Archive for September 2010
No matter what I’m feeling and no matter how quiet I am about it, you can tell. When I’m happy, I beam through every pore. Angry? I can bite my lip, I can hold my tongue, but there it is. You might say, I wear my heart on my sleeve.
It only makes sense that my daughter would be the same way. She doesn’t need to sass back. Her eyes and facial expressions do it for her.
When I saw this Girls Romper with Hearts, I thought what better way to let everyone know that emotions can be an open board book. Especially when cheeks are puffed up with happy giggles. Designed by Kit + Lili: Miki, it really says exactly what you want it to say—she is your heart.
I love the playful trailing hearts in pink and purple, perfect for when she’s happy and excited. The puffy fit is super comfy, which of course makes her smile. And she’ll be so adorable in the lovely lines.
With such vibrant colors, it’s certain. You’ll always know where your heart is. There she is and she’s holding out her arms to you.
Working from home, I’ve discovered that entertainment choices are incredibly limited. That is unless you like soap operas, infomercials or talk shows. But there is a part of me that doesn’t mind the other 25% of programming—a bit of nostalgia. This is definitely something you can find during 9-to-5 TV. If you take a quick look, on any given afternoon, you will discover a Laura Ingalls moment. Running through the fields, saying goodnight to John Boy, sitting on the buggy with Pa. These are all sweet moments of Americana that really capture exactly how freeing it can be to be a girl. Or at least one who has access to a field of flowers.
That’s exactly what I thought of when I saw this adorable girls Amelie dress. This sweet long-sleeved design is a little touch of sugar, innocence, and everything else nice that goes into being a little girl. The flow keeps everything extra comfy and girly, as if a run through the wild flowers is on the list of things to do today. That and milk the cows.
American designer Dagmar Daley gave us the perfect amount of smart design through simple stripes, and the huge pockets in front offer schoolgirl charm (even for the tiny tots who aren’t into readin’, writin’ or ‘rithmatic yet). You can just picture her donning dress and bonnet, and running out to play. Reminiscent of yesteryear, it’s a nod to being a kid and care-fee. Besides it’s better than having her dress like a soap opera star.
“I see a purple tree,” she squeals.
“No, you don’t,” squashes her mom.
“Yes, I DO!” she insists.
No, my daughter isn’t colorblind. She has just always loved the idea of a purple tree. So she tries to work it into our game of Eye Spy whenever she can. I’ve always thought that she fancied herself as a character in a Dr. Seuss book.
When I saw this Leaf Print Romper with all the incredibly exciting purple leaves, I giggled to myself. Kit + Lili: Miki must have been a bumblebee on the wall of my conversation with my little one. How did they know that she constantly wishes for a purple tree? She can’t write yet, so I don’t think there was a letter of intent involved.
This adorable baby romper is so playful—the trails of brilliant leaves create fun movement that I’m sure will turn into a blur of color once her legs and arms get pumping. And the puffy cut means happy comfort.
So here we go, into a colorful new world. I’m not really sure how we even got there. Was it because she shares Dr. Seuss’s birthday? Who knows. I do know one thing. The next time my daughter says she sees a purple tree, I’ll believe her. Right after I finish my green eggs and ham.
As summer makes its final dance, you sit looking outside your open window wondering what happened. Has it really been almost 94 days of sun and relaxation, all of which are coming to screeching halt? As you realize that you are suddenly feeling chilly and have to close the window, the answer is yes. Blah!
Well, fall isn’t really that bad once you start thinking about the beautiful clothing choices that are popping up. And as your little guy crawls up to you and tugs at the bottom of your skirt, a smile spreads across your face and you look at his twinkling eyes and exclaim, “Yes! Fall shopping is here and we shall start with you!” You scoop up your little dandy (you always call him your little dandy because he’s forever impeccably dressed) and know that the first piece you’ll be adding to his fall wardrobe is Dagmar Daley Boy’s Wool Mason Vest.
A salute to all things architectural and fashion forward, the gorgeous Mason Vest is made with warm 100% wool (featuring a 100% cotton lining) and has the details you live for: decorative stitching, striking buttons, a high neckline and a pocket that’s perfect for his future watch fob — or lolly pop. Dagmar Daley’s vest makes a bold statement without yelling at you.
How could you not fall for this piece? It’s fine and dandy.
I can’t tell you how excited I get when I start to notice that summer is almost over. Blasphemous to those who love the hot hot sun and the wet wet humidity. But, sorry ot disppoint you—Autumn is by far my favorite time of year. Winter is next, but talk to me in February after I’ve dug my car out of the 25th snowdrift and that answer will surely change. The best part about fall is the crisp breezes. The kinds that tickle the inside of your nose and wake up the back of your throat. I just love being a little chilly, the cool air nipping at my nose as I pull it a cozy blanket up to my chin.
I’m not 100% sure that babies will see it the same way, since most of them pitch quite the fit the moment they realize, “Hey, I’m chilly over here!” Which is exactly why the Bon Bon’s Baby Girls Cardigan is the perfect little layering piece. The wool and alpaca blend is warm enough to keep baby toasty from early fall to well into winter. Three buttons lead to no-hassle quick on, quick off. And the delicate baby girl pink couldn’t be any sweeter. Which is exactly what I’m sure your little one is, even though her grouchy stares make it apparent she is less than thrilled about my favorite season.
