Autumnal Vibes and Magical Colour Changing Leaves

We welcome you to read the full post here on Junior Style London. 

So gracefully we find ourselves transitioning into the crisp days of Autumn.  Overgrown gardens live in harmony with a show of magical colour changing leaves.  We're cozy both inside and out with new fall knits in beautiful jewel tones.  Mother nature has spoken and we're happy to oblige.  We relish in these Autumnal vibes.   

With little effort, these knits pair beautifully with pieces from past seasons.  The Animals Observatory (TAO) Lynx Skirt is wonderfully cozy in deep apple red.  With a perfect amount of punch, it is an understated statement piece.  Mila fancies Oeuf's Knit Romper in Rose for her rock gathering adventures.  A coordinating Oeuf necktie,  Little Light Feet Crochet Tights, and Angulus T-Bar shoes finish her fall look.

We're embracing this season of change with creature comforts that keep us cozy on these chilly Autumn days.  

Autumnal Vibes Clothing Credits:

Elise's skirt: The Animals Observatory

Elise’s shoes: Pepe Folk Boot

Elise's tights: Caramel

Elise and Mila's hair accessories: Wunderkin Co.

Mila's romper: Oeuf

Mila's necktie: Oeuf

Mila's tights: Little Light Feet

Mila's shoes: Angulus

An Endless Summer with maman&moi

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https://juniorstyle.net/endless-summer-maman-moi/

While autumn patiently waits, we relish the splendor of high summer.  A colourful finale of blooms tickle our senses and tepid waters invite us to play.  Delights of the season abound and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.  With summer lingering longer, our favourite pieces from the alluring brand Maman & Moi transition beautifully into smart back-to-school attire. maman&moi transition beautifully into smart back-to-school attire.

A brand celebrating the unique bond between mother and daughter, maman&moi exudes elegance with every detail.  This charming collection sends our hearts aflutter with Liberty fabrics and the finest finishes.  Daughters likewise feel at ease in the comfort of these dresses that wear beautifully from one adventure to the next.  Owner and designer, Allegra Richdale, has named each piece in her collection after a special someone in her life.  Elise wears the Tessa dress, a reversible frock in red and white gingham while Mila is garden-ready in the Violet with its pique petal collar.

As we saunter through the last days of summer, you may very well find us at play in maman&moi, making beautiful memories that are sure to linger longer than our endless New England summer.

Endless Summer Clothing Credits:

Dresses: maman&moi

Elise’s shoes: Pom d’Api

Elise's hair accessories: Wunderkin Co.

Skipping Stones: Paying Homage to Vintage

Read the full post today on Junior Style London: https://juniorstyle.net/skipping-stones-paying-homage-vintage/

Everything old is new again.  For us, this often rings true upon discovering a vintage gem that finds new life in our wardrobes.  Handcrafted garments from decades past satisfy cravings for one-of-a-kind pieces with timeless appeal.  There is a world of vintage and antique childrenswear that awaits discovery and repurpose but knowing where to look is often key.  Elise's Depression-era netting dress is one of many treasures you'll find in Mary Beth Hale's scrupulous collection of vintage apparel.  'In with the old' I say! 

These vintage treasures find us immersed in nostalgia.  We're transported to simpler times, wading barefoot along the banks of Lake Champlain.  A hunt to find perfectly shaped shale ensues and we try our hand (rather unsuccessfully) at skipping stones along the water's edge.  I'm left to wonder if these garments could talk, might they tell a similar story?  One thing I'm certain, Mila's dress may actually hold such memories from my own childhood.  My Mother diligently cared for and saved a wonderful collection of clothing, now sprinkled throughout the girls' wardrobes.  

Thankfully we don't need to scour store racks or attics to find pieces like these.  Mary Beth Hale has done the work for us with a stunning collection of unique and pristine childrenswear from the past century and beyond.  From hand embroidered baby bonnets to velvet rompers and fur slippers, I can assure you, it won't be easy to browse without temptation.  But if you simply must, she's offering readers 10% off at purchase with the code BlakeAcres.  

The Allure of Charlotte sy Dimby

From the heart of Paris's 6th arrondissement, hails a childrenswear brand with an allure that can only be matched by Jardin du Luxembourg, (the Luxembourg Gardens) which flank its location.  Monique Ramahay has introduced the world to the traditional embroidery and smocking of Madagascar within the walls of her Parisian boutique, L'Île aux Fées, internationally known as Charlotte sy Dimby.  With recent growth overseas, these lovely garments are quickly finding their way into the closets and hearts of our American friends. 

