Baby its cold outside!

Where in the world did that blistery air come from earlier this week?  If you're in the Northeast U.S., maybe you too experienced the SNOW we had last Sunday followed by the first chills of dare I say it....winter.  Our bodies aren't yet conditioned to the cold so we chose to stay cozy indoors and make the most of our Boston Athenaeum membership.  Behind its red leather doors the Athenaeum is an enchanting place for all ages, a hidden gem of our city.  

I was one of the many folks pressing refresh on Mabo's website during their fall launch a few weeks ago and we were lucky enough to score some wonderful pieces from this fabulous collection (although we did loose others in the process!).  This Georgie dress was at the top of my list, a perfect piece for sister matching with the Gemma Blouse for Mila.  

She's keeping court over our secret reading spot on the first floor.  Behind her, you can catch a glimpse of the gorgeous common area that is frequently used for concerts and lectures if you're up for an intellectual date night!

The children's library is the perfect spot for quite play with a collection of fairytale dolls.  It offers the best reading nook in town for our little ones and their weekly storytimes are loads of fun.  

Well at least one of us was eager to be outside!  While Mommy froze, Elise ran around chasing squirrels saying "Hi squirrel, wanna play wif me?"  And when they ran up a tree from this inquisitive toddler, she couldn't for the life of her understand why.

This little hand knit coat has kept her warm for over a year now and I'll mourn the day it no longer fits.  It is by a brand called Le roi booboo which unfortunately I can't find anywhere.  While in Sausalito for a wedding last spring, we stopped into a darling little boutique called Workshop who had a small collection of these beautiful pieces.

At Play in the Windy City

We're a lucky bunch.  A couple of our favorite people call Chicago their home and we get to pay them a visit from time to time in their glorious city.  Over the years we've visited during the bitter cold of winter and my husband and I even ran a marathon during a late fall heat wave.  You never quite know what you'll get here.   Our most recent trip however coincided with some of the most perfect weather I've ever had.  

Two days before we left for our trip, a highly anticipated delivery came from Zimmerman Shoes.  These handcrafted beauties made their way from Eastern PA to Boston and got right back on the road to join us in Chicago.  They are made from the softest suede that you can imagine in the richest of tones.  And please do not glance over the laces.  Its not a detail I normally notice but these are truly something special.  They tie up like a charm into a neat and tidy bow and remain that way even after a day of walking the city.  

Elise was asked to collect some leaves and nature for a class project at school this week so we got right to work scouring the streets of Chicago for some unique items to bring home.  The colors of her findings made a perfect match to her fall ensemble.  It is the age of twirly skirts and tutu dresses but that all becomes so much more tolerable when we come across gems like this beautiful rust colored piece from Alaskan brand, The Tame Fox.  It is one of those garments that adds depth to a wardrobe without even trying and the construction is beyond amazing!

Every winter season we acquire one pair of tights that seem to work well with almost everything.  The accessory of the season for us has to be these Caramel Baby & Child Pointelle Tights.  I first noticed these lovely tights on a fall campaign for one of our favorite collections.  After some digging I came across the source and ordered a pair straight away.  Caramel Baby & Child is without a doubt one of my favorite stores to visit during our travels.  We've stumbled across them in Tokyo and New York and each location offers lovely treasures for all the littles in your life.  

It is hard to imagine this backyard oasis is in the center of a bustling city!  The vegetation is lush and the decor is inviting.  We always feel right at home in Chicago thanks to wonderful friendships and magical spaces.  

Autumn Vibes

Its officially fall in New England and time to enjoy the beautiful changing colors and crisp air.  Time to pull out our tights and scarves and head to the apple orchards in droves.  Once again this year, we collected double the amount of apples we'll actually consume.  About half were used in a failed apple crisp and we're still up to our knees in them.

This little apple picker kept herself cozy in the most delicious infinity scarf made by the ever talented Moriah at Seababy Clothing.  The color is so good, a deep plum that goes with everything she owns.  It doesn't hurt that she's a bit obsessed with anything purple at the moment.  This is by far the easiest scarf for her to wear.  It doesn't need to be tied or adjusted and feels like a big cozy hug.  Moriah lists new items from her fall line every Monday at 8 PM EST on Instagram.  Check her out!

