"From their world, for their world". Fantastical kids illustrations brought to life in these plush versions. Just like childrens drawings ought to be, these stuffed Aminals are not limited to the correct colors, shapes, or sizes - they are imaginative, fun, and lovable. Well, at least I know I love 'em. And Freida would go positively nuts for them! But be forewarned, if your kid is a perfectionist of any sort - steer clear of these misspelled, misshaped, and severely misunderstood creatures. : )
Made from 100% organic cotton - inside and out! (I'm especially fond of that "Dady doll"...)
Aminal Dolls $24.99
So after much thought over Freida's first little pair of kicks, we went for her "first shoe fitting" at Nordstroms a while ago, only to find out that her feet were too small to wear a regular shoe (she is under size 3). There went the saltwaters, the converse, and any other cute supportive baby options! I got her another pair of 'softies' and left the store quite anguished about my little girls tiny body. Again. : )
(Before she was born I bought a few adorable layette outfits I planned on taking the newborn baby home in, but little Freida came into this world weighing in a mere 4.7 lbs!! She went home in a hospital t-shirt over her arms and legs and a tightly swaddled blanket.)
My sister (thanks Shterni!) recently found a great pair of sneakers at Nordstrom Rack that she swore would fit Freida's itty-bitty feet. I had my doubts, but she was right - they were a perfect fit, and remained faithful through many trips to the park. Thankful for having found those teeny sneakers, I continued my quest for a lightweight shoe that could go beyond the playground. That's how Freida got her first pair of ballet slippers - the Baby Blochs. They are all their makers claim them to be. The leather is soft and buttery, and they fit like a good ol' glove - without leaving behind a mark on her fat little baby foot. She is a bit obsessed with them (or the concept of them - the word "ballet" makes her breath grow rapid!). I even caught her tip-toeing in silent concentration around her room in them... They are a fabulous buy, going great with everything from frilly dresses to boyfriend jeans, and would make a perfect baby gift as well. We picked hers up at Kitson, but if you search around a bit, I'm sure there are quite a few baby boutiques that carry this lovely Australian line.
Love, love, love these Estella striped onesies for boys! Made from the softest of cottons, pre-shrunk, and perfectly fitted. This little number will bring your dude from white gerber baby to punk-rocker lad. Really great for this sticky time of year, when all a babe needs wear is a onesie...
Estella striped onesie $25.00
For those of you in NYC, Estella is a fabulous boutique located in Greenwich Village. But they have an online shop as well, and ship worldwide. ($8 flat rate. Free shipping with $100 purchase.) Check it.
If any of you mamas out share my nesting issues; you'll appreciate the concept of a good toy that blends into your home decor. I admit to being a total stickler for organization - i.e toys residing in the play room. And (unfortunately for my children)... I don't see myself wavering that often. It's great to have a nice looking toy bin (or an ottoman with storage) for stashing a few living room play things, but it's especially nice when the toys themselves don't wreak much feng shui havoc (I know, I'm psychotic). Found these wonderful foam blocks at an art store in my neighborhood, I thought they were the perfect weight and size for Freida to learn how to stack and build (to my architect-husband's delight), the fact that they were a well-designed faux bois was just a lovely bonus!
Step2 Soft & Sturdy Timber Blocks $12.71
(They seem to no longer be on the Step2 website, and they were rather difficult to track down online, so if you want some - grab 'em while they're there.)
I've recently grown fond of the Vivienne Westwood + Melissa shoes. Had my first sighting while browsing for some kicks on Zappos, and they've been on my wish-list ever since (haven't yet justified buying plastic heels... but I've been living in a pair of plastic gladior sandals that I got at (cough, cough) Forever 21 for $5 - and I'm loving them!).
And as if those creations weren't cute enough, Melissa and Viv had to go and procure chic-baby-status with the launch of baby shoe line. The "Mini Melissa", a shrinky-dink from two of Westwood’s popular Anglomania designs: the Lady Dragon Bow and Lady Dragon Heart, are sure to emit squeals of delight from Mommy-and-Me lovers (hello, Katie Cruise). Made from Melissa Plastic Dream's famous PVC breathable plastic; you gotta admit these little toe-tappers came a long way from Crocs. : )
Now, to burst your bubble: they are a ridiculous $100 ($45 less than the adult version?) a pop - but they are so spankin' adorable I wanted to share the cuteness...
