As some of you may know, I'm a member of the Del Ray Business Association. I love my little neighborhood of Del Ray in Alexandria, and I've met some really remarkable small business owners through the DRBA. One of those fabulous small business owners turned out to be a neighbor who lives right down the street (and a kick-ass lady, at that)! Kelly is a native Australian living in America with her Naval officer husband. She describes herself as "an old soul stuck in a young body" and adores all things vintage - a love that drew her to launch her own business, Darling Betty. Darling Betty makes custom dresses for young girls - and they are adorable. Using custom, retro-inspired patterns (and she has a professional pattern maker creating her patterns - these are no store-bought patterns!), Kelly creates really beautiful dresses - and ones that I think would be perfect for the little flower girls in your wedding. Not only can you have a say in the fabric and style, but these are also stylish pieces that the girls can wear post-wedding as they're not super "bridal."

Right now Kelly has four main styles - the Sprinkles, Emmaline, Maple, and Alice dress (the Alice is my favorite. Like Anne of Green Gables, I love me some puffed sleeves). There's also a very cute skirt called Skip To My Lou. Kelly has also just started making women's sized dresses as well - so if you want some bridesmaids options that would match your flower girls, check out her "Vertie" dress!

It's also important to note that Darling Betty garments are locally, 100% American made with domestically sourced fabrics that are of superior quality. Ordering is really simple. You can either order straight off the website or email or message her through Facebook (she often uploads photos to FB of limited-run fabrics) and she'll send you a Paypal invoice. Shipping is $6 domestic and she offers free personal delivery in Alexandria. Sizing is 2T-6 for girls (there is sizing specification on her website with more info). If you choose a custom dress, turn around time is approximately 2 weeks. If it's an inventory dress, it will be posted or delivered in 1 business day.

So check Darling Betty out if you're looking for some fun, local and unique alternatives to the usual flower girl options. And be on the lookout next month when Kelly launches a new Darling Betty signature dress!