With over three decades of dedication to the craft, Monique has redefined the aura of smocked garments, setting them free from the rigid formality of times past.  Her work with some of the most tasteful labels in the industry (Bonpoint, Baby Dior, and Jacadi to name a few) has dubbed her the well-deserved title, "Queen of the Smocks."  While we're on the topic of royalty, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge donned a dress by the brand's atelier during her overseas trip to Canada last fall.      

Together with her daughter, Korally Ramahay, Monique brings the magic of Malagasy handmade garments to the hands of her discerning clientele.  And much like them, we're captivated by the quality and sophistication of the line.  The details delight us from the inside out where you'll find a handmade petticoat that is just as meticulously crafted as the outer garment itself.    

I invite you to explore the wonderment and allure of Charlotte sy Dimby.

Queens of the Castle

For the full post, visit Junior Style London

https://juniorstyle.net/queens-of-castle-tortoise-and-the-hare/

As we settle nicely into the dog days of summer, a bit of adventure calls us to the coast where castles stand proud and little ones make-believe within their ancient stone walls.  Queen for a day is our motto and the girls pretend to rule over their kingdom of mermaids and garden fairies.  Untamed summer play goes hand in hand with the stunningly simple, hand-tailored garments from Tortoise & the Hare.

The white linen Jane dress is a staple for summer.  Its linen fabric is just as magical as our castle play and with a natural defense against dirt and stains, the Jane dress looks as beautiful as the day it arrived.  Here along the shore, where queens still reign, this piece moves in the breeze with ethereal fluidity.  

Mila follows the play of her older sister, uncovering rocks and peeping through fences.  As our family jester, Mila's energy and folly are unmatched.  Yet, she remains cool as a cucumber in her linen and hemp blend tank and bloomers.  

Make-believe kingdoms, real-life castles, and heavenly summer fabrics are what dreams are made of.  A delightful brand, hailing from Lancaster County, Pensylvania, we are dazzled season after season with the heirloom quality of these artisan-produced pieces from Tortoise & the Hare.  

Queens of the Castle Clothing Credits:

Clothing: Tortoise & the Hare

Crown: Wild & Gorgeous

Elise's shoes: Pom d'Api

Mila's shoes: Aster

The Art of Gifting with CouCou and MineMine Kids

Imagine this.  Your lifelong childhood friend is having a baby.  It's been years since you both shared the same time zone but you still find her carefree spirit to be the perfect elixir on a gloomy day and you've always admired her bohemian taste.  And while you'll never grow apart, your style worlds have drifted.  Lucky for you, CouCou has launched customizable gift baskets for baby available through MineMine Kids.  Filled with a lust-worthy assortment of baby essentials and a special treat for the mother, they've taken all the guesswork out of gifting for a new arrival.  

We had the pleasure of visiting with CouCou's lovely owner (and mother herself), Astrid Motsenigos for a little Q&A.  We welcome you to get to know the face behind the boutique!

Q: What roles do design and culture play in raising your daughter?

A: They play a significant role.  We are a very dramatic/creative family and love to read, write, sing, dance, act, read poetry… My husband is Greek, I’m Spanish and German.  We love anything that is expressive, emotional, thoughtful, insightful, different - whether it be art, music, performance, culture, architecture or landscape, and we have fostered that same curiosity in our daughter. 

Q: How do you want your daughter to remember her childhood?  Are there any items she has been gifted with the hope of being passed down?

A: I want her to remember a huge amount of laughter and discovery.  It’s very important to me that she be a child as long as possible.  There are many items to pass down; a book my mother had as a child from which she got her nickname; her coming home from the hospital outfit was given to us from my mother’s best friend (who is like a second mother to me); jewelry belonging to both me and my mother before that.

Q: How do you juggle motherhood and building your business? 

A: Like anything else in life when you become a mother - early mornings and late nights! 

Q: What is the best piece of advice you were given when you began CouCou?

A: Two things: 1) It’s going to be so much harder than you are anticipating, but if you don’t do it, you’ll always regret it. 2) Talk to other businesses and ask as many questions as they will answer.

Q: Please tell us more about your gift baskets and how they can be customized.

A: Gift baskets are available through MineMine Kids and can be customized four ways:

1. Size - Small or Large

2. Mother's style - The "Polished" basket would best suit the classic/sophisticated mom while the "Natural" basket would be perfect for the easy going/natural/organic mother

3. Gender - Girl, Boy, Unisex

4. Toy Box - Two toy box options for each size (small or large)

Q: Are there any items at home that you can’t live without? 

