A personal uniform

April 22, 2015

I just read this article about a woman who has decided to wear a “uniform” to work everyday, which was originally written for Harper’s Bazaar. I thought it would be fun to share, just because this morning I had yet again the work clothes panic: what should I wear? My daily morning routine involves getting the kids up and dressed and fed and getting myself ready for work. The amount of times I don’t know what to wear while I am standing in front of a cupboard full of clothes, seriously running out of time, is ridiculous.

I really fancy the idea of a work wardrobe that fits everything! How much easier would my life be? A girl I once worked with had a similar idea: she always wore a black top and a patterned skirt come rain or shine. She always looked so put together and it worked for every occasion.

My problem is that I worry I might get quite bored… but perhaps the practicality of the “uniform” would outweigh my boredom. What do you think? Do you have a work uniform that makes your day easier or do you just freestyle?

– Emilie

Sweet Smokks Summer Dresses (for mama and daughter)

April 22, 2015

There’s something a little bit cheesy about matching mums and daughters outfits, but also something incredibly cute. Definitely cute. And especially these dresses from NYC based label Smokks. : )

Hallie started Smokks a few years ago, after her husband dressed their daughter in her pyjamas for a ballet graduation, while she was away on vacation — because, as he said, he couldn’t deal with all of the buttons, zips and otherwise complicated dresses in his daughter’s wardrobe. I must say this sounds very familiar; my husband would totally do the same thing (or maybe, he would simply dress her in her jeans like he always does). Anyway — Hallie figured there was a market for effortless girls’ clothing: no zips, no buttons, no ribbons. Just a very cute and simple dress, a uniform, almost.

Smokks are, as the name implies, old-fashionedly smocked, but definitely have a modern feel to them. They are, as said, simple, but not actually as simple as it seems. I can tell that a lot of thought went into these dresses! There are deep pockets for treasures. The neckline is wide and comfortable, but flattering. The length (with royal hem) and the low arm hole means these dresses can be worn for years — layered with legging or tights and a cardigan for colder days. They are totally cute for everyday wear and play, but can definitely also be used for more formal occasions.

Hallie messengered over some dresses for our girls to try when we were in NY a few weeks ago. Since her biggest girls’ size is a size 9, she sent over a women’s size S for Sara, which is still a bit big on her… Haha, lucky me! I love it! : )

xxx Esther

PS I love Ava’s curled toes in the photos above. The photos were taken by Sara, by the way — roles reversed!

New Spring/Summer collection at HATCH

April 17, 2015

The new spring/summer collection at HATCH has arrived and it’s as pretty as ever! So many pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. Whether you’re running errands or going out on the town, and in fact whether you’re pregnant or not, the clothes are easy to wear and flattering at the same time.

The thing that’s brilliant about the HATCH maternity label is that it’s designed to suit and flatter a pregnant body, and yet the pieces work and look great even after pregnancy. Because let’s face it, our bodies change after we’ve had a baby (and, at least in my case, change forever) — our hips become wider, our bellies aren’t quite as flat, our breasts…. (sigh). The clothes from HATCH are designed to adapt and flatter with these changes in mind.

I’m especially loving the jumpsuits in this season’s collection as well as these comfortable-looking trousers. And, while I know it’s an investment, I really like the cool cocoon shape of the trench coat — a classic style that can be worn for years, pregnant or not.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Courtney x

Bobo Choses — not just for kids!

April 16, 2015

I think by now we all know (and love!) Bobo Choses. Their collections every season are both fun and stylish with playful graphics and easy, wearable styles. But did you know they’ve recently come out with some pieces for women too?

I know it’s a little cheesy to match your children, but I have to admit that my girls think it’s really the coolest thing ever to match their mama. When we were in Portugal this past week the girls asked me every day to wear my yellow stripy skirt like theirs! So I finally gave in and we wore our matching outfits on the last day of our holiday, and it was really quite fun. Some silly photos here to show for it. : )

Courtney x

The very best raincoats (from Petit Bateau)

April 2, 2015

Petit Bateau is my go-to destination for all the staples: underwear, tees, pyjamas, swimsuits and, of course, raincoats! We now have a collection of raincoats in our house that spans all the ages, some of them are so old they’re practically vintage! And I just recently got my own adult’s version, so we are now quite the bright yellow bunch as we walk around town.

