Dear Mommy Fashionista

I need help finding a dress for my 4-year old daughter to wear in our town fair's pageant. My daughter has fair skin, blue eyes, and blond hair. I am hoping to find a pretty shade of blue (periwinkle or dephinium), but nothing too light or too dark, as she will look washed out. The dress needs to be dressy, but please--no national pageant or lil' dolly styles.

Thanks for your help!

Texas Mommy

Dear Texas Mommy,

What a fun quest you have sent me on! You did not mention a desired price, but since you are writing to me, I will assume you're on a budget. Let's see what I can dig up...

• Blue Bow Dress - Could this dress be any sweeter?? This dress is listed on ebay by the seller ForALittleAngel (bids starting at $9.99, buy it now for $13.99). This seller got great feedback, but I still worry about the quality because the price is so extremely low for a new formal dress.
  

• Rosebud dress - From pinkprincess, this dress is a bit more whimsical, and still cutesie ($34.99). This blue may be a bit lighter than you were looking for. I must say, it's much easier to find beautiful pink dresses--shades of blue are tough!

• Elisa - This crinkle tafetta bubble dress is an incredible shade of turquoise and will be sure to make your daughter be bell of the ball (or town fair!). This dress is also sold at pink princess ($64.99).

• My last recommendation is once again on my favorite website: http://www.etsy.com/. Although I do not see a dress that fits this description, there are many dress makers that sell their goods on this site. Etsy provides an option to open an Alchemy request to describe the item you are looking for and the amount you are willing to pay for it. Custom dressmakers will then place bids to make the dress you are looking for. You will be given the option to accept or reject each bid until you find something that is just perfect for your lil' one.

Best of luck and please share pictures of your little beauty on her big day!

Dear Mommy Fashionista

Dear Mommy Fashionista,

I am getting married next month, and in my wedding are going to be two of the cutest flower girls a bride could ever wish for. I had an easy time picking out their dresses (made by US Angels):

However, we are struggling to find the perfect shoes. One of the flower girls is 4 and the other is 6. They need a matching pair that runs in both toddler and girls' sizes. I am hoping to find an ivory shoe that is priced within reason (under $40), and a simple yet elegant style. I tend to prefer ballerina flats and Mary Janes. Can you help?

Signed,

St. Paddy’s Day Bride

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Dear St. Paddy's Day Bride,

Are you sure they are two of *the* cutest flower girls, ever? Well, then, you must be talking about my niece, Peanut, and my daughter, Chicky! :) I would be glad to help you find shoes for our girls.

After scouring the internet, here are some options I came up with:

Pazitos Ivory Ballerina Flats

Price: Average around $70, but available on http://www.snapdragonsbaby.com/ for $39.

Classic, elegant, and a great bargain for a luxury shoe brand:

Bear Feet Shoes Pearlized Ivory Cream Ballet Slippers
Price: $44 and up (depending on the size), available at http://www.bestdressedchild.com/

Slightly over the price limit, but too cute to leave off the list!

Similar, but different (both of these pairs can be worn with or without the ankle ribbons):

Kamara Ivory Ballet Shoes

Price: $34.99 at http://www.sophiastyle.com/

Stride Rite Valerie Junior Ivory with Pearl Accent

Price: $40, available at http://www.striderite.com/ or on many other websites (I recommend extensive searching of the style name to find the best price, as you can usually find Stride Rite sales).

Okay, so this isn't a Mary Jane or a ballet flat, but I thought I would throw it in the mix since it comes in ivory and has the pearl accent that matches the sash on the dress.

Stride Rite Felicia Ivory Pearlized Mary Jane
Price: $38, again, available at http://www.striderite.com/ or on many other websites (don't forget to search for sales!).

You can't get more classic than a plain leather Stride Right Mary Jane!

Ivory Leather Ballet Shoes
Price: $25.50 is the average price, but on sale now for $17.50 at http://www.mygirldress.com/

The bow of these shoes compliments the skirt overlay of the dress, as well as the pearl sash:

Happy Picking!

Mommy Fashionista

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Having trouble finding the perfect outfit, shoes, or accessories for the perfect price? Send an e-mail to Mommy Fashionista and let her help!