Sometimes, Newt and I like to look at blogs about re-purposing or re-designing clothing. I see all of the fabulous things that talented bloggers have done to create a fun, custom look and think “I could do that!”
And then I think about taking a nap instead.
As much as I like sewing, I just have too many other obligations and interests in the way right now. But that doesn’t keep Newt and I from dreaming. That’s why, when I was asked to do a review of Fashion Playes, a “virtual design studio for girls ages 6 -12″, I happily said yes. This was a chance for Newt to design her own clothing and for me to have someone else sew it. Win-win!
I logged Newt on the the site and she got started designing. Big surprise, she chose a dress. Then she added an understated, non-girly ruffle at the bottom and a large silver dog across the chest.
When did pink and sparkly become, and I quote “evil”? I remember when she used to sleep in a tiara…
Anyway…
I did have to admit that her design, though lacking in bling, was cute.
She even got to design the label:
Her dress was cute, but there were so many other fun things to choose from. Ribbons, rhinestones, appliques! I booted my girl over and took my own turn.
Here’s what I designed:
Newt said it was too frilly (what?!) and she wasn’t digging the purple.
We ordered her design. with shipping, it came to $35.50. It arrived about 3 weeks later.
It was fun to see her design brought to life, though the silver dog didn’t show up very well on the blue background. She still liked it; it was understated. I liked it too. Very cute.
She tried it on and it looked great and fit well. However, she had no growing room – we should have ordered up a size. My fault, not Fashion Playtes. Unfortunately, before I could take her picture in it, she washed it. Probably in warm.
Sidenote: How can I get it through to her, that putting clean clothes in the hamper, washing and drying them, and then putting them away are really a lot more work than just putting it away to begin with?
Newt put the dress on today and… it was a bit snug. I didn’t check the washing instructions, but I’m willing to bet they say “cold”.
Next time, I’d recommend going a size up to ensure that shrinkage isn’t an issue (or perhaps I could just read and follow the washing instructions.)
All in all, this was a fun experience. The site was easy to use and we both enjoyed creating our different fashions. Thirty-five dollars is more than than I would normally spend for a play dress, but I think what you’re really paying for here is the entertainment value. Compare it to going to a paint-your-own ceramics studio and the price doesn’t seem unreasonable. I’d consider giving a gift certificate to Newt for a special occasion like her birthday or a Christmas gift.
Newt’s review:
Me: What did you think of Fashion Playtes?
Newt: It was fun.
Me: Do you have any suggestions for them?
Newt: They should have stripes. And pictures of newts.
Me: If you could, what would you like to get next?
Newt: A backpack. Can I get a backpack?
Me: We’ll see.
Newt: Please?
Me: This interview is over.
Disclosure: Fashion-Playes sent me a $25 gift card to use on their site in exchange for this review. However, they did not tell me what to say. If I had hated the product, I was free to say so. Lucky for them, I didn’t.
