No cold feet! With Collegien
Do you ask your children to take off their shoes when they enter the house? It wasn’t a rule for me when I was a kid (unless I wore my wellies), nor was it a common thing in other households. Even still, adults won’t take off their shoes when they step inside a house here in the Netherlands, so I don’t ask my grown-up guests, but I do ask kids (visitors and mine) to throw their shoes in a basket next to the front door when they enter. My kids and I always wear slippers in my house — it’s so much more comfortable, and hygienic, I feel!
Collegien is a French brand with the most wonderful slippers imaginable. I love these slippers for my kids, so cute and easy! There are many great designs and models — how cute are the short summer ballet flats in the bright colours and happy stripes. Adult sizes are also available, so you can treat your husband to a pair (it’s Father’s Day soon), and you probably could use a pair for yourself as well! These slippers are also great for babies who are just starting to walk — warm, comfy, and anti-slip.
Don’t you love all those sweet designs?
xxx Esther
The “Ciré” Petit Bateau
Fact: In Paris it rains – a lot (sometimes it feels it is never going to stop!). All kids need a raincoat… Not just one of those flimsy little numbers out of cotton, but a real, waterproof raincoat that can withstand the elements. And there is one classic raincoat that has been around here in France for years and years and years. The classic, yellow Petit Bateau “Ciré”, based on the coat the Breton fishermen wear out to sea. It is kind of the child equivalent to a Burberry trench — not cheap but a classic that can be handed down from sibling to sibling.
I love it, bright yellow, great for girls and boys, practical and classic. I actually have two different sized ones hanging in my hallway right now! (Oh, and they make one for women too!)
- Emilie
Clara de Paris
We finally had some nice weather, here in Montreal last weekend and we were able to dress in some of our new summer outfits. My little one just learnt how to twirl, so she was more than willing to take some photos to show off her new skirt… I hope your head isn’t spinning!
We just love this little outfit by Le Petit Lucas du Tertre, courtesy of Clara de Paris, the skirt is made from the softest & lightest cotton, perfect for hot summer days and I am most impressed with the quality of the tank top. I just love how the colors go so well together although they don’t really match! I also really love the photo campaign for their summer collection; they always find a creative way to showcase their clothing.
If you love French Design then you’ll love Clara de Paris, it’s an online boutique filled with only the best French children’s brands, you will find labels such as Troizenfants, Baker Made With Love, Les Enfantines, Anton et Zoa, Baby Version Rock and the list goes on. They ship internationally and I strongly suggest you follow them on Facebook as they often have great promos and even giveaways.
P.S. I only just found out, but Karine, the owner is practically my neighbor, it’s a small world!
-Celina
Very French Gangsters
The flowers are blooming in Los Angeles and it’s really starting to feel like summer. We spent the past weekend in Malibu and one of the first things I threw in our beach bag was a pair of sunnies for Elodie. When I saw this line of glasses and sunglasses by Very French Gangsters I immediately wanted a pair for her (and myself!) The cutest kids wearing the cutest frames. And the names are…very bombe!
-Elizabeth
Picnik time!
Clotaire shoes
Here is my theory for kids shoes: Children grow so fast there seems to be no point to have more than a pair of sneakers, a pair of boots for the winter, a pair of sandals for the summer, and a simple shoe that can go with jeans and dresses and can be worn with a multitude of colours. A limited amount of shoes means that shoes have to be simple and that is hard to find. Most children’s shoes are way too complicated (in the case of my girls — appliqued flowers, butterflies, sequins and different shades of pink!). I also have a problem with overpriced shoes since, as I mentioned earlier, children do grow so darn fast.
I was very glad to find out that I am not the only person who feels this way. The founders of Clotaire, a new children’s shoe label, wanted to design a simple, reasonably priced shoe that works in all situations, and have done so very successfully. They have exactly two shoe designs: a derby and a low boot in several great colours, which can be worn both by girls, boys (and I reckon by their mums too). I have to say, I am completely won over by the simplicity and style of the designs!
