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Local online boutique offers raw silk & couture designs for the little ones

One of The Ring's most exciting and unique finds to date has got to be Petite Parfait. Owner and Designer Erika Mills offers brides the best in bridal couture style for the smallest members of their wedding party. From luxurious flower girl gowns to baby boy tuxedos and christening attire, Erika uses raw silk to create fabulous custom-made gowns, little boy attire and bridal accessories.

Erika and her team create each item based on the measurements of your little girls or boys. You can choose from several different sleeve, sash and colour options for gowns which are clearly laid

out on her website. In addition to dresses, Petite Parfait also offers rosebud wreaths, hair buds, ribbon rose carriers and ring pillows. And for the little gentlemen in your party, she can make vests, pants, shirts, suspenders and ties to match the flower girl's dress.

Starting from scratch...

Erika has been creating all her life. "I remember looking for fabric and materials to work/play with when I was little. I was probably about six years old the first time I made a dress for one of my dolls." And she says she’s been designing ever since. Her grandmother was her first teacher. She instilled in Erika a love for the sewing and creating process. Since her first introduction to a needle and thread, sewing has been a lifelong joy for Erika.

The dream of Petite Parfait started to become a reality when Erika began making dresses and clothes for her own children. "Having my own little ones toddling around in special outfits became addictive and it dawned on me that more people should have the chance to have special clothes custom-made for their children."

Wanting to spend as much time with her own children as she could, she knew that her Bachelor’s Degree wasn't going to provide her with the future she was looking for as a mom and as a professional. "Making children’s clothing is so much fun," she told us. "Especially dresses for little girls...every little girl loves a beautiful dress that she can feel like a princess in. I just love that I can make dresses that will be cherished for years. I can’t imagine doing anything else."

Quality is her niche

As a mom herself, Erika knows how hard it is to get quality kid's clothing. "Much of what you can find in formal children’s clothing is inexpensively produced and won’t stand up to the rough wear that children subject their clothing to. I wanted to create a strong and durable product that looks beautiful, feels great and will survive even the most rambunctious child."

All of Erika’s dresses, vests, bow ties, etc. are made from 100% silk. "Silk is a natural, breathable fabric. It wears beautifully and looks stunning. Why choose polyester when you can have silk for the same cost?," Erika explained. The clothing is fully lined with soft fabrics that feel great and the seams are enclosed so as not to irritate or scratch tender skin.

What she offers

Erika creates dresses in various customizable styles, vests, shirts, pants, ties, miniature-sized tuxedos, baby rompers and more. Variables in style include sashes, colours, sizes, styles, embellishments, and more. Whether it's for a newborn, a toddler, or an older child, each Petite Parfait garment is tailored to be as durable as it is adorable.

For winter weddings (or for the princess flower girl), Petite Parfait offers hooded velvet capes. These capes are fully lined and can even be trimmed in fur for an extra touch.

To Erika, just because you're small doesn't mean you don't need to accessorize. Erika offers matching accessories such as the incredibly popular silk ring pillows, flower balls, 'hair buds' (paper roses that cling to the flower girl's hair), rosebud wreaths, and personalized jewellery.

Small clothing needs big space

Small clothing doesn't mean small business. Since March of 2005, Petite Parfait has shipped children’s wear throughout North America to destinations like Florida, Washington, California, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Newfoundland. With international demand for her children’s wear, Erika also has another seamstress on staff to help bring her designs to life. Erika has also expanded her inventory to include affordable, imported boys tuxedos and short sets in polyester.

With National attention from WEDLUXE and WEDDING BELLS magazines Petite Parfait is enjoying continued success from brides who want choice, luxury products and the convenience of online ordering. With the huge increase in the number of brides whose wedding parties are spread out across the country, Petite Parfait offers both convenience and elegance - you can shop for exquisite, couture clothing from anywhere in the world. No matter where you and your bridal party are, Petite Parfait will take great care of outfitting your kids.

The princess process:

How to order custom couture

STEP 1: Ordering couture for children begins with the choice of the design or style of the garment. The Petite Parfait couture line can be seen in detail on their website.

STEP 2: This is where you customize your choice for your little one. Just a few of your options include the type of sash, ribbon, apron, sleeve style, and more.

STEP 3: Choosing your colour is easy with online colour swatches to view. When you email Erika with your style choice, she will send you a real fabric swatch of the colour you've chosen to ensure that you're happy with the colour.

STEP 4: Measure your child yourself, or have Petite Parfait send you some sample sizes. Erika will walk you through the measuring process. She'll make sure you know what she needs and where to measure your little one. Alternatively, if you are nervous about online ordering Erika can send you up to three bodice sizers that you can try on your little one in the comfort of your own home.

STEP 5: A sub-page on the Petite Parfait website will be created just for you where you can view what your item will look like. You will be able to request any necessary changes and then confirm the final design.

STEP 6: Your item is delivered to your door six weeks from the final design confirmation. You will then be contacted to make sure you are satisfied with your order.

With little ones, timing is everything

When you should order your custom couture children’s wear depends on the age of the child. If you are ordering for an eight month old baby, you need to take into account that they grow very quickly so you should order six to eight weeks before the date of the wedding so that you ensure a proper fit. For children who are four to five years old, four to five months in advance is sufficient. However, to be sure that Petite Parfait will have time to create the perfect outfit for your junior attendants you should place the order at least six months in advance. This way, they can schedule a place for you and your needs. The actual measuring and sewing will take place in the appropriate time frames depending on the age of your child. If you order six months in advance, you’ll pay half the cost to ensure that your spot is held. The balance is due four weeks before delivery.

Pricing details...

Flower girl dresses average at $200, junior bridesmaid gowns at $250, and ring bearer attire ranges from $55 to $255. Extras such as custom colour fabric ($30), flower pins ($10), and beaded bodices ($25) are also available if you choose. Hooded velvet capes that are fully lined start at $115. For boys, she offers silk ties starting at just $30, or a bow tie and vest combo to match the flower girl for $95. Petite Parfait’s couture christening gowns and infant rompers start at $160. Petite Parfait has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction and accurate fit - if you are not completely satisfied they will fix it or refund your money.

 

Inotherwords... "That dress was fabulous!!!!!! My little girl looked and felt like a real live princess! It was out of this world, and the quality was untouchable! You are a first class dressmaker - an artist! I will be in touch in the near future! Thanks for making a little kindergartener so happy!" - Amber "I just received Ava's dress, it is breathtaking!! I love it, love it, love it! I tried it on her and fits perfectly. Thank you so much, you are so talented. The boys vests and pillows look gorgeous. I can't wait until they try them on. Thanks again for all your help." - Kathleen "I love love love the dress! I've already showed it to 3 of my friends and we can't stop talking about how gorgeous it is! I can't wait for Kaia's christening to see her in it again. It is sooo beautiful and so well made! I'll definitely be recommending you for anybody I know who needs christening gowns or wedding outfits." - Stephanie "I was absolutely delighted with the gorgeous dresses for our flower girls. The girls themselves didn't want to take them off at end of the evening! They felt like princesses. Thanks Erika for making my wedding day even more special." - Nicole

 

Contact Petite Parfait...

For more from Erika Mills, Owner and Designer at Petite Parfait, check out their website at www.petiteparfait.ca for designs, photos, options, accessories, a complete explanation of the ordering process, tons of testimonials, and more. Reach Erika by phone at 519-497-5239 (Kitchener number) or by email at erika@petiteparfait.ca with any questions, ideas for your design, or to place your order.

- The Staff at theweddingring.ca

* Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Petite Parfait.