I’ve already mentioned before how much I love Pola & Frank, a new-ish mama and kids brand from Poland. So when they sent my daughter Anya this wonderful black and white polka dot dress in the post, we couldn’t have been more delighted. I love polka dots and so does Anya. This dress has quickly become a hot favourite in her summer wardrobe. Thank you to Judyta & Paulina – the two mama’s who are the creative force behind Pola & Frank.
A summer wardrobe favourite…
July 10, 2013
A {head-turning} nursery collection…
July 9, 2013
Some years ago while holidaying in Marrakesh, I went to a fun restaurant for dinner with my husband. I don’t remember too much about the food or decor as it wasn’t that memorable but I will never forget that woman who walked in. Tall, lean and statuesque with chocolate coloured skin, wearing a very large brimmed hat and a dramatic outfit. There was a moment of silence as all heads turned to look at her. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman I’ve seen, nor the prettiest but she was definitely unique and the entire package from head to toe was jaw droppingly striking so you couldn’t help but stare (think Grace Jones). And that is how I felt when I first saw this new collection of nursery bedding by Anatology on Peggy’s inspiring blog. Bold, graphic and head turning-ly striking, there’s no holding back here and that’s why this collection really stands out like that statuesque stunner!
Anatology is the creation of Delphine Miquel, a French mama and designer who has obviously got a unique aesthetic sense. All her creations are made in France from soft, natural materials that are perfect for a baby’s skin. Of course this collection has bags of style, of course it has loads of visual appeal but what I love most is that there are no half measures here. This collection was designed to make heads turn and it does without apology. This is Delphine’s first collection called ‘Graphic Jungle’ and and I just can’t wait to see what comes next. If this is the benchmark for all her collections then all I can say is wow!
Poland’s got style…
July 8, 2013
My husband recently visited Warsaw, Poland on a work trip. I so wish I had gone along with him because in recent months I have seen absolutely amazing design come out of Poland. I’ve discovered some fab kids brands like Kids on the Moon and Pola & Frank and today I wanted to share my latest discovery… Booso. The one thing that stands out for me with all these Polish brands is that they keep it simple. There is no unnecessary fuss or frills but instead the clothes shine with their simple, clean styles and what’s more they look super comfy to wear too. And the clothes from Booso are exactly that… stylish and fun clothes that won’t restrict a child in any way. I also love their colour palette of mostly blacks, whites and soft browns but often complimented by a shock of bright colour. That orange turban style hat is just too cute! Booso don’t sell online yet but you can contact them through their site.
Imagine and play…
July 5, 2013
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of wooden toys. And when they’re as beautiful as these one’s by Kedublock then it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. Besides their good looks, these toys encourage thinking and imagination. That catfish is just great. It comes in pieces and you can build a cat, a fish or a catfish. And those construction sticks are deliberately simple (and pretty) so that everything is left up to the child’s imagination. These wooden toys are handcrafted too and made of natural materials. Beautiful toys, imaginative toys and handmade too… what’s not to love?
Have a lovely, sunny weekend!
mamas & other stories…
July 4, 2013
Instead of my regular mama & baby post, this week I wanted to focus purely on mama’s. And in the coming weeks and months, occasionally I plan to bring you more stuff for just mama’s because I don’t do enough of that and fashion is fun. Besides, stylish babies and stylish mama’s go hand in hand! 
I’ve had one of my closest friends from Mumbai in town for the last week. While she claimed that she only came to spend time with me I think she had a secret mission too. That mission was to shop till she dropped. Returning from one of her mammoth shopping days out she told me about a new store she had spotted on Regents St. She said it looked amazing but didn’t go in because her credit card was already screaming from severe over-use (and possibly her husband too)! She said it was called ‘& other stories’ so of course I promptly looked it up and I was stunned. I want everything! 
& other stories is a new high-end venture by H&M that screams style. Their clothes and accessories wouldn’t look out of place in Vogue, yet the prices are still affordable. I’ve seen about 10 things I already want and I haven’t even visited the shop yet but I plan to go tomorrow simply because I can’t wait! The collection is big and includes clothes, bags, shoes (to die for), lingerie, beauty products and more. Apart from the London store, they have a few stores in some Western European cities but they also deliver worldwide so it doesn’t really matter where you are. I’m already a huge fan of H&M especially for my daughter but now I can see & other stories becoming a go to store each time I need (or want) a fashion fix! The only problem is finding a way to exercise some amount of control…
A little bit of magic…
July 3, 2013
If I was asked to describe the world through a childs eyes I think I would say it’s a place where anything is possible, where every little experience becomes an epic adventure, where you can go from being a princess to a dragon in the space of a second. Full of magic and fairytales, a child’s world is enchanting. And this new little boutique captures that spirit so well. 
Leuie has clothes, toys and accessories that fit perfectly in a world where imagination and creativity rule, in a world where each day is an adventure. From whimsical mobiles to beautiful hair accessories, there’s a little bit of magic in every piece sold in this store. And they’re currently having their Summer sale so you can get a nice little discount too. Each time I visit Leuie, I really feel like I want to be a kid again… if only!
The cutest sunsuits…
July 1, 2013
I think I might be a little bit obsessed with these sunsuits and playsuits… how sweet are they? Made by wolfechild in Brooklyn, New York, these little clothes just scream cuteness. That red and blue vintage floral print one is my favourite because it’s such a happy piece. Wolfechild only have a small range of clothes mostly for babies up to 2 years but each piece is quite beautiful.
A little bit of housekeeping…
June 30, 2013
Just a quick bit of housekeeping on this sunny Sunday morning. As many of you know, Google reader is closing down from tomorrow – 1st July 2013. Those of you who already subscribe to my blog via email will be automatically transferred to the new email service so you don’t need to do anything. You may not receive emails for a day or 2 but the service will resume very soon.
For new email subscribers, there will be a new email subscription service which will be available within a few days. Email is probably the best way to subscribe to this blog as each post will be delivered to your in box daily. But if you prefer an RSS service similar to Google reader, you can find my blog on feedly or bloglovin’. Enjoy your Sunday!
mama & baby…
June 27, 2013
This week’s picks for mama & baby… let mama write on these pretty pastel postcards while baby plays with that polka dotted cat soft toy.
Little Danish delights…
June 26, 2013
Lately I’ve become a bit obsessed with geometric shaped wall stickers that can be stuck on randomly in a room and these ones from Sirlig are my latest find. Sirlig is Danish for ‘delights’ and that’s exactly what this store is full of… little delights. From the adorable wall stickers to that sweet doll and those animal pencil cases, all their goodies are the kinds of things that will make you smile. And it’s not just for kids. There’s plenty on offer that will work just as well in an adult, child or family space like that colourful cloud print hung above the dining table. Of all the geometric wall stickers at Sirlig, I think those pale turquoise polka dot ones are probably my favourite but there’s plenty to choose from including the turquoise hearts, some triangles, diamonds and more.