What I love about the raincoats from Petit Bateau is that they have an outside waterproof material that is soft and easy to move around in (or toss into a tote bag!) and they have the softest jersey lining on the inside, so they’re nice and thick and warm, and yet still waterproof. (Most other raincoats I’ve tried have either been too stiff or too lightweight.) I also love that they seem to last so long because the sleeves are designed to be rolled up if needed or stretched out as the child grows.

Anyway, clearly we are big fans in our family. Even my husband has one… but don’t tell him I told you so. : )

Courtney x

Stylish maternity dresses from In Pig

February 5, 2015

I’m not pregnant (promise!), but I still love wearing my two-tiered shift dress from In Pig, which I’m wearing in the blurry photo above. : )

In Pig have recently released this shift dress in new fabrics, and I’m loving the black and white ikat cotton version below. Isn’t it beautiful? I love how comfortable and versatile it is — layering over tights in winter or wearing as is in the summer time.

Of course I also give extra bonus points to any maternity dress that you can still wear beyond pregnancy (without looking pregnant!). Best kind of maternity pieces in my book!

Courtney x

Chic sweatshirts for mums (and papas!) at émoi émoi

December 19, 2014

Boy am I a sucker for anything French. I really never thought I would wear a sweatshirt with a slogan, but when that slogan is written in French it suddenly just looks so much more chic, no? And how could I resist the Maman Poule (‘mother hen’) version? I love it!

These ever-so-chic sweatshirts are available from émoi émoi, and there’s also a version for papas too! (Christmas gift?)

Happy weekend everyone!

Courtney xx

Wool and the Gang, cool knitting kits

December 16, 2014

I’ve been feeling so much like knitting lately, so the Wool and the Gang kit I ordered came right in time! I’m going to be knitting the Mini Tartan Hula Hoop for Sara, and if I hurry a little I might just be able to finish it before Christmas.

Do you know Wool and the Gang? It’s a super hip company, providing über cool knitting kits with everything one might need for one project — wool, needles, the pattern, and very easy-to-follow instructions. (If you love the Wool and the Gang designs but are not so into knitting, you can also purchase a ready-made piece, knit with love by one of the ‘Gangstas’, a global-wide team of knitters.)

I love their branding, the quality of their materials, and their belief in handmade and sustainable fashion. Knitting their projects is so fun!

In spring, I made the Sailor Jumper (modeled by Pim below, after a rough and dirty game of football!) and I love how easy it was to knit that jumper and how nice it turned out when it was finished.

The Wool and the Gang knitting kits make really great presents too — everything comes wrapped in a cool paper bag, and anyone who has an interest in knitting (even if they’ve never knit before!) I’m sure would love to receive a kit like this.

xxx Esther

Beautiful watercolour clutches from Rajovilla

November 25, 2014

I’ve had my Rajovilla clutch since this past summer and I have been meaning to share about these pretty pieces for the past few months (how is it November already?). Thankfully I managed to get a couple photos with my clutch last week, and I’m so happy to share them with you. Check out these gorgeous clutches! Aren’t the prints so beautiful? And the colours! So good. The clutches are all handmade by designer, Joya Logue, and feature her original watercolor paintings inspired by her Indian heritage.

Joya is an Instagram friend of mine who inspires me as much with her creative parenting as she does with her artistic talent and style. She’s one of those people who pours her heart and soul into her projects, and even as an ‘outsider’ Instagram observer it’s evident. Don’t you love how we can have friends across the world whom we have never actually met, living in cities we’ve never actually been to, and yet these people are such an inspiring part of our lives? This is undeniably what I love most about Instagram!

Hopefully some day I’ll meet Joya and her sweet family. In the meantime, I’ll cherish my pretty clutch and, of course, will continue to be inspired by her work from afar.

Courtney x

p.s. Top two photos by my friend, Lesley Colvin. Thank you Lesley! x

Ace & Jig coming to Liberty of London!

November 20, 2014

I feel a bit silly telling you to head over to A Cup of Jo, because surely you’ve already been, right? Most likely it was the first blog you visited today because it’s your favourite (it’s definitely mine!).

Anyway, I was beyond flattered when Joanna asked me to share my four fall outfits and I’m sooo excited to be up on her blog today, sharing not only my fall outfits but my (somewhat embarrassing) fashion philosophy and getting-dressed tips.

