Shirin Kids
I am so jealous of how little girls get to dress nowadays. Gone are scratchy tights and stiff trousers — the tunic/dress and leggings uniform has taken over — basically they look super cute and get to run around in the equivalent of their PJs all day long! I love the Shirin Kids dresses — they’re super comfortable to wear and so original and pretty. The dresses are made out of organic fabric and screen printed by hand. The summer collection is divine.
PS -I have also realised that if the leggings and dress look is good enough for my girls, it is good enough for me too, and I am now a proud owner of a Shirin dress of my very own!
Personalised charm bracelets from Merci Maman
I have always loved the idea of charm bracelets. My mom still wears one which she inherited from my Great Grandmother and I think it’s such a lovely idea to pass on something like this — such sentimental value! I recently got a lovely personalised charm bracelet from Merci Maman (like the one pictured) with three charms for my three children. I love how simple it is with the black string and the gold-plated charms. A modern take on a classic piece.
Merci Maman offers several different styles of bracelets and necklaces (including ones for kids or even for dads!), and you can choose between an array of different colours of string and types of charms.
-Courtney
My Handbag Dilemna
Though it looks innocent, my handbag is an explosive device! Every time I put it down, its contents seems to self-eject and spread themselves in an approx 1 m radius from the bag. It even puzzles my 5-year-old, who the other day asked me with awe how I get my bag to explode…
I have tried everything: small bags and huge bags — but between wallet, phone, chapstick, lipstick, note pads, headphones, the book that should be read, the hat in case it rains, tissues (which have normally fallen out of their sleeve), cheap plastic toys, USB sticks, hair bands, stamped and ready to send letters, old bits of chewing gum wrapped in a receipt, random bills and even more random foreign change…. I have the feeling that my handbag is winning the battle of control over its content – not me. What about you, do you manage to take control of your bag?
The handbag in the photo is (obviously) not mine but my current dream bag, the Mulberry Alexa.
-Emilie
Is that a nappy bag? Yes, it is!
Beautiful, this nappy bag by new company Rubizu! Rubizu is formed by two sisters Roba and Azza and together they design and produce a series of exquisite nappy bags that are not only beautiful and luxurious but also very practical indeed. It works as follows: the pretty turquoise insert pops out completely. The ‘empty’ bag can be used independently from the interior compartment as it has its own side pockets and is beautiful as is. The interior compartment can be easily organised once out of the bag. Very soon, a laptop insert will be available too which transforms the bag from mummy bag to business bag in a few seconds! (I’m particularly excited about this feature because my laptop bag is such an embarrassment — I think my husband got it for free at a conference about 15 years ago. It’s gross.) All in all, these Rubizu bags are pretty amazing. For available styles and more info on the functionality, check the Rubizu website. The pretty leather bag featured here is available through Blossom Mother and Child.
xxx Esther
Introducing Morley at Couverture
Morley is the brand new label by Anouk Robyn, the former designer of cult childrenswear label, Quincy, and is launching this season with lovely, understated pieces for children aged 6 months to 12 years. I’m loving the washed-out cottons and summery pastel colours — it is all so effortlessly cute, so easy to wear (I suppose you would expect nothing else from the woman who spent more than ten years designing for Quincy!).
All of the pieces above (and more!) are available from Couverture, one of my favourite London-based boutiques. Have a look at the rest of the childrens collection — all SO cute! And then… if you can stand the temptation, take a look at their womens and homewear collection as well — flawless.
-Courtney
Stylish summer dresses from Pink Chicken
Loving this bright green dress with Mexican inspired embroidery. It’s so effortlessly cool and stylish, and so hip combined with those oversized shades! Sara will rock this look this summer; I just need to figure out where to get the sunglasses (any idea?). Pink Chicken is a lovely line of bohemian chic tunics and dresses — simple, original, and of great quality. I love dresses like these for my daughters this summer and am eyeing one of those cool tunics for myself! Available through wonderful webshop Arte Bebé, where you’ll definitely find more treasures.
xxx Esther
Fjallraven Kanken
When my son was still a babe in arms I bought him a Fjallraven Kanken rucksack for when he started Kindergarten. I bought it from an uber-cool kid’s boutique in Berlin (Le Petite Boutique on Auguststr. in Mitte if you happen to be in the area), and just thought it was the cutest thing to imagine my little boy carrying it on his back to and from school some day.
