9.01.2009

Tightwad Tuesday: Haute Hippie Mini Tutu Dress for Less

I was destined to be a ballerina. If my passion for the form of dance isn’t enough to convince you, then I’m sure the boxes overflowing with tattered pink tutus, ribbed legwarmers, tiny pairs of tights, and shredded slippers lurking in my garage will. But alas, my pliés weren’t perfect, my pirouettes were off-kilter, and my poisson, well, to put it lightly, it was poisonous. Thus, a career as a ballerina was out of the question – at least in the real world.

Let me be straight with you darlings, I’m simply unwilling to accept this fact. It’s a horrid thing to have to succumb to, so I refuse to do it. Therefore, I still practice the art in the privacy of my bedroom. In full dress, might I add. But it’s not enough. I long to don my dance ensembles out of doors. Yet doing so would lead to too many questions, so I can’t. The Haute Hippie Mini Tutu Dress, however, will allow me to decorate myself in full ballerina style under the premise of a little black dress – with a tutu as a skirt!

Yes kittens, Haute Hippie’s Mini Tutu Dress is the answer to every wannabe ballerina’s prayers, for it features all of the elements that we adore about the prima dancer’s dress, and then some. Piles of tulle to construct a tutu-rific skirt; a comfy jersey tank quite similar to a flexible leotard serving as the top; a shimmery sliver of satin, ruched and cinched tightly about the waist in the form of a belt. The only thing missing from this marvel is a pair of perfect, fairy-like slippers for the feet, a few well-placed baubles to enhance the frock’s natural beauty, and, well, the $470.00 required to make it mine.

I suppose I should have mentioned that sooner. The price, that is. Yes, it’s quite high for the girl-about-town looking to add a few special pieces to her wondrous wardrobe on a budget. But please don’t turn sour. There’s a ray of sunshine to this story; a glimmer of hope; a slice of sparkle. And that, dearests, is Target’s Xhilaration Knit Top Dress.

So, it lacks the satin sash, and isn’t outfitted with the same hook-and-eye closure as the Haute Hippie piece, but it has a flair all its own. In fact, aside from the monstrously amazing price - $29.99 – the Xhilaration Knit Top Dress has a few of its own traits that are, if you ask me, quite endearing. Like the V-Neck front and V-Back so often seen on the leotards of professional dancers; the plain pullover style; and even the wearability factor, making it simple to transform this frock from day to night use.

The mere thought of it is giving me mental Audrey Hepburn moments complete with dark sunglasses and perky pewter flats. A few silver accessories, an uptown updo, and I’m set. A starlet in my own right. I may not have the skills to cut it as a prima ballerina; but with the Xhilaration Knit Dress, I certainly have the chops to outfit myself like one!

Are you on the verge of a splurge, or tempted by a tightwad moment?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to SHE Boutique and Target for the pictures.
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40 comments

Keith said...

I've got a young cousin who is really into dance. That's all she seems to talk about.

Charlotte said...

I adore those outfits but I never dreamed to be a prima ballerina, haha. I really hated it, I thought streetdance was much cooler.

Emily said...

i totally saw this at target and was about to snatch it up, but sadly they didn't have my size! it is perfect and so is the price tag :] and you're right, it does remind me Audrey hepburn!

www.janetteria.com said...

I love the first one!

XoXo

meraldia said...

I also failed to become Margot Fonteyn and today I am just the proud owner of many ballerina shoes in different colors!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

They both look great! I think it would be fun to wear a tutu while out and about!

Leia said...

Oh, I have been dreaming about tutus for the longest time! The Haute Hippie one is oh-so-gorgeous, but yes, out of my price range as well :(. I love the dress you picked. I am going to continue my search for a tutu (or maybe more - in many colors!) to use them for petticoats and skirts. I just need to find some in my price range, as well! :)

I've always wanted to be a ballet dancer but could never take lessons... I guess 21 is a bit too old to start!

Couture Carrie said...

Love your bargain find, darling! No need to splurge when the affordable option is just as lovely!

xoxox,
CC

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Cute post! I'd def save on this one...that Target option is so adorable and versatile. Go buy a satin ribbon and tie one around yourself! :)

ana said...