Looking at my daughter sometimes I think she’s a bit of a freeloader, you know? I mean, she gets fed whatever she wants, she plays whenever she wants, she gets massages after her bath. Hey little lady, your middle name isn’t “entitled.” You need to start to earn your keep around here. Get a job. Mow the lawn. Darn your own socks, would you? OK, I know, I know. You’re three. So I guess a job is out of the question. And your Fisher Price mower is a step in the right direction for helping with the lawn care. Handing you a needle might not be the best idea I’ve ever had.
But still, do you feel comfortable with your level of involvement in our home? There are little babies laying around in Favilla Toppe Baby Rompers, by Album di Famiglia, who aren’t afraid to get their tiny hands dirty. This is the perfect outfit for the baby who is ready to roll up her sleeves and do a little earning her keep. The little contrasting elbow and knee pads mean that hard labor isn’t above this tough gal. There’s no problem too tough. No job too hard. She will roll right over to it (or toddle, if she can) and get it done.
So Little Princess of mine, it’s time for you to step up to the plate. And when you’re finished doing whatever it is you can do, I promise a nice bath will be waiting. And a massage. After all that hard work, I figure you’re entitled
We all know that when you eat something out of his chocolate factory that Willy Wonka has asked you not to, strange things happen. You turn into a grape. You float away. You become very tiny and end up in your mom’s pocket. For the record, as much as I joke about keeping my daughter in my pocket, I don’t really welcome her small status. I already have trouble remembering to take change out of my pocket before laundry. That would only lead to disaster.
This adorable purple puffy long kids down coat reminded me of Violet Beauregarde, the girl obsessed with chewing gum who eventually blew (or blue) up into a blueberry. The difference being that this coat is cute and not as traumatic. Appaman made it with all the colorful fun of a candy adventure, with none of the “lesson learned.” Comfy down wraps her up in sweet cozy warmth, with an extended length so chilly knees get a little of the love. A deep hood is perfect for when the winter wind’s blow, and zippered pockets keep lollipops, chocolate bars and gummy bears safely tucked in her pockets even during tumbles in the snow. Because you never know if one of those candy bars will hold golden ticket.
Suspenders and overalls have never really been on my “must have” radar for fashion. When I see them, I think of farmers, ‘70s game show hosts, and power players like stockbrokers. No offense to any of these groups. But even when I was pregnant, I denied the urge to break out a giant pair of men’s overalls to keep my bloated belly contained. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. The time my husband came down the stairs wearing suspenders with his dress shirt, I quietly saved him by sending him back upstairs for a belt instead.
As it turns out, overalls and suspenders can be cool. And, in the case of this adorable little footie overall, they can even keep someone warm. Italy’s Album di Famiglia has created the perfect blend of cozy cotton and can’t-stop-touching-it-soft angora for a light but toasty warm baby overall. The go-with-anything gray color is a little winter cloud of cuteness. As your little one settles his or her tiny toes into the footies, delicate suspender-like straps keep even the wiggliest of babies in an envelope of warmth.
The next time you settle in front of nighttime TV for a good dose of “Let’s Make a Deal,” or when you buy a carton of eggs or stash away some cash for the little one’s college future, think of it this way…now you’re involved in something fun, something tasty, something good, and apparently something fashionable.
I need a party dress. I’m just saying, mom, I mean all the other girls show up in these amazing outfits. I’m stuck in Cousin Amy’s hand-me-downs. I think it’s time for me to have my own style. But not one of those over-fluffed holiday plaid numbers you tried to put me in last year. And can we lay off the lace for a bit, please? Do you remember what happened at Thanksgiving? That horrible cranberry sauce, the lace collar. Don’t get me started. I’m sure you’ll pull out the photographic evidence to show my high school boyfriends.
Something feminine and bold, like me. Festive but not foolish. And I want to be able to spice it up with some great snowman tights and booties. I found this adorable Pupa Baby Dress from Album di Famiglia. The designer is Italian, mom. That just screams chic. The skirt gives me a nice shape, showing off my adorable chunky little legs. I think they’re one of my best features.
I’ve even taken your needs into consideration. The bottom snaps are perfect for when I pick one of the most inopportune moments for a poopy, and we have to make a quick change in the other room. See, mom? It’s not always about me.
Mom, mom, mom, get this dress for me and I promise I’ll clean my room…in a few years.
He’s not the most forthcoming of children. You might say he plays things close to the vest. He keeps things on a need-to-know basis. He silently stalks from room to room. Nope, there’s nothing to see here. Move along, people. He’s full of secrets. You just know he is. After all, he’s never been that great with sharing, toys or otherwise. He might know where Batman lives. He might even know something about Stonehenge. But he wouldn’t tell you if he did. Sure, he goes into his room for rest time. But with all that random crashing and smashing the second you close the door, what goes on in there after you leave? And where does he disappear to with snacks and a juice box?
With all this cloak and dagger secrecy, isn’t it perfect that colder days are covered with this kids Appaman Vest? It has a cool retro feel for when he wants to keep things hidden, like whether he’s chilly or not. Because being chilly is for babies, not big boys like him. As secretive as he is, one thing is as clear—a sneaky little smile crosses his tight lips whenever he puts on this toasty warm vest by Appaman.
So if you’re looking for someone who has something to say, look elsewhere. This kid is keeping things on the down low. Now if you’ll excuse him, to the bat cave.
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