Before you deck the halls, deck your girls out in the handmade, one-of-a-kind holiday dresses and skirts from one of our longtime favorite indie makers, Courtney Courtney. They’re much more comfy than a red faux-taffeta dress with scratchy white lace, we wouldn’t be surprised if you find one that becomes a favorite article of clothing long after the holidays are through.

But hurry! If you see one you like, it will go fast. Because they really are one-of-a-kind, each made in her Chicago studio from soft, comfy, carefully-thrifted tees and fabrics.

Each finished piece is like a patchwork quilt of awesome with merry details like ballet shoes for your little Nutcracker dancer, retro snowflakes, screen-printed vintage ice skates, or even an awesome nod to the Griswolds’ Christmas Vacation — minus the lights.

 

Related: Christmas sweaters have nothing on the new collection of holiday TOMS

non-traditional holiday dresses from Courtney Courtney: Handmade reindeer dress

non-traditional holiday dresses from Courtney Courtney: Handmade vintage ice skate dress

non-traditional holiday dresses from Courtney Courtney: Handmade elf workshop dress

I especially love how her dresses can be cute, knee-length dresses one holiday, and then tunics with leggings the next, after your kid has shot up five inches.In fact, in my household, my teenager’s childhood Courtney Courtney dress is still making the rounds among friends with younger kids, so let’s just say, these last.

Yay for makers who really care about quality.

Shop Courtney Courtney’s one-of-a-kind holiday dresses, swing skirts, or ponchos at her Big Cartel site. But be lively and quick before some other elf grabs your favorite piece. And if you have a petite-sized dog or a verrrry patient cat, you have got to check out the Courtney Courtney holiday sweaters for pets