You love a good riddle and always have. Ever since you were a child, you would ask anyone and everyone who was willing to listen (and even those who weren’t), the eternal questions of the utmost importance… What do you call a room with no doors? A mushroom! What kind of key doesn’t open any homes? A monkey! Great riddles, bad riddles, mediocre riddles – you love them all equally. You were a child-sized Sphinx, resting in the comfort of your very own living room waiting for the next passer-by.
Well here is a riddle for you. Let’s see if you can figure it out. When is a onesie, not a onesie? Give up? When it is Claesen‘s Delft Print Baby Girl Tank Onesie. This tank onesie is more than just any regular onesie. This onesie is an outfit and then some. There’s nothing puzzling about this gorgeous tank onesie. A classic — yet bold — black and white Delft print is delicately framed by pink scalloped borders. The look of the straps is made complete with black ribbons near the neckline. Made in Holland with 100% cotton by Claesen‘s, the fit is soft and the care is easy.
Add some cute shoes, a pair of shorts and your little girl’s look is complete. Modern and fresh, this baby girl onesie] will work for everyday activities, and more special ones. Now about those riddles. What 11-letter English word does everyone pronounce incorrectly? Incorrectly!
You were born into a family of travelers. The instant you were born and introduced to the world around you, you were introduced to the world around you! At a few weeks old, you were on your first airplane ride. At age 5, you had already visited the pyramids in Egypt. By the time you were 15, you had owned three passports and each one had more stamps in it than your local post office. Your family was born to travel, and travel it did.
Fast forward to your married family life and your child. You try to tone it down a little and take it easy…but you really can’t help it. It is in your blood. You were born into a family of travelers and now your baby will follow in your footsteps. It is no wonder that your best friend has given you the fantastically appropriate Baby T-Shirt with Cars by Imps & Elfs.
For the family on the go, this tee is the perfect tribute to all things on wheels. After all, your baby has already taken a bus ride through Costa Rica and a road trip down Route 66 across the country. This gorgeously understated T-shirt — with its blue water colored cars and trucks — also presents what is sure to be your unofficial family motto, “I Want to Go Everywhere.” Indeed!
Made with 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane, this Imps & Elfs cutie travels well and feels perfectly lived in, and soft on baby’s skin. Not only are their tshirts this gorgeous, all the baby clothes at Imps & Elfs have a story to tell. A little comfort is just the things for those on the go.
So…where to next?
We were able to interview one of the designers behind Imps & Elfs! This is a real treat four readers. Please enjoy!
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On Sustainability – When you make baby clothes “out of love for them then you must have a twisted mind not to care about the environment”
You’ve been around since 1997 and much has occurred in the world of fashion since then. Do you feel that you have moved away from your original goal of being, “…a modest children’s label without frills or fancies, which concentrates on the shape of the child”? Or do you feel that each season you reinterpret and reinvent that philosophy?
We put a lot of effort in following this goal. It is more than a goal; it is what we believe in. It is our mission. We study the anatomy of children. We invest in own patternmakers, CAD cam systems, etc. When we start designing, we do not make drawings but we design from the sewing machine, putting ideas in 3D form.
It seems so counter intuitive that many children’s clothing designers don’t know where their products are coming from or by whom they are being made, especially considering they are designing for children. What prompted your initial move towards fair trade, child labor-free?
When you start a label for children out of love for them then you must have a twisted mind not to care about the environmental and social aspects of producing the actual clothes for them.
In 2006, Ode Magazine named Imps & Elfs the “Top Organic Company of the Year” for your contributions to sustainable selling practices. How was that for you? Have you changed your practices to become even greener since then?
We just try to do our best. Our aim is to use as much green material possible and to try to move our factories to the highest possible social standard available.
With the economy as shaky as it has been in years, do you find it difficult to stay true to your beliefs while still trying to make a profit? Is it possible to have “small numbers, big prices” in this day?
We just do not put different options on the table.
On Spring/Summer 2010 Collection – This season’s Imps & Elfs collection was inspired by the need to “clean up”
Let’s talk about the current IMPS&ELFS baby clothes collection. It has several great classic, basic pieces; a lot of black, grey and white and with the exception of stripes, not many patterns. What was the inspiration for the collection? How do you find inspiration before you design a collection?
Every season we find new inspiration. This can come from everywhere: a movie, an old piece of clothing, but also a political change, recession, etc.
This season we felt that we had to CLEAN UP. After all, with the problems in the economy you could not open the newspaper and avoid seeing them. We felt the need to open all the windows and doors and clean/clear our minds and house. This led to the design inspiration going back to the essence of our brand: form follows function. Colors used were pastels, summer greys, ton sur ton.
How is this season’s baby clothes collection different from your past collections? What pieces from your spring and summer collection of Estella’s line are you most excited about?
Every season is different, but you can recognize the IMPS&ELFS handwriting of each collection. I think that we are different in making shape in a product.
How far in advance do you work on your collections and what is the process?
Almost 10 months. In September we start working on Fall/Winter 2011. That collection we start delivering to the stores in July 2011. We start making a concept, a theme. Then we think about a title and start making initial designs on the sewing machine. In the meantime, we make a product plan. Then we start making fabrics, trims and color proposals. We work in different teams at the same time on patterns, artworks and designs.
