You’re likely to see a lot of posts about Little Bird by Jools Oliver on my blog – ones like these: Brand in Focus and Proper Boy’s Shoes.
I actually adore Little Bird at Mothercare. As mentioned, several times, we look like we live in the 70’s, so Little Bird ensures we all match!
This is one of my favourite little outfits that Eli is currently sporting: ’74 Blue Tee, Green Terry Towelling Shorts (I KNOW!) and Navy Buckle Shoes.
All styles available from Mothercare.com
MM.
FINALLY got this beautiful Clare Nicholson print up in Eli’s room today; after having it resting against the wall for months! (It did look nice against the wall to be fair… looks much better hung though!)
I purchased the “Mountain” print from my favourite shop,Southwood Stores!
MM.
That’s right, SAINT LAURENT.
Saint Laurent Creative Director, Hedi Slimane, decided to drop the ‘Yves’ ahead of the ready-to-wear collection during Fashion Week last year. A bold move, that of course did not come without criticism. A spokeswoman for Slimane said “he was drawing inspiration from 1966, when the ready-to-wear line was launched as Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The name changed again after Saint Laurent retired. He produced the label’s last haute couture collection in 2002, and died in 2008. The founder himself may have approved, as he enjoyed making radical changes: he became the first couturier to diversify into ready-to-wear, pioneered the trouser suit and introduced the first black models to Paris catwalks.”
I was confused when I first saw ‘SAINT LAURENT’. I steered clear. But now I am well and truly obsessed. The re-brand has been magnificent. I want it ALL.
SAINT LAURENT – Gold Vermeil Bapteme I.D. Bracelet, £260.00 | Available from MatchesFashion.com
SAINT LAURENT – Polka Dot Silk Blouse, £605.00 | Available from MatchesFashion.com
SAINT LAURENT – Medium Bucket Bag, £1265.00 | Click here to purchase from Selfridges.com
SAINT LAURENT – Rock Suede Chelsea Boots, £695.00 | Available from MatchesFashion.com
SAINT LAURENT – Zip Jersey Sweater, £395.00 | Available from MatchesFashion.com
SAINT LAURENT – Slit Detail Leather Pants, £3, 395.00 | Available from Net-a-Porter.com
SAINT LAURENT – Paris Suede Court Shoes, £390.00 | Click to purchase at Selfridges.com
SAINT LAURENT – Sac Du Jour, £1560.00 | Click to purchase at Selfridges.com
SAINT LAURENT – Classic Babylone Art Deco Ring, £395.00 | Available from SaintLaurent.com
SAINT LAURENT – Leather Card Holder, £110.00 | Available from Net-a-Porter.com
As I’ve mentioned, our darling boy is doing well with his walking – despite being born with Bilateral Talipes.
We’ve always just wanted Mr Eli to wear his Converse – just like Daddy (and occasionally Mummy too!). But we noticed that the Con’s just weren’t offering him much support around his ankles; and frankly, his new red Hi-Top’s are absolutely massive a wee bit big.
Eli’s Size 4 Black Converse trainers were too small, his toes are end the toe cap, so he had been wearing his new Red Hi Top Converse – which are a 5. We went to Clarks at the weekend where Eli was measured – his feet came up as a size 3F. The assistant did advise that Clarks sizing does vary against branded shoes, but it did make us think that Eli is really not wearing correct footwear right now. He requires a pair of shoes that will support his feet as he gains confidence in his walking, but also a pair that will encourage him to keep walking. The Converse he has right now seem to deter his walking as they’re ill-fitting, so he’s been mainly in stocking feet. Obviously, he can’t go outside the house like this, so we need to find him so First Walker shoes.
Here the issue begins…
It’s very common for children with Talipes to have odd-sized feet or feet that are on the smaller side. One foot could be a size 4, while the other foot could be a size 6. Meaning many children are bought two pairs of shoes to ensure they have correct fitting shoes for each foot. Clarks DO offer a discount for children affected however – you can read all about the Clark’s Odd Sized Feet Scheme on the STEPS charity website. Luckily, Eli’s feet do match up perfectly – but they are small. We didn’t realise until we started looking at the First Walker shoes in the shop… all of the shoes start at a size 4. The Pre-Walker/Cruiser shoes start at a size 3. But the sole is very thin on these styles and there isn’t the support on the shoe for a child who IS indeed walking.