And when I say she's into purple, I wasn't kidding.  We stop at every purple flower to say "hi".   

Although this tinycottons dress would have been very fitting for our pinecone hunt a couple weeks ago, it was perfect for a stroll among the apple trees.  The cotton is crisp like the weather and the cut gives her plenty of room to move freely.  It was on our must have list this fall and you can still get it over at KHM Collections.  

The Little Wears makes the world's cutest socks in a number of different animal prints.  These fox socks have been with us since spring and continue to be a favorite staple in the fall.  Even Mila has a pair and let me tell you they are perfect for a baby's wardrobe.  They might be the only baby socks that stay on and they make diaper changes a breeze in cooler weather.

Petrichor

Petrichor is on a list of the most romantic sounding words in the English language and the meaning might have something to do with its appeal.  It is an earthy smell that follows rain after a long period of dry weather.  Judging from when I last wore my wellies, and how frequently my husband has been watering our window boxes, I'd say we've had a stretch of fairly dry weather so this wet patch is actually feeling pretty nice right now.

Elise is wearing one of our favorite pieces for fall from the coveted label, Soor Ploom.  You can find many of their pieces at Minikin and you won't regret shopping with this lovely retailer who truly makes you feel like one of the family.

Rain + toddler = indoor play and since city living can feel cramped at times, we've tried to make the most of the girls' play area with toys that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  

When I was expecting with Elise (which seems like ages ago!) I first came across Povl Kjer's rocking sheep and knew I'd want to adopt one someday.  Well that day came after Mila's arrival and now I wonder why I waited so long.  It is the perfect staple for any toddler's playroom and is a beautiful piece that works wonderfully with our space.  

I've been known to over-research things at times (sound familiar fellow internet shoppers?) and when the tipi tent became popular I spent a fair share of time finding one that would fit our space and color palate.  Enter the Gray Label tipi tent.  The construction is top notch and the material..., well if you know anything about Emily  Gray's beautiful collection, you know she only selects the highest quality fabrics.  I didn't know I could love a tipi tent as much as I do.  Its Elise's favorite place to read stories to her babies and even Mila enjoys playing peek-a-boo behind its curtains.

I could do an entire post on this Carl Hansen & Sons desk and chair (and surely I will).  For now, please join me in admiring its clean lines and classic Danish construction.  All pieces are fully assembled like a puzzle with no nails or tools.  Genius.  

Hanbok of Korea

On the opposite side of the globe, Korean Thanksgiving is being celebrated.  I discovered a bit of its beauty just by chance last week and felt it was too good not to share.  To make this world feel a little bit smaller I thought it would be fun to do a segment on a special costume worn this time of year in Korea, the Hanbok.

An Instagram search took me to South Korea where the images of preschool aged children in colorful silk gowns were trending.  I virtually met a few delightful folks who helped enlighten me and let me share their stories and captures of this gorgeous traditional dress and its significance.

Korean photographer Sung Chul Chang has captured stunning images of children wearing Hanbok.

Photo: sung.chul.chang (https://instagram.com/studio_creah)

Model: 신린아

Hanbok are typically worn on Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) and Sulna (Lunar New Year's Day).  Yesterday, South Korea celebrated Chuseok and prior to this festive holiday, kids across the country got to wear their Hanbok to school.  Hence, why I kept seeing it on Instagram.

The details are abundant and they each have significance, down to the single braided hairstyle which is reserved for girls and unmarried women.

Photo: sung.chul.chang (https://instagram.com/studio_creah)

Model: 이하은

Hanbok are also worn for a child's first birthday.  Beautiful baby Mare (pictured below) recently celebrated her first birthday and is looking precious in each of her gowns by Hanbok designer, Silosilk.  I'm in love with the colorful adornment around her waist, called a DOL DDI which is translated to "five luck."  