- Emilie
Olympics-Inspired Reversi-T from Green Baby
The Olympics buzz is starting to hit London, and it seems everywhere I turn these days I see hints of Olympic fever. I love these cool Olympics-inspired Reversi-Ts from Green Baby. Get this — the Reversi-T is FOUR tees in ONE! So there are four cool designs (my favourite is the giraffe wearing the gold medal), and all you have to do is fold over the top layer to reveal the next. The tees are remarkably light-weight and streamlined, and of course are made from organic cotton! I got this one for my 5-year-old and he thinks it’s the coolest thing he’s ever seen — a magic t-shirt!
x Courtney
Clogs
Did you ever have clogs when you were a child? I did and I absolutely loved them! They made lots of noise when I walked and they made me feel tall and it was brilliant! As a lot of childhood memories, I had totally forgotten about my childhood love for clogs… until Coco was given a pair of them not so long ago.
Rarely has a pair of shoes made her so happy — in her mind they are a mixture between highheels and tap dancing shoes (not too sure what our downstairs neighbours think about that). And they do look cute; they are kind of the forerunner to crocs, easy to slip on, comfortable and more protective than sandals. I could not find Coco’s pair online, but check out this pair from My Little Attitude which are lovely and very similar! Clog dancing pretty much guaranteed.
- Emilie
gorgeousness from Minikin
What a pleasure to look at, these images that Anna took of her daughter for the Minikin Lookbook! I love the styling, and what a beautiful little girl she has… Take a look at the Minikin boutique — you’ll discover even more gorgeousness to drool over. I couldn’t resist getting Sara the long tutu in grey which she’s actually wearing today — a super piece!
xxx Esther
Livly Clothing
Livly is a new and exciting brand from Stockholm. I love how they take a classic piece and give it a contemporary feel. Every one of their pieces has a detail which makes it unlike anything else… whether it’s a bright and funky colour, a bold zipper, lace detailing, ruffles on the shoulders, or modern silhouettes. It’s clothing your kids could safely wear to a party or a playground. And of course, being Swedish, it’s all about exceptional quality just as much as distinct design. Livly Clothing is now available for the first time in the UK at the wonderful Scandinavian Minimall. (I just got the Essmiralda Dress for Ivy, and it is adorable. Such a fun green colour!)
x Courtney
Love it Love it Love it
When it comes to buying clothes for my kids, I usually go for subtle colours — lots of greys, navy blues, browns, etc. Which means that when my kids spot a bit of colour in their wardrobe, that item then becomes their favourite thing to wear. I am especially having a rather head-strong battle with my daughter who wants to wear only pinks and purples (and the brighter the better for her). It goes to show that kids really do love the brighter, happier types of clothing.
Love It Love It Love It is a UK webshop which fully embraces the bright and colourful. You can find romper suits in every colour, bright and happy tees (like the ones pictured above), and plenty of playful accessories. Not a single grey in sight… and I must admit, it is quite fun!
x Courtney
Nixie Clothing
We Parisians (I still get excited that I can call myself a Parisian!) do like our fashion. A friend of mine recently had a minor operation which required her to go under general anesthetic. When she was coming to, she overheard the nurses discussing her shoes. They were trying to figure out if they were real Isabel Marant shoes or fakes. Even in her anesthesia haze she managed to join the conversation and clarify the situation. The nurses were both male!
Now I do like my fashion as much as the next Parisian and I do also like to dress my children well. I have been trying to be a lot more conscious about buying ethical and environmentally friendly clothes. Nixie Clothing is one of the brands I have recently discovered and I love it. The clothes are beautiful and whimsical, perfect for the upcoming few months. The fabrics (mostly vintage) are sourced locally in the UK and the clothes are made locally too. Question is: when are they going to start making clothes in my size?
