Seattle - March 27, 2007

Child’s Play

Dace Spring Collection

You used to be the queen of dress-up. You just couldn’t understand why nobody else (like your defenseless little brother and the family cat) looked pleased when you were holding court.

Dace Moore knows the feeling. But after a childhood spent practicing on her siblings, the Vancouver-based designer has moved on to a more productive pursuit: her eponymous line of simple yet refined tops, jackets, dresses, and shorts that make it abundantly clear she’s all grown up.

We’re guessing she won’t have any trouble finding volunteers for her playful new spring collection. It’s filled with styles named for ponies (another girlhood obsession) — faves like Ginger, a navy romper; Molly, a hooded raincoat; and Billy, a blousy top.

Soft, high-quality fabrics and easy shapes make the pieces perfect for everything from a weekend road trip to an afternoon picnic.

And far more worthy of you than someone’s ratty old prom dress and grandma’s heels.

Available at Impulse, 621 North 36th Street, Fremont (206-545-4854); Olivine, 5344 Ballard Avenue Northwest (206-706-4188); online at dace.ca.