Christiane Lemieux, Founder and Creative Director of DwellStudio

Something tragic happened this month: my daughter Isabelle went "princess" on me. (Insert gasp of horror here.) How was this possible?! Never once have I read her a princess book or showed her a princess movie--and yet, there she was, requesting a gown and tiara and high-heeled slippers. It's all my fault, I thought, remembering back to how smug I was on Halloween, when Isabelle trick-or-treated as Spider Man alongside all the ballet dancers and mermaids. How did they get their hands on my child? My guess is she was plied over to the dark side by their plastic heels--what child could resist those hideous things?

Naturally, I have mixed feelings: the Mom in me thinks it's great for Isabelle's imagination to run wild, while the entrepreneur in me can't figure out why she doesn't want to play President or CEO. (Though I suppose those outfits are not as compelling.) And of course, my inner design snob can't help but wonder: Why does this developmental milestone have to be so aesthetically unpleasing? Every princess costume out there seems to make daughter look like a strumpet out of a Southern brothel.

Unfortunately, Isabelle seemed adamant about this new phase. So, figuring, "If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em," I immediately launched a quest for all things "hip princess." And to my surprise, there were some amazing items out there! I started with the costume, the one piece of paraphernalia that bothers me most of all. (Just this morning at breakfast, I was forced to endure a mountain of pink glitter tulle, under which I ultimately found my 3-year-old daughter.) (See above...) Word to the wise: good costumes don't come cheap. My top pick for cool princess outfit goes to John Derian’s Middle Ages Princess costume. It has all the bells and whistles, just a hint of tulle, terrific styling and is 100% cotton, so your little princess won't perspire too much. 

I'm also a fan of the ballet princess confection from Wovenplay; frankly, I love everything they do (Available at Modern Child).

Room décor was a bit more challenging. After visiting the usual suspects online, I found most of what I was looking for at Etsy. I can totally live with these wall decorations of a princess wearing a ladybug crown and her equally adorable friend from The Reign of Ellen shop.

I knew my daughter would want to eat her "royal dinner" (yeah, right--more like chicken tenders and fries) off of a princess plate, and this handmade one from Alina Hayes stood out in a sea of licensed melamine products.

Another notable Etsy finds were a pretty princess hair clip from Everyday Clippies.

Last but not least, I discovered this irresistible, recession-friendly piglet at Target recently--how's that for some porcine attitude? I love her modern shape and the hint of bling in the crown. Now this is a princess I can get with!

Wouldn’t you know, my "Everything You Wanted to Know About Princess Culture But Were Afraid To Ask" education not only gave me newfound respect for the modern day princess, but let my own imagination run wild as well. Now, I'm dreaming up the perfect fourth birthday party for Isabelle at the West Village's Sweetpie Restaurant, with its princess fantasy décor and gilded birdcage. Felt pink party bags will be filled with crown iron-on tees and princess hair clips--and for the final touch, my daughter can wear this cool felt crown from The Paperista.

I mean, what could be better for a four-year-old's birthday than cupcakes and crowns? Wait...hold on a sec...I think I just went princess, too! Shhh, don't tell.