Of course an obvious outfit choice for me was this pretty dress from Ace & Jig. It’s no secret how much I love this brand and the talented designers behind it. I think everything they do is just so, so good. Their passion for textiles, their beautiful designs and pretty patterns, and their combination of earthy, rich colours… it’s all so effortlessly beautiful, and most importantly, comfortable. More than any other brand, I feel most like myself wearing Ace & Jig — it unleashes my inner hippie while still being feminine and stylish.

Designers, Cary and Jenna, have just told me that Ace & Jig will be coming to Liberty at the end of this month and I am so excited that my favourite brand will soon be available in one of my favourite London shops! Perfect, right? Keep an eye out for their pieces to start arriving, including this dress and some other new pieces! I know Cary and Jenna are super excited to be stocked at Liberty, and secretly I’m hoping this means they’ll be making more trips to London (I’m dying to meet them in person!).

Courtney x

p.s. These photos were taken by my friend, Lesley Colvin, who is one of the nicest, most genuine people I know. She also happens to be a super talented photographer and one of the only people who makes me feel comfortable in front of a camera. (More on her very soon!) xx

New in at Donna Wilson!

November 17, 2014

I’m not very adventurous with tableware — I think it’s my OCD qualities (!) that likes my kitchen cupboards to be filled with big stacks of matching plates, bowls, mugs, etc. My kids use the same tableware as we do (this range from Ikea!), that way we don’t clutter up our cupboards with different stuff for the kids.

But… I just couldn’t resist these beautiful ceramic plates from Donna Wilson! I can’t decide whether to let the kids use them for meals (and hope they don’t break them!) or to hang them on the wall like in the photo below. Don’t they look so pretty like that?

I love everything in the new Autumn collection at Donna Wilson: beautiful scarves and bags (how fun is this coin purse?), colourful lambswool cushions, and a whole range of playful items for kids.

I love how the Donna Wilson products always have an element of playfulness about them. They’re always beautiful, but also quite quirky and fun too.

Courtney x

Sézane, a new label crush

November 11, 2014

It is official, we are now heading into winter and I left home this morning with a wooly beanie on my head, yikes! For a couple of weeks now I have been obsessed with finding cozy kits and comfy coats — basically items to start hibernating in — and my latest label crush is the French online designer Sézane. They are starting to become a bit of a cult label over here in Paris.

Have you heard of them? I love the simple designs and quality of the clothing. There are 4 collections per year (Autumn was launched in September and Winter will follow in December) and every week a couple of new pieces are added to the collection until the whole collection is available on the website. There is also Essential collection that is available all year round.

If you happen to be in the USA I noticed that Sézane is doing a collaboration with Madewell, which looks amazing, but unfortunately it is not available in Europe!

– Emilie

New Hatch collection online!

September 5, 2014

Every season here at Babyccino Kids we’re eager to see the new Hatch collection — just because we know it will be stylish, trendy, and oh so comfortable. I’ve first gotten to know Hatch when I was pregnant with Casper, and I’ve kept all their pieces after his birth and am still wearing them to this day. In fact, I even got some new pieces this spring (and I’m not pregnant nor planning to be!). I just love the relaxed style and fit of the collection — pregnant or not.
Anyway, just thought to share some of my favourites from the new collection. Like the 100% wool, collarless Hudson Shirt in plaid above. Adorable! (And BTW — I want those glasses!) And that perfectly little black Mercer Dress, so versatile. Great for during the day, but easy to dress up as evening wear as well.

How cute is this plaid Pull-Over? Just by itself or paired with that gorgeous long Ultimate Cardigan? And I love the denim leggings — such a handy staple in every (pregnant) girl’s wardrobe. (Oh, and that black Blazer is one of the Hatch items I actually have in my closet…)

This gorgeous oversized Waffle Turtleneck jumper is one of my favourites! And how cool does it look paired with the Tuxedo Legging?

OK, last but not least: coats! The short Montagne is such an easy and handy throw-on and would be perfect on the bike here in Amsterdam. But the sculptural shape of the Topper Coat really appeals to me as well…

There are many more cute styles to be found on the Hatch website. So very tempting!

xxx Esther

Ace & Jig children’s line

June 5, 2014

I discovered the Ace & Jig women’s line about two years ago, and it has since become my favourite brand. I especially love their easy-to-wear dresses — I layer them over and under other pieces depending on the weather, and they’re as comfortable as they are effortlessly pretty. Aren’t the fabrics so beautiful? I love every piece in the collection!

