This dress.

My daughter may only wear this 3-4 times in her life but for me it’s worth it. I don’t advocate spending lots of money on kids fashion since practically speaking they can’t wear it for very long but sometimes spending more up front gets you a better quality product that is both unique and practical (there will always be an occasion for a cute dress). The cost of clothing is an issue unto itself and anything fashion related will raise concerns about quality, cost, functionality  vs. originality ( not always exclusive of one another ) and for some of us the issues of how the clothing is produced. Is it ethically and environmentally sound?  Who would have though that buying clothing would raise such concerns?  I frequently struggle with the idea of paying more for things that are not mass produced because often you can find something sufficient for a lot less money at a chain store or a big box retailer. However I struggle more with the concept that clothing should be sufficient.  It’s like saying “it’s fine”.  What a bland and inconclusive response! I think fashion is and has always been a form of expression and the creative minds behind the designs should be supported since fashion is an art form. This is not to say that places like Target, Gap and J. Crew don’t have totally adorable clothing for kids, in fact I regularly shop at all of the aforementioned shops but sometimes it’s fun to seek out smaller companies who offer more unique specialty items.

Here are some fab pieces that I have purchased for my daughter this season.

Giraffe tunic from Crewcuts

Stella McCartney for Gap Kids

Livi and Luca Bloom sandal for Spring 2010

Little soles Retro Mary Janes

Reversible pinafore from Twigs boutique on Etsy

Reversible sun bonnet also from Etsy

Looking to the hall from the crib corner

This will become the "pillow corner"

This will be the painted accent wall

I’m holding out for a Madeline Weinrib rug for her room. They are so beautiful, simple and colorful but not widely available so we’ll be taking a trip to ABC carpet when we’re “home” in NYC this summer.

I’m looking forward to sharing house pics and design ideas while continuing to share fashion news and inspiration for the whole family.

Enjoy the pics. Til next time.

My handier than expected husband installed this lovely white pine floor over the hunter green vinyl floor tiles. Oh the horror.

Dresser

Pink Ikea dresser with Foo dogs from Target (2 of our favorite shops!).  The fabric is a Kravet couture remnant. Hello Kitty speaks for herself.  She keeps us on schedule. The bunny head is a comb and brush set by Skip/Hop. The dark taupe accent wall raised some eyebrows as a color selection for a little girl’s room but I think it offsets the pink accents nicely and is not over the top girly. The remaining walls are painted Rice by Ralph Lauren, a  warm, soft ivory with a subtle pink cast. The ceiling and fan blades are painted with Glidden’s White Fur and the closet interior is painted Ralph Lauren Mission Wildflower. The Hanging flowers are tissue poms from Prosttothehost on etsy.com. The pillows and floor cushions are upholstered in Lee Jofa fabrics and the ribbon shade was made by a local craftswoman using a beautiful (and inexpensive) pink fretwork print from Joanne’s fabric. The books, dolls and accents have been purchased, gifted or handed down over the years.

View from the hall.

Can’t wait to see how her phenomenal talent translates to children’s wear. Her own children will  surely serve as inspirationfor the line.  I have no doubt that the pieces will be fantastic from a design standpoint, but will they be practical? Does it really matter?  No images have leaked yet so we’ll just have to wait and see. I’m sure we can expect reasonable prices since Gap is known for it’s affordable American sportswear.  Bravo Patrick Robinson for bringing your Midas touch to the Gap.  Moms and pops don’t have to wait until November to get their fall fashion fix.  The new, highly anticipated,  Born to Fit collection of premium denim styles is currently in Gap stores nationwide.  Did I mention that Pierre Hardy is doing another line of shoes for Gap?  Too much to look forward to! Fall into the GAP!

I remember an very proper woman once saying that shorts were possibly the least flattering and most unfeminine article of clothing a woman can wear.  I can see where she’s coming from but there are ways to make shorts look…well I don’t know if chic is the right word, but at least stylish.

The fact of the matter is when it’s 85 degrees and you are sitting in a sandbox,  shorts are probably the way to go.  I want shorts that are functional for a romp in the park but stylish enough to wear to a cafe for a snack afterward.  I’ve found a few that should get the job done. Remember it’s not just the shorts it’s how you wear them.  I realize that not all legs are created equal but I have to say often shorter length are more flattering than longer ones. I gave up trying to hide my spider veins a while ago.  Most people know what looks good on them.  Wait, I take that back, a lot of people actually don’t know what looks good on them or rather don’t recognize when something looks bad on them.  That’s a whole other topic.  Just remember a few rules of thumb.  Short shorts look best with tailored but fuller tops. Think tunic. Longer, fuller shorts are best paired with clean, fitted tops.

