• T H U R S D A Y. K I D S •
Feat some of my current faves:
✖️Bag // @tibaandmarl
✖️Tee // @nor_folk
✖️Hareems // @stitched_up_apparel
✖️Feet // @vans_europe
MM.
• T H U R S D A Y. K I D S •
Feat some of my current faves:
✖️Bag // @tibaandmarl
✖️Tee // @nor_folk
✖️Hareems // @stitched_up_apparel
✖️Feet // @vans_europe
MM.
I have a natural affinity for Norfolk, with my long, long, long, long, long (etc) lost ancestor’s naming their own land in Norfolk with our very own family surname – Briston. But it was Nor-Folk, the brand, who I fell in love with on Instagram last year (@Nor_Folk). Not only is this a brand that is founded by a Husband-and-Wife design team, but its an effortlessly cool brand to boot. Fiona and Bobby, along with their super-stylish (and super-cute) son Stanley, live in the most incredible of homes;and together they are The Nor-Folk. They’re a design-led lifestyle brand, who design and print their own clothing range, collaborate on Homeware & Gifts and feature local Norfolk contributors on the Journal.
As someone who has a very definite WORK HARD attitude, in all things in life, I thought that the ‘Work Hard’ Adult Tee was a proper piece of me. Of course, I found the #Twinning combination of ‘Play Hard’ Kids’ Tee completely irresistible and ordered both as soon as we were finally moved in Berlin. (Play Hard, a perfect slogan for my little one who cannot wait for play time!).
Eli was given the ‘Hello’ Tee as a gift from our lovely friends at Christmas (lucky boy!). Sadly, it wasn’t quite the right size. So I got in touch with Fiona (who I didn’t expect to be working over the festive period) and she replied at lightening speed. As the tee was purchased in the UK, but we’re now in Berlin, it made sense to send the new size of this wicked tee directly to me. After just a few emails all was arranged and a few days later the replacement tee was on my desk in Prenzlauer Berg. A really small team, but a team that fundamentally strives for customer care.
Both of these Tee’s are available in Black or White options, for the ultimate in minimal monochrome styling. I love that all the designs are unisex too. With my Mama-head on, I might also add that these cotton tee’s wash exceptionally well and are just so wonderfully soft. The three styles we own are all made in the U.K. and are finished with the hand printing in Norfolk itself. Which is just ace of base.
There’s something a little bit special about buying products from a family-run business; whether that be a Husband-and-Wife team or a Mum/Dad-preneur. You’re not funding a corporate machine – you’re supporting real people. A real family. And that feels really good.
Wishing Fiona, Bobby and the Nor-Folk team lots of luck and adventures for the exciting year a head. We look forward to seeing the brand grow from strength to strength!
Check out more from Nor-Folk here.
MM.
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Nor-Folk is a graphic design-led lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife graphic designers who reside in Norfolk, UK.
“Together, we design and curate apparel and products for the whole family with a timeless minimalist design aesthetic.
“We create and sell products we love and want in our own lives. We passionately adhere to the sentiment ‘less is more’ and ‘quality over quantity’ in our product creation.
“Our family and adventures are our canvas and muse – we invite you to share in our journey and that of our contributors via our Journal.
“Together, we are the Nor-Folk.”
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*NB: This is in no way a sponsored post. I just wanted to big up a brand whom I think is frikkin amazing*.
What Eli Wore: Dinosaur Costume
Brand: H & M
Price: £17.99 / 24.99€
Sizes available: 2 years – 10 years.
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It’s no secret, Mr Eli quite literally lives and breathes Dinosaurs. Some of that love is potentially down to us as his parents – we did force the SCIENCE upon him encourage it from before he was even born; you know, the dinosaur prints here and there, the odd toy figure, a couple of books, DVD’s… (and had even meticulously planned that first trip to the Natural History Museum for when he was JUST the right age, of course. And, incidentally, it was the “BEST DAY EVER!” when we took him for his 3rd birthday). He was destined to be our little Science Boy. THANKFULLY, Eli is fully appreciative of our efforts and is 110% fully immersed and committed. If he’s not acting his role as Chief Explorer then he’s THE dinosaur that’s being searched for. (It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two roles… and sometimes, just for laughs, he merges them into one, to keep me on my toes!).
