Courtney and I launched a capsule collection with Ivy City Co! Each holiday dress (and jumpsuit!) is inspired by our favorite Nutcracker classics.

Those who have been following me for a long time know that I used to have my own clothing line, Postlapsaria. Ages ago…and I mean ages ago. I was in my teens and twenties — and here I am at 40. When I shut down Postlapsaria, I didn’t think I’d ever go back to making clothing. I had a short sting in making soft accessories, a longer one with an eyewear capsule collection — but I though I gave up making clothing for good. My sewing machine became a tool for mending, altering, and the occasional costume. But in 2020, I went all-in again and never looked back.

I still didn’t see myself getting back into my own production. I love designing and making things, but I don’t love owning a clothing business. My dream was to have a capsule collection where I could focus on design and tweaking samples and the company could handle production and logistics. So when Courtney asked if I would be interested in collaborating with her and Ivy City, I was all in! Especially since they are such a size-inclusive company, it felt like a great fit for our Nutcracker-inspired collection. See each of our pieces below and shop them all here.

Candy Cane Jumpsuit

The Candy Cane Jumpsuit is our comfiest piece in the collection and can be worn year-round. Made from extra-soft cotton and fully lined (also in cotton!), this piece has a flowy drape that makes it feel like pajamas. Available in XXS-5X.

Use the self-tie or swap it out for the belt of your choice, like Courtney did. It has a zipper in the back and functional buttons in the front which make it extra nursing-friendly for moms like Courtney! I wear a small in this — I’m a size US 6.

Clara Dress

The Clara Dress is my personal favorite and most-worn of the bunch — but I’m extremely biased, because I selfishly wanted a babydoll empire-waist mini dress. Hey, I like what I like! The oversized bow in the back snaps on and off (easier to wash!) and though this green plaid is great for Christmas, it’s another one that can be worn regardless the season. Available in 00-34W. I wear a size 4 (I’m usually a 6).

Nutcracker Dress

The Nutcracker Dress is our best-seller and you can see why! It’s the ultimate holiday dress in holiday flannel with a built-in petticoat for added fullness. The skirt is lined for extra comfort and the sleeves have the perfect amount of poof. Available in 00-34W for adults — this one comes in mini sizes, too! Kids sizes can be found here, and baby Nutcracker dresses are here.

Cinch your waist with the self-tie bow in the front — like you see here — or you can tie it in the back. Courtney likes to wrap it to the back and in the front again to make a smaller bow on the side.

Sugarplum Fairy Dress

We based the Sugarplum Fairy Dress off of late 50s and early 60s junior prom dresses with floating bodices and sheer, layered skirts but made it more casual with a knit velvet rather than a more structured woven. We also gave it a little scalloped detail for extra whimsy. Sometimes you want to be cute and comfy in your holiday dress, you know? This dress comes in sizes 00-34W and kids sizes, too!

Snowflake Dress

The Snowflake Dress is available in XXS-5X as well as kids sizes. Made of icy blue tulle with silver snowflakes, this holiday dress will keep you glam all winter long. It has a zipper in the back and added smocking which makes the sizing extra forgiving! When I wear this dress, I hear Kacey Musgraves singing, “Go out with you in powder blue and tease my hair up high.”

Waltz of the Flowers Dress

Thanks so much to Ivy City Co and Courtney for collaborating with me on this collection of holiday dresses!