A: As a matter of fact, the Rice Toy Box that was chosen for our gift baskets is a must have in our home.  They help to de-clutter toys and books, are beautiful to keep out and our daughter loves to play with them. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this peek into the wonderful world of CouCou!

Picnic by the Sea

With spring in full swing, our enchanting New England home has become a playground for little explorers and Mommy alike.  Our favourite spots have yet to see the onslaught of summer tourists so we journey out to find the perfect backdrop for a picnic by the sea.

Join us today on Junior Style London for the full post....

https://juniorstyle.net/join-jessica-dickinson-picnic-sea/

In the mood for play and imaginary worlds, the girls delight in wearing the latest for spring from the beautifully curated boutique, kodomo.  With a nod to ethically produced childrenswear labels, kodomo has stocked their shelves with a desirable selection of goods, satisfying our cravings for quality fabrics and sustainable products.

Among kodomo’s offerings is Spanish brand, Motoreta, which has captured our hearts with their spring 2017 collection, “Ferdinand and the Flowers.”  We often feel like that gentle bull who “liked to sit just quietly and smell the flowers….”  True to himself and with little care in the world, we’re inspired by Ferdinand’s presence in this beautifully designed collection of pieces from Spain.

Picnic by the Sea Clothing credits:

Clothing: Motoreta from Kodomo Boston, click here for further details.

Hair clips: Hello Shiso

View the kodomo Boston SS17 Lookbook, here.

Find out more on the young lady behind kodomo Boston, Jasmine Pulzan, here.

All rights reserved.

All posts copyright Junior Style Sales Ltd.

Please do not reproduce without permission.

Images courtesy of Jessica Dickinson

Sunkissed Swimwear from Lison Paris and MineMine Kids

As the days grow longer, our wandering spirits desire to play outdoors until dusk.  Barefoot and sunkissed, we recently found ourselves in a tropical oasis on the shores of Costa Rica where opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless.  Within moments of arriving, clothes were coming off as the race to the beach began.  Our bathing beauty stepped into the lovely designs of Lison Paris, offered by online retailer and purveyor of all things beautiful, MineMine Kids.  

Parisian swimwear brand, Lison, brings us a tastefully designed collection of bikinis, dresses, and accessories perfect for a beach escape.  Beautifully printed cotton accented with frills and adjustable ties, we could quite possibly spend our holiday in this alone.  Check out a selection of our favorite new arrivals from this exquisite collection now available on MineMine Kids in the links below this post.

A lightweight summer dress that sways as effortlessly as the sea breeze perfectly accompanies Lison's swimwear.  With it, we can easily go from chasing waves at the beach to an elegant sunset soiree.  

"Simply beautiful," Lison's motto perfectly represents this stunning line of swimwear, perfect for your little lady. 

A few of our favorite new arrivals from Lison Paris....

Camelia Bikini Raspberry - White

Alabama Bikini Blue - White - Silver Stripe

Jasmine Dress Raspberry - White

Palava in Bloom

Check the bottom of this post for a special Junior Style London competition!  Full details can also be found on the following pages:

https://juniorstyle.net/win-girls-outfit-palava-worth-120/

https://juniorstyle.net/palava-bloom/

There is little I enjoy more in this life than a stroll through a garden (and perhaps a good garden shop).  Spring abounds, signalling an excitement that could only come from the world’s most prestigious flower show, an event that transforms the better part of Chelsea, London, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

You can imagine my excitement for Palava’s reincarnation of this floral wonderland with their spring “Chelsea Flower Show” collection.  Imagine your dream brand pays tribute to your favourite event in a collection of beautifully designed garments.  The storybook women’s’ and childrenswear brand, Palava, has long been revered in our closets.  Our love affair with their whimsical creations began when Elise was a newborn.  Palava’s uniquely illustrated frocks feel wonderfully cheerful and quickly found their way into her wardrobe.

For this very special collection, Palava characters Poppy and Fred can be spotted on their Chelsea Flower Show adventures along the hem of select dresses.  And if that doesn’t satisfy your Palava cravings, each piece is accompanied by a wonderfully illustrated storybook of its own.

An equally beautiful selection of women’s dresses and skirts allows for a picture perfect family ensemble.  Easy to wear and a breeze to travel with, I’ve enjoyed countless adventures in my Irene Swallows Dress.  In turn, it has enjoyed just as many compliments.  And, might I add, the girls adore dressing like Mummy in our coordinating looks.

