La Queue du Chat — organic children’s clothing
There’s something about cute, crisp underwear for kids. I just can’t stand old, over-washed knickers and I admit to throwing out those once-white undies that were accidentally washed with the dark load. (If only I were as picky with my own underwear, but it seems that for myself I prefer those old pieces!)
I find it quite difficult to find good quality, cool kids undies, especially for boys, but I’m loving the superman undies pictured. I love the tight fit, and I love that the superman logo is in fact made out of little red birdies, giving them that tasteful twist. So cute for my little boy! The grey girl’s set is lovely too, and in fact La Queue du Chat has many more adorable pieces, not at all just for ‘under’, and all made out of 100% organic and fair-trade cotton. Check out the collection on the website, also for points of sale…
xxx Esther
Berlingot Jackets from Bibaloo
I know, I know… It’s still August and here I go writing a post about winter jackets! But last year I waited too long to buy my kids their winter coats and by the time I got around to it, all the best ones were sold out. So this year I’m on it early. I love the Berlingot Jackets from Bibaloo. I got this reversible one (pictured) for my daughter and I love that it’s long, hooded and puffy — it will keep her nice and covered in cold weather. I also like the Button Parkas for boys — so cute. Bibaloo is a UK-based webshop dedicated to French fashion. Their Autumn/Winter collection is now in (including the new collection from Petit Bateau)!
-Courtney
Biisoo — Handknit Luxury for Infants
How cute are all these little handknit pieces? I just love that red pom-pom hat! They come from Biisoo — a New Zealand-based label for infants. All the products are handmade from merino wool which is grown and processed on certified organic farms on the south island of New Zealand. The wool is super soft, non-irritating and oh-so cozy, making it ideal for babies. I know it’s still technically summertime here in the Northern Hemisphere, but I’ve just returned to a very dreary, cold London… and I’m in the mood for cozy! You can shop online at the Biisoo online shop.
-Courtney
ONE YEAR AGO WE WROTE ABOUT:
• Back to School with Babyccino – on Etsy• Fruit Tiramisu (sort of)
• Travel bug
Weebits — Beautiful Knitwear for Babies
Gosh, I am a sucker for beautiful knitwear — for myself and my kids. When I discovered Weebits at Magnolia Square recently I was mesmerized by the quality, texture, colors and design and just a tiny bit peeved that they didn’t come in sizes big enough for us! Pure merino wool from New Zealand is the world’s most exclusive natural fibre and it is as scarce as cashmere. Because of its natural elasticity, lustre, resilience, density, strength, warmth and softness, it is perfect for newborns. I totally love these hoodies (pictured) but the rest of the range (especially the ponchos and loop scarves) are equally drool-worthy. The colors are just superb and produced using eco-friendly dyes. Definitely worth checking out. The good news is they ship world-wide. For more details, click here.
- Sara
Native shoes in mini sizes
I am so excited… I just discovered that Little Fashion Gallery are stocking Native shoes in mini sizes! I have long been bemoaning the fact that these cool shoes didn’t come in kids sizes and…well...here they are! The perfect summer holiday shoe in my opinion — so versatile, so robust with the utility of a Croc but really so much more style! And in such delicious colors too. Made from 100% EVA, an environmentally amphibious material that makes them ultra-comfortable and all-terrain; molding perfectly to the foot. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair (for the kids and also for myself — I am eyeing the shell white here)!
- Sara
Appaman — Brooklyn inspired clothing for kids
I recently stumbled across the brand Appaman and although I do not have a son… if I did I would most likely outfit him in some of their cool get-ups. Granted, the four year-old-boy in this photo looks about fifteen with that knit hat on but the style is just so up my alley — comfortable, hipster and Brooklyn cool. The Norweigian desinger behind Appaman created the line to reflect a “Scandinavian perspective on Ameripop iconic imagery” and he seems to hit the nail on the head with chic European-inspired styling and quality that is both playful and urban. There are also cute things for babies and girls! I am especially loving their line of down jackets for girls…
-Dina
Cute back-to-school clothes from Olive Juice
I know it’s August and we’re in the midst of summertime fun… and the last thing we want to do is think about it all coming to an end… but if you can be tempted to think about Autumn/Winter clothes, you should seriously check out the darling collection from Olive Juice Kids. It is all so cute, I don’t even know where to begin. I just ordered the Olivia Pants and the stripey tights for my daughter, the Liam Topper for my boys, and just check out their collection of shoes! Gosh, I’m almost excited for September! Almost…
-Courtney
Apünktchen — very cool caps for boys
I love, love, love these hats from Apünktchen! My 3-year-old looks so cool in it, I just want to eat him up. And I’m going to get one for my big boy (= husband) too! Apünktchen is a German brand, and besides the caps they also have a very nice collection of clothes. I’ve been secretly checking the winter collection already, and I feel I will order some pieces here as they are very very special and cute… The website is in German, but it’s easy to navigate (TIP move your mouse over the bright green dots) and if you’re interested in ordering pieces just send an email to Anette, the owner and designer.