Your clothing fits every personality — the Everychild, if you will — which is wonderful. There’s a great range and departure from pink frills for girls and tiny men’s outfits for boys. Was this a conscious decision, or did it come about, pardon the pun, organically?
The design of the clothes should complement the child rather than overrule him. That is why it suits almost every child.
Who or what inspires the designs? How would you describe your style of fashion?
Children! Sporty, no conventions, intellectual.
Besides the core group (Fons and Jacqueline) what and who does the IMPS&ELFS team consist of?
Design team, product teams, back office, wholesale team and retail team.
Can you tell us more about cotton? Aside from the obvious lack of pesticides, why do you feel it is so important to use cotton?
It is a natural fiber and so it good on the skin. Farming it is not so nice. There is a lot of water wastage and use of chemicals. We try to work on these last two aspects. It would be better not to use cotton at all but there is not a real good substitute yet.
On Fashion – “try to avoid making little adults out of children”
What current trend or style in fashion is exciting you?
At the moment, due to the recession probably, it is not really exciting. But we really admire designers and brands as Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens, Anne de Meulemeester.
How did you decide to get into fashion? Did you happen upon it serendipitously?
Passion!
Are there any designers, past or present, that you would have liked to work with?
Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens, Anne de Meulemeester.
Do you have any fashion advice or styling tips you could give to our readers?
Do not be afraid to mix and match! Try to avoid making little adults out of children. Do not let your children wear oversized clothes!
On Life – I make designer baby clothes because I admire children!
I read an older IMPS&ELFS press release which presented some terrific golden rules: Let’s Not Behave; Let’s Get Dirty; Don’t Be Boring and Speak Up. A great list for today’s child, to be sure. IMPS&ELFS asked us to speak up. What would you love children to speak up about?
The theme of that collection was “SPEAK UP”. We were fed up with all the so-called “wise people”. We wanted to hear the children speak about their own future.
And speaking of children, I love the quote, “I admire their smile; I admire their pureness; I admire their happiness; I admire their sense of humor; I admire children for being the most precious gift on earth.” That is beautiful. Is that the ultimate motivator for everything IMPS&ELFS does?
Exactly!
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Thank you for carrying our line!
What girl doesn’t love her very own special purse? No matter what age, every girl loves a good purse regardless of its size or color. But why? What is behind this inexplicable innate need and longing for a gorgeous carry all — a safe place for our belongings. Lipstick, cell phone, wallet, lotion, it is all in there, in our purse. Change your purse, you can change your mood. Whether it is a clutch, hobo, tote or baguette, your purse is your best friend at any age. Perhaps it is in our genes?
Take my niece Isabel, for instance. She cracks me up! At only one year old she knows what’s up with purses. Give her any purse and she will instantly sling it over her teeny shoulder and begin to saunter off. No one taught her how to do that. She just…knew. At least now there is a definite object for her affection. We know she will love Estella‘s very own Baby Purse Rattle. This deliciously smart and cute toy serves double duty: it is a rattle and baby’s first “purse” all rolled into one clever package.
Knitted by hand, in Peru, this rattle is as entertaining for the kids as it is for you and your friends. The tongue-in-cheek design will have you smirking all day. The snappy colors and pattern make it alluring to babies and the soft knitted cotton yarn makes the 3 1/2″ inch rattle full of endless snuggle-ability. A total win-win!
After all, who doesn’t love a good purse? We know we do..it is in our genes. And if you are looking for more funky and witty designs and a huge range of designer baby clothes[R3] , have a look at Estella’s Spring-Summer collection!
There’s always the dreaded gift bag from kids’ parties. What amazing treats and incredible toys will get this time, your kids wonder. What pieces of plastic junk will they get this time, you wonder. When my daughter proudly showed up with a bag from her latest shindig, I was thrilled. Not for the rubber stamp, bug ring or pencil that didn’t even write. My joy came from the two-inch plastic paratrooper with the fold-up plastic parachute. Finally a toy I could respect—one pulled straight from my childhood and placed into my daughter’s life. Oh happy day!
It would seem that up up and away is a common theme among kids (and apparently grouchy old men, if you’ve seen the movie “Up”). Hot air balloons, parachutes, take your pick. So let them feel the wind in their hair (okay, not really) with this playful parachute T-shirt by Appaman—a nod to soaring freedom. The colorful contrasting lines create movement that they can appreciate as they dive head first into the breeze.
I’m sure that my daughter would rather be soaring high among the clouds on a parachute instead of down here on Earth, where I’m probably yelling at her to stop feeding the puppy her green beans. Until she can get the go-ahead to make that plunge, she’s going to have to hang on the ground here with me. Besides I think we have another birthday party next weekend. Maybe she’ll bring home a Stretch Armstrong.
We all know the game. Hand them something. They’ll throw it out of their crib. You’ll pick it up. Hand it to them. They’ll throw it back out of the crib again. You’ll pick it up. Hand it to them. Familiar, yes. Fun, no.