Eli did have a dinosaur onesie from his Auntie, but he outgrew it a little while ago and I’ve looked for something similar since. I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled across this gem in H&M at Alexanderplatz before Christmas. It was under the tree waiting for him on the big day… but looked massive. The sizing is quite broad, I’d bought a size 2-4 years. So, I whacked it in his wardrobe shortly after Christmas and expected we’d get it out again during Summer at some point. Yesterday he’d retrieved it himself and brought it over to me, whispering “Mummy, I think this is a real dinosaur!”. We tried it on, et voilà, it looked wicked! Eli was indeed instantly transformed to REAL DINOSAUR status – complete with sound effects and some pretty scary actions!
PRO’s: So, its a great price for a play-costume. The detailing is brilliant – especially the detachable padded tail and golden spiked spine. The print is spot on and kind of shimmers. It’s flowing and comfy – slight elasticated hems and a zip cover at neckline. Machine washable at 30c.
CON’s: It makes Eli sweat – its that sort of sweaty polyester material; could have done with being lined.
We’re properly chuffed with this outfit and know we’ll get LOADS of daily wear out of it. And I think he makes a pretty cool REAL DINOSAUR!
You can shop this natty little number on the following sites: UK and DE.
MM.
#WhatEliWore
I LOVE finding new Childrenswear brands. Hello Apparel has been on my radar for a little while – I just haven’t gotten round to writing up my Brand In Focus for them!
Hello Merch is an independent company started in 2008 by Sam Means as an outlet for artists to manufacture and sell merchandise online and on tour, without giving up their rights by signing major label-style merch contracts. Hello Apparel is available for Adults as well as kids; although, I think the kids range is much cooler! ;o
Unfortunately, Hello Merch is just available for import at the minute. But the ever so lucky Southwood Stores will be the ONLY UK stockist very, very soon! So keep your eyes peeled! I actually cannot wait!
Here are my favourite pieces, that I’d love to dress Mr Eli in!
Hello (Kids) Navy Raglan Pullover, $35.00.
Hello Individual Onesies,$18.00.
Arrows (Kids) Black Tri-Blend T-Shirt,$22.00.
Sunglasses (Kids) Raglan Tri-Blend Shirt,$24.00.
MM.
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!
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.
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.
We’re still yet to properly decorate and sort out Mr Eli’s stomping ground, otherwise known as his quarters bedroom. But that doesn’t stop me trawling the internet for neat finds like this one!
I just LOVE this 50’s inspired print by Ingela P Arrhenius. Mr Eli is a Leo the Lion himself, so I thought this would be quite fitting for his bedroom. (Not that we’re a family of the zodiac I might add!).
I found this print on Archie’s Boutique and here is what they say about it:
This lovely chap has so much character and personality!
Ingela P Arrhenius’ Lion poster is full of vibrant colours that are guaranteed to brighten up any room, whether it be a child’s or adults.
Stockholm based artist Ingela Arrhenius designs the most wonderful cartoon-like illustrations that are inspired by work from the 50s and 60s.
50 x 70 cm
There are several other prints available online too – such as a Tiger print and Alphabet print. Just so cool.
MM.
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!
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.
We’re HUGE fan’s of the Oliver’s in our house. Most food I cook, on a daily basis, is a recipe derived from one of our many Jamie Oliver cookbooks.
When I heard about Jools, Jamie’s better other half, designing the Little Bird collection for Mothercare I just KNEW it was going to be amazing. (I’ve been meaning to write this one for a while!) I’ve always loved the quirky, cool and relaxed way Jools dresses her beautiful 3 girls and little boy. The Little Bird collection is reminiscent of just that – the fun, but trendy, way Jools dresses her own children – plus some harping back to the 1970’s and her own childhood memories for good measure too.
I thought I’d share my favourite Boy’s pieces from the latest collection for A/W 13. Albeit, Jools has cleverly made some of the pieces unisex – so great if you do have more than one child, the clothing can be passed on and around.
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Little Bird by Jools, Long Sleeved Graphic Print T-Shirt, £7.00 – £8.00
We do have a penchant for 70’s design and interiors. Have to say, we’ve not yet really dressed Mr Eli is anything 70’s related as yet. Aside from his Converse, Fred Perry, dinosaur print tee’s, oxford shirts and skinny jeans. Things like that just look like modern-day as fashion’s are always revived like that. But I LOVE this 1974 long sleeve tee. Lovely and bright and will go with everything.