Soon Chelsea storefronts will be blooming in eager anticipation for the flower show of all shows.  If you can’t make it to Chelsea’s display of garden artistry this year, channel its wonder and excitement with a Palava dress of your own (and one for your daughter of course)!

We have teamed up with Palava and Junior Style to bring to you a fantastic competition.

To be in with your chance of winning a Palava girls outfit comprising of a dress, petticoat and pair of socks, worth £120.00……..

1. Follow @juniorstylelondon @palavaminifolk and Jessica Dickinson from the lifestyle blog @blakeacres on Instagram. (your vote will not count if you are not following all companies involved.)

2. Like the main competition image on the Junior Style Instagram page  (this is how we know you have entered).

3. Tag a friend you think would like to win this fantastic prize for an extra entry.

4. You can also gain an extra entry by reposting the original competition image from @JuniorStyleLondon and using #JrStylexPalavaMiniFolk

5. An Extra entry can be gained by commenting on my Palava Blog post below.

For terms and further details on the competition click here.

Tropical Adventures with JAM London

Our family set off to Costa Rica this week for sun, sand, surf, and a taste of 'Pura Vida' (the simple life).  This surfer's paradise has lured us back time and again to a rustic and untouched stretch of land along the Pacific.  Howler monkeys sound our morning alarm and sea turtles nest along the shores.  It is worlds away from our everyday reality yet somehow pleasantly familiar.  Our little explorers feel at one with nature in the classical comfort of JAM London and the perfect topper from Barbara Beach Designs.

Join us today on Junior Style London for the full post....

https://juniorstyle.net/tropical-adventures-jam-london/

Growing Wild Things with Oaks of Acorn

In the depths of a New England winter, Elise and Mila were enchanted by a tropical oasis not far from home.  A secret garden welcomed us with blooming Camellias and pink flowering vines.  For these wild things, a game of hide-and-seek in the greenhouse was a welcome activity for this otherwise cold and snowy February day.  On this day, we couldn’t imagine ourselves anywhere else.  Together, mother and child, letting loose and having fun where we felt at home.

Join us today on Junior Style London for a peek at the beautifully crafted children’s wear brand, Oaks of Acorn.

https://juniorstyle.net/growing-wild-things-oaks-of-acorn/

Blue Alma for Baby

When the stars align and you've found the perfect knitwear to complement your little one's wardrobe, dressing for winter becomes a joy.  Such was the case for us upon discovering the beautiful range of baby and children's knitwear from Blue Alma.

I welcome you to get to know this wonderful brand and the inspirational woman behind it!

Owner and designer, Annemarie Shoemaker is dedicated to producing goods with a nod to tradition, the highest quality fibers, beautiful styling, and comfort.  Annemarie's collection of knitwear provides the perfect amount of warmth without unnecessary bulk or itch.  During her design process, a great deal of thought is given to a garment's functionality and the child's well-being without compromising on style.  When worn, these pieces pull together any outfit effortlessly.  Trust us, you'll be smitten.  

For Annemarie, knitting runs deep.  A skill passed down through generations of family members, she pays homage to these traditions in each garment that is produced.  After graduating from fashion design school in Berlin, Annemarie, a German native, worked in various settings as a freelance designer, in a yarn store, and as a technical design assistant for a knitwear company.  Along the journey, true love eventually brought her overseas to live in Brooklyn, the birthplace of her handknit label, Blue Alma. 

Yarns are thoughtfully chosen and made from pure natural fibers.  The current collection was produced using a cotton-alpaca blend, snuggly soft yet breathable with the ability to wear year-round.  

Annemarie was lucky to have found a team of talented artisans in Peru who help produce the knitwear while maintaining the brand's dedication to 'handmade.'  These women and men are highly skilled and detail oriented knitters who deserve a fair wage.  Feel good knowing that your Blue Alma purchase helps to support this collaboration of talent worlds away.  

Museum of Wonder

We’ve taken to the halls of the Museum of Fine Arts for a stroll with the masters on this blustery winter day. Elise marvels at larger than life works of art and we are soon lost in wonder at the museum.  She’s determined to find pieces from thumbprint images in our guidebook and each discovery brings a moment of pride and excitement.  The wonderful brands, Valya Kids and Blue Alma Knits kept us cozy as we wandered exhibits on view at the MFA.  

Join us at the Museum on Junior Style London!

