Julep: the saga continues

First, I'd like y'all to know that by dint of getting up very early Saturday morning, I was able to procure some balloons and streamers for the birthday girl. Her little party felt festive and of a very manageable size. Next year will be soon enough to include her future best friends, including of course Tiny Twinks.

Now for something we all should have seen coming: the update on the fashion front. Pumpkin's grandmothers bought her new outfits for her birthday. I should begin by saying that I don't actually like the dresses my mom bought for her, either -- they have cross-stitched necklines and pockets, and while they sound cute in description and probably looked good online (I know these were mail order, I inherited my dislike of shopping), in person they look a little too much like 1970s housedresses.

As for my MIL, Mr. J accused me of being overly critical of his mother, and I see his point. I know she means well - and I don't want to say, "just stop buying her things" - and I have to give her props. She scrupulously abided by the three rules I gave her for little girl's clothing. Not a sequin or an animal print in sight. And yet I do not want my child to wear any one of these three ensembles.

You can't tell very well in this photo, but that white fabric is textured - sort of a nubby inverse-eyelet. Plus the three ruffles on the sleeves (two in a pattern not appearing elsewhere in the ensemble), plus the bow,* plus the ladybug applique, plus the rick-rack. Oh, and the leggings.

 If the bottom of this dress were in only two fabrics instead of three, I'd be OK with it. But prairie floral plus eyelet plus gingham? Overkill.

Again, strip off the skirt appliques (not that you can - I looked) and this would be acceptable even if navy-on-navy seersucker is a little dark for a toddler. But red-and-white ruffled hem and straps plus white waist (in a different fabric) plus star-spangled bow plus polka-dot star and heart appliques is just a bridge too far.

 

Mr-Mama's choices can best be described as "bright" and "busy." I am more of a "simple" and "muted" kind of person. This extends to our personal clothing choices as well - I suspect she thinks my wardrobe is a little dull, but you know, there is less room for big bright prints and statement jewelry on a person of my size than on someone her size. And I may add, even less room on a toddler. My personal rule of thumb would be: If you can't describe the dress fully in a maximum of three descriptive clauses, there's too much happening. But I can't go back to the well with that one - how many rules can I set out? And whatever I come up with, she's going to get around. Who knew there was so much dreck out there?

After discussion with Mr. J, one of these outfits will go back to the store - but only one (while the other two will be worn as infrequently as I can manage). Which will it be? I put it to you, Daddy Rabbit Girls. Vote in the comments, please!

P.S. As a palate cleanser, I offer you the dress Pumpkin received from Nanny. (1) Green gingham (2) with smocked yoke.

Adorable. Pumpkin is wearing it today, in fact. God bless Nanny.

* For voting purposes, be aware that I think I can get the bow off.