Kids’ Footwear | New Balance Trainers / Sneakers / Sneaks.

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A few years ago we lived and worked in East London. We saw a lot of trends, styles, brands, come and go. But it was practically overnight that I spotted guys wearing NEW BALANCE trainers; and I’m not gonna lie, I was like “how are they even making a come back?!”. As a kid, New Balance were always a trainer that I saw as being fit for purpose, like for playing Tennis in or something else sporty!

A few more weeks went by, seeing more and more colours of sneaks popping up; and then I saw a pair of Bordeaux Red (my favourite wine no less) New Balance 574’s in the window of Albam, Spitalfields. I fell in love. I wanted them for myself, even though they were Men’s. I knew right then that my opinion on New Balance had been overturned, forever. And rightly so.

Fast forward 5 years and my almost 4 year old is loving life in his very own pair of All-Black 574’s.

For those who don’t perhaps know, Eli was born with several medical conditions – Talipes, Torticollis and Hypermobility. From before he was even born, Eli endured some pretty intense tests, scans, physio and corrective treatments (Ponseti method). He came out the other side meeting the milestones that all his pals met, at the same age (and some he hit even sooner than anticipated!). While, on the outset Eli looks ‘fixed’, you can’t help but notice just how clumsy he can be, how off-balance he can be and how crazily flexible he can be! He’s super-active and he never did learn to *just* walk – he quite literally got up one day and RAN. Eli also doesn’t sleep well – never has – since being a newborn. We sometimes excuse his lack of sleep with, “he just doesn’t want to miss out”, “he’s being a typical toddler”. But the older he’s getting, the more convinced we are that it could well be his conditions waking him and giving him jip. He’s commented recently on his feet and knee’s being sore. We were told that it’s likely he could grow up with Migraines and will get early onset Arthritis due to the flexibility of his joints. (We have his next check-up with his consultant in June).

When Eli did start running walking we struggled to find suitable footwear that supported him fully, that would aid against relapse and would keep him upright. With this all in mind, I wanted to highlight how good these trainers are for his feet; and his balance (no pun intended). They’re a great fit for him, just narrow enough. They tie quite tightly, with no rubbing at any points. They keep him more sturdy than any other footwear he has, yet they’re really lightweight. They’ve worn exceptionally well and actually still look brand new. Eli has commented that they’re “my comfy adventure shoes”. And I think that says it all! He’s really happy with them – he runs like the wind in them – and looks pretty cool too.

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I ordered Eli’s 574’s from OFFICE and had them delivered within the week to Berlin. They have a massive range of Kids’ New Balance styles, in loads of wicked colours. There are also velcro versions for smaller feet… or for feet that love untying those shoe laces! You can shop the full range online here.

 

MM.

 

What Eli Wore | Denim Dungarees Day.

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What Eli Wore:
Mini Club Denim Dunagree Set – £16.00, Boots.com
Classic Converse Low-Tops in Black – £24.99, Office KIDS.

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Before we even knew we were having a boy, we decided that we wanted a happy little ‘un wearing denim dungaree’s, stripes and Converse. At 14 months old, this has FINALLY happened! And Mr Eli looks wicked!

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I love Boots.com for Boy’s clothes. Even better that you get your Advantage Points – or even better still, you can spend your Advantage Points and get FREE clothes! Amazing.

Today Mr Eli wears the Denim Dungaree set – with stripey poppered vest, featuring super cute elbow patches. These dungarees are just great, really hardwearing and are lined with jersey so are lovely and soft on your little one’s legs too. Clever people at Boots Mini Club also made sure that nappy change-time is a breeze (in theory nappy change would be a breeze… if only I could keep him still!) with popper fastenings to the legs. I love the little turn up too, I always give Eli the Shoreditch Roll Up anyway, but the bottoms often roll back down – so it’s nice that this one stays put!

As always, Mr Eli is rocking his Converse sneaks.

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The only thing is, these dungarees appeared to make my baby look like an actual toddler… he’s no longer a baby, I know. But still. Boo 🙁 He does look really grown up in this outfit – I’m sure it made him even more mischievous than usual too!

MM.

What Eli Wore | Casual Converse day.

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What Eli Wore:
Children’s Converse Tee – £10 – £12, Debenhams KIDS.
Mini Club Boy’s Grey Jogging Bottoms – £5.00, Boots.com
Classic Converse Low-Tops in Black – £24.99, Office KIDS.

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On Saturday we were all a little bit worn out and tired. Mr Memoirs spent most of his day snoozing on the sofa, while me and Mr Eli had fun playing games and watching TV. So Saturday was all-in-all, a casual and cosy kind of day. Which, we thoroughly enjoyed! Mr Eli spends much of his time in skinny jeans, chinos and a lovely shirt. So ‘Casual Converse day’ was quite a change for him indeed!

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Mr Eli was comfy and cosy in his new grey joggers from Boots.com! At £5, they’re such good value for money, they’re quite slim fitting too – so great for the trend conscious amongst you. Don’t forget, you also get your Boots points! BONUS ROUND! He also wore his new Converse Tee, finally! It was a birthday gift from our dear friends Christie and Adam, it’s a size 18m, so a little big for Eli just yet – but we couldn’t wait to get it out! We styled the longer sleeves out with a roll up – making him look super cool. Eli is wearing his Converse Low-Tops so much now, we think they’re helping with his walking as it’s a greater surface area to aid his balance – while also keeping his feet nice and straight through the day; helping to avoid that dreaded relapse!

A great casual combo. What are your favourite clothing combinations for a lazy day inside?

MM.

Dungarees set to make a comeback?

Maternity Dunagrees, £38. Topshop.com

We bought our little babbit a pair of amazing Dungarees from Zara last week… and it got me thinking about Maternity Dunagrees. Was this not the staple to all pregnant ladies’ wardrobes, way back when? I jokingly said to OH I’d have to get a Vintage pair and team them with a lovely Laura Ashley blouse and huge headband…. But then thought of the absolute hassle a pair of dungarees really is. The frequency of which I frequent the loo these days is incredible. Imagine having to faff on with the buttons on a pair of dungarees every time?!

Or am I missing the point? Are dungarees really that comfy for a pregnant lady? I can’t help but think I’d also look like a small child with big pot belly if I got a pair, I am only 5 foot nothing, after all!

What do you think? Dungarees, yay or nay? I found it very interesting that high street favourites, Topshop, are attempting to bring the faithful dungarees back – just spied the above pair in their Maternity New Arrivals!

MM.