I used to scour and dig endlessly at the Goodwill and quality thrift shops all through high school and college because quite honestly I got the most bang for my buck that way.  Once I started earning  money and becoming a little safer (boring) in my clothing purchases I pretty much gave up on thrifting.  It wasn’t until recently that I re-discovered the joys of finding a one of a kind quality vintage piece.  The truth of the matter is I don’t have the time or energy that I once did to really get in there and do the work.  There are alternatives.

Etsy actually has quite a few vintage clothiers and yet again ebay is a great place to score, if you kind of know what you’re looking for.  I have so many great coats, bags and dresses that I’ve bought and the quality is top notch since standards were a little higher in the good old days and clothing wasn’t as disposable as it is today. If you have an afternoon or a couple of hours I would encourage you to get out the house and go to a local thift or consignment store where you may be surprised what you find.  I have a girlfrind who swears she will never wear used clothing and is really quite disgusted by the idea, as some people are.  I don’t like her any less for her views. In fact since we have the same build it’s one less person to compete with for someone elses designer cast-offs.  I just bought a smashing Ports 1961 cardi for $18.  The message here is if you’re looking to save some cash and cut down on environmental costs like manufacturing, packaging and freight,  buying second hand is a great way to go.  Check out consignment and thift stores in your area and remember not all shops are created equal.  Thanks for visiting. See my related post on second hand home furnishings at Mochatini.

The cutest reversible sun bonnets that truly protect baby's face from the sun. These make great, practical and fashionable gifts for the babies in your life. Proprietress Nicole is lovely and she does custom orders.

Twigs Boutique features reversible pinafore tops and dresses. So cute. I'm into anything reversible for kids. It's like 2 for 1!

Wall decals give a fresh look to a blah wall without much effort.

Coco and Mathilde. What a doll!

How did my jewelry get here?

Super cool mobile

For the boys in your life

Non-toxic wood toys

Beautiful pottery

Chalkboard silhouette. Twist on a classic.

Decorative arts

Violetdelight makes handmade jewelry and gorgeous hairpieces. This is one of my favorites!

]]> http://fashmom.com/?feed=rss2&p=783 http://fashmom.com/?p=724 http://fashmom.com/?p=724#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 02:19:59 +0000 admin http://fashmom.com/?p=724 I was both inspired and jealofied by my sisters travels to Paris with her husband, and two daughters ages 5 and 6 this Spring. So,  I did a little “please shop on my behalf” research into children’s shopping  so that she might pick up some trinkets for my daughter.  I was so excited by my findings that I decided to do a little post for any of you fashmoms traveling to Paris with the wee ones or perhaps just those of you traveling who may be in search of gifts.  There are so many great shops and links to assist you with your travels but I’m here to add a few suggestions.

Illustration by Soledad

My personal fantasy is to go on a shopping spree at Bonpoint for my daughter.  Granted I could do this on Madison Ave in NYC but so much more je ne sai quoi to do it in Paris.  These clothes are so gorgeous, like I would wear them fab. Simple, elegant, whimsical and beautifully tailored but sooo ridiculously expensive that buying them actually is a fantasy (think $100 for a pack of 7  cotton onsies with the days of the week embroidered in french).  It also seems wrong on a certain level to spend so much money on clothing that will last a year at most. But hey no judgments I would do it if I could.   The good news is that they have an outlet shop in Paris in the left bank where you will probably end up at some point on your trip anyway so please, check it out for me!!

Du Pareil Au Meme carries super cute children’s clothing at reasonable prices.

Bonton is another great place for clothes and gadgets and gifts.

This mushroom is a lamp!

Tumbleweed has whimsical handmade toys and curiosities. A truly unique shop.

WoWo has super cute stuff for boys and girls.

Marie Puce has sweet clothes for baby through teen

Delicious baby is a fabulous travel website with an abundance of information.

]]> http://fashmom.com/?feed=rss2&p=724 http://fashmom.com/?p=698 http://fashmom.com/?p=698#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:55:24 +0000 admin http://fashmom.com/?p=698

Urban Outfitters

Anthropologie

Summer is around the corner which means it will be time for swimwear before you know it.  Quick to the gym Robin!   I’ve found that the styles I like the best, which often include one pieces, are not designed with attractive tan lines in mind.  I guess it depends if you’re by the pool, on the beach, sunbathing or sipping cocktails by the kiddie pool , no one style works for all women.  I’m rounding up a few of my favs purely from a design standpoint.

Hayden Harnett

Hayden Harnett

Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret

Urban Outfitters

Free People

Urban Outfitters

Quick reminder that Matthew Williamson for H&M hits stores April 23rd.

Select styles from Matthew Williamson for H&M

Tracy Feith for Target will be out May 17th and Loomstate for Target is currently in stores and features casual, fashionable looks for both men and women.

Select styles from Tracy Feith for Target

Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn are the design duo behind Loomstate. Their brand philosophy is all about sustainable design and being fashionable and environmentally  responsible. the collection is made of organic cotton.

Loomstate for Target in stores now!