Ok I’m really guessing the title here. The Japanese title is おしゃれが好きな女の子の服 which literally means Fashionable – like – girls’ clothes. Which doesn’t make sense right? So Google translate tells me it’s Girls like fashionable clothes. Which makes more sense but I prefer Fashionable clothes girls like 
Whatever the title, this book is a really cute one. It is laid out in the standard fashion as most books are. Meaning, contents -> yummy photos -> Some instructions on how-to-make, and then the how-to-make for each project.
What I like about this book is the clothes are not the usual girl frilly stuff, but the quirky, minimalistic clothes that the Japanese are famous for. Think Muji! In fact, the clothes look like they are designed for adults but downsized for kids, which could be the reason why I like this book so much. I could wear one of these!
The book contains projects for spring+summer as well as autumn+winter, which means you’ve got the whole year covered!
At the end of each section, there are also suggestions on how you co-ordinate different pieces together in different combinations for different looks.
Unfortunately, this book does not include any step by step photos, and the how-to-makes are in the standard diagram format. Where the numbers pointing to the garment indicate the order of sewing.
A close up view of the diagrams. Not too difficult to understand right?
Here’s what I made from this book! (It’s dress B from the two diagrams above) I made some additional embroidery details but will post it on my other blog when I’ve taken photos with the model in the dress Updated! I’ve added a new post with more pictures of the dress below. Go on and have a look!
Title : Fashionable clothes girls like おしゃれが好きな女の子の服
Author : まのあきこ (Akiko Mano)
Project sizes : Girls clothes sizes 100-130cm
ISBN : 978-4-579-11289-0
I’m sure your daughter likes the dress. I’ve always loved dresses like this with that yoke piece. The gingham fabric gives it a french chic look. The fabric looks like seersucker, really pretty. Looking forward to seeing the details in your other blog.
Thanks Erin!
Unfortunately I’ve been really busy. Haven’t had time to take photos. Really hope to do it soon!
I’ve finally updated my other blog
http://blog.cottoncandy.com.sg/2012/03/the-play-dress/
OOh I just received this book. I am in love with so many things.
I have already made The “E” top and I’m almost finished the “I” dress.
One think I like about this book is although it is targeted toward girls, a lot of the patterns can be used for boys, like the vests and jackets.
It really is a fantastic book ♥
Yes I love this book too. I keep telling myself I have to make the bubble dress on the cover but I can’t seem to find the right material that will give it that sort of “bubble look”. And I think the beauty of the patterns lies in the construction of the clothes and the simplicity of the fabrics. Doing the bubble dress in a print will just not be the same thing! Do show us your finished pieces! Pretty please??
Hi Yifarn! I’ve made the dress several times in different fabrics. It looks very good in midweight quilting cotton, but I just made one in very fine lawn cotton, and I think that ‘falls’ even “better (see http://straightgrain.wordpress.com for pics). I’ve also made a bubble dress in double gauze (from a different pattern, though), and that also works very well.
wow! your balloon dresses look fab! I have not gotten around to making one. I can’t bear to cut my pretty double gauze fabrics
Love your blog! 
Thanks! But your double gauze fabrics will look even better when they’re turned into a gorgreous balloon dress, so take those scissors and cut!
I’ve just made the Bubble Dress for my daughter using blue linen and it worked splendidly. I think you’re right in that the simplicity of the fabric shows off the interesting design. And I agree with An above who pointed out in her blog that the dress looks just as good wrinkled (and being linen, wrinkle it does).
I like your translation of the title; it captured the charm of the book!
Hi Marianna, I saw your dress, it’s really nice and well finished. I really need to get hold of some good linen and get down to tracing this pattern!