Photo: https://instagram.com/peach_mare

Photo: Copyright©AWESOMMENT

http://www.awesomment.com

Photo: https://instagram.com/peach_mare

Photo: https://instagram.com/peach_mare

Baby Mare's birthday celebration is called a Dol or Doljanchi and the Hanbok is aptly named Dol-bok for this occasion.  She wears a Gulle below, a form of traditional headdress.  Her lovely Mother is pictured wearing a Hanbok.  The celebration itself is attended by the extended family and decorated in a very traditional style.  How wonderful it would be to visit this country someday so steeped in culture.

Photo: https://instagram.com/silosilk

Photo: https://instagram.com/peach_mare

Koreans don these special dresses for wedding celebrations as well.  As part of a bridal party, Ellie (a fellow blogger) had wonderful images taken in her pastel pink Hanbok.  The skirt (or Chima) is sewn flat in two dimensions and gathered around the waist with a  string giving it movement and the appearance of being three dimensional.  This unique construction can be seen along the side seam of Ellie's Chima.  

Photo: https://instagram.com/ellie__ssong2

Photo: https://instagram.com/ellie__ssong2

I hope you enjoyed this little peak into Korean folk dress!  I'm always moved when I see a culture embrace their history and bring appreciation to time honored practices for the younger generations.  

Quiet Play

Now that fall is upon us, our lives are once again busy shuffling between school and various actvities that will soon become our life blood during a long and at times brutal New England winter.  With all the bustle, the girls are naturally drawn to moments of quiet play.

Mila explores her toys transferring them from hand to hand with a pit stop in the mouth.  Elise loves to gather her heard of friends and line them up in an assembly where they have mostly peaceful conversations.  There isn't much else I'd rather be doing than watching these two play.

This Play Mat has been a godsend since the day it arrived from the talented Syd + Stitch. The mat features a print by Wee Gallery of woodland animal friends at play.  Each can be dressed with removable garments making it a toy in its own and one that can grow with the child.   

While Mila takes her morning nap, Elise wanders over to her sticker book for more quite play (until the stickers start their own conversations of course).

A few throw back photos from our vacation earlier this year when the girls were cuddling on their special mat. This mat is super portable and folds up easily to carry along in a tote bag.   An essential for family travel!

The hills are alive!

Apologies in advance for putting that song in your head.  Over the weekend we visited our musical neighbors in Vermont at the Trapp Family Lodge.  They are situated in the hills overlooking Stowe valley, how appropriate.  Over the years we've found ourselves enjoying their outdoor concerts in the meadow or snowshoeing uphill to a log cabin for some hot cocoa and a banjo picker.

With children we now opt for a bit less adventure and planning and went on a Scottish Highland cattle tour which in my opinion was just as much a feast for the senses.  You can get pretty close to these wonderful creatures, but just be sure to watch where you step!

It started to mist a bit but there was no way we were going home before checking out the greenhouse.  Elise was one with the gardens in her rose hip dress by Duns Sweden.  What don't we love about Duns Sweden?  They're producing clothing from wonderfully soft GOTS certified cotton which is music to my ears.  They  also maintain full transparency with the consumer regarding the production process.  I just loved scrolling through these photos on their website which introduce us to the people who make each piece. 

I might be a little late to the game here but did you know there is an organization called Fashion Revolution that is dedicated to promoting ethical production and sustainability in the fashion industry?  Duns Sweden supports their efforts and I think that's awesome.  Loving the hashtag #whomademyclothes!

When I was pregnant with Mila, I purchased an adorable pair of baby moccasins at an artist fair in Martha's Vinyard. They were made from the softest deer skin leather.  She's been wearing them lately now that the temperatures have been falling and they stay on like a charm.  I tracked down the maker, Marie of Leather Treasures MV and found the sweetest medicine bag that has the perfect amount of room for a few tiny treasures.  The best part?  We got to pick a color for the Czech glass bead that adorns the front for a personalized touch.    

A hunting we will go...

We were on the search for the perfect pine cones and acorns which we'll use as decoration for a new mobile in Mila's room.  Not quite sure yet how this will all unfold but at least we have a good stash of found objects to start spinning our creative wheels.  This is my favorite time of year to venture into the woods.  No pesky mosquitos to shoo away and fewer people means we can take in all the quite noises of nature.