We were looking online last night. Call me ridiculous if you will, but there are A LOT of boring or frankly unfashionable First Walker shoes out there. I know Eli is not par-taking in a fashion show, but we do take pride in our little man’s appearance, he has his own style. Also, these shoes are not cheap, so we want to make sure we’re all happy with them as he’ll have them on most of the day.
We don’t want velcro – we’re not a velcro family. We’d prefer Eli to be in Desert Boots, Brogue style shoes or at a push, some fashionable trainers. Take a look at the styles we’ve seen so far below…
First Walker Shoes, Desert Boots in Brown £36.00 – Click here to purchase at Clarks.com
First Walker Shoes, Desert Boots in Brown £36.00 – Click here to purchase at Clarks.com
First Walker Shoes, Crazy Crew in Khaki, £36.00 – Click here to purchase at Clarks.com
Digby, Zip up Brogue Boots, £40.00 – Available from StartRite.com
Sullivan Brogue Shoes, WAS £49 NOW £18.00 – Available from StartRite.com
Sullivan Brogue Shoes, WAS £49 NOW £18.00 – Available from StartRite.com
As you will notice, all of the lovely shoes above start at a size 4. So we’re in a wee pickle. If you have purchased from StartRite.com before, do their shoes match the size guide of Clarks? I’m so tempted to just get the size 4F shoes, especially considering the rate of growth; but can’t be sure that they will fit Eli correctly. So would ideally like to go into a shop to be able to have them expertly fitted.
Can you recommend any other stores where you can buy similar styles to the above? That perhaps start at ‘Clarks size 3F’ or the measured equivalent? (And styles that don’t cost an arm-and-a-leg, to boot).
MM.
I’ve been looking at Womenswear for some style inspiration this week and I’m noticing a lot of check prints across online stores. Check print is a great way to jazz up your Winter wardrobe – you can go for full on geometric digital prints or more muted tones to suit the weather.
Here are some of my favourite pieces, on my must-by list!
(Some check’s might be cheating as they’re not quite your stereotype check’s… but you’ll catch my drift, I’m sure).
Houndstooth Check Blouse, £29.99 – Zara.com
Noisy May Checked Shirt Dress, £28.00 – ASOS.com
Lace Trim Check Top, £29.99 – MANGO.com
Black & White Check Full Skirt, £30.00 – RIVERISLAND.com
Checked Coat, WAS £14.99 NOW £79.99 – ZARA.com
ASOS Smock Dress in Chain Print, WAS £30.00 NOW £24.50 – ASOS.com
Lacoste Live Shirt, WAS £60.00 NOW £32.00 – ASOS.com
Vintage O & O Trousers, £48.00 – UrbanOutfitters.com
HOUSE OF HACKNEY Tartan Swing Dress, £175.00 – ASOS.com
See more on my Pinterest board: Women’s Fashion | Check Mate.
MM.
It recently came to my attention, whilst shopping at Bluewater shopping centre, that there was A LOT of leather going on. I’ve always been partial to a leather jacket, but never EVER dared to wear a leather pair of trousers or even a skirt for instance. But whilst browsing the fixtures, I became really rather drawn into the leather pencil skirts on display. Could I ACTUALLY like a leather skirt? Could I ACTUALLY pull one off? I’m not so sure about the latter, but I do indeed have a penchant for a leather skirt! I don’t think there’s any way to possibly escape them either – leather skirts are in for A/W 13. So here are my pick of the best skirts I’ve found, that are available online right now!
Straight Leather Midi Skirt, Navy Blue – £79.99 from Zara.
I absolutely LOVE this petrol-blue colour. I think this piece would work so well in your Autumnal wardrobe.
Split Lucille Leather Skirt, Oxblood – £198.00 from AllSaints.com
I WISH I was brave enough to wear this amazing skirt. LOVE the Oxblood colourway. This is definitely a skirt that does the talking, so less is more when it comes to your accessories.
Whistles Suzie Leather Pencil Skirt, Black – £95.00 from John Lewis
Ah the classic black leather skirt. Screams Parisian chic more than biker chic – and that is why I like it; although I don’t see why you couldn’t toughen this style up with biker details on your footwear or jacket!
Metallic Leather Skirt, Gold – £79.99 from Zara.
Now this is my ‘fruity’ option. It’s a pretty jazzy skirt by all accounts, but I really think it works with the crisp white blouse and ankle boots.
