{BLOG TOUR} Back to School 2019

👏👏👏 YAY!!! It's finally time to go back to school! I'm probably in the minority here, but I love when the kids head back to school. My girls love school and would honestly go year-round if it were offered. We've been counting down since like, well, the 2nd week of summer break. HA!!

I always look forward to participating in blog tours, especially ones that help kick my butt into gear for different occasions. When I saw Karly of Paisley Roots was hosting a Back To School tour, I couldn't help but join in. Not only has she put together a great lineup of bloggers, there's also an amazing giveaway.... allllll the way at the end!

My girls already had their first day of school outfits locked down, but I figured they also needed something cute for "Meet the Teacher" -- after all, first impressions are everything!!

First up is my oldest daughter!

Her criteria includes:

👉 must be fashionable

👉 mini length is preferred

👉 pockets are a plus

👉 must pair well with her favorite black booties

👉 incorporate her black sparkly belt

Back in March, Little Lizard King released the Lenox Dress and my 10 year old calls it her "tween-style" dress. So, of course, I had to sew another Lenox (this is like her 5th...lol). Of course, I modified it to put my own spin on it.

The first modification is to add the chevron bodice to it! Adding this is so super easy and always looks so fab, especially when sewn with black and white stripes. I could probably buy a bolt of these stripes because they are my favorite! If you've not done a chevron pieced bodice before, here's a quick rundown: from the bottom center of your bodice piece, draw a 45-degree angle towards your armscye. Add your preferred seam allowance to the center of the bodice. Line up your 45-degree angled line with a stripe on your fabric. Cut out. Flip your cut fabric over and line it up on your fabric so all of the stripes match. Cut. Place both centers right sides together and sew down the center at the chosen SA. Take care to match up the stripes. Press seam open and continue with the remainder of the pattern.

My next two modifications were to add side seam pockets and belt loops for her black sparkly belt. I grabbed the free pocket pattern from Little Lizard King and attached them 2" below the top of the skirt along the side seams. For my belt loops, I cut 3 pieces 1" wide by 1.5ish inches (sorry, I didn't actually measure) and folded them bias-tape style and topstitched both edges. Then I folded each short end under and attached to the finished dress. I do wish I had incorporated the bottom of each loop into the waist seam. Also, I would add a couple more on the front of the bodice to hold the belt up better in the front.

I cut the back bodice stripes horizontally and added some light pink/white buttons to pick up the pinks in the skirt.

I feel like I blinked and my little girl that was headed off to Kindergarten is now in her last year of elementary school. Each year goes faster than the previous. Before I know it, she'll be sporting a purse and a cup of coffee. For now, though, we'll stick with her clear "iced coffee" (aka water in a Starbucks reusable cup).

My younger daughter has an entirely different style than her big sis and while they will share clothes, if she gets full reign over design choice, the end result will be a direct reflection of her boisterous personality. She is not one to blend into the background. If she could announce her arrival with a neon flashing sign, she absolutely would! HA!

Her requests:

👉 must be fun

👉 mini ruffle sleeves (her latest obsession)

👉 hopefully match her pom pom headband (best dollar ever spent!)

👉 must be able to dress herself

Recently Little Lizard King updated the Leiden pattern to include dress length and I decided it was the perfect pattern for her. The front bodice is curved which mimics the rainbow fabric she selected (funny story, this fabric was actually a crib sheet on clearance at Target). Plus, it buttons in the front so it checks off her "must be able to dress herself" box.

I added the mini ruffle sleeves from the Lenox Dress. Her love for these ruffles took me by surprise because she has been anti-ruffle for a few years now. I love them too though!

I was originally going to sew a top version to pair with a pair of jean shorts but before I cut, I double checked and she looked at me like I had two heads. Dress it is, I guess! The dress has a natural high low hem. She's a happy camper and is even showing off her toothless grin!

When she first saw her new dress finished, she thought it was hilarious that I put the buttons on the front. She laughed and asked why I made her dress backwards. LOL No, sweetie, that's so you can do it all by yourself.

I hope her teacher is ready for her!! She has loved all of her teachers and thinks each one is the best one yet. Last year's teacher also shared her birthday with her so there are big shoes to fill this year. I think she'll win her over with her personality though.

Now that you've made it to the end, be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour and enter the giveaway!! Good luck to you 💕