A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds
est. 2007
  1. Frock on Friday: Poppy

    I can't count the number of times I've seen a really gorgeous little frock for a three-year-old and wished there was a version in my size. And apparently I'm not alone. It was only last week at my local childrenswear shop that I discovered that the lovely tiny wee toddler's frock in the gorgeous tropical print had also been the object of many a grown woman's affection. And - hurrah! - word had got around that Zimmermann had a dress in the exact same print. For (much) bigger girls. So I'm delighted to hear that UK childrenswear designers Poppy Children have responded to popular demand for adult versions of their delightful vintage-inspired kids frocks with the launch of their first womenswear collection. Featuring Poppy's trademark storybook illustrations, the collection is inspired by a 1950s aesthetic and is available in a range of prints, styles and sizes (10-18). Naturally, I adore their new London print, which also features on a range of frocks for little girls. Each dress comes with its own story book about Poppy and Fred's adventures in London. I love that the vintage-inspired design features a thoroughly modern London, complete with the Gherkin, London Eye and a wandering giraffe. The collection is made in the UK and is one hundred per-cent cotton. My favourite style is the Beatrice dress, which is superbly flattering with three-quarter length sleeves, a wide bateau neckline at the front and a V at the back, which can be worn either way and is available in five colour ways, for £129.99. Ladies can also purchase a matching petticoat for extra swoosh factor, as well as a pair of stripey cotton tights for winter. The London print is also available on the Millie dress for girls, which features a Peter Pan collar and looks ridiculously adorable with a matching little cardigan. It would make a super-sweet London-themed bridesmaid's frock, and it comes in sizes 0 to seven years for £62.50. There is also a range of matching fluffy petticoats and darling stripey tights for little ones. www.poppychildren.co.uk