Little Bird by Jools, Desert Boots, £16.00.
These mock suede boots are just amazing – such a classic style. Just like what Daddy wears! You can choose between the red or yellow laces – which is great for outfit matching. Wear these boots with chino’s or jeans for a comfortable, smart or casual look.
Little Bird by Jools, Dark Wash Jeans, £10.00 – £11.00.
A lovely pair of unisex jeans in a nice dark denim colourway. I’ve seen Buddy Oliver sporting these and he looks super cool. These dark wash jeans feature a classic design which can be worn in many seasons to come. They have a mock leather back pocket patch and contrasting stitching inside. Team with colourful tees and shirts for a cool and casual look.
Little Bird By Jools Brown Cord Trousers, £10.00
A MUST for the 70’s wardrobe – the humble brown corduroy trouser. These soft cord trousers have a straight leg, so perfect for Mr Eli keeping that skinny-fit silhouette going. These trousers will look incredible with Eli’s classic Converse Low-Tops and a bright print top – or with a smart shirt tucked in!
Little Bird by Jools Socks- 5 Pack, £6.00 – £6.50.
How cute are these socks? Love the way they’ve been displayed in the campaign imagery too. You can’t go wrong with a bright and playful pair to jazz up an outfit. They’re great value in a pack of 5, to be washed and worn during the week. Each pair has contrasting toe and heel colours and ‘Little Bird’ stitched onto the bottom.
Little Bird by Jools Cool Pyjamas, £12.00.
Saving the best till last… I love, love, LOVE these pyjama’s. They’re so, well, COOL! With Eli wearing his Boots & Bar on a nighttime, we have to cut holes into his baby grow’s so that we can fit the bar through. It makes it a little easier for us if we need to remove the bar – and I think it makes it a little bit more comfortable for him too. I’m thinking now might be the time to switch baby grow’s for PJ’s! No more messing about with cutting holes into lovely baby grow’s, that can’t be used again. But my oh my, how adorable does the little chap in the campaign shot look here? Love the styling!
MM.
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Want To Know More?
The Little Bird clothing range from Jools Oliver has been developed to reflect the unique and modern approach to motherhood that Jools enjoys with her wonderful family. From gorgeous newborn baby clothes to stylish and fun boys and girls clothes, this exciting clothing range is easily mixed and matched, the Little Bird range really is great value for money.
Inspired by Jools’ own childhood memories of growing up in the Seventies, this boutique collection is not about short-lived trends, but an eclectic mix of iconic, timeless pieces, that every child between six months to five years will want to wear.
You pick, they mix!
Loved by Jools, designed to be mixed and matched by you and your brood.
Don’t Forget…
Take a look at the rest of the fantastic Little Bird by Jools collection, exclusive to Mothercare.
It’s almost Halloween! The first dess-up occasion for Eli this year. EXCITED. Eli is going to be dressed up as a Skeleton. I had bought his skeleton baby-gro from Mothercare a while ago; to be honest, I’d love for him to just wear it as an everyday-outfit, but thought we should probably save it for Halloween first!
Click here to purchase>> Skeleton babygro, £8.00, Mothercare.
Here are my other favourite Halloween costumes from around the web>>
Click here to purchase>> Vampire mask and cape, £10, John Lewis.
Click here to purchase>> Pumpkin Tutu outfit, £7.00, Asda.
Click here to purchase>> Lil Spitfire outfit, £15.99, Angels Fancy Dress.
Click here to purchase>> ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Baby spider outfit, £12, Marks and Spencer.
Click here to purchase>> Witch outfit, £12, John Lewis.
Click to purchase>> Gruffalo Outfit, £20, John Lewis.
Fred Perry Kids Caban Jacket, WAS £75.00/NOW £52.50. Click here to purchase online at FredsThreads.co.uk
Kid’s Caban jacket, created in combed cotton twill with a classic gingham lining. With a zip down front and two pockets, this simple style is perfect for layering over a button-down shirt or classic pique shirt. Finished with our signature Laurel Wreath embroidery.
How cute is this Fred Perry Caban Jacket? I would absolutely LOVE to buy one now! If only it wouldn’t mean that Baby Boy had to wait until he was at least 2 years old to wear it! 🙁
MM.