Litcitar Hearts of Croatia

The magic of the winter season is everywhere these days.  As city dwellers, we've been serenaded by brass instruments while shopping and delighted by the grace of figure skaters in pop-up ice rinks.  An abundance of little white lights keeps us cheerful through progressively shorter days.  And when it gets too chilly outside for mitten-clad fingers, we gather in the kitchen to bake.  

Check us out today on the Junior Style Blog! 

Clothing credits:

Elise's knit dress:  Misha & Puff

Mila's blouse: Soor Ploom

Elise’s apron: Fog Linen

Oven gloves: Thornback & Peel

Mila's hair bow: Pitchoun Designs

Elise's floral dress: Vintage

Gifting Inspiration from ABOE Designs

If you're anything like me, you're still making your lists and checking them twice.  And while we'd like to think we're on top of our gifting game, there is always an elusive present that checks all the boxes.  But this year we've come across possibly the best 'go to' gift for the littles on your list.  ABOE Designs sprinkles its magic through the post with the most adorable assortment of colour in jewelry, dolls, and doll beds that keep little hands busy for hours.  

The precious designs from ABOE look beautiful as is, yet there are endless possibilities to exercise your creativity and make them your own.  With a bottle of Mod Podge, a brush, scissors, and printed paper, this little artist and I decoupaged our doll's sleeping place into a bed of flowers.  We can't wait to add a finishing touch with her colouring pencils, this four year old's favourite medium.   

Between siblings, there is always an eye out for grabby hands and when it comes to her dearest possessions, Elise is quick to secure her dolls and bed!  But when everyone is settled, this set can be easily packed flat and popped into luggage as the perfect play thing for the many adventures that await!

Dreaming in Wool with Merino Kids

The comfort that surrounds us during these cold winter months comes in many forms; a crackling fire, hot cocoa, freshly baked cookies, and cozy sleepwear.  And when it comes to what our children wear for nearly 12 hours a day, there are few brands that meet my requirements.  Fortunately, we discovered Merino Kids when Elise was an infant and since then, have relied on their 100% natural fiber garments to bring us countless hours of peaceful rest.  

In my search for a natural fiber sleep bag over 3 years ago, I came across Merino Kids, a New Zealand-based company specializing in merino wool sleepwear.  Although wool is typically associated with the cooler months, many underestimate its body temperature regulating properties and ability to wick away moisture, keeping us dry in warmer weather.  

A subtle stripe and simplistic cut gives Merino Kids sleepwear universal appeal.  Whats more, the girls can easily wear and grow into these pieces.  It appeals to our desire to live in synthetic-free clothing and is truly comfort at its best.   

I invite you to share in our coziness this winter and browse the beautiful selection of sleepwear from Merino Kids.  

Falling for Selenita

Perhaps my favourite aspect of traveling is discovering makers and brands from around the globe.  Talented artisans and unique creations remind us of the time we spent in distant lands.  Our summer travels led us on an adventure in Edinburgh where we stumbled upon a hidden gem.  This enchanting city is home to the equally enchanting childrenswear brand, Selenita. 

Join us over on the Junior Style Blog for a journey to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, a feast for the eyes this time of year.  We look forward to seeing you there!

https://juniorstyle.net/falling-selenita/

Discovering Plimoth Plantation in Devon's Drawer

The colorful and crisp New England fall is upon us and there is no better time to soak up the history and beginnings of our commonwealth state of Massachusetts.  Join us over on the Junior Style Blog as we journey back in time to the Plimoth Plantation.  The occasion called for precious fall dresses from the heirloom children's brand, Devon's Drawer.

We look forward to seeing you there!  https://juniorstyle.net/plimoth-plantation-devons-drawer/

The Hundred Acre Wood featuring Sue Hill

The elusive Hundred Acre Wood has been on our list of must-see places this summer.  Nearing the end of our stay in England we ventured into the land of honey pots and Winnie-the-Pooh, retracing the footsteps of Christopher Robin.  Our adventures in Pooh Country with British chrildrenswear brand Sue Hill, can be found on the Junior Style blog today.

https://juniorstyle.net/hundred-acre-wood-featuring-sue-hill/

Strolling along the Thames

We've reached high summer in London and have been craving peaceful walks in the country, a simple pleasure that brings us so much joy this time of year.  Join us on Junior Style for a stroll along the Thames with the wonderful Belgium childrenswear label, Maan and playful dolls by UK brand ABOEDesigns.

https://juniorstyle.net/strolling-along-thames/