Seriously, people — don’t tell Dana I allowed this.
***
We went to Britex fabric store near Union Square a few weeks back, and I was sorting through some thick houndstooth wools and some gorgeous gray cashmeres for a new dress, thinking — “I should really start wearing pants.”
On a whim, I thumbed over the price tag for a bolt of gray cashmere and was stunned: $19 per yard.
“I’ll take a yard!” I said.
“A yard?” the clerk asked.
“You’re right — I’ll take two yards!”
The clerk, Douglas, was kind enough to inquire as to what I was going to do with two whole yards of cashmere fabric.
“I’m going to make dresses for her,” I said, motioning with my thumb over to Emme — who has developed a fascination with finding the most expensive fabric she can and then sticking bits of it into her mouth.
“Really?” the clerk asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh it’s OK,” I said, “I make dresses all the time.”
“With fabric that costs $199 a yard? That’s some dress!”
There was a moment’s pause between us as I checked the tag again. I’m pretty sure he heard me gulp, before I grabbed Emme’s hand and whispered, “You take that out of your mouth right this instant!”
A few days later, at the Salvation Army, I came across a gray camel hair sport coat and decided that it would have to do.
It cost $7.
Unfortunately, our old computer crashed — taking with it 6 months of unsaved photos, movies, music and essays — so I no longer have the “before” picture. But I think you might recognize the backside of the dress from this skirt. And the flowers were stolen from Dana’s latest project.
Sure, it may not have cost $200, but Emme thinks it tastes just fine.
***
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29 Comments
you say you need a manlier hobby, but shit. I am impressed.
maybe you can drink beer and fart while you make the outfits?
Dude, do they have haute couture for kids? Cause you could totally be the new designer on the scene.
A guy can dream…
Lovely! Did you make the hat, too? And if so, do you have a pattern, or do you just wing it?
Seriously, man…if they ever do a Project Runway for kids’ designs, you should try out
I love the outfits that you make for Emme! Very impressive and creative. She’s adorable.
Thanks, but no, we bought the hat.
You’re awesome.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
My favorite outfit you’ve made by far!
Would that I could’ve had you around to remedy the outfits I was forced to wear from the church donation bin when I was a kid.
Sigh.
How could you allow her to hang from that thing? She could have fallen and gotten blood all over her sweet new dress!
A very good point.
At the start I was going to say I didn’t know Britex had any fabric for $19/yard, but then you reassured me witht he information it was $199. THAT’s the Britex I remember.
What a cute dress, I love the coordinating front and back, and the flowers. You’re too cool for Project Runway.
Yeah, Britex is crazy expensive. A friend recommended another place in the sunset, and we’re going to try it tomorrow. I’ll let you know. (Thanks Deb!)
yah,I love you man, but sorry, I about pissed my pants seeing her hanging from there too. It IS a mom thing. If i caught mihigna doing that to cunksi, I’d beat him about the head and neck, while explaining to her, that no, we don’t hit, unless somone is placing your baby in danger.
HA!
But anyway, great job on the dress! Damn, I’d hire you to design outfits for my girl!
Oh damn, what I should have said was…
Seriously mike, what the effe were you thinking?
OK, you got me good. Very well done.
Dana is totally going to kick your butt…
Another fantastic job, both on the outfit and the hanging-encouragement. I don’t understand the objections voiced here… apparently I should make sure to avoid mentioning to my wife that I send my 21-month-old daughter across those sliding track things at the park.
She loves it, begs to be able to do it again and again, and seems to have the upper body strength (proportionally) of an Olympic hammer thrower. Of course, I’m sure it helps that she weighs about as much as a hammer.
She looks like she could hang with the Lollypop Guild. So cute!
She does represent …
That’s impressive Dan. Those things do take some serious upper body power to hang on — well done!
you are the best dad ever.
Mike, you seriously have the best dressed kid i have ever seen. I don’t have kids yet, but I think I just may have to break out my sewing machine and make a run to Goodwill and get started now to keep up with the likes of you!
~S
You really should have your own clothing line. You are very talented.
My advice: Don’t provide evidence of any “crimes” and post them on the Internet. Not. Smart.
Besides, when my husband does that, all I usually do is glare… and hope that I will never hear “Mom, how could you let Dad/me/brother do that?”
You know… the way I say it to my mom.
And also, I think the socks make the outfit.
(Giraffe pants = awesome!)
I love it!!
Your computer crashed!!!! I’m so sorry. That’s terrible.
I hope you didn’t lose too much.
You are talented!
Bueller
I wish adult “sport” clothing was that stylish. and that is one cute little girl.
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