Just past the site of Henry David Thoreau's cabin on Walden Pond, we came across this majestic tree that seemed to be lit up by a ray of light.  It felt fitting that we say hello.  These are the unexpected treats we find when we go exploring and they never get old.

Doesn't this dress remind you of a tropical island?  Well it flew all the way from Hawaii from the skilled hands of Naisish Handmade who creates lovely one of a kind pieces sold exclusively through Instagram. The colors and embroidery on this piece make it a favorite in our household.

Elise carries her findings in a woven basket by April Showers which was purchased at our favorite online retailer, Minikin.  When its not being used to collect woodland treasures, it makes for the perfect storage for her dolls' wardrobe.

Believe it or not, both my husband and I have brown eyes. Crazy huh?  These baby blues came from a blue eyed grandparent on each side.  Now back to work on that mobile...

Picnic Time

Elise is about to start school five days a week and I'm trying to savor every last moment with her before the bustle of fall begins.  We took a trip to Ipswich in search of a pair of these Royal Horticultural Society Hunter boots for moi.  I'm a bit of a want to be gardener even though I've managed to kill even the most hearty of succulents and I do appreciate a good flower show (husband makes fun of this on a regular basis but there is NOTHING wrong with it!) so these boots were calling my name, naturally.  

This town is too cute.  A short distance past the town center there is a darling river walk where we sat down for a picnic.  It wasn't too hot thankfully so we were able to pull out some of the girls' early fall pieces.  Where do I start?

When I first came across The Tame Fox I immediately began to fill my shopping cart with goodies from their website including Elise's ivory blouse.  The pieces are handmade to order in Alaska and the love that goes into each piece is apparent in every detail.  This top is stunning.  It is fully lined and charming cap sleeves are adorned with the perfect amount of gathering.  

Now travel back to New England for the birthplace of Misha and Puff, designer of Mila's merino hand dyed romper.  This is an essential three season piece and she'll be wearing it well into spring.  I've been in love with this brand for a few years now when I first saw it appear in select stores around Boston.  Minikin has a great selection of these pieces and as I've said before, they are always a pleasure to purchase from. 

Flower shows aside, I have a weakness for Scandinavian design.  I even once planned a vacation around it (more about that on another day).  This part of the world can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to clean design and environmental awareness.  The union of these two elements encompasses the brand Fabulous Goose, maker of the softest fleece blankets which also happen to meet the strictest requirements for quality.  This blanket is made from GOTS certified organic cotton and feels like velvet.  

Up up and away

Yes it is September and yes we should be looking forward to the excitement of fall but its also a time to reflect on the wonderful adventures we had this summer.  On one hot balmy day in July we attended one of our favorite events in Vermont, the Stoweflake Balloon festival.  This was Elise's second year in attendance and she was just as upset as she was last year when the balloons eventually took flight.  She doesn't like it much when she sees a stray balloon in the air as she empathises with the little hand that may have lost it.  We watched take off after take off of these majestic aircrafts and down below there was a little girl shouting "no balloon, don't go, stay! come back balloon!" I couldn't help but smile.  

Elise's Wren and James dress has been a favorite of ours this summer as mentioned in a previous post.  The cotton is crisp, the colors are bright, the style is classic.  The perfect outing dress for any number of occasions.  

In case you're wondering, she did eventually get over her initial angst as we repeatedly told her that the balloons would land and come back home.  See we're a little weird about keeping track of our "stuff" with the growing number of toys and hair bows, there is a continuous inventory being taken at our house so frankly I'm not surprised that she was afraid the balloons would be lost.   

New England summers typically linger a bit longer than we anticipate so I'm hoping that means we'll be able to get more wear out of this dress and these sandals before the chill settles in.

Everything old is new again

Our New England travels took us on a last minute trip to my hometown in Connecticut last week and we all soaked in some grandparent pampering and fresh air.  I came back with a treasure trove of dresses and tops from when I was Elise's age.  For the most part, they are timeless, classic pieces and I can't wait to repurpose them.  Others scream the early 80's but lucky us, that late 70's early 80's vibe is back big time this year.  