xxx Esther
The Perfect First Shoe
I am indeed a big shoe fan, especially when I come across shoes as adorable and as clever in design as these! Handmade from one piece of leather and with no seamline, these All About Heidi shoes are ingenious… yet they look beautifully raw. Created by a mum from Bondi Beach in Sydney, they are the ideal first shoes. Not only does the soft buttery leather act like a ‘second skin’ for baby while she takes her first steps, but to ensure a perfect fit, the shoe can be adjusted for width by loosening the leather ties on the toes. So very clever! There are various gorgeous colors, and upon request are available for older children and adults too. Available for international shipment through online retailer DragonflyToys.
- Sara
Crocs: Take Two
How completely adorable are these new Mary-Janes! After some bad PR over the last few years it seems that Crocs are back and in full force and I am really liking all the new styles! Not only are they comfy and waterproof but they are easy to get on! I also like these for boys.
-Dina
Castlebox Melbourne
I recently discovered the Melbourne-based brand, Castelbox, and I was immediately attracted to the French-inspired pieces — the cute floral dress, the hooded knit jumper for boys (which I got for my son), and the beautiful shoes. The pieces are all produced in limited quantities and are designed for children aged 3 to 10. They’re also designed with comfort and washability in mind, which I love. You can purchase directly from the Castlebox website.
-Courtney
Win! A $100 gift voucher to Olive Juice at Tada! Shop
If you haven’t yet discovered the Tada! Shop website, then you should go immediately. It’s a one-stop shop for children’s clothes, toys, accessories, etc., which brings together so many different brands, both big and small — from the larger shops like J.Crew to the smaller boutiques like Sweet William. And it’s all gathered and sold from one site, making shopping for your kids so much easier. Just check out their Create A Look tool — how fun is it to create an outfit?! I just love that you can mix and match so many different brands. We had the pleasure of creating several different outfits for a guest editorial this week — check it out!
And to win a $100 gift certificate to spend on the Olive Juice brand (pictured), just sign up with Tada! Shop here and leave a comment below by next Friday, July 23rd, and we’ll pick one winner at random! Good luck!
This give-away is now closed.
ONE YEAR AGO WE WROTE ABOUT:
• Bonnets for babies — vintage handkerchiefs for brides!• Wonderous Wovenplay
Bellieboo — sweet things from Japan
Although I’ve never been, I have a fascination with Japan. I love the food (sushi), I love the architecture (Tadao Ando), I love the writing (mysterious), I love the products (Muji) — I must make my way over there at some point because I’m pretty sure I’ll discover a whole lot more that I will love…
Yumiko, who moved from Japan to England in 1996, started her online business, Bellieboo, after she had her daughter in 2004. Since she was unable to find clothes she liked for her little girl in barbaric Europe, she started bringing back special pieces from her home country of Japan. In her shop you can find sweet little girl clothes, and shortly there will be sweet little boys clothes too. There are also a few lovely toys and accessories to be found in the Bellieboo shop — like this retro, reversible sling that I think is cool beyond words, and that Ava is currently very happily residing in.
xxx Esther
Imps & Elfs Footless Tights
I got a few pairs of these Imps & Elfs Footless Tights for my daughter last year and they turned out to be one of the best staples in her closet. They’re great for babies because they can crawl or walk without slipping, yet they keep bare legs cozy on a colder day. They’re essentially like leggings, but in a nice, thick, soft material. And how cool are those colours? They’re available from The Emperor’s New Clothes.
