Spring Necessities

Bring on floral, pastels and frills.  We crave a warm summer day as snow is still teasing us in the forecast.  But while it might be brisk outside, we can at least pretend with these lovely pieces that are sure to take us joyfully into the warmer days ahead.  While we're not exactly a family of musicians (at least 3 of us are tone deaf), the girls do love to make some noise.  Mila's first stop in the toy bin is her collection of musical instruments.

Enter the most adorable Briar Handmade summer bonnet which pairs beautifully with this sweet coral dress from Tocoto Vintage, both available at Minikin (in other words, get them now!).  Some of my all time favorite pieces are from Tocoto Vintage, a brand that generates feelings of romanticism and nostalgia.  Their fabrics are oh so soft and the styles are as precious as the babe who wears them.  

The only thing that comes between Elise and her ukulele is the perfect summertime dress from our Alaskan friends, Oma + Jo.  "A Shop for Teeny Adventurers" Oma + Jo encapsulates all the wonder and adventure that is childhood into playful and wearable pieces that are timeless yet modern and unique.   

Above Elise plays with the adorable Animal Seesaw from Manzanita Kids.  Its tactile, fun to balance and of course, beautiful to look at!  

Among the Trees

Mila is now ten months old, sporting two bottom teeth and a constant smile.  At just over 15 pounds, her size fools most but her physical determination is unmatched.  With one leg out front and the other bent at the knee she'll crawl out of sight in the blink of an eye.  So how do you get a baby like this to stay in one place?  Stick her in a tree!  With leaves and twigs to explore, she's perfectly content with her tree trunk position.  While Elise could spend her day playing indoors, Mila is most certainly our outdoor explorer.  

With a baby this petit, I was eager to fill her wardrobe with the coziest of knits and easy layering pieces like this gorgeous Misha and Puff tunic dress and wool Briar Handmade bonnet.  We've been eyeing this lovely bonnet brand based in the Pacific Northwest for some time now.  The details are darling, down to the Liberty of London print ties that stay perfectly in place.   

To keep Elise's noggin just as toasty, I reached for her new Peppermint Pine Fair Isle hat that we custom created with the help of knitter extraordinaire, Megan.  For me, knitting is therapy and one of my great escapes but it seems I never have the time (I am a rather slow knitter!).  I am also a bit of a yarn snob so I was super excited to find Megan's beautiful creations made with the the softest acrylic and wool blend in a array of delicious colors.   

As of late, Elise has been toting around a doe that lives peacefully inside a medicine bag made by Marie of Leather Treasures in Martha's Vinyard.  She's at that age when little treasures like this doe, bring great comfort and joy just knowing they are near.  

Misha and Puff is a long time favorite in our house and you could say we were waiting (not so patiently) for their fall release this year.  Thankfully one of our favorite retailers has a wonderful selection of these pieces.  Thank you Minikin for somehow always reading my mind!  

The calm before the storm

For a little ski town this time of year is the lull before the storm.  Our favorite local establishments take a much needed break from the onslaught of leaf peepers and gear up for a (hopefully) white winter.  Its a perfect time of year to cozy up indoors and take it EASY before the rush of the holidays is upon us.

This might be one of my favorite photos of Elise.  As her Mom, I can see her playful personality and joyful wonder.  What are you thinking Elise?  If only I could tap into her imagination!  When I first saw this whimsical mouse blouse by Oma + Jo, I knew it was the perfect compliment to Elise's charming nature.  The mushroom and mouse print is beyond adorable and the peter pan collar with pom pom trim makes it sweeter than pie.

Living here in the States it sometimes feels we are among the last to receive domestic stock of wonderful European labels like Collegien.  We have a pair of their darling slippers and now can safely say we are die hard fans of their tights.  Do not underestimate the importance of a good waistband!  Collegien has perfected one that stays put and is comfortable across a wide range of both timeless and modern colors.  If you'd like to join us on our Collegien love fest, hop on over to Over the Ocean.  We adore this new retailer who has stocked many of our favorite European labels that had once been nearly impossible to find without hefty overseas shipping. 

Elise's hug attacks can come on strong as can be witnessed here.  Mila is accustomed to the frequent affection but it doesn't take much to topple her over!

Our first case of the sniffles arrived this season so Mila opted to stay cozy indoors with her Briar Handmaid bonnet, naturally.