When I found out about the Lil Luxe Sew ‘n’ Style series I was not planning to get involved, but in the end, I just couldn’t help myself (I am a touch competitive, it seems I haven’t grown out of it 😉 ).

You will find all details about the challenge HERE. You can enter your own mini collection to join the fun and win some fab prizes.

The challenge involved coming up with a three look mini collection for your kiddo with a clear theme, a mini capsule wardrobe if you will. I have followed along with all of the planning posts, and, as it seems a shame to do all the work in and around a theme and colour story without sharing, here is a visual representation/ mood board for what I came up with for my 5 year old daughter Charlie.

I was listening to the song ‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton (don’t judge 😉 ) and it struck me as a song of great contrasts:

Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

Such a breathtaking lady with such questionable intentions?? My little person is also a creature of great contrasts (a different type obviously), so this song inspired me to a collection for her. I have tried to echo that contrast in the collection through the use of contrasting textures among the pieces. I have also taken inspiration from the song lyrics for the colour scheme (ivory, auburn, rain etc.)

As it is coming into spring here in Australia, and in homage to my inspiration, I am calling the collection –

‘A breath of spring’.

Look 1

This is the City Girl Romper from Lil Luxe Collection with a few modifications, I lifted the back neck line and made the front into a cross over style. I up-cycled the (rayon I think?) fabric from a maxi dress that was on the donate pile.

The scarf was also an up-cycle project, again from the donate pile. Originally an adult sized infinity scarf, I made it smaller by about a third in both width and length and added the pompom trim for a bit of playfulness and bit of textural contrast.

Look 2

The shorts in this look are again taken from the City Girl Romper Pattern by Lil Luxe Collection. It really is a fabulous pattern offering 3 different lengths, separates for the bottom half, and a bonus swing top pattern!

They are made from a lightweight stretch leatherette (the type of thing you might make leather-look leggings out of) that I got from my local spotlight store. This was originally destined for pair of M is for Moto Joggers for me, Oh well, better luck next time mum 🙂 .

The hi-lo dolmen sweater, I drafted, and secretly I am a bit in love with it. Although it is not crucial in this outfit, the hem on this top is perfect for pairing with a dress or romper (i.e. the other 2 major pieces in this collection) without looking like you have just lobbed a sweater on over the top. Also providing the perfect amount of warmth for a Brisbane spring – not much 🙂

I also drafted the white singlet peeking out from underneath there. I made it from a super soft t-shirt that used to be her dads. It is a fly back one with a slight hi-lo hem that I think is going to get a lot of air time come summer.

Look 3

This jacket is the Lakeshore Crop from Lil Luxe Collection made in the same stretch leatherette as I mentioned above. I do not recommend this fabric for the job (and neither does the pattern 😉 ) and I ended up omitting the cuffs and the center back pleat. I also fully lined the sleeves to allow for rolling as pictured above. I am really happy with how it turned out in the end.

The little dress is made from the bodice of the City Girl Romper, I just raised the back neckline and extended the side seams down to the required length. It is made from an up-cycled cotton lace table cloth and lined in white lawn. In case you hadn’t noticed, I do love a good up-cycling project.

So that is the collection. I had planned a little mix and match diagram to show you how these pieces could be teamed up in different combinations, but I have run out of time so you are going to have to use your imagination.

I had a load of fun creating this lot for my little one, and am so looking forward to seeing what the rest of the contestants come up with. – Good luck everyone!

Liz xx