Oh, honey. Let's admit it. We all need to own something that makes us feel special. It might be a big-ticket item, like a splurge coat that keeps us warm when the cold winds blow...and feeling chic even on a bad hair day. Perhaps it's that beautiful bling on your finger…for which your sweet husband sold his motorcycle and basketball season tickets in order to propose that you become Mrs. Lucky Ducky I Do.
Or it could be something that costs little to nothing, yet still means everything - like the soft-as-silk quilt your great-grandmother made in celebration of your birth. The one you save for long naps, good cries and supreme snuggling.
For me, one of those special items is a sweet little 1950's low-slung chair…my dad and I spotted it at a roadside estate sale in Arkansas one sun-shiny day about 20 years ago. The chair cost just $25, but the memory - that Daddy would stop the car simply because I pointed out the window at something of interest - well, it reminds me what a precious father I was blessed with. I recently (finally!) had the chair refinished, lacquer painted and reupholstered, and things seem more right in my world as a result.
Fun-special-thoughtful seems to me a magic brew, and I recently encountered it in an amazing item of clothing when I visited a friend's home. Amy answered the door with her gorgeous little one-year-old girl, Kenley, in her arms. I was instantly agog. Kenley wore the very definition of fun-special-thoughtful - it was a custom-made tutu, in brilliant colors, fashioned in tulle and ribbons aplenty. Her mom had dressed her in a fabulous cotton striped top and leggings to match. Once I regained sensible speech, I quizzed the heck out of Amy. Who made this tutu? Is it comfy for Kenley to wear? Where can I get one?? I don't have children of my own just yet, but my two-year-old godchild, Annie, has been ready to rock the runway since she could crawl.
Amy told me last week that she's ordered up a tutu in yellow and black for Halloween, as part of Kenley's bumblebee costume. The whole family is hitting the town this year as a honey bunch of bees. What could be cuter??
Best news ever: the tutus are comfortable and affordable (newborn-2T are $20, 3T-5T are $25, and, get ready for this...ADULT tutus are only $30!). They can be ordered in your (custom) choice of colors at no additional cost, and are made to the wearer's exact measurements (so if your little lovebug is leggy, or short-waisted, or sporting extra rolls of goodness, she'll have perfect coverage). You can even have special embellishments added at a mere $3 per (i.e., sparkle gems, jingle bells, flowers, fancy buttons...).
The ribbons are thoughtfully placed in the front, so it's easy to discern the front-from-the-back of the skirt. The tutus are also durable - which means they're just as fun and wonderful to wear playing all day as they are for a stop at the grocery store, a trip to Grandma's, or the family photo shoot! Much like diamond stud earrings, this skirt can go anywhere, do anything, and add just the right amount of delightful 'wow.'
The tutus are lovingly hand-made in the U.S.A by Sandra Kelly. I asked Sandra about the genesis of her company, and she shared with me the following:
"I was a labor and delivery nurse for 10 years. After I got pregnant with my first baby, I knew I wanted to stay home and put all my energy into raising a family. I have a four-year-old, Cole, who is autistic, and Quinn, who is almost two. Juggling time between therapies and being a homemaker is not always as easy as it seems. I needed a creative outlet to help center me amidst all the frustrations and mayhem that go with that. Making tutus was the answer. I started making them last year right before Christmas. I wanted moms to be able to afford a pretty tutu or two without having to break the bank."
Do you love her? I love her.
And I'm all about immediate gratification, so I was thrilled to learn that Sandra can have your tutu made and shipped out in a week or less (only $5-$8 for standard shipping), or even faster for a rush charge. (She understands that fashion is sometimes urgent, and said she's been able to make one in just a few hours, when needed.) I also confirmed that Halloween orders can be placed up until October 23 to be received by October 31.
May I suggest a tutu in orange-olive-brown for Thanksgiving, and/or a green-red-silver number for Christmas? For a newborn gift, in the colors of the baby's new room? Or perhaps your family's favorite sports team's colors? So much fun!
Best way to contact Sandra is via email: rnsoup99@aol.com
or her Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dont-Mess-With-My-Tutus/136135969745987?ref=ts
Her work is truly something to dance in - and about!
Melinda
No comments:
Post a Comment