Although an annoying way to spend time for you, but it’s an important cause and effect learning experience to your child. If I throw it over, it’s gone until someone gets it for me. Cause-effect.
There’s no fantasy league that’ll take this “game” and make it enjoyable. So why not add a little of your own fun to the insanity with this football baby rattle. A soft cotton alternative to most rattles, this football hand-made in Peru and is the perfect way to at least pretend you’re having a great time being your kid’s wide receiver. Also adding another element to the cause-effect, the soft rattle sounds are sure to put an excited and surprised smile on your little MVP’s face.
Give your star quarterback the home field advantage over the other football star wannabes. After all, college is expensive. Let’s start on that football scholarship now, shall we?
Getting dressed for work is simple for me. T-shirt and yoga pant. If it’s cold, I put on a hoodie. The lounge life of a freelance writer. When my daughter sees me plunking along at my laptop, she inevitably will ask to play a game or look at photos. Since procrastination is my actual middle name, I acquiesce. After all, every day is casual Friday in my office.
I do try to involve my daughter in the professional side of my job whenever I can. She has been to several press events (even been in the paper photographed with a few local celebs). This means she knows the art of dressing for success. Play rompers and silly animal T-shirts are fine for when mommy’s “at the office,” but when we’re out and about…it calls for a tad more refinement.
Which is why I fell in love with this gorgeous pink blouse by Simple Kids. The dainty ruffled neckline and classic pin-tucked detailing make her the center of attention at any gathering—business or otherwise. She’s quite the little lady, as she boasts baby’s first silk/cotton blend.
When she dresses to the 8+1s, I notice her pride. She holds her head up high, as she grabs my hand and walks boldly into a room full of grownups. She’s ready to do business (although I’m not sure what business that is). Who are we kidding? She’s probably going to send me an intra-office memo tomorrow. T-shirts are no longer allowed during the work week. I’ve created a monster.
I once saw my daughter have an argument with herself about whether she wanted apple or orange juice. It was the funniest/saddest thing I have ever witnessed. She stood in the kitchen in front of the two containers I had taken out. What followed was an interesting interchange with herself that actually ended in tears. “I want OJ. No! I don’t want OJ. I want apple. I want orange! Waaaah!” Wow.
Before her head could explode from the pressure of choosing a tasty beverage, I managed to pry the empty cup out of her hands. Into it I poured a 50-50 mix of apple juice and orange juice. She was in thankful awe of my great Mother Knows Best skills.
Perfect to satisfy the multi-dimensional, multi-personality of your little one, check out these fantastically clever patchwork Bermuda shorts by Hartford Kids. Time to get dressed, son. What pattern do you want? Flowers. I want tiny flowers. NO! Big ones! I want this plaid. NO! I want that plaid. Relax, kid. You can have it all.
Very rarely does a parent win. In this case, we have a winner. So sit back, relax and celebrate with a big cup of juice. What’s your pleasure—apple or orange?
Violet. You wanted to name her Violet. Ever since you could remember, for as long as you dreamt of being a mother, you were in love with the name Violet. That quirky little name seemed to exude such charm, such moxie. You never met a Violet you didn’t like. Violet was the go to girl, Violet was your fashionable best friend. Violet was the teacher’s favorite student. And now, by golly, you would have your very own daughter named Violet. You didn’t count on having boys, however….three of them, bless their little non-Violet hearts. There would be no Violettos in this family. Oh, well!
At least you can admire Bonbon’s Baby and Girl Liberty Print Sundress in – what else – Violet, of course. Like the name Violet, what’s not to love about this dress? This gorgeous little French-made number is put together with a fabulous Liberty of London fabric showcasing tiny violets cradling a serene gray background (gray is the new black, by the way.) London and France collide making this sundress a truly chic intercontinental experience. The 100% cotton means easy care for this Violet and the adjustable shoulder ties equals a great fit every time this sundress is worn. Bon Bon has an absolute gorgeous collection of baby clothes especially sundresses!
Your sister is ready to ready to give birth to a girl in a few weeks, and this will certainly be baby girl’s first welcome home gift. Now if only you could convince your sister to name the baby Violet…
Why, oh why, can’t my daughter seem to understand that you must respect mommy’s garden. Just because your T-ball rolls into a bush, doesn’t mean you should stomp through the lush greenery to retrieve it. Not all flowers are for picking, although tempting as it may be. And stepping on top of a plant that has already bloomed its bloom for the season isn’t an act I would applaud.
Sure, my daughter has a little green thumb when it comes to our veggie garden (although I’m not sure she’s realized yet that she’ll be asked to eat the broccoli we grow). But our flower garden is another story. One that reads like a tragedy. I can actually see the leaves shutter when she walks by.
That’s why this little blue sundress by Kit + Lili is so ironic. Gorgeous peaceful leaves trailing up from the hem. It almost gives the illusion of my little princess dancing sweetly in a field. Whirling and twirling (not stomping and mashing). Stopping to smell the flowers (not pick them). Nurturing the nature, as she stops to care for the flora around her with a gentle loving touch.
I guess that’s why it’s called irony. So watch out, azaleas. It’s baseball season.
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