Harptree Village: Design Inspiration and Size Guide
There is, in the soft folds of Southwest Somerset, a village so old that time itself seems to move there at a more considerate pace. Harptree - centuries settled into its stone walls and hedgerows - carries the sort of history that lingers in the air like the faintest trace of lavender. One imagines church bells sounding across rolling hills, thatched cottages drowsing beneath a pale sky, and the village green patiently awaiting its annual transformation.
For in the year of 1882 - as the print so charmingly records - the fair came to Harptree. “Come One, Come All. Step Right Up.” And so they did.
Hot air balloons, striped in carnival red and soft ivory, rose gallantly above the rooftops, their baskets swaying gently as though tipping a polite greeting to the countryside below. Upon the green, ribbons were fastened to the maypole, children gathered in anticipation, and - in the most delightful turn of events - rabbits in their Sunday best took to penny farthings with all the earnestness of gentlemen late for an appointment.
It is this scene, suspended somewhere between memory and fable, that forms the heart of our Harptree Village collection. Lovingly illustrated exclusively for Kitten D’Amour, the print unfolds like the pages of a well-thumbed storybook. Woodland creatures gather beneath trees washed in the gentlest spring hues. Balloons drift above, carrying with them the promise of spectacle and celebration. The words themselves are woven into the design - “Harptree Fair, Southwest Somerset, In this year of 1882” - a proclamation as charming as it is grand.
It is whimsical, certainly, but never frivolous. There is tradition here - the quiet English sort - balanced with a twinkle of mischief. One can almost imagine a young lady fastening her gloves before stepping out to the green, hopeful of spectacle, ribbons and perhaps the faintest breeze to set her skirt in motion.
And what might one wear to such an occasion?
There may be full skirts that move with the grace of a village dance, their sweep catching the light as though stitched with spring itself. There may be silhouettes of a more sculpted persuasion, for those who prefer their romance tempered with confidence and a well-defined waist.
Blouses appear in gentle seasonal colourways, perfectly suited to pairing with something delightfully practical - perhaps even a touch of denim for the modern Harptree heroine who insists upon both charm and independence.
For brisk mornings when the balloons ascend before the sun has properly settled, there may be outerwear of a most cosy disposition - the sort of piece one might wear to watch the fair awaken. Scarves flutter like the ribbons of the maypole; jewellery glints discreetly, as though borrowed from a keepsake box discovered in a cedar chest.
'Harptree Village' is no modest chapter. It is a collection that feels expansive, layered, and alive with narrative. Dresses, skirts, tailored pieces, softer blouses, denim treasures - each one carrying a fragment of the fair within its design. It is Easter through an English lens; it is spring rendered in ink and ribbon; it is the countryside dressed for celebration.
Perhaps what makes 'Harptree Village' so enchanting is not merely the rabbits or the balloons, nor even the proclamation of 1882 woven through the print. It is the feeling that one might step into it - that one might, for a moment, belong to that village green where history and imagination stroll arm in arm.
The Fitting room
Of course, once the storybook has been written and the designs have arrived, the next question is always the same one… Which 'Harptree Village' designs will find their way into your wardrobe?
Every collection brings its own silhouettes, fabrics and little details, and 'Harptree Village' is no exception. From softly tailored dresses to playful denim and charming blouses, each design has its own personality.
And while we can describe the inspiration and design elements all day long, there is nothing quite as helpful as hearing directly from the Kittens who have tried them on.
Our Kittens have spent time with the 'Harptree Village' designs, trying them, twirling in them, and getting a feel for how each piece fits and moves. They’ve shared their thoughts to help guide you in choosing the design - and the size - that will suit you best. So before you step into the village fête yourself, let’s hear from the Kittens…
Adrienne Kitten
Measurements: BUST 105CM, WAIST 85CM, HIP 116CM, HEIGHT 170CM
‘Harptree Village’ Wiggle Skirt (Size 14):
Oh this one is lovely. The silhouette skims the curves so beautifully and feels incredibly flattering. I especially loved the length as I’m a little on the taller side, and the stretch means it’s comfortable as well as elegant. And that polka dot contrast? Simply delightful.
