That’s how designer David Meister describes his approach to dressing nine-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis, up for a Best Actress award tonight for Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Meister is working with a stylist to design age and event appropriate looks for the little girl, a very accomplished actress. In every single picture I’ve seen of her, she looks fantastic. Dressed as you would expect a child of this age attending events meant for adults, and always accessorized with a puppy purse (love) in a variety of colours. She has said in interviews she will be wearing it with her outfit tonight.

All of her dresses have been simply but effectively accessorized (in addition to the plush puppies). This one features a jeweled neckline that I originally mistook for a necklace. The pink bead bracelet is cute and matches the ballet flats. Although the dress is heavily embellished, it is completely appropriate to the wearer and the occasion, a pre-Oscar party held earlier this month.

Go, Quvenzhane. My guess is she will end up being on best-dressed lists tomorrow because people are dressing her for who she is. And she looks terrific.

And here is what Quvenzhane chose to wear to the Oscars themselves; love the pretty jewelled headband and yes, the puppy purse. She looks adorable.