Archive for August 2010
There’s just something about New York City. Whether you live in Texas, Tennessee, or Timbuktu, you know about the pervading NYC vibe that makes everyone from newborns to nannas unbearably chic. And for whatever reason, New Yorkers have definite preference for one color: Black. It makes sense, really. Black is the ultimate neutral to be worn with pretty much everything. It’s a color that should and usually does appear in everyone single person’s wardrobe – from the fairest to the deepest complexions. There’s always a place for the darkest of dark hues.
For some reason, though, when you’re a little one folks often assume that you should be wearing cartoon characters and crazy colors all over. You know better. You know that black is far from boring and when rendered in the right fabric it can be down right saucy! That’s why you choose garments like the girls Shiny Jacket from Anais & I. It’s the right color to wear with jeans or with a party dress, plus it’s sheen makes it clear that it’s not just your everyday parka. It’s functional with a fleece lining. It’s fantastic; it’s very New York.
Don’t get us wrong, we are grateful for the whole women’s lib thing. You know, property and voting rights, protection from harassment – that whole bit. But it can’t be denied that we just love all things girly. Even the clichés, sometimes. Isn’t it fun to relish in the “sugar, spice, and everything nice” mantra? Sure, we can play in the mud, chase after puppies and do math with the best of them. When it’s all said and done, though, a good bath and pretty bow transforms that little wild child into a sweet little angel again.
What better way to perform the angelic transformation than with precious little flowers – and in pink! Not just any pink, mind you. A sophisticated cherry blossom pink with flowers in dusty mauve, light lavender and a touch of coral. Anais and I’s Pleated girls dress delivers that delicious cotton fabric by Liberty of London. That is to say, this is a dress with depth. Just like all little girls, it might be just pretty on the surface, but there are layers that make for a complex and unique individuality.
Have you ever looked at your child and thought, “Where did you come from?” Not in the birds and bees sense because I think we all have a firm grasp on that one. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t really be buying baby clothes, now would we? But in the realm that your child is doing something that really makes such little sense they must be from another planet. Like licking the dog or trying to put their toes in their ear (and actually succeeding).
This UFO baby sweatshirt from Australian brand Munster really captures that sense of “huh” that your little alien might have you feeling. The quaint little flying saucers fly through the sweatshirt with a sort of sweet take me-to-your-leader ease. It’s a dizzying affect that almost rivals the affect you get when you tilt your head against the next odd action your child does. The easy-on snaps at the shoulder mean that putting this sweatshirt on your little own won’t send either one of you to the moon in frustration.
You can consider this comfy and soft sweatshirt an inside joke between you and the universe. Because it understands that your child, as loveable as he or she is, does some out-of-this-world weird things.
Mama, poppa, we know your secret. You may dress your kiddies in the best duds and say it’s because you want them to feel good about themselves in the big bad world. But we know what’s really up. That fact is, your child’s wardrobe reflects on YOU. And are you the type to go for cheap fabrics in trendy cuts? Goodness, no.
So the Back Zipper Hooded Sweater from Bon Bon is right up your alley. The cashmere blend, classic cut, and understated color doesn’t just look luxurious – it is. And while keeping baby warm and snuggly on a cool autumn day is paramount, it’s definitely a big bonus that you get to hold something soft and beautiful in your lap – far nicer and infinitely more valuable than any “it” bag.
Let’s face it. Glittery tops and gold lamé leggings can be fun (like, tons of fun) but how often can you wear that disco jr. get-up without getting some serious side eye from your play date chums? Not to mention the fact that ostentatious babies are sooo last decade. Instead, savvy little girls are having a new look at minimalism.
This girls corduroy dress by Bon Bon is truly good good and for more reasons than a couple. Made in France from super soft cotton, it’s the ultimate in quiet, functional luxury. It’s durable material and scrumptiously neutral navy make it a wardrobe staple you’ll keep going back to again and again. This little number is so classic, you may as well give your little sister he heads up that she’ll be wearing it one day too. And when you’re feeling jazzy, throw on those sparkly tights and shiny jacket your dress goes from basic to banging!
I’m in love with this beautiful public flower garden in town. There’s a quiet pond, surrounded by huge flowering willows. People leisurely lay around on blankets, tossing crumbs from their picnic lunches to swans and ducks (although there’s usually nothing leisurely in how they eat the crumbs). A little bridge takes those who wander over the water, as tall statuesque flowers of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows greet them on the other side. The lush green and striped ornament grasses lend themselves as elegant backdrops to this picturesque scene.