-Courtney
Room Seven: Sweet dresses for playing and parading
I already knew that the beautiful bedding and bag range from Room Seven was absolutely stunning, but I had never heard of their clothing line until very recently. Maybe for the better, as it probably did save me some money! But now I’m in trouble… How sweet are these baby dresses, how perfect are the daring combinations of patterns, colours, frills and flowers, making them romantically old-fashioned but at the same time fresh and contemporary. Who can resist? Not I.
These dresses are just as perfect for playing as for parading, and they can easily be machine-washed, so not just for weekends.
BTW, is there something familiar to the Room Seven style?? Well Room Seven is the brand of Brechtje Olsthoorn, the talented daughter of Willem and Marieke Olsthoorn, brains and creative designer behind world-famous Oilily. Like mother, like daughter, we say.
xxx Esther
Cute sneakers from DPam
Emilie brought a pair of canvas sneakers from the French shop Du Pareil au Même for my daughter when she came to visit last month and they’ve turned out to be the go-to shoe of the summer. My daughter, of course, LOVES them, and I love them because they’re so easy to put on and take off. My daughter’s pair has a velcro strap across the top, but they also have a bigger kids’ version (pictured) with an elasticated strap. So simple, yet so cute. And now on sale!
-Courtney
Playtime Paris
I am so excited, this weekend I’ll be heading to one of my favourite children’s events in Paris. Playtime Paris is a bi-yearly children’s trade fair in the lovely Bois de Vincennes on the outskirts of Paris. A lot of my favourite children’s companies come together to display their new collections… There’s Lili and the Funky Boys, Antik Batik, Moon Kids, Petite by Sophie Schnoor, Soeur and many, many more.
While moms can browse the stands, there will be lots kids entertainment. Check out the So Chic Kids disco on Saturday night — I went with my children to one of their last events and it was a huge success. During the day there will be ateliers and entertainment. And for you “gourmand” out there you can discover my new favourite Parisian cupcakes made by Cakes by Cloe. I reckon this is going to be a fun day out!
- Emilie
Bibaloo for fabulous French finds
Bibaloo is a UK-based webshop with an exclusive collection of French children’s clothes and accessories. They stock well-known brands like Petite Bateau and smaller labels like La Queue du Chat — a super cute collection of organic cotton pieces like the one pictured. Bibaloo was started by a French mother who moved to the UK and decided to create a one-stop shop for all her favourite and hard-to-find French brands. I love that I can pick up Petite Bateau staples without leaving my house.
And what’s even better is that the Bibaloo sale has now started… with discounts of up to 50% off. Hooray for summer sales!
-Courtney
La Fee Clochette
My 4-year-old has taken to introducing herself as Sleeping Beauty, whilst her little sister is apparently not called Violette anymore, but Tinkerbell — in French “La Fée Clochette” (sounds so much lovelier in French, doesn’t it?).
So it is fitting that her favourite item of clothing at the moment is a beautiful little bikini by French label La Fée Clochette.
As I mentioned I have a particular love for Liberty Fabrics and this little bikini is just too cute. When my little girl wants to feel very grown up she wears the top, but often she just runs around in the little pants — I do love the summertime! This little bikini is available from the great website Zebre à Pois which has a sale on at the moment. The bikini and other Fée Clochette items are 50% off.
- Emilie
The Bergstein Boot
I was beyond excited to discover Bergstein Gumboots from Holland were now available in Melbourne! With torrential downpours of late (which we are so thankful for, especially after years of drought and serious water dam deficits…) we have even had plenty of opportunity for frolicking in puddles and sloshing in the mud! Apart from looking gorgeous in an array of bright colours (just check out that Lime!), the Bergstein gumboots are a durable shoe. Each boot is completely cotton lined for comfort, has a rippled safety sole to limit slip on wet surfaces and there’s even a reflective strip on each heel for added safety. The ‘Bergsteins’ are the first product from new online retailer Little Elk which owner Sally Clifford plans to expand over time into a small and exclusive selection of products — items that are stylish, timeless, fresh, simple and expressive, gathered from around the globe. Yes, I’m loving the sound of it already!
- Sara
