ChicLittleBaby

CLB ♥ Light Up Your Mood switch stickers

2012-01-16T03:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a cheap and novel interiors tip for New Year: transform a boring old white light switch with these fun stickers. Available in three designs: animals, girls or boys, each pack contains four sheets of peel-off vinyl stickers (including lots of eyes, noses and mouths), enough for eight characters. Helpfully, the stickers peel off easily, so they can be changed without leaving any pesky residue. Hours of fun! £6.50 at Molly Meg.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well hello again. It's been a while. I'm sorry, I have missed you all terribly too. We finally moved into our new house after three months of renovations (thank you to Ed, our brilliant builder, here is his website). Moving in, unpacking and settling the girls along with the husband and cats was a bigger job than I ever imagined. But now it's done. PHEEEEEEEEEEW! The house is looking great and we are finally really enjoying the space and fact that everything pretty much is as we want it. On the downside our pockets are painfully empty and we have both aged ludicrously (I swear I have about five new wrinkles) but all in all it has been worth every second. I will be posting before and afters of the new house, with particular emphasis on the children's rooms (sneak peek of Evie's room below) over the forthcoming weeks. I have lots of great content coming up: incredible new products, inspiring websites and cool apps. A big thanks to all those who have been keeping me updated. As for the little ones, fun-loving Evie is enjoying running around her new house and darling little Lola, now approaching six months, has been taking her first tentative mouthfuls of food. Nothing cuter than those first facial expressions when they first taste a new flavour. Me? Officially exhausted but relieved we are now ensconced in the new place and very happy to be back in blogland. Thank you for reading. Here's to a happy, healthy and stress-free 2012. Love CLB xxx

Evie wearing a new hat for breakfast

Evie's new room. Wallpaper by Harlequin, chest of drawers by IKEA

CLB ♥ Clara Button and the Magical Hat Day

2011-10-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

CLB was head over kitten heels after hearing the V&A was publishing its very first children's story book.Written by esteemed fashion professor Amy de la Haye and illustrated by Emily Sutton, the book tells the tale of Clara, a little girl who inherits her granny's passion for millinery. When her brother rips granny's beloved straw hat, Clara heads to the V&A with her family to learn how to fix it and embarks on an millinery adventure. Daddy CLB read it to Evie last night and she adored it - positively enchanted by the exquisite illustrations packed with colour and detail. Perfect for fledgling fashionistas everywhere.

£10.99 (V&A Publishing) at www.vandashop.com

CLB ♥ Hop Toy Shop's animal bike bells

2011-09-28T01:49:00.000-07:00

Tring, triiiiiiiiiing! How cool are these animal face bike bells by Crazy Stuff? Just landed at East London's wonderful independent toy emporium, Hop Toy Shop, there are four to choose from: eagle, cat, bunny and croc. CLB is particularly loving the angry eagle - that face just says 'get outta my way'. Surely the latest must-have scooter accessory. £10 each at Hop Toy Shop

Hello Kitty Liberty Art Fabrics

2011-09-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lola Maud and I popped to Liberty today for the eagerly anticipated launch of the Hello Kitty/Liberty Art fabrics collaboration. A giant sized Hello Kitty greeted us alongside a gaggle of glam mums and their over-excited daughters. Utilising Liberty's heritage style, the cult Japanese kid's character has been worked into five limited-edition fabrics which have been selling fast since they launched online this weekend. Not the most natural of style marriages you may think but bizarrely it works quite brilliantly. Our favourite? The jolly 'Orange Kitty Town' print above. The range - which also includes ultra-collectible goodies like tote bags, jewellery boxes and key rings - is up on the third floor, nestled in Liberty's fabric department until it sells out. Judging by the reaction of children and parents alike today, that could be very soon. You can also buy the fabrics online here from £21 per metre.

Liberty, Great Marlborough Street, London W1B 5AH (www.liberty.co.uk/020 7734 1234) Oxford Circus tube.