The most impressive thing in this haven goes beyond the grand bold and beautiful flowers. There’s actually a garden of tiny flowers—little petals so dainty they look like small bursts of colorful satin and lace. These wisps of tissue paper blossoms wave in the gentle breezes to create a sea almost more brilliant than their larger counterparts. They’re an orchestra of color.
This is the notion behind Bon Bon’s Liberty Print violet blouse. Tiny purple and pink rosettes create a lovely field of flowers to create the sweetest of floral fantasies. It carries the beauty of summer’s blooms into the fall with playful yet delicate femininity. This girls blouse is sure to stand out among any bouquet, no matter size or color.
Why would anyone want to be puffy? Puffy eyes usually come after a night when you didn’t get any sleep. Puffy pants are typically unflattering. Puffy hair…well, that’s just scary all around. Nope, I’m just not a fan of the puff.
But kids love to be puffy, for some reason. Puffy paint is a big hit at the craft table. Puffy snowsuits are at the top of the list of winter go-to clothes. And the puffier the cotton candy, the better. Actually, I’m with them on that one. But you get my drift. They enjoy having puffy things.
Definitely not a girly puff of plush but puffy all the same, the Munster Kids Stay Puff Reversible Hooded Jacket is a cozy soft way for any boy to play the day away. With a Shazaam-esque bolt, you can tell he means business. He’s ready to do whatever, wherever—skate board, jump around, or run with lightning speed.
This clever zip-up jacket even does a quick presto change-o to fit his mood—dark purple for when he’s feeling a bit sinister, light grey for when he wants to use his powers for good. Take the jacket off and “poof”…not puff…and he can flip it for whatever side best suits his needs.
I guess puff is pretty good. After all, I’ve never turned down a puff pastry.
So you’re well on your way with the ABC’s and you can do a mean Barney shuffle (that purple monster sure can jam), but lil’ man there’s something you have to know: The clothes make the man. That is, the clothes CAN make the man. And just because you won’t technically reach manhood for another decade and a half, doesn’t mean you can’t start brushing up on your sartorial skills. A wardrobe of spiffy duds can only enhance your glowing attributes, and for better or worse the world like to see a man in a tie.
What’s that you say? You don’t even know how to ties your shoes, let alone perform a double Windsor? Not to worry! This slick Lost Boys Long Sleeved T-Shirt from Munster Kids is just the ticket you need to achieve your high-end look via your low-maintenance lifestyle. The stripes will let everyone know that style is as important as business to you and an overly stuffy get up just isn’t your thing. What better way to be sharp and still have plenty of wiggle room?
And just between you and I, lil dude, ZZ Top was right when they said “every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man.”
As the saying goes, “always put your best foot forward.” And we definitely agree that your front side is most likely to be the best weapon in your cuteness arsenal, but there comes a time when it’s right to give the backside a little boost. After all, the front side has those completely pinchable cheeks and button nose working for it.
Enter this tie-back corduroy dress from Anais & I. In classic Little Black Dress style, this number keeps it simple up front with a clean and crisp A-line shape that will look good everywhere from Sunday school to that must-attend birthday party of the year. Just like a crafty little girl, don’t be fooled by this dresses demure front side. In the back there’s a bow so jazzy even the shyest Susan will be feeling giddy in her party dress. With a view of a beaming smile when she’s coming and a perky and playful printed bow when she’s going, she’ll be irresistible.
It brings a whole new meaning to business in the front, party in the back. But, please, no mullets allowed.
There’s a photo of my daughter floating around our family albums (she’s an only child, so there are a few albums out there). She’s running through a garden of tulips, holding hands with her best friend. Apparently, little girls know nothing of tiptoeing through tulips. The only thing they knew how to do was frolic at a very quick pace.
The two girls wore dresses that almost looked as if they were intentionally coordinated with the actual blooms themselves, a formal flower garden photo shoot—her friend in light pink and coral blooms, my daughter in cheery yellows and crisp whites. Their ensembles were unplanned, of course, because what little girl actually wears what her mom wants her to wear from the get-go?
Donned in these gorgeous bright outfits, they created this image of almost being one (or two, as it were) with the flowers themselves. I’ll never forget the scene (although I couldn’t tell you what album the photo is in). The Anais & I jersey girls dress reminds me so much of it. The skirt is so full of beauty and life, it belongs running through an enchanting field of flowers. It’s a perfect reminder of spring and summer during the colder months, when the blossoms are taking their seasonal siesta. During this time, we hold onto nature’s pretty packages of petals through sweet touches—the skirt’s splashes of fun color and floral print, the little rosette corsage, the petal-softness of the jersey top.
I would love to recapture that photo when she and her best friend are older. Maybe then we wouldn’t get yelled at by the groundskeeper to stop stomping through the tulips.
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