So I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I adore their children’s collection as well. I recently got Ivy her first Ace & Jig dress and when I showed it to her she immediately recognised it as being ‘like mama’s dresses!’. So sweet. We snapped some photos on our recent holiday in Positano last week and I couldn’t help but share.

Ace & Jig is now available from Abacus Kids in the UK, or from Darling Clementine in the US. And you can find the women’s collection here.

x Courtney

COATT Jewellery

November 30, 2013

COATT is a gorgeous jewellery line from Los Angeles we are very happy to have recently discovered. Designer Rebecca Coagan hand makes the jewellery using gold dots and dashes strung along beautiful silk threads, forming feminine morse coded words, names and phrases. We love the subtile way to carry around an almost secret message, like the first letters of your children’s names or a special message between lovers, sisters or best friends.

There are beautiful silk thread necklaces in different lengths & colours, and gorgeous bracelets strong enough to withstand grabbing toddler hands. Delicate but durable at the same time. And so stunning!

We are really excited to announce that COATT is joining us at The ShopUp this Sunday & Monday! We’re thrilled to be able to offer a shop specifically for mothers…. so you can treat yourselves… or send your husbands to pick something up for their very deserving wives! I will be dropping loads of hints to my husband for sure! : )

xx Courtney

An Interview on Chic Little Baby (and some photos from the summer!)

October 15, 2013

The lovely Maggie from Chic Little Baby recently asked me over to her blog for a little interview as part of her Chic Mum series. We spoke about beauty and fashion (for kids and for mamas!) and I share my very few beauty and health tips. Hop on over to her blog to read my answers!

Also, I shared some photos from this past summer, and it made me so nostalgic looking at them all. Oooh how I already miss those sunny, lazy days, the green green grass, and the tanned barefoot little kiddos! I hope you don’t mind me sharing them with you here (sorry for the photo overload!). (Photos were taken by Sara Welch when we were in the Seattle area this summer. )

xx Courtney

Erik Bagger Bag Hook

September 23, 2013

I know bag hooks have been around for a while and that they are a wee bit gimmicky, BUT in a dirty, dusty, big city like Paris, they are actually great (If you remember to bring them). Normally they are just functional at best, but trust a Danish designer to come up with a great design for one of these little hooks. It is simple, it is elegant and it work really well! You can even wear it as a bracelet!

– Emilie

New Hatch Fall collection!

September 4, 2013

We’re nearing the end of summer… and we will miss it! Those juicy watermelons, the long days on the beach and the perfect picnics in the park. But, drinking hot chocolate after a long walk in the forest, and curling up cosy with the kids in front of the fireplace also has its charm!

Seeing the new Hatch collection online today really gets me in the mood for autumn. I’m loving the cosy, comfortable pieces that are so stylish and easy to wear. The gorgeous tartan flannel, the luxurious warm and soft cashmere pieces, the fun overalls and jumpsuits… Perfect!

xxx Esther

Keecie — beautiful, pure leather accessories

August 29, 2013

Keecie is an Amsterdam based small company focussing solely on handmade leather accessories like bags, pouches, wallets and sleeves. The designs are characterised by the lack of lining — instead, beautiful screen prints adorn the inside of the leather. Shapes are original and simple, and the leather used is soft and strong and will only get prettier with time.

I love the look of the bags and the fun animal cases (and have been eyeing the wallets for a while already)!

xxx Esther

Hatch — relaxed and stylish fashion for mamas

August 26, 2013

I loved wearing Hatch clothing when I was pregnant. It is such a cool and stylish collection, and the pieces are so easy to wear and care for. I loved it so much, that after my pregnancy I continued to wear the pieces, which made the initial investment of getting them so worth it! This is why I love Hatch, they work for pregnancy, and beyond. I even got myself some new pieces this summer (and I’m not planning to be pregnant ever again)!

A few weeks ago when we were still in France, we went out for dinner and I wore some Hatch pieces. I asked my husband to take some photos to show you — Hatch really works, also when you’re not pregnant!

The cut of the pieces, and the way they combine, are also very flattering for post-pregnancy bodies and so, so comfortable to wear. (I’m wearing the Everyday Pant and the Button Down in the photos above.) Right now, the summer collection is on sale, so it might be a good time to invest in some Hatch pieces… pregnant, or not!

xxx Esther