WAH baby sale

2011-09-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Stuck for something to do this Sunday? Sharmadean Reid, founder of hip Dalston nail haunt WAH nails is having a second hand baby sale. The stylish mamma of baby Roman has been indulging in all things baby-orientated on her blogs so expect an inspiring selection of clothing, toys and books. See you there chic mammas.

CLB ♥ Victoria Beckham's cat dress for Harper!

2011-09-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, hello. Is this all CLB's dreams come true? Victoria Beckham posted this on her Twitter page last night and our eyes nearly popped out of our heads! A tiny dress, designed especially for Harper Seven, in the divine cat print recently seen in her debut 'Victoria' line in New York. Could this be the beginning of something beautiful, a Victoria Beckham range for babies? Let's hope so.

Moving house

2011-09-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

The ponds in Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, or new 'hood

Moving house is never easy, especially when you have two babies, two cats and a husband who has lived in the same flat for twenty years. We all finally left our cool Islington masionette a couple of weeks ago for a four bedroom house four miles north in suburban Palmers Green. And what an avalanche of emotions of has been; relief, sadness, nostalgia and excitement all rolled into one. Leaving the home you first brought your new bundles of joy back to is an intense experience. I have so many happy memories of Evie's firsts; her first bath where she screamed the walls down, her first smile, her first bout of giggles (aged 4 months, I'm not kidding!), her first proper meal and her first word ('mummy' at eight months). And then darling Lola turned up and at the tender age of six weeks we whisked her and the family off to a garden flat in Palmers Green. We are staying here for a couple of months while we get the new house over the road done up. It's been a wrench. I have left behind some incredible friends and an amazing network of mums, the chichi shops of Islington, divine Ottolenghi, our lovely neighbours and that twelve minute tube ride into central London. I will miss my daily dose of the grand Georgian architecture and Highbury Fields one o-clock club, not the mention the cafe in the park. But onto pastures new: a bigger house (almost twice the size) a garden (yippee for Evie and Lola) and a lovely laid back, family-orientated neighbourhood with a good school at the end of the road. Oh, and did I mention two of my good friends from Islington are also moving to Palmers Green with their two-year-olds (watch out Crouch End!). Stay posted for weekly interiors updates on the house - there is A LOT of work to be done before we all finally move into our new home.

Me and my girls earlier today in our rented flat

CLB ♥ Olli Ella's new bedding range

2011-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

When CLB heard its good friend Olli Ella was designing a bedding range a few months back, we knew it would be cracking. Chloe and Olivia Brookman, the talented sisters behind the super-stylish Olli Ella nursing chairs have turned their attentions to accessorising your little ones' beds and cots. As you'd expect, the range is cool, modern and beautifully finished (all organic cotton and handmade in the UK just like the chairs). Available in two colour ways; 'Posey' is a bold Moroccan-inspired design in pinks and reds and 'Poppet' is a sophisticated geometric pattern in hues of blue. Gorgeous. The range include quilts, bumpers and even cute little bean bags. Can't wait to start decorating the little ones' bedrooms in our new home. From £25 for a Boudoir pillow at Olli Ella, Harrods and Nubie.

SIGG - the coolest water bottles in town

2011-09-01T00:43:00.000-07:00

Without doubt our most useful accessory of the summer was Evie's beloved SIGG water bottle. Made from light-weight aluminum, each one has a unique BPA and phthalate free EcoCare liner so as well as keeping the drink super-fresh, it won't taint the flavour. It has a brilliantly designed nozzle which means it locks tight when you close the cap, so no pesky spillages (in fact it is guaranteed against them). They are so simple, slick and lovely to use (well, they are Swiss made by a company established in 1908) that there's something ultra-desirable about them. With over dozens of designs to choose from they are rather collectible too. We love.

£14 at SIGG

CLB ♥ Ladybird Classic Me Book apps

2011-08-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Chicken Licken, Billy Goat's Gruff, The Three Little Pigs...remember those brilliant Ladybird classics? Now you can get them in app form (for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) thanks to the creators of the ingenious interactive digital The Land of Me stories. Ladybird Classic Me Books bring the quirky stories alive in a vivid, interactive way - you simply touch the text for words and the pictures for sound effects