- Emilie
ONE YEAR AGO WE WROTE ABOUT:
• Personalised charm bracelets from Merci Maman• The delightful Anne Taintor
Waanaki
I recently came across this great online shop based in LA called Waanaki (which means ‘to live in peace’). Owner Nanette Sulano focuses on carefully curated vintage pieces for children age zero to six. Check out the shoes and accessories for some great one of a kind pieces!
-Elizabeth
Soor Ploom Clothier
Don’t these images evoke the wonderful simplicity of summer? The sort of days when all your little one needs to wear is a little floral bloomer, running around barefoot on dry green grass?! Oh I can’t wait! I am absolutely in love with this new clothing brand from NYC — everything is so beautifully simple and understated. Soor Ploom offers a range of clothing for babies and toddlers up to age 3. Find gorgeous tops, tunics, rompers, and bloomers, all available in the most lovely fabrics (fine floral cottons, soft linens, etc.) and the sweetest little flowing shapes. Perfect for simple summer days to come…
x Courtney
Corby Tindersticks
Posters made out of felt and decorated with hand-embroidered details. Sweet screen printed t-shirts made out of fair trade, organic cotton sourced in Africa. Handmade toys with funny legs and big bellies and interesting stories to tell (and with a back that is as nice as the front). Fun! We’re loving what Carly and Nick from Corby Tindersticks have done for their first collections, and are anxiously waiting to see what they’ll come up with next! (Their sketch book looks promising!)
xxx Esther
We love: Beau Loves
Beau Loves is a new fashion label — we met the team at the last Bubble trade-show in London and we instantly liked what we saw. Fresh stripes, bright red accents, fun superhero-mask prints, and great detailing like dino spikes on the hood of a sweatshirt! If you like the collection too, then head over to Sweet Pea for part of the collection, or to the newly launched (and very cool) Beau Loves webshop.
xxx Esther
Pale Cloud Raincoat, Tested and Loved
My daughter, Ivy, finally outgrew her treasured Talc raincoat, and it was time for a new one. So, after hearing all the fuss about the ‘famous’ Pale Cloud Raincoat, I decided this could be the answer. And indeed it is! The soft nylon outer shell is flexible and easy to wear. And the cosy cotton inner layer means that it’s comfortable on the inside. Plus, it has little details like a yellow drawstring, which when you pull creates a pear-shaped silhouette. And the pale pink colour is pretty without being too girlie (these days my daughter and I are in the ‘pink war’, fighting over which types of pinks are doable!). Anyway, I really recommend the raincoat, and it’s available online from the fantastic Italian boutique, Brebí.
x Courtney
Avarcas USA
Anyone who is from Spain, has family from Spain, or has been to Spain will be familiar with Avarca sandals. I lived in Spain for a bit when I was a teenager on a study abroad program and everyone I knew wore these sandals. I ended up buying a couple pairs and bringing them home to America… to envious friends and family members!
Noelia Pahissa and her husband, both originally from Barcelona but currently living in California, have decided to start a company importing and selling the treasured avarcas in the USA. They launched AvarcaUSA where you can now buy avarcas in any size and style, all originally hand-crafted in Spain. How cute are the kiddie sizes? And they come in such fun colours! (I got the saffron colour for Ivy and they are ADORABLE!).
x Courtney
Wafflish Waffle
Can you believe it has been a year since the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan? I thought it would be nice to commemorate and share with you one of my favorite Japanese labels Wafflish Waffle. I love so many things about their collections: the handmade and vintage feel, the fit and volumes, the attention to details, the colors, the prints… They cater to girls as well as boys; a lot of their items are unisex and mix and match perfectly in an unconventional way. They also have an accessories line that is just as fantastic! You might want to check out the Women’s collection as well…
-Celina
Cute knickers from I Love Gorgeous
So sweet, these girlie undies from I Love Gorgeous. They’re made from pure cotton, and available in different fun colours. Perfect for under those pretty summer dresses (and truly adorable on)!
xxx Esther