Urban Code Leather Pencil Skirt, Forest Green – RRP £150, NOW £90 (save 40%) from ASOS.com
How beautiful is this green colourway? The perfect hue for any A/W wardrobe – and even better with the 40% off! Cheers ASOS!
You can find the best of the rest on my massive Pinterest board >>> Skirting the issue | The Leather Skirt. Featuring styles from the likes of Selfridges, Marks and Spencer, H&M, Miss Selfridge, Next, Designers at Debenhams and many more…
MM.
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.
As previously mentioned, at Halloween Mr Eli is ALWAYS going to be a Mr Skellington (complete with Converse!). Here he is in his second year of skellyton-ness! This year his outfit is actually pyjama’s from Gap KIDS: Glow in the dark skeleton sleep set. It’s sold out at the minute, but always comes back in stock.
We love this little Skeleton Boy SO MUCH!
Flying Mr Skellington!
After Mr Skellington Eli had his bath, Daddy asked if Eli could indeed go to bed in his skeleton outfit pyjamas. Who are we to decline a skeleton of his threads? So Mr Skellington did indeed go to bed suited and booted! He was a little confused at his outfit when he woke up I think…
Please do share what your little ones dressed as this Halloween!
MM.
I just HAD to write a blog post on the customer service we received on a recent trip to Kiddicare, Lakeside.
So let’s start at the beginning…
We decided that we REALLY, REALLY needed to get Eli is new car seat after massively outgrowing his old one a little while ago. The weather was pretty bleak on our journey to Kiddicare, so when we arrived and were greeted with (Starbucks) hot chocolate at the door, it was more than welcome! Such a nice touch.
We headed straight over the to vast car seat section of the superstore. A friend of ours had recommended the Maxi Cosi, Axiss car seat – but it had been priced at £225 previously on Amazon, so we had disregarded that one.
As fans of Maxi Cosi however, we started looking at cheaper models. We found a great one for £120… but it didn’t swivel. After struggling with our old car seat and pulling our necks/backs trying to get Eli into the damn thing without banging his head in the process, I wanted one that swivelled! So we looked at the Maxi Cosi Axiss anyway – it was priced at £160 in Kiddicare. Quite a saving! We checked out how much it would be on Amazon, and couldn’t believe the price had dropped to £113!!! Even better. We couldn’t believe it. We went to the Car Seat fitting desk to ask some questions about this model. They told us that this particular car seat only fits 20% of cars; and they test each car seat fits your car, for you. We thought this was a great service.
I mentioned the price difference… and then noticed that they had signs around the store that said “Price Match Guarantee”. I, cheekily, thought I’d ask the lady at the front desk if they would indeed price match with the Amazon price. She was so lovely and said that yes, indeed they would! As long as the item on Amazon was sold by Amazon, and not a private seller. We ACTUALLY couldn’t believe it.
So then we had the car seat fitted into our car – it was pouring down at this point and the two lovely assistants had smiles on their faces and nothing but positivity about them. The car seat fitted like a glove! Again, we couldn’t believe it. Out of 20% of cars! PERFECT – LET’S BUY IT! We got to the car seat desk again to have our receipt for collection printed out. The car seat we’d ordered was the LAST ONE IN STOCK. Unbelievable.
So with that, we dashed to the till to pay. The lady at the till, again, was so lovely and polite. It makes such a difference to have a smile and a ‘hello’, doesn’t it? Another assistant sorted out the price match while some other items were put through the till for us. They then said, “So the car seat will be £99 today, is that ok?”. EXCUSE ME WHAT? WHO THE WHAT NOW?
This is where it gets RIDICULOUS. When Kiddicare do a price match, not only do they match that price – but they then extend the discount to a further 25%. How amazing is that? The car seat that we really wanted, that was £225 RRP was just sold to us for more than half the price! We felt like we’d committed a crime as we walked out the doors, with the same lovely assistant who had tested the car seat.
She again fitted the car seat for us, for the drive home. She showed us how everything worked. All this in the pouring rain! Then she took the card board box away to recycle for us. So polite and patient, she didn’t rush or cut any corners. Just simple good manners and being good at her job. She strived to go the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable and confident with the car seat. You REALLY don’t get service like we received anywhere (apart from maybe John Lewis), and that’s such a great shame.
We can’t thank Kiddicare Lakeside, enough for their help that day – or the huge saving! It meant that we could have our first date night in a very long time 🙂 So there you go, always head to your local Kiddicare store or shop online at Kiddicare.com and get a price match where you can. We’re certainly customers for LIFE.
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.
