Why We Love Matilda Jane Clothing

I have a little girl and I like her to dress like one. Matilda Jane helps me do that.

Undeniably adorable. Darling. Classic. "Twirlable" Clothes that make a girl smile and feel good. Yes to all of that!

Matilda Jane is an already strong presence in the fashion arena of kids' clothing and it's growing. It is a brand that has proven that their artistic one-of-a-kind prints are bold stand-outs, illustrative of childhood whimsy. At a time when we see more and more little girls trying to dress in cold shoulder tops and sequins like tweens, Matilda Jane provides refreshing alternatives.

MJ is breath of fresh air and a way to slow childhood down and appreciate it more. I think it's safe to say the girls love wearing these clothes as much as us moms who dress them. I've never seen a photo of a little girl wearing an MJ dress or outfit without a sparkle in her eye and a big smile.

My daughter a year ago (fall 2017) as a kindergartener going back to her nursery school to be a "helper" the toddler class. Proud as a peacock in her Matilda Jane "As a Princess Dress". And yes those are pockets!

I can't remember our first experience with Matilda Jane clothing. It just always seemed to be a part of my six-year-old daughter's closet from the time she was around two or three. The first dress must have been a gift or hand-me-down. It later became a smock top she wore the first day of nursery school. So yes the dresses girls grow out of can be worn as tops when they get a little older. Either look is irresistible and suited to both styles. These clothes go the distance, hold up well in the wash and are worth every penny.

The quality of the fabric, detailing, stitching, not to mention tailoring and layering, is truly unsurpassed. Of all the brands out there I believe Matilda Jane to be the sweetest and most "age appropriate" for little girls. The clothing is modest and charming. And the clothes are very reasonably priced when compared to other name brands (products' price range starts around $32; girls dresses are priced at $40-56; women's clothing is at $40-70).

About those prints that you see and just know they are unmistakably Matilda Jane ... I have a soft spot for shabby chic, pastels coupled with bolder colors, big cabbage rose type prints and vintage-inspired calicos. So MJ had me at "hello" because their prints are hand-painted and fulfill all that above criteria. It's like wearing art.

Founder Denise DeMarchis who started the company in 2005 made clothes for little girls so they could keep looking and feeling like little girls. DeMarchis designed all the designs herself. Very sadly, she passed away after losing her battle with ovarian cancer in 2015, so Maggie the in-house artist has continued in her spirt and hand paints all the designs now and has them put on fabrics.

I have heard Denise DeMarchis was much more than a business woman. She was a mentor, a friend and a mother-figure to many. In 2013, DeMarchis and her husband founded the Mighty Acorn Foundation to help children in Africa.

It feels like the spirit of a kind-heart went into the artistry of all the prints.

Those who knew and loved her said Denise had a big heart and changed the world through her generosity and kindness. You can almost feel the spirit of that kindness in the clothes. There is something so breathtakingly vivid and at the same time, soft and innocent about them. Have I also mentioned that another goal of Matilda Jane quickly became to make clothes little girls can grow into. You can find clothes for up to Tweens and Teens. They also make items for Women (yay!) and Gents, plus accessories and pjs too!

I'm wearing "Cecelia Big Ruffles" on bottom. This is a medium charcoal gray. With a Matilda Jane messenger bag in the same print as one of Sky's dresses: "Fairy Tales". (I was so excited they made this as it's my favorite print). On Skylar are a pair of ruffle fringed shorts in shades of lavender and lilac. These transition seamlessly from lazy days of Summer to being school appropriate on warm - hot days.

For holidays and special events as well as everyday, any day, comfort, Matilda Jane has been a brand that adds "a little magical fairy dust", as my daughter would say, to the routine of choosing her daily clothes.

Photo ON LEFT: Wearing one of MJ's solid color dresses - "Family Tree Dress" . The same dress can be worn after school even playing in the dirt building fairy houses (photo by Jean Spencer) BOTTOM RIGHT : How much fun is it to wear Matilda Jane at school? Skylar is all the way on left. wearing the "Bright Lights Big Ruffles" bottoms and the "Masks Off Tunic".

Front of the "Masks Off Tunic" - just the right amount of decorative smocking.

As a newly minted first grader, the "first day" outfit is a rite of passage. Skylar chose to wear the classic, navy "Little Frankie" dress. Our friend, Kerri Anne Campbell, and Trunk Keeper with Matilda Jane, helped us pick it out. More on Kerri Anne in a bit. Suffice it to say Skylar walked into school with a skip in her step. A few of my mom friends asked if they make this dress in women's sizes (the Frankie?). Not that I know of but maybe in future? One can dream.

"Little Frankie" dress. The sleeves, collar, the buttons (swoon). And in classic navy.

I'm wearing the Matilda Jane "Beyond the Horizon" tank which is so soft and cozy - in a light navy with tiny floral print and detailing. Hugs in all the right places.

The color palette, the tailoring, the ingenuity of the new products and accessories they come out with ... suffice it to say I will be a longtime customer of Matilda Jane (p.s. The diaper bags make great gifts for baby showers too :) And they make darling backpacks for little ones heading back to school.

Add that the clothes hold up well in the wash and transition from holidays, school picture day, and special events ... to school to playground and playdates, and all your outings in between. The clothes are so eye catching for the little ones and ladies - you'll both want to wear one as your everyday "uniform".

Kerri - our Trunk Keeper - at the Wenham Fair on August 25th. She was a huge help to both Sky and me in choosing back to school and fall attire. Here she's wearing the "Aubrey Big Ruffles" on bottom. If you want the longer version of these pants for fall, check out the "Beatrice Big Ruffles"

Matilda Jane is more than just clothes. The clothes set a mood, of joy and lightheartedness. The clothes make a statement. A statement that childhood is meant to be a bubble of time when little girls are in that dreamy place and the clothes match that season in their lives just perfectly ... and appropriately.

Matilda Jane's "Fairy Tale" dress (size 6). I purchased in fall 2017. I'm in love with that print so I'm happy that MJ made a messenger bag that matches,

To see some of the beauty that is Matilda Jane yourself, check out Kerri's MJ website. I am listed as a host of a "trunk show" so you can choose me from drop down menu, Rachel Rothe. That way Kerri can track new customers who are my friends / who have read this blog post.

To shop Matilda Jane, go to: https://www.matildajaneclothing.com/Pws/KerriCampbell/store/AM/default.aspx

To join Kerri's shopping group on Facebook go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mjctk1666

If you have any questions about the clothes or becoming a "trunk keeper" yourself, contact Kerri at : KerriCampbell@MatildaJaneClothing.com

Matilda Jane is usually running a fabulous promo. Check out the latest one and grab your superhero costumer or magical you costume with qualifying orders Sept 1-30.

*Valid 09/1/18 – 09/30/18. Promo is available to qualifying orders while supplies last. Shipping costs, MJC gift cards, Good Luck Trunk, and Platinum purchases do not contribute to the $175 purchase requirement. Purchases made with promotional offer qualify for exchange or MJC gift card only. Contact Kerri for details.

**Disclaimer: I received some of the Matilda Jane clothing for purpose of review, but opinions are my own.