Clara Ballerina Dress
The Clara is a masterclass in texture and movement. Designed by Bailey in our rural Ohio studio, every element is chosen to capture and reflect light, creating a shimmering "stage effect" wherever she goes.
Artisan Features:
Stardust Tulle Skirt: Multiple layers of our signature "whisper-soft" tulle are infused with delicate, stay-in-place stardust sparkles. It provides the iconic ballerina "poof" without the weight.
The Interactive Companion: Available with an itty-bitty ballerina mouse, a tiny, hand-stitched friend that turns a beautiful dress into an imaginative adventure.
Signature Ruffled Straps: Delicate ruffles of gathered tulle sweep over the shoulders, leading to a dramatic, hand-tied satin back bow that ensures she looks just as breathtaking leaving the room as she did entering it.
✨ Adjustable Silk Ties: For a custom, grow-with-her fit.
✨ Flexible Waistband: Comfort for all-day play and cake smashes.
✨ Sensory-Soft Lining: 100% itch-free bridal mesh.
Our Fit Philosophy: Every Cora and Violet heirloom is tailored true to size for a polished look today, but featuring our signature 'Growth-Ease' silhouettes. With adjustable details and generous seam allowances, our dresses are designed to move with her as she grows, ensuring your favorite piece lasts through multiple seasons of magic.
Timeline: Each piece is handcrafted just for you. Your estimated ship date is shown right above Add to Cart.
Care: To protect the vintage lace and hand embroidery, please hand wash only and lay flat to dry.
The Cora and Violet Standard:
- Handcrafted in Ohio: Cut, sewn and finished by hand in our rural Ohio studio. Never mass-produced.
- Soft on her skin: Lined in soft bridal mesh, so it's itch-free and she'll actually keep it on.
- Sparkle that stays put: The glitter stays on the dress, not your floor.
- Ten years of trust: Families in 68+ countries have made memories in our heirlooms.
Handcrafted for Memories: Cora and Violet creations are artisan-made photography props and milestone garments designed for supervised use. Because each piece is a bespoke work of art—often incorporating vintage textiles, delicate laces, and hand-applied adornments—they are not intended for sleepwear or unsupervised play.
Safety Precautions:
- Choking Hazard: Our designs may feature small parts, ties, or decorative straps. Please exercise strict adult supervision at all times while the garment is being worn.
- Flammability Note: In accordance with federal safety regulations for specialty apparel, please be advised that this garment is not fire-resistant and should be kept away from open flames or high-heat sources.
- Artisan Materials: By purchasing, you acknowledge that our curated mix of vintage and contemporary materials requires gentle handling and supervised wear to ensure the safety of your child.
Dress Sizing Guide
Sizing may vary slightly depending on the design. If you’re ever unsure, please don’t hesitate to email us - we’re always happy to help!
Commonly Asked Questions
What size should I order for my baby’s 1st birthday?
Our most popular choice for 1st birthdays is the 6–18 month size.
I’m stuck between the 6–18 month and 1–2 year sizes. What do you recommend?
We suggest basing your choice on length, since the waist and bodice straps are very adjustable.
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For babies who aren’t quite walking yet, the 6–18 month size is usually ideal - it’s a great length for sitting, crawling, and those in-between stages.
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For taller little ones, or if you prefer a longer fit, the 1–2 year size is a wonderful option.
How do I know if the dress will be too long for my baby?
If your baby is still crawling, shorter lengths (6–18 months) are more practical. For walkers, a slightly longer fit (1–2 years) often looks adorable and still allows for easy movement.
Do your dresses have room to grow?
Yes! Many of our designs feature adjustable straps and flexible waists, so your little one can wear the dress across multiple seasons.
What size should I choose if my baby is in between sizes?
When in doubt, we recommend sizing up. Because the fit is adjustable, a larger size will allow for longer wear.
Are the dresses true to size?
Generally, yes - but since every child grows differently, we recommend checking the measurements we provide and comparing them to your child’s current clothing for the best fit.
Can my child wear the dress more than once?
Absolutely! Our heirloom-quality fabrics are made to last. Many customers size with a bit of extra room so the dress can be enjoyed for birthdays, holidays, photos, and even handed down.
Do you offer custom sizing?
At this time, our sizing runs from newborn to age 10 in standard ranges. If you’re looking for a specific fit, we’d love to help you select the best option based on measurements.
Quick Measuring Guide (At Home!)
For the best fit, grab a soft tape measure (or even a piece of string + ruler) and check these three areas:
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Chest/Bodice Width
Measure right under your baby’s arms, around the fullest part of the chest. This helps match the bodice fit. This measurement ensures chest coverage. -
Chest/bodice Length
Measure from the collar bone to the natural waist line (usually just above the belly button). Our dresses often have adjustable waists, so this is just a helpful reference. -
Length
Measure from the natural waist line ( usually just above the belly button) down to where you’d like the hem to fall (knee, mid-calf, or longer for a more formal look). This is the most important measurement to consider when between sizes.
Tip: If your baby is between sizes, choose the size that matches your preferred length—our adjustable straps and flexible waists will help with the rest!