More Parisian Chic, West-Coast Style . . .

Might not meet Suri’s standards, but I quite like how Nola’s styled her marinière-inspired dress with red-white dotted leggings and a long-limbed monkey.

And when I told her I loved her dress and asked her where she got it, she tossed off an ever-so-casual, “Paris.”  Then she followed up with “You know, Nana, you got it for me in Paris.” Which I did — it’s become a delightful tradition for me to pop into Petit Bateau each year and pick up a little dress for her, generally navy, navy-striped, or denim (see other years’ choices here, here, and here). She might not have achieved quite as classic a look with it as the Parisians I just spoke about here, but surely you note the Gallic flair, non?

And even the best outfits look even better when accessorized with a handsome Dad to lean against. I love their obvious ease together in this photo.

I’ve actually been keeping an eye out for a similar dress in my size, in a solid enough knit that it won’t grip nastily at my mid-section — and I found it last week, on sale at The Gap. Tempted as I am, I promise not to model any Nana and Nola shoots anytime soon. . . . although never say never . . .

What do you think? Ever worn red dotted leggings with your classic marinière stripes? And are grandmother-granddaughter (even mom-daughter)  outfits adorably cute or over-the-top ridiculous? I confess I’ve avoided such sins so far and am not a fan, but perhaps there are some occasions the look is appropriate?  um . . .. Naaaa! ;- )

22 Comments

  1. LPC
    3 September 2012 / 7:16 pm

    If Nola likes the Nana and me look, who's to gainsay her? The father-daughter shot is lovely, as is her stylish nonchalance.

    • materfamilias
      4 September 2012 / 12:17 am

      I do wonder what she'll think if I just show up in a navy-white striped knit T-dress — might be fun?

  2. K.Line
    3 September 2012 / 7:19 pm

    Somehow I always manage to wear the same basic outfit as either Scott or M 🙂 (Really, they're copying me.) I think Nola looks totally adorable. Who doesn't love pattern mixing?? And that Paris line is hilarious!

    • materfamilias
      4 September 2012 / 12:19 am

      I know what you mean. When I realize Paul and I are both wearing dark jeans, black tops & leather jackets, I've been known to go back inside & change, even if I was the one who dressed first. Some combos are hard to avoid, right? A bit different than wearing the same floral print as one's 9-year old. . . And yeah, she had just the right throwaway quality in her voice to deliver that Paris line perfectly.

  3. That's Not My Age
    3 September 2012 / 7:53 pm

    Nola looks very cool. I like to buy Petite Bateau for my friend's kids when I'm in France (it's cheaper than London). And is dad wearing a Brixton t-shirt?

    • materfamilias
      4 September 2012 / 12:20 am

      It is a Brixton t-shirt, but I'm not sure how or why. I think PB makes a perfect gift — if we didn't travel carry-on only, I'd be hauling more of it home, especially now that we have another grandchild on the way.

  4. Susan B
    3 September 2012 / 10:56 pm

    She looks absolutely precious and very chic in that offhand, Parisian way. The picture of her and her Dad really captures a sweet moment.

    • materfamilias
      4 September 2012 / 12:21 am

      Yes, I think I could take lessons — and I'm determined to stay healthy long enough to take her to Paris with me when she's old enough.

  5. Lorrie
    3 September 2012 / 11:20 pm

    Nola has her Nana's sense of style, I see. Pairing the striped dress with the dotted leggings shows real panache!

    • materfamilias
      4 September 2012 / 12:21 am

      Of course, the stylish pairing depended as much on her mom's savvy packing as anything else, but I do think the girl has picked up some panache along the way.

  6. Anonymous
    4 September 2012 / 3:05 am

    I would not mind a grandma/granddaughter photo at all. My own granddaughters live at such a distance, I'll never have opportunity for such a photo. But where will we find you the proper leggings?

    • materfamilias
      5 September 2012 / 3:34 pm

      I wouldn't mind posing for the photo with Nola in matching dresses, although I think I'd draw the line on leaving home that way 😉 But you're right, finding the leggings might be a challenge. . .

  7. Anonymous
    4 September 2012 / 9:23 pm

    Have a gander at this dress–

    canvas.landsend.com/pp/womens-sleeveless-striped-dress~235338_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::E43&CM_MERCH=IDX_sale-_-women-_-dresses-skirts&origin=index

    I own it and so does my daughter and my twin. Great fabric, and a little short waisted fit. Don't know if the sizes would work for you.

    Enjoying the wedding posts. A little bird told me there will be a wedding in our future soon so I'm taking notes!

    MuttiStacy

    • materfamilias
      5 September 2012 / 3:36 pm

      That's a great dress — and what fun to be able to dress the three of you up for a photo op!
      I bought the Gap one which is even more accommodating at the waist.
      And what fun — planning a wedding! (she says, sighing in contentment that her own planning is well behind her). . .

  8. Melanie
    5 September 2012 / 1:33 am

    Monkey as accessory? Your granddaughter is brilliant! I love that touch. Look out world…

    And your previous post is very moving. I look forward to more about the wedding.

    • materfamilias
      5 September 2012 / 3:37 pm

      Yes, I suspect she'll be a fashion force to be reckoned with.

  9. Unknown
    5 September 2012 / 7:15 am

    I haven't done mother daughter outfits for 50 years or so. But with the striped dress, I'd be tempted. The monkey is priceless and Nola is adorable.

    • materfamilias
      5 September 2012 / 3:38 pm

      The stripes wouldn't be too bad to match up in, would they? They're classic-generic enough that it might not be too cutesy. . .
      And thank you for the Nola praise — this Nana can't resist it. 😉

  10. Unknown
    5 September 2012 / 8:55 pm

    I love that photo of Nola and her Dad. So sweet.

    Nola's dress is very stylish with those leggings and the monkey. And it's good to know about Petite Bateau, that is if we ever get back to Paris :).

  11. Mardel
    17 September 2012 / 1:02 am

    Love the photo of Nola and her Dad; such ease and warmth. And Nola has great style, just like her Nana.

  12. Duchesse
    19 September 2012 / 7:37 pm

    Monkey/mariniere, too precious! Once, decades ago, I was wondering what to buy a friend for a baby shower and other friend said, "There is this great French underwear for children". Of course my mind went to bustiers and balconettes! That is when I learned about Petit Bateau. Wonderful to see her in it.

  13. materfamilias
    20 September 2012 / 2:10 am

    Too funny! I used to like the Mothercare products, a Brit line somewhat parallel. There are certainly all kinds of other delectable French lines for kids, but I like the price points/value ratio at Petit Bateau — and it's become such a nice tradition already.

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