Simple Kids SS12

I love Belguim Brand Simple Kids.  Created by English Designer Melanie Ireland back in 1997.  Collections are colourful, easy going pieces that can be layered.  The clue is in the name really, simple clothes for boys and girls.  However, simplistic doesn't mean uninteresting.  There is a strong focus on styling, prints, fabrics and detailing.  Perfect for little ones to get on with playing!  See more here: http://www.simplekids.be/

le petit lucas du tertre

Le petit Lucas Du Tertre is a French label that offers lovely bright, colourful clothes with quirky prints for both boys and girls.  I always think its rather refreshing for labels to be brave with a boyswear collection.  I love the way they display their collections with little illustrations of the prints and outfit building ideas.  Take a further look here: http://www.lucasdutertre.com/fr/le-petit-lucas-collections.html

Quenotte

Gorgeous French label Quenotte.  Simple, tailored, chic with great prints and a vintage essence, find out more here: http://www.quenotte-paris.fr/ps/

Inspirational home & life

I spend all my life looking for inspirational images, whether it be for the home, to make, for the kids or for other people.  Sometimes I wonder if I waste too much time looking and not enough time doing.  I can't help it.  I'm a born researcher and lets face it that's what makes a good designer, because you can sniff out a trend before it hits down.  However, I do get frustrated with myself.  So many ideas and what to do's in my head that very few ever get to see the light of day.

Having the twins changed my life quite dramatically and for the best.  I gave up work as I wanted to look after my kids, and I had three under the age of two years!  Plus we moved house.  Over these past three years we have been doing up our 1930's semi-detached.  It needed a complete overhaul and still does.....I look at many blogs and their gorgeous houses and it makes me a little disheartened.  So in order to take control and be positive, (we will get their one day!) i've decided to post a few of my favourite things in my house.  I love old toys, 60/70's ceramics, vintage fabric, prints etc....well have a look at my collection of things that make my house not so bad :o)

Peggy Jane Valentines Day cards

Not long to go now till Valentines Day...have you got your card?  Here are some gorgeous ones ones to choose from here http://www.peggyjane.co.uk/store/products/valentine-lets-scoot-away/

Dominique Ver Eecke

I love the Spring Summer 2012 range from Belgium designer Dominique Ver Eecke.  Bright, colourful and beautifully cut.  See more here http://www.dominiquevereecke.be/

Cadja

I've just seen these gorgeous ceramic hooks on the great blog bloesem kids : http://bkids.typepad.com/intro The pieces are available via Serendipty, a French online shop and that they were made by Cadja.

Super cute crochet

How cute are these pears?  See more from Nelly Jane Crafts here on her Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/#!/nellyjanecrafts

Bellerose

I know I said that I would start looking at Spring Summer, but a lot of brands are still finishing off Autumn Winter and haven't updated their websites.  I've just come across a Belgium brand Bellerose.  It was started in 1989 as a menswear brand and started a womenswear collection in 1998, then moved into kidswear 2002.  I really like the style of the lookbook.  Great photography with cool, effortless styling.  The collection is really laid back in both style and colour.  You can definitely tell there is a male influence or a grown up aspect.  Not that the clothing is too old, it is very much childrenswear.  Its just not cutesy or babish.  The girlswear is cool, not pink and fluffy yet still feminine.  My kind of kidswear! I'm looking forward to seeing their spring summer collection.  http://www.kidswear-department.com/ describe their, 'Sources of inspiration that are out of kilter and full of joy.  Sounds rather exciting!  Find out more here http://www.bellerose.be/ and on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bellerose/153793311322000?sk=app_6009294086

Milk on the rocks NYC

Its rare to come across a brand thats boyswear is prehaps cooler than the girls!  Dare I say it, as the girls range is pretty cool too.  But the boys just have a little edge. 

Milk on the rocks NYC made its debut in 2006 and creating effortlessly cool everyday clothes for kids.  They take their inspiration from edgy adultwear as well as other inspirational sources.  Take a further look here http://www.milkontherocks.net/

Warm Sugar Dolls

I have just seen these customized dolls available at Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/warmsugar) thanks to http://babyccinokids.com/blog/ (A great blog full of interesting finds)  I think you'll agree, they are super cute!

Belle & Boo Party

It isn't exactly news that I love Belle & Boo, but I think my love may have just increased that bit more!  They have developed a party range.  Ooooh, its so lovely with bunting, pin the tail on the donkey and cake decorations.  As well as lots more things you may need.  My favourite is the treat-time donkey cart.  Available here http://www.belleandboo.com/paper-goods-c-47.html

So Dilly has created her own party, vintage outfit and all.  (dress adressaday.com ribbon socks alisaburke.blogspot.com caravan photo -conversationpiece.co.uk board/decoration theweddingofmydreams.co.uk decoration 100layercake.com/blog) I think I may have to start planning a summer tea party as I don't think i'll be able to wait till the girls turn four in October!!

Mini a ture Spring Summer 2012

Although the weather is about to move into the depth of winter after New Year I think we all start longing for Spring.  So its really nice to start looking at the Spring Summer collections.  Its also really nice for me to be looking at the season as it happens rather than working a year ahead.

The first collection I am going to look at is Mini a ture from Copenhagen.  It is a consistant brand that I always kept an eye on what they where doing.  Its an easy going label that really focus's on the child.   The boys range oozes laid back beach charm.  With simple stripes, soft denims and warm pastels.  It isn't over styled, yet is fashionable.  A really cool range.  See the girls range and babies range here:
 http://www.miniature.dk/index.php

I Love Gorgeous

As the name suggests, gorgeous clothing for little girls.  Beautiful dresses, knitwear and accessories with a detail for trim and style.  The look book is filled with lovely imagery and inspirational styling.  This will be the last post featuring AW11  as we look forward to SS12.  I thought that this would be a rather fitting brand to finish on.  Take a further look at http://www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk/

Marmalade & Mash

A Brisith brand exhibiting at Londons Bubble later in the month.  The website isn't quite up and running, but the photos i've seen look like an exciting one to watch.  (Images courtesy of www.marmaladeandmash.co.uk/)

Happy New Year....2012

Wishing you all a happy new year!  I'm hoping this will be the year I pin down what it is i'm actually going to do with my life...other than being a mother to three children that is!    Not sure what it is i'm going to do.  i can't go back to being a fashion designer, well not for a company anyway.  The hours, dedication, travelling etc have to come before anything else and i'm not prepared to sacrifice my family for it.  So any answers on a postcard!!!

Below is a lovely illustration from a 1975 Jackie magazine advertising making your own clothes!  How gorgeous is it?  It says for Beautiful beginners, but lets say its for beautiful beginings.....heres to a great new year!