When I was little I studied ballet as I think many of us :) but It wasn't for me... although I really enjoy watching it in the theater or TV... :)

Miss Neira said...

tutus are amazing, everyone should have on in their closet, and at a special moment they should wear it!..so cute!

xoxo
miss neira

Haute World said...

Ahh yes, I too am a fallen ballerina... sigh. I adore that first Haute Hippie dress! Must have! Thanks for sharing. I admire the fact you still practice at home though :) I don't think I could handle more than a pirouette...

Leah said...

I always love the way you write. And I admire your good and affordable finds. And now, another revelation, a ballerina. You are really an artist.

yiqin; said...

Ah the tulle is perfect <3

alwayslistentoyourart said...

the dres's really really cute!
i love it!
xo
b&c

Arushi Khosla said...

Can't do half a pirouette but would love to own one of these divine finds :D

All Women Stalker said...

Sadly, my sister was the one who took ballet lessons. But I remember loving her tutus! :D I think I will sew myself a tutu dress. Seems easy enough.

-meream

The Anthology said...

This makes me want to take up dancing again. Love tutus! Especially in the Sex and the City opening sequence.

* Kelsey

Dina's Days said...

Go ahead, get your ballerina on. :)

Caramell said...

Ballerinas are cool ;D And their tutu skirts!
But modern is nice to- I attend to some classes ;)

sherin said...

Oooo, the dress tutu's are so pretty. I must have one, but not the expensive one: I'm on a budget :(.
But wuth tights and boots, the tutu dress will be perfect for winter.

Stefanie Grace said...

I did ballet when I was 5, but hated being away from my mum for 2hours on a Saturday!

However, I LOVE the dress - very cute, but yes, very expensive! The alternative is pretty too though! x

.dot said...

Erika, that is inspired. I, too, am a secret ballerina! And I loved that Haute Hippie dress (hadn't heard of the brand) until I got to the part about the price.

Thank goodness for Target! I am so keen on that dress. I could see so many ways to wear it, day or night, winter or summer.

Now I've just gotta figure how to get it to London.

Nubiasnonsense said...

I love the ballet inspired skirts I have a grey and gold one =)

Amanda K said...

Those tutus looks so pretty. I want one too.

the southern hostess said...

I would dress like a ballerina every day if it were socially acceptable.

Lauren said...

these remind me of some costumes i used to have.... and i loved them!

M said...

Oh, I STILL want to be a ballerina! Being 5'9 kind of killed it....

These dresses are super cute, although I have a tendency to think we should all let the tulle stay in the dance studio... or on stage. :)

la petite fashionista said...

wow its crazy how much we were on the same page sometimes!

i wore my tulle tutu skirt yesterday and felt very carrie bradshaw :) i got mine @ forever 21!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I must say that I own that little Target beauty and I loooooooooooooooooove it! Taps in to my ballerina envy. : )

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

I'm sorry your ballerina dreams couldn't become reality... If it makes you feel better, I can assure you that I am the number one story for a ballet-failure. I distinctively remember wailing in the middle of the class, only to have my teacher attempt to joke, "you're singing opera!" and all the kids laughed. Needless to say, I quit.

More on track, I love tutus. I want one, just for everyday wear.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I secretly dream that one day, some one will win me (or I win myself) a fantastically giant stuffed-toy at a carnival..
girlwiththebowtie.blogspot.com

Sang said...

tutu's are always welcome, they're always cute.
lovely post, as usual!

Lina said...

can isay something?
i savoured every single word you wrote here.
keep blogging!

Posh Peach said...

I, of course, LOVE this post!!! Oh, to be a ballerina :) I just love that first dress. It is so classy and cute!

daisychain said...

I love all things ballet inspired. I lacked the grace to be a ballerina, however my mother was a pro dancer before she got married.

Little Bow Prep said...

Oh, tutus make me so happy!

Children of the 90s said...

It's like the princess dress of my childhood dreams! So cute.

Patty Ann said...

i saw that dress at target too, and i wanted to buy it!!! i dance ballet, and it's so much fun! the tulle dress is so pretty!! xx


AlphaBetaChic.blogspot.com

BALLET NEWS said...

Hello, you have the most fabulously wonderful site here and I had to leave this comment for you ! Your posts are beautifully written, creative and original too, and you have interesting pictures.

It's all perfect !

Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes.... 'Happy September'....

tutu dresses said...

They both look great! I think it would be fun to wear a tutu while out and about!

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