What's the max you'd pay for a special occasion outfit for your toddler?

I wouldn't spend any more than £25 on a special dress, as others have said it wouldn't get worn much and probably ruined!

**Pip**:

What size and what sort of thing are you looking for?

18-24m and it needs to be very thin material as the humidity and heat is high in Thailand in April.

Next is the same over here- overpriced! But if I see something, I can get my mum to check if it's in stock back home I guess. If it's this difficult to buy for E, it's going to be an absolute nightmare sorting out my outfit!!! 

For my friends wedding we bought P a dress from Mothercare and I thought that was a really expensive luxury at £14

I guess for an older child £30 maximum, especially if they could wear it again, but then I guess it depends on the occasion.

Any of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Monsoon-Girls-Party-Dress-Age-18-24-Months-BNWT-/280819634772?pt=Baby_Clothing&hash=item4162279254#ht_500wt_1287

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-Girls-Pink-Monsoon-Dress-Age-18-24-Months-/160727205041?pt=Girl_s_Clothing&hash=item256c1684b1#ht_500wt_1287

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BABY-GIRL-18-24-MONTHS-PRETTY-EMBROIDERED-SUMMER-DRESS-/110814479109?pt=Baby_Clothing&hash=item19cd0ec305#ht_5154wt_1037

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gorgeous-Cotton-Summer-Red-Spotty-Dress-18-24-Months-/170775285826?pt=Baby_Clothing&hash=item27c3001042#ht_500wt_1287

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/White-Summer-Dress-18-24-Months-/270907740948?pt=Baby_Clothing&hash=item3f135c1314#ht_500wt_1287

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Girls-Monsoon-summer-dress-18-24-months-/260946143271?pt=Girl_s_Clothing&hash=item3cc19a2827#ht_500wt_1156

Chateau De Sable , they are in the Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi , but have an online shop too. Have a look at the e boutique.  Their dresses are quite classic & ideal for the UAE. 

http://www.chateaudesable.com/

I don't think its finding a dress that costs £££££ , its finding a dress thats just right.

I'm just trying to think of other stores or shops that I know are in the UAE, that are not typical UK high St stuff.

I can't bring myself to spend more than £30 on a dress.

L's had some lovely ones from John Lewis and Sainsbury's, both of which people keep asking me if they're from Monsoon. The sainsbury's one was a couple of years ago though and I think their stuff has gone downhill since.

Thank you so much Pip! She actually has 3 of those dresses! I should get into eBay at those prices!

Mrs JMP:

Chateau De Sable , they are in the Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi , but have an online shop too. Have a look at the e boutique.  Their dresses are quite classic & ideal for the UAE. 

http://www.chateaudesable.com/

I don't think its finding a dress that costs £££££ , its finding a dress thats just right.

I'm just trying to think of other stores or shops that I know are in the UAE, that are not typical UK high St stuff.

I love it and not bad prices at all! Thank you! Now I need to work on H driving to Abu Dhabi with me... 

dimity:

L's had some lovely ones from John Lewis and Sainsbury's, both of which people keep asking me if they're from Monsoon. The sainsbury's one was a couple of years ago though and I think their stuff has gone downhill since.

I loved Sainsburys and miss it now! I used to get loads there when E was tiny and it lasted/washed so well!

Have you tried Tape a L'oeil , Tuc Tuc or  Cacharel in the Mall of the Emirates?

They should be selling Summer season now?

I (well PIL) spent £80 for Zoe's Christening dress and that seemed ridiculous amount to me.

Zoe wears lots of Monsoon dresses but I always buy in the sales - basically go in and grab every dress around her size and hit the changing rooms.  She has a ball.  However I don't think I'd pay full price for them because I know so many can be got in the sales and/or on Ebay.  I guess if I was forced to I'd go up to around £35 but would begrudge it. 

Tried Tape a L'oeil and Cacherel but nothing suitable- I'll keep checking though. Not been to Tuc Tuc, another one for the list thank you!

jelly baby:

I (well PIL) spent £80 for Zoe's Christening dress and that seemed ridiculous amount to me.

Es outfit came to this too and H agreed to it as it was a special occasion and having her baptised was a big thing for him. This is my BFs wedding so he's less willing to spend so much! I'll keep an eye in Monsoon too as they always have such pretty dresses and most of Es are from there as people always give us vouchers for there! 

Thank you for everyones input, really helpful!!

Second the dress making idea.  When my Dad lived in Kuala Lumpur, My SMum used to get loads of stuff made.  At least you can get exactly what you want and probably at half the cost.