Sew Fierce is Sew Cool, Our Giveaway Win & Review

Do you have special outfits from childhood that you remember, either because you really liked it or because it was heavily photographed? Maybe your mom, like mine did, even saved it carefully for when you were grown up. These were very special outfits and usually had a story behind them, like a family member made it or you wore it for a particularly important event.

I love beautifully designed and well made children's clothing, the kind that can become heirlooms and become worthy of being among the handful outfits carefully saved. I also really love monograms and customized items. When I saw my blogger friend Stephanie's custom made dresses on her online boutique specializing in children's couture clothing Sew Fierce I fell in love instantly!

It had been awhile since my daughter had a personalized clothing that fit; she'd long since outgrown the embroidered name onesie I got for her before she was even born. I'd been itching to get her something new for awhile. I thought I'd have to pick something from a large retailer and add an monogram, like I did before. It would still be personalized but lots of other little girls would have similar outfits.

We tweeted and emailed back and forth about the details for awhile and then I found out Stephanie was doing a giveaway on her blog, A Pocket Full of Buttons for one. I was so excited for just the chance at winning one. Imagine how thrilled I was to actually be the winner!
Now came the hard part, actually figuring out what I wanted! All I knew was that I wanted something ultra girly with her monogram on it, because she's getting to the age when you want to think twice about getting their first name on it. Stephanie was so helpful and on Sew Fierce's website she has a huge selection of fabrics and embroidery choices to choose from. She made suggestions and even provided me with a proof picture of the monogram for approval before making the dress to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. Didn't it turn out fabulously? The fabric is a pale pink with white swirls and hearts in white and silver. The inner lining fabric is equally as beautiful, with an ornate pink pattern with a silver pattern overlay all on top of white. It's such lovely fabric; it's a shame no one will really see it since it's on the inside. The monogram is done in matching silver gray thread in a swirly font, just like I envisioned. I LOVE it!

Stephanie takes a lot of pride in the quality of her worksmanship, "Everything is handmade by me and comes from a smoke free/ pet free home. With all my handmade clothing the seams are professionally serged, and top stitch is done for durability and longevity." So you know you're lovely garment is not going to fall apart in the wash! Another extra touch of Stephanie's is how the perfectly formed bows are attached with snaps. You can take them off when you launder the dress. That's a great feature, and one I appreciate because otherwise, even with handwashing, those bows would never look so pretty again.

Stephanie's one of a kind outfits and children's accessories can be found at both at her online boutique Sew Fierce and also at her Sew Fierce Etsy store.

Stephanie's Etsy store is where I first became a fan of her work, when I saw her Whimsy Faith Top and Ruffled Capri's. I thought the combination of fabrics that Stephanie choose went so nicely together. I liked how it had large doses of pink in it but enough other colors to balance it out. I'm sure it didn't hurt that pink and purple are one of my favorite combinations too! Aren't the ruffles on the bottom of the pants darling? Just another example of Stephanie's attention to detail. Those could've been plain pant bottoms, but no she managed to fit in another way to make the outfit even cuter.I'd have snapped this one up long ago but I was concerned because I thought my little one would be lost in the outfit. It's a 3T-4T and she's a solid 2T right now. Stephanie offerred to remake the outfit in another size, but warned me that since most of her outfits are one of a kind I would probably have to pick new fabrics. I was disappointed, because it was the color and fabric combinations that had first grabbed my eye. Then after more dialog, we realized her younger daughter is a similar size to mine. Stephanie snapped a few pictures of her in it and I could see that while it was a generous fit it wasn't so big that ER couldn't wear it this year and the next. What a bonus, I'll get to enjoy seeing my daughter in this adorable outfit for longer and she'll get more wear out of it. Stephanie is definetly and ten out of ten for customer service. She goes the extra mile to answer questions and make sure you're over a 100% happy with your purchase!I rushed to purchase it and had Stephanie ship it right out to me! I especially like the big bow you tie in the back to hold up the top. I am very happy with the customized dress I won and the two piece outfit I bought. I would definitely purchase from her again. Stephanie's clothing is so well put together, she chooses wonderful fabrics that compliment each other, and I like knowing my special outfits will truely be unique and ER's alone.
Speaking of shopping, here are some other items I've got my eye on of Stephanie's. Although I don't know why I'm telling you about them, as I want them for myself! Her Backyard Blues Garden Dress continues to be my absolute favorite item that she's made, it's just a little too big for ER right now. I love the flouncy ruffles and how the hem on one side comes up. It's so pretty and like a child's ball gown. It would make the best twirly swirly dress ever!

Another dress still too big for ER is her Sweet Tweet Apron dress. I have long loved that birdie fabric; as you all probably know by now that I have a thing for birds. I actually have some of that fabric in my own stash; this is by far the cutest and most perfect way to use it!

Have you seen these fabric covered diaper wipes before? What a fun way to dress up a utilitarian mom supply in every diaper bag. Stephanie's come with a name or monogram embroidered on it. How fabulously cool is that? You can get one customized with a coordinating snap bib and two burp cloths in her Infant Gift Set. You'll be the most stylish mom at playgroup and the envy of everyone when you whip out your wipes!

One of her newest creations to be added to her shop are these really fun tulip sun hats. They're a great way to protect your child from the sun and make sure she's the most stylist toddler at the park. They come in two sizes with the smaller one including a ribbon tie. My daughter will wear hats without a fuss but it's windy out here! She needs the larger size, but I'm sure Stephanie could be persuaded to add a tie for me. Like I said her customer service is the best!

I'd love for you to check Stephanie's work out and find out how wonderful her pieces are for yourself. Visit her at her blog A Pocket Full of Buttons, Etsy shop, or online boutique. Let her know I sent you! Thank you again Stephanie for making us such a lovely keepsake dress that we'll treasure for years and for making the adorable two piece outfit!