The little dress that Mila wears below is from our favorite store for vintage clothing, Mary Beth Hale's Etsy shop.  I first ordered some items from her when my husband and I were in search of Halloween costumes for a party last year and I was blown away by the quality and pristine condition.  

This little dress has the perfect amount of smocking and embroidered rosettes.  I love that some of my favorite photos of Mila at this age are with her in this simple piece.  

Apparently Elise's floral dress was a favorite of mine when I was her age.  It was the first of my own vintage finds that she reached for.

If you're on the lookout for vintage children's clothing, you may run across sheer white dresses similar to what Elise has on below.  I'm guessing they were worn with a slip underneath or perhaps they were undergarments.   For our purposes, they are delicate, airy works of art from times past that are perfect for hot summer days.  This was another find from Mary Beth Hale's shop and one of my favorite pieces.  I imagine Mila will wear it as a dress not too long from now.  

Its fitting that Elise's blouse pairs so well with shorts from a brand named Tocoto Vintage.  The blouse that Mila wears above is also from this nostalgic children's brand.  In fact the brand was conceived from a love of antique patterns and clothing.  The collection can be purchased at Minikin in the U.S.

Thankfully it is still sandal weather and these classic Stevie sandals by Zimmerman have been good to us.  Fall we be here soon so on the to do list this week is to measure Elise's feet for our next pair.  Tough part is deciding which of these beauties we'll be ordering!  

An approach to Minimalism

A favorite blog of mine, A Merry Mishap, recently drew my attention to an interesting article called 'The New Minimalism' from The Spaces.  It discusses minimalism in the digital age and how this influences what we choose to acquire.  The idea that we use "the absence of things to enhance the meaning of what we choose to retain" speaks to me on a personal level and can be translated in a number of ways.  The piece also discusses how we choose those things we hold dear and the growing desire to bring handcrafted, personalized items into our lives that maintain their quality over time.  

I feel very connected to this practice of consumer behavior and perhaps it has a little something to do with how I was raised.  My Mother shopped for our family with this same mindset and wouldn't you know, decades later, we now have lovely clothes and toys that my own children can enjoy.  These dresses stood the test of time and look like they were purchased yesterday.  They epitomize the definition of heirloom.

With Elise in one of my favorite childhood dresses, it felt fitting that we visit a special place that I've been going to since I was her age.  The towns of Warren and Waitsfield Vermont haven't changed much over the years.  Institutions like the Warren Store and All Things Bright and Beautiful help maintain a small town charm that is hard to top.  

All Things Bright and Beautiful (pictured to the right below) is every child's fantasy.  It was a tradition in our family to visit this unique store year after year and on occasion to come home with a special bear friend.  The owners are a delight.  If you wander in with some extra time to spare, they'll tell you wonderful stories of the bears that live here.

Elise is wearing another favorite dress of mine which has a classic floral appliqué on a simple silhouette.  If you're on the lookout for vintage, please check out Mary Beth Hale's shop.  She has a discerning eye for timeless pieces that have little to no signs of wear.  

Blueberry Bunny

People often ask me what there is to do in Vermont over the summer.  Many know northern Vermont as a winter playground in the cooler months.  After all, skiing is what brought my husband and I here years ago.  Well, beyond the hiking, river swimming, craft beer tasting, and outdoor concerts, you can add blueberry picking to the list.  This pick your own blueberry farm is only a short drive from downtown Stowe, accessed by a windy dirt road reminiscent of a fairytale forest.  

Speaking of fairytales, this red corduroy cape from Tortoise and the Hare seems as if it has jumped out of the pages of a favorite bedtime story.  Not all reds are created equal and this one is divine.  It is the same color as the barns here in Vermont, a wonderful muted red that pairs well with everything.

If you're looking for the perfect transitional piece for Fall, this should be at the top of your list.  The cape is lined with a soft bamboo fleece that is oh so cozy.  I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, these pieces are cut to perfection.

