We need solid color cotton dresses - suggestions?

[Beth568]

I have a photo session scheduled in early May for my two daughters. We want to do an informal outdoor portrait, probably black and white.

It's not going to be at all about the outfits - I want to capture the expressions on their faces. So I'd like to put them in very simple cotton knit dresses in a solid color, probably pale blue or ivory. I'm thinking of something like the empire jumper dresses at Basic Brilliance (though at that time of year they may still be more comfortable in long sleeves), but I know I've read here that people aren't thrilled with BB quality.

Any suggestions for a good source for a very simple knit dress? Thanks! :)

[FiveLittleDucks]

Hanna Andersson has the cutest solid color dresses. I don't know if they have any in stock right now, but I've seen a bunch on Ebay lately. Here's an example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hanna-Andersson-RED-DRESS-Sz-150-12-13-14-NWT_W0QQitemZ130092708812QQcategoryZ3053QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

Now, this one is quite large, and the picture is awful, but I'm sure you get the idea.

Lands' End carries cute, simple dresses, also. Good luck!

[egoldber]

If the photos are going to be black and white, remember that a small, allover subtle pattern will appear to be practically a solid.

Here's an example of what I mean (in blue)

http://www.landsend.com/pp/WovenCrossbackDress-61597_165810_1186.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_61525&sid=4786182795380173070

or this (in yellow):

http://www.landsend.com/pp/CapsleeveJerseyDress-61597_137983_1186.html?fitChange=true&sku_0=165200undefinedundefined::XFO&qty_0=1&addressID_0=undefined&action=&itemId=&CM_MERCH=PAGE_61525&sid=4786182795380173070

[anuta]

H&M has solid white and pale pink dresses for girls; they are woven though

[hardysmom]

Hopefully Entertaining Elephants will have their spring line up soon. They have WONDERFUL quality solid knit dresses which would be perfect in black and whiute or color. There is a small elephant on the neck which may be distracting.

Wild Child Clothes also has VERY nice dresses in solids. I've had both ans love them. Similar styles to BB, but higher quality.

If you've never ordered Basic Brilliance and like high quality fabrics, I'd skip it. I was very, very disappointed. It feels cheap and the cuts aren't great. Of course, if course "feels cheap" doesn't show in a photo.

entertainingelephants.com

wildchildclothes.com

Stephanie

[kcimato]

I'll second www.wildchildclothes.com

[MNmomtobe]

Softest ruffle dresses by Babystyle.

[MommyAllison]

I think I saw some at Target tonight - I didn't stop to look at them, or touch them, so not sure on the quality. Sounds like a beautiful photo though! :)

Allison
Mama to DD 11/05

[Melanie]

http://www.basicbrilliance.com/ has solids, or you could buy and dye your own from http://www.dharmatrading.com/ (I like the Dylon dyes from Joann Fabrics, though, they're very easy and take well to cottons).

ETA: I've never ordered from BB, but if it's just for portraits how much does quality really matter? They could become good playdresses after the shoot.

[cmorgen]

I second the babystyle dress recommendation, they are great!