‘Harptree Village’ Day Dress (Size 12):
Oooo I do love a classic dress. The print is absolutely divine and the fit felt true to size on me. Add a few petticoats and suddenly there are twirls happening everywhere.
‘Harptree Village’ Crop Jacket (Size 12):
Oh my kittens… the sleeves are not too tight! That alone made me very happy. The stretch makes this jacket so comfortable and the velvety suede texture feels beautiful. Honestly, I feel like I may need one in every colour.
‘Harptree Village’ Frill Front Top (Size 12):
This one was a lovely surprise. I sometimes find size 12 tops a little snug across the ribs, but this fit beautifully and felt very comfortable. The contrasting prints are such fun, and the frills and bow together make the whole piece feel wonderfully playful.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Skirt (Size 12):
All the twirling will absolutely be happening in this skirt. It sits beautifully at the waist and the moment I discovered it had pockets I was completely sold. Paired with the Frill Top it made me feel so fun and fancy.
And of course, finishing the look with the accessories is half the joy. Garden hats, hair flowers and pearls… perfection.
Kerryn Kitten
Measurements: BUST 93CM, WAIST 70CM, HIP 104CM, HEIGHT 169CM
‘Harptree Village’ Bunny Blouse (Size 8):
This one completely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. I usually shy away from long sleeves and larger prints, but this breezy silk-blend blouse won me over immediately. Playful, chic and so easy to wear.
‘Harptree Village’ Crop Jacket (Size 8):
I adore a crop jacket for adding polish to an outfit. The size 8 fit perfectly, though if upper arms are sometimes a tricky spot you may wish to size up. Paired here with the ‘D’Amour’ Satin Frill Blouse (Size 8) - the same beautiful fit we all love, now in the most scrumptious new colours.
‘Harptree Village’ Wiggle Skirt (Size 10):
I often size up for a wiggle and this was no exception. And yes… it definitely gives you the walk. Elegant, confident and just a little dramatic. I loved it.
‘Harptree Village’ Denim Jumpsuit (Size 10):
It’s hard to go past a jumpsuit, especially a denim one. I love that you can layer tops underneath it, though I also adored the look simply styled with a scarf. The size 10 was the right fit for me, though longer torsos may wish to size up.
‘Harptree Village’ Denim Vest (Size 8):
I do love a vest, especially a denim one, and this little number is wonderfully stretchy. The size 8 fit like a dream and I’m fairly certain I’ll be needing one in my wardrobe.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Skirt (Size 8):
Honestly, cute as a button. The waistband is quite firm, so I wouldn’t be fitting too many chocolate eggs in there with me, but the silhouette is gorgeous. And pockets! Always a win. I wore mine with two petticoats for extra drama.
Anastasia Kitten
Measurements: BUST 98CM, WAIST 78CM, HIP 106CM, HEIGHT 170CM
‘Harptree Village’ Maxi Dress (Size 10):
I usually wear my smaller size in maxi dresses and the 10 fit beautifully through the bust and waist.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Dress (Size 12):
The signature Kitten cotton is quite structured, so I chose my larger size here. The 12 felt comfortable and created a lovely shape.
‘Harptree Village’ Blouse with Singlet (Size 12):
I could comfortably wear either a 10 or 12 but chose the 12 as I wanted the option to layer it with other pieces.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Skirt (Size 12):
This skirt has a similar fit to the full dress, so the 12 worked perfectly here as well. It sits nicely at the waist and gives that beautiful vintage silhouette.
‘Harptree Village’ Wiggle Skirt (Size 14):
Stretchy, comfortable and very flattering thanks to the waistband. The 14 worked well for my hips.
Siana Kitten
Measurements: Bust 108cm, Waist 91cm, Hip 123cm Height 163cm
‘Harptree Village’ Maxi Dress (Size 16):
This dress has such a lovely elegant length, and the pockets are always a welcome surprise. On my frame the torso sat a little longer, which may suit Kittens with longer torsos beautifully. The size 16 felt comfortable through the bust and created a relaxed silhouette.