Oh Willaby how we love thee!  After years of buying leggings in every color and length for Elise I was so excited to find a pair of summer pants that weren't skin tight and had the perfect amount of slouch.  The cotton is airy and soft and looks incredible wash after wash.  I adore everything this brand stands for and their commitment to high quality, ethically produced items.  Check out their story here and swoon over their new fall pieces.

Have any favorite blueberry recipes?  Please let me know!  These berries are in our freezer waiting to be eaten.

Summer of Sisterly Love

As another season draws near, I've been looking back on our summer adventures and will have fond memories of our first as a family of four.  Watching these two grow together as sisters brings a warmth to my heart that few words can express.  Before Mila arrived I went through a period of grieving my alone time with Elise.  But what I didn't know at the time was that my admiration for this little lady would become even greater as I watched her take on the role of big sister.  Every day she amazes me with her nurturing spirit and the pure love that she shows to this new little being.  

Elise has developed a keen sense of awareness to the reactions of others and the attention that a baby draws.  She loves being asked about her baby sister and telling the world she's hers!  Elise enjoys being "same, same" with Mila and dressing in similar styles or fabrics.  It identifies her as Mila's big sister and vice versa.  On this particular occasion, Elise's matching Mabo pinafore was being washed so we called it a "style" match with the rompers. 

Bobo Choses created a line of beautiful pieces from their "Guess Who's Coming for Breakfast" campaign this spring.  I'm always intrigued to see what's new in store from this creative label from Barcelona who are trendsetters in their own right.  The pieces fly off the shelves and we were ever so lucky to get our hands on a cotton voile Mr. Shy romper, a perfect piece for summer play and sister snuggles.  

At home in Boston

I'm the only one from our little family who wasn't born in Boston but I've grown to love it all the same.  The ever enchanting Public Garden is home to our treasured Make Way for Ducklings statues and Swan Boats.  If you're a local or just passing through, this park has universal appeal and is not to be missed.  Beyond the parks and history, our city has a strong creative energy that is truly embraced by the community.  As you can imagine, its always fun to discover new makers and brands that call Boston their home.  

During our recent trip to Nantucket, we discovered Smiling Button, a playful children's label born and bred in Boston.  I knew right away we'd be devout fans.  Adorable prints paired with classic styling make for timeless pieces.

Our little lady never stops and this day was no exception.  From the park to the library, her dancing feet were happy all day in our favorite summer shoes which were designed and manufactured in Pennsylvania by Zimmerman.  Read more about our admiration for this shoe manufacturer in my Endless Summer and Little Wanderer posts.  

Well hello there Mila!  This little peanut knew nothing but snow for the first few months of her life and is happy to be spending her summer in sleeveless rompers.  We occasionally run across wonderful handmade labels on Instagram and have fallen hard for Seababy.  Moriah makes precious items from vintage and high quality fabrics.  I just love that this little romper is fully lined and has an adjustable back tie that allows it to grow with the child.  

Elise's Peter Beaton hat (as mentioned in a previous post), is another born in Massachusetts label.  It now seems to be her go to hat for sunny adventures.   

Little Wanderer

Prior to Mila's arrival earlier this year, our travels took us around the globe with a child in tow.  Now with two, our limitless possibility of destinations has come to a screeching halt for the time being.  Instead we've taken longer and more frequent trips to Vermont and rediscovered our own backyard.  There is a wonderful pedestrian trail in Stowe, VT that covers five miles of picturesque terrain and offers us the opportunity to explore the outdoors without going too far off the beaten path.

For those who read my previous post, Elise's Zimmerman shoes need no introduction.  Tried and true, they take us from one adventure to the next and have been without a doubt our go to shoe for every occasion.  They didn't require any break in period and on numerous occasions she's told me they are "so comfy cozy."  Yep, can't beat a comfortable shoe, no matter how old you are.

Romper, sun suit, play suit, call it what you want, we can't get enough of them.  I purchased this Dagmar Daley sun suit on a whim and love everything about this piece. The gathered torso and puff shorts have a uniquely vintage feel and we get compliments every time she wears it.   

There isn't a season when this neck of the woods isn't stunningly beautiful although take caution on that wooden bridge when it snows!

