be necessary. A smart-casual dress, such as a knee-length A-line or a maxi dress, can strike the right balance between comfort and style. Aim for something that reflects your personal style while being appropriate for a home gathering.

What colors are best to wear to a Pampered Chef party?

Bright and cheerful colors can enhance the festive atmosphere of a Pampered Chef party. Consider wearing shades like teal, coral, or soft pastels. However, it's also a good idea to avoid overly loud patterns that may distract from the cooking demonstrations or presentations.

Are there any specific dress styles to avoid for a Pampered Chef gathering?

It's best to avoid overly formal or restrictive dresses, such as evening gowns or tight-fitting styles, as they may hinder your ability to move around comfortably. Additionally, steer clear of dresses with long trains or excessive embellishments that could get in the way while cooking or mingling with guests.

Can I accessorize my dress for a Pampered Chef party?

Absolutely! Accessories can enhance your outfit and add a personal touch. Consider wearing simple jewelry, such as stud earrings or a delicate necklace. A light cardigan or a stylish scarf can also be a great addition, especially if the venue is air-conditioned. Just remember to keep it simple to maintain a relaxed vibe.

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