Go to the thrift store and look for a hoop -- you can adjust these slips to be as full or as straight as you want just by slipping the wire bands in and out. The uppermost bands can be removed if you wish for a softer look, but I prefer keeping all the bands in even if the top band is reduced to nearly body size, the extra little bit of weight and shape just makes the dress hang so much nicer. Yes, I have years of experience with these!
Actually, I found a ton of them on e-bay <http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&catref=C6&satitle=hoop+crinoline&sacat=11450%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=06339&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=>
They run around $20. Personally, I like the cotton ones and if the fabric is very lightweight, you don't need 5 bands, a 3 band hoop works fine.
Hints: to sit easily in a hoop and not have it pop up in front, simply place both hands on the front as you sit. This makes the hoops lie diagonally and the hoop will lie flat down over your knees just as a regular dress would.
She really should have pantaloons under the dress if she wears a hoop. Jammie bottoms, with or without added ruffles (layers from knee to ankle, usually made of 4 inch wide lace and ribbon) are the simplest way to add pantaloons.
Hope this helps!