Endless Summer

Temperatures are back in the 90s this week in Boston and humid, my least favorite weather combination.  The girls needed a break from the AC so we took a stroll along the water where you can pick up a bit of a breeze.  Our city has many selling features, but to be a short walk away from this beautiful park along the river is at the top of my list. 

Typically this time of year we're gearing up for Fall and getting excited to do some back to school shopping but I'll miss the ease of our summer wardrobes.  No hats and gloves to keep track of, or wondering if we left the house in enough layers.  If its 90 degrees out, there's no guesswork.  An easy summer blouse by Soor Ploom, Vierra Rose drawstring chambray shorts and our favorite shoes by Zimmerman.  

We're a family that is hard on our footwear.  If worn frequently, most of our shoes last a season or two, tops and very few of Elise's will be handed down to Mila as a result.  I don't know what their secret is, but Zimmerman shoes LAST.  The pictures don't lie, they still look new after almost daily wear on three year old feet.  If you want to feel good about American manufacturing and a small family owned business, please read their "About Us" page.  Now back to that Fall wardrobe... we are obsessing over these gorgeous Scalloped Mary Janes and the Milo Boot in Cheeta.

Babies on Beaches

The concept seems simple, (bring baby to beach) but it is far from that as any parent knows.  In Nantucket we were a short walk away from Steps Beach which much like the name implies, can only be accessed by walking down a steep set of stairs.  Toys, tent, umbrella, chairs, baby, toddler, they all made the trek.  And these smiling faces made it all worthwhile.  

Shortly after Mila was born, I knew I wanted her to have a something special of her own that could be passed down, something timeless.  I also knew that Minikin was sure to have what we were after.  I find myself drawn to their aesthetic and always love shopping with them because they create a personal connection with their customers that is hard to find elsewhere.  They carried a gorgeous Spring collection from Tocoto Vintage and we found Mila an adorable three piece set; bonnet, blouse and bloomers.  The pieces were made from a featherweight cotton and are adorned with ruffles and lace trim, truly special.  

Tiny Cottons, an imaginative brand based in Barcelona, produced this muslin swaddle which has become one of my essentials.  I rarely leave the house without it and only wish I had purchased more.  This print is from their spring/summer Camp-Pin-Pump collection and features a swim logo print that took me right back to my swim team days.  

Wildflowers of Nantucket

The title of this post is actually the name of a wildflower guide I found on island last week which I'm still regretting not purchasing.  Nantucket is a magical place in many regards and can attract a wide array of visitors as a result.  I love that every time we visit, we uncover something new about the island.  For the first time, this year Bartlett's Farm offered wildflower picking tours and it was a messy adventure but oh so worth it.  

The day before our flower tour, a special little package arrived from the coveted new label Tortoise & the Hare Clothing out of Lancaster County, PA.  Rosina has designed a collection of the most precious heirloom quality pieces.  We were thrilled to learn about this new brand and snag a few items from her first release.  I think Elise has worn this gingham blouse three out of the last four days.  The cut is superb and it wears beautifully.  And wooden buttons up the back, need I say more?

We happen to be a hat family.  Much like those who collect sunglasses or other accessories, we like our hats.  Elise was the first in our family to get a Peter Beaton followed by my husband and then finally I had to join the party and get one too.  If you're ever on island, please visit this adorable hat studio, tucked away down an enchanting alleyway visiting the shop is an experience in itself!

We heart wooden buttons....

Elise enjoyed helping me arrange our wildflowers when we returned to the house.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed Bartlett's Farm offers this tour again next year!

Vacation days

Summer feels like it just started but somehow we are nearing the end of July already and it will be over before we know it.  Luckily we were able to plan a trip to Nantucket while the sun is still shining, our first time here as a family of four.  

A classic island calls for classic styles and a Wren and James gingham dress fit the bill on this day.  A style you might remember from your own childhood photos, Wren and James uses only the highest quality fabrics and their craftsmanship is exceptional.  Here its paired with a Namhee NYC Liberty print whale necklace and Free Babes bows.