Have you met Miss Francis – the tutu Fairy Godmother?

I have said it before and I will say it again… I LOVE a tutu! I think they are just the cutest for little girls (and even big girls – as I still love these images of Sarah Jessica Parker and of course, Marilyn Monroe in them!)

So, when Miss Francis offered Miss Marnie a chance to try one of its gorgeous tutus – I just knew it would be the perfect look for her birthday.

We went for the gorgeous smoky silver grey one. As, I still stand by what I said in my post last year – that I think the bright, colourful ones are great for fancy dress and dressing up and the more muted shade are great for ‘real life’. I also knew the grey style would be be perfect with her number 2 T-shirt on her birthday – as well as with her tights, boots and a sparkly knit or cardigan come wintertime.

If you’ve not discovered Miss Francis yet – it’s a fantastic site selling those beautiful ‘full’ style pettiskirts (as well as dresses, tops and accessories) – that little girls just love. Available from baby up to 10 years and prices start at £31.99.

Red baby tutu

 

Silver sequin tutu

All come with an adjustable waist meaning plenty of wear – Miss M’s is 1-3 years but I can see it lasting longer. Plus, all items arrive in a large gift box (ideal for storing them too) and postage is free.

See, Miss Francis really is your tutu fairy godmother….

 

When Miss Marnie met Miss Francis!

 * Q&A With Janet Francis, owner of Miss Francis *

Janet was a successful make-up artist working with the likes of Marie Claire, InStyle, You magazine and The Sunday Time magazine. But, decided to pack up her kit and move to the seaside with her photographer husband and children Chloe, 11 and Aaron, 7.  Then Miss Francis was born…

So, how did Miss Francis come about?

Having started in the fashion industry working with designers (before becoming a make-up artist) – I’ve always liked doing something creative. It was actually after seeing my daughter and her friends trying on my clothes and twirling around having so much fun that the idea for Miss Francis came about. I had always loved fashion and clothes – so it seemed like a natural step.

How has your business grown?

After a lot of research and hard work we finally set up the website in 2012 and to be honest a lot of our customers have found us through Facebook and Twitter – isn’t social media just brilliant? We have had a lot of repeat customers and general ‘word of mouth’ – it been amazing the response and it keeps me busy which I love.

How to you find the balance working from home?

Its hard. I never realised when I starred my own business how hard it would be. I initially thought it would just fit in around the kids school hours But, any working mum will tell you – it just doesn’t happen that way! It’s a juggling act but I try to stick to the school hours mainly. I then pick up the rest of the orders, enquiries, organising shoots and packing when they are doing their homework or asleep. Although, the social media side is constant!

So, tell me about the shoots how involved are you?

Having worked on hundreds of shoots – I find organising them my favourite part. I love working with kids – they’re so much fun compared to models! I love that they are unpredictable and it’s also such a nice day. My husband does the photography and I do the rest – the only thing I don’t do is the make-up – I let someone else do that now – I much prefer the styling and directing side.

What plans do you have in store for Miss Francis?

Oooh, now that would be telling! But, expect lots of new colours and designs and I am loving sequins at the moment. Choosing and helping with the designs is so fun – but, of course we have to make sure they are kid friendly!

What is your best moments?

Really it’s the customer feedback. Receiving letters, tweets and messages saying how much they love our products. I had a wonderful email from a grandmother who had said she had been woken up to the sight of her granddaughter twirling around in one of our skirts and that it had made her morning. That made my day – because enjoying them and having fun is really our company motto.

And, lastly any style tips?

I think the fabulous thing about these pettiskirt is that you can wear them exactly how you want. I once saw a girl wearing hers with tights, wellingtons, a rain mac and a big brolly- she looked brilliant. Just wear them – as they can be put in the washing machine (they are really more robust than you think) and once dry just a short blast with a warm hairdryer removes creases! (that’s one part of my make-up kit I did keep out!) And, HAVE FUN!