‘Harptree Village’ Blouse (Size 16):
Such a lightweight blouse and so comfortable to wear. The button details at the sleeve cuffs are gorgeous and the bow adds that little bit of extra flair.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Skirt (Size 16):
This skirt sat perfectly on my waist and the size 16 fit beautifully. The length feels very classic Kitten and it looks wonderful with a petticoat underneath.
‘Harptree Village’ Blouse with Singlet (Cream, Size 16):
This quickly became one of my favourite layering pieces. The blouse fit comfortably without feeling too loose or too tight, and I love the option to tie it at the back for shaping.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Dress (Size 16):
The size 16 worked best for me and felt comfortable at the waist. The neckline detail is really interesting and the bow adds a lovely finishing touch.
‘Harptree Village’ Blouse with Singlet (Size 16):
This blouse was incredibly easy to wear and sat nicely across my hips. A lovely piece to mix and match with the skirts.
‘Harptree Village’ Wiggle Skirt (Size 18):
This wiggle skirt hugged my curves beautifully. I added the Beauty School Belt to cinch the waist and the result was such a flattering silhouette. The polka dots make it even more charming.
Jackie Kitten
Measurements: BUST 79 cm, WAIST 71 cm, HIP 101 cm, HEIGHT 164 cm
‘Harptree Village’ Maxi Dress (Size 8):
I wore my usual size 8 and found it true to size with a little room for layering if needed. The wide pleat detail is absolutely beautiful and adds such elegance to the skirt.
‘Harptree Village’ Crop Jacket (Size 8):
I absolutely adore this velvet-like jacket. It has a beautiful stretch and feels lovely to wear. It will mix so well with so many outfits that I may need both colours.
‘Harptree Village’ Blouse (Red, Size 8):
A relaxed and comfortable fit. I especially love the extra neck tie option, which makes it easy to style the blouse in different ways.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Skirt (Size 8):
The waistband is quite firm but sits beautifully at the waist. I loved the print placement and there are so many lovely ways to style this skirt with different tops.
Tammy Kitten
Measurements: BUST 86 CM · WAIST 64 CM · HIP 91 CM · HEIGHT 161 CM
‘Harptree Village’ Blouse (Size 6):
The size 6 fit beautifully and the fabric feels amazing to wear. If you are between sizes you may even find you could size down.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Skirt (Size 8):
I normally wear a 6 but sized up to an 8 as the waistband felt a little snug in the smaller size. The 8 sat comfortably and created a beautiful shape.
‘Harptree Village’ Crop Jacket (Size 8):
I sized up to an 8 as the 6 felt a little snug across the bust. The 8 gave me a much more comfortable fit.
‘D’Amour’ Satin Frill Front Blouse (Size 4):
I sized down from my usual 6 and the 4 fit beautifully. This blouse is absolutely stunning and honestly… I think I might need it in every colour.
‘Harptree Village’ Wiggle Skirt (Size 8):
My usual size 8 and the fit was spot on. There’s just enough stretch to keep it comfortable while still giving that gorgeous fitted wiggle shape.
‘Harptree Village’ Full Dress (Size 6):
I wore my regular size 6 and the fit was perfect. With two petticoats underneath the skirt creates the most gorgeous vintage silhouette. The red piping and button details really pop.
I’m a bigger girl. I can’t wait to purchase this collection.
Can I ask how loose are the sleeves in the long sleeve blouse around the biceps?
Excitedly awaiting release. 💜
Oh Kitten D’Amour! Your storytelling and the Harptree Village inspiration really bring a whimsical, almost storybook-like charm to life. This was such a dreamy read. I adore how every aspect, from the design components to the nostalgic and communal vibe woven throughout, feels so purposeful.
I actually felt a wave of nostalgia for Easter back home—what we call an Easter mela (fair)—after reading this. With rows of food vendors, small games, and even entertaining activities like guessing the weight of an Easter egg to win a hamper, it had the same enchanted village vibe. In the same way that your vision is alive and joyful, everything was set against the soft summer breeze of the northern hemisphere.
And the kittens look absolutely amazing in their try-ons. They bring the whole vision to life so beautifully.
Oh, I’m missing it all so much now. With Easter just around the corner, I can’t help but feel like fleeing back home just to relive those magical memories all over again.
Such a pretty, fun and feminine collection! And so many pieces to choose from!
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