His rucksack (in colour ‘Putty’) is now very well used, and we also have a navy blue one ready in waiting for my daughter, who starts kindergarten this year. If I have any more children I want to add a Grasshopper Green and a Warm Yellow one to our collection. I think it is the perfect kid’s rucksack. Big enough for a lunch-box and water-bottle and with a pocket in the front for treasures (torches, sticks, string etc). The back is kept sturdy with a removable foam pad which is handy for impromtu picnics when the ground is a bit too cold to sit on. They come in a great range of colours and are really durable. You can buy them at the very cool Austrian webshop, Der Kleine Salon.
-Mo. x
Sweet Swimsuits from Sabina Swims
I’m not going to go in to detail about where exactly my body needs to be lifted and by how many centimetres, but let me just tell you that Sabina from Sabina Swims picked the exact right bikini from her gorgeous collection. A little bit of padding here, the exact right cut there… really does the trick!
Sabina Swims Swimwear is the perfect place to browse to if you’re looking for a swimsuit or bikini, especially if you’re a mum with a bit to lift or hide. I love how you can select your own ensemble — you can pick the top that suits your boobs best, and then choose a matching (or not!) bottom in the size and shape of your preference. There are more daring and more modest choices, cute swimsuits and tankinis too. I also love the look of the maternity collection! And Sabina very kindly included a tiny swimsuit for Ava in my order — in matching fabric to my bikini — so sweet!! Bring on the summer; I’m all set for the beach!!!
xxx Esther
Nils & Happy to see you
Well, happy to see you too!!! Nils & Happy to see you is one of those brands that is just too adorable for words. The designs (for boys, girls AND dolls) are just gorgeous, made out of fabulous fabrics in lovely Liberty prints and strong colours (of course I love that mustardy yellow). How stylish are the dresses and blouses and tunics, all easily combine-able; and how gorgeous are the quaker trousers — just beautiful both for boys and girls (Pim has them in yellow with this stylish tunic). Oh, did you have a look at the accessories? How cute are the matching girl and doll suitcases?
Of course, I should now say that I wish I could squeeze myself in the designs, BUT… a selection of the clothes come in (smaller) grown up sizes. (!!!)
xxx Esther
Steve Madden Tsunami Boots
Having spent a decent amount of time in London I have come to respect the need for comfortable and stylish “Wellies”. In New York City, it doesn’t rain nearly as much, but when it does the streets suddenly fill with women wearing Hunter Boots. No offense to Hunter Boots of course, but I was seriously starting to wonder if there were any other brands out there! I saw these in a store window this week and I was psyched — cool looking rain boots, great colors, and no logo! I love these Tsunami boots from Steve Madden with their contrast colored piping and zipper on the back. The are super comfortable and better yet, not everywhere you turn. At least not yet. You can also find them at my favourite place, Zappos.
-Dina
Caftan cool
Caftan-lover like myself? Well… look no further than Australian bohemian-inspired webshop Rock My Horse because their caftans are AMAZINGLY gorgeous! At this time of the year (it’s Summer here folks) my kids are in and out of pools and sprinkler systems every 2 minutes and running around in next to nothing. Caftans are the coolest, most versatile piece of summer clothing to throw on in between swimming sessions, for any activity. And trust me, these are the coolest I have ever seen… especially if you are partial to paisley prints (which I adore). They are all hand embroidered, made of the finest, softest cotton and their lovely range extends to include boys, girls, babies and even us ladies. So do have a look… even if it is snowing outside and you are shivering to the bone because before you know it the sun will be shining and you will be bikini-clad and heading off to the beach!!
ps. Rock My Horse is now having a Christmas sale with 25% off. They will ship world-wide. Don’t you just love the internet?
- Sara
Quality People
I am very impressed by the new label Quality People and their cute and super soft T-shirt and tops for children. The label was started by Kellie, an LA fashion designer who relocated to Paris. After having kids she decided to rethink her approch toward fashion and tried to produce clothes that make a difference. She has managed something that used to seem impossible: making organic, ethically produced clothes look good and on trend. There is not a piece of tie-dye in sight! I love the laid back, Californian style of the T-shirts, which is quite different from the style we usually see here in Paris.
I also really like Quality People’s women’s collection. Cool, relaxed, organic cashmere — sounds like music to my ears! The children’s and women’s collection are available online here in France. For the rest of the world you can find the list of boutiques here.
-Emilie
A guide to staying warm
When I was about 25, I suddenly had a big revelation: I was standing at a bus stop in London on a very cold winter’s day and realised that maybe for the first time ever I was warm — I was actually wearing sensible clothing! It was a big milestone in my journey to becoming a sensible adult. Since then I have made it my mission to find warm clothes that will protect me from the winter’s chill.
So here are a couple of my recommendations:
- Uniqlo Heattech: I have been wearing a Uniqlo Heattech T-shirt almost every day. For people in countries where Uniqlo has not arrived yet — Uniqlo is the Japanese equivalent to GAP and it rocks. The Heattech T-shirts are made out of some kind of mixtures of fabrics that make them very light and thin but super warm. They are great to wear under anything and as they are so thin, they will dissapear even under a tight dress.
- Fur lined Chuck Taylors: These are my must-have for this winter, I tuck my jeans into these and I am ready to go. They are super comfy and I wear them with skinny jeans or even with thick tights and a denim mini skirt.
- Fleece socks for my Hunter Wellies: I often wear Wellingtons as there is nothing I dislike more than cold, wet shoes and feet. I have a pair of bright orange Hunter Boots and my friend Belinda told me about these great fleece wellie socks you stick into your boots to make them nice and cozy and warm. I got a pair and now my wellies double as snow boots. I wear them all the time, they are ideal for the typical slushy snow we get over here.
- Fleece lined tights: Imagine wearing tights that are lined with fleece on the inside but on the outside they look like opaque tights! I was given a pair as a present and I am hooked. I found this link to a pair of fleece lined tights, that look very similar to mine.
Do let me know if you have any other tips, I am always on the look-out for things that promise to shield me against the cold!
-Emilie
Two-Tone Tights
Last week I went to American Apparel to seek out these two-tone tights (pictured above) which I noticed cropping up in the pre-school scene, and I am LOVING their kids collection. It’s all ’70s an ’80s inspired (but in a good way). Not only did I pick up a few of these two tone tights which are completely adorable, but they also have a vast and very well-priced selection for adults (in solid colors). Also check out this adorable pettitcoat skirt and leotard — cheap and cheerful.
-Dina
I heart moccasins
I absolutely LOVE moccasins. I always have. I especially love mocs that are made of soft, buttery leather like these handmade beauties by the uber talented Susan Peterson of Freshly Picked. Aren’t they just irresistible? And so, so cool! My kids have worn moccasins since they were babies and I am starting to notice them everywhere these days. To me they are an easy, low-fuss, unisex wardrobe staple because they go with absolutely everything — trousers, shorts and leggings and they are especially adorable teamed with pretty dresses. Not to mention, incredibly comfortable! Oh, one last thing — nice on adults too (just not nearly as cute).
- Sara
ONE YEAR AGO WE WROTE ABOUT:
• Books without words by Iela and Enzo Mari• KeepCup and save the environment
10 things to have as a nursing mother
I just read this post on A Cup Of Jo and loved it — it’s a great, stylish and sensible list of must-have items for mothers with a newborn baby. I totally agree that easy, slip-on shoes and a wristwatch are essential. I also like the tip about the backpack — it has inspired me to get one, as I am sick of having a stiff back from carrying around a shoulder bag that weighs a ton. I love the retro feel of these backpacks, it reminds me of the backpack my dad had as a student in the ’60s.
I would add to this list a pashmina, as you can use it as a blanket, nursing cover and rain protection. I also am addicted to my baker boy cap as I have no free hand for an umbrella anymore. I wear it 24/7 in the cold and rainy climate I live in. What about you? Do you have any items you can recommend that make getting out and about with a newborn just a little bit easier?
- Emilie
Witchery for Kids
Spring is in the air! I can feel it. Well kind of. It’s my eyes and nose, as hayfever takes hold. The weather is still very cool — unseasonally so. And, after a particularly cold winter (by southern hemisphere standards) we are all psyched for some summer sun and fun….With this in mind I have just checked out the recently launched summer children’s line at Witchery. Witchery womenswear has always been one of my favourite places to shop for wardrobe staples. The new mini-me range, for boys and girls aged 2 to 9, covers all the basics and then some, all effortlessly cool (lots of great stripey numbers and cargo) and at very reasonable prices. My pick for the boys would be the sleeveless hoody which should come in so handy over the summer (especially for all those lazy breezy evenings on the beach)! For the girls I personally think the cargo skirt, belt, vest ensemble is tres chic…regretably though, my sweet daughter doesn’t share my enthusiasm, so I must resist ( now if it comes in my size…that’s another matter.) If you are local, do check out the collection in store. For elsewhere in the world, most of the range is available online.
-Sara
Happy Birthday to ME! Jemma Lulu’s Charm Necklaces
When my twin girls were born I really wanted something beautiful and wearable to celebrate their arrival. I loved the idea of having a simple charm necklace that was beautiful and that I could wear every single day. Lucky for me, I knew where to go to get the job done - I turned to Jemma Lulu to help me create what has become my single solitary favorite piece of jewelry ever. Her simple and beautiful disks make for an incredible gift for a new mom or grandmother and although part of me is reluctant to give out my secret, especially in New York where there are a gazillion jewelry designers, I just wanted to share.
Each of her pieces is handmade and can be as customized as you see fit. I chose simple brushed gold disks with birthstones and had her engrave their first names on the front and birth-dates on the back, but you can mix the metals, the stones and the details as you wish. Some people even add charms for their husbands (and pets) as well — hey why not?!. Jemma Lulu ships internationally and be sure to check out the rest of her line because everything she makes is truly beautiful and one of a kind. And even better, she offers a 3-week delivery. This one shown is called the “Valentina”….
-Dina
Allsaints children’s clothing
I am not sure if Allsaints is considered hip or cheesy in London but I am totally digging it, and a sprawling flagship store just opened up in lower Manhattan. As a New Yorker, I appreciate Allsaints. The modern clothes are meant to be layered, shirts are cut long to hide “problem areas” and the pallate, at least for the fall, is black, grey, beige, white and maybe, something with a slight pattern. I stopped by the other day and found a bunch of cool t-shirts and sweaters for myself as well as an amazing pair of shoes for my husband. Anyway, they also have an adorable children’s line which is essentially shrunken down versions of the adult stuff but if your kids are hip and arty and don’t want to wear flouncy rhinestone studded party dresses all the time like mine do — you should check their website. I picked up some of these cute sweater dresses for the winter and their knitwear is especially cozy and adorable.
-Dina
Cute, cool and practical. The DRIA cover.
OK, technically I’m not pregnant anymore, but I still love to wear my stripy DRIA top! Made of a high quality thin, silky-like jersey, this poncho t-shirt really looks very trendy and elegant over leggings or skinny jeans. It also works wonders as a nursing cover — it really hides it all, and still looks great! I think this poncho will stay a much loved clothing item; I can imagine it would be great on the beach as well, to quickly throw over a bikini. But that’s for the future — first, there’s winter (and second, there’s the question of whether I ever dare to wear a bikini again)!
Oh, the DRIA also doubles up as a car seat cover (the neck opening provides easy access to the carrying handle). I would say this poncho/cover is almost annoyingly perfect. A very good investment if you’re pregnant!
xxx Esther
