Inspiration from Children's Clothing?

I know, I know. They're clothes meant for kids--not adults! Given that shops like Modcloth are so popular and they offer loads of pieces that venture into this so-called "twee" and beyond, it seems that there is a good chunk of people that like this "twee" and/or childish aesthetic. I have to admit that I do have a soft spot for such items and I dare say I did have a wardrobe full of "childish" tops and dresses from my college days which I am glad to say is mostly gone after the spring purge!

While my current wardrobe seems mostly "work-appropriate" (I mean, there's lots of button-ups and cardigans??), every now and then I seem to get something that steps into the kiddie pool, if you will--things that are considered childish. I'm talking about things like peter pan collars, scallops, bows, whatever! It's not like these things were reserved only for children's clothing! It just so happened that they've been mostly used in children's clothing so that now we seem to think that some of these looks (especially the peter pan collar, I find) are childish and cute and therefore unsuitable for adults.

Anyways, to avoid making this some long incoherent thought, I like all that cute stuff and it's not strictly for kids. I don't straight up wear kids clothes (I could wear the larger sizes, but the proportions are all off) and I'm not looking at clothes because I'm interested in having kids myself (believe me, that is the absolute last thing on my mind if it's ever on my mind), but I like looking at kids' clothes for inspiration when making clothes for myself. Only a little though... I'm no diver, just a wader.

Recently, Janie and Jack has been my latest interest since (I admit) I am at the mall at least once a week to hang out with Emily (we don't really buy anything--just dinner mostly!) and we "ooh" and "aww" at their window display every time we pass by. I'm actually making something right now that is inspired by one of the dresses below (Which one? It's a surprise!).

Top: Striped Halter Dress, Pleated Colorblock Dress, Tiered Pique Dress

Bottom: Ribbon Colorblock Dress, Bow Colorblock Top, Bow Stripe Knit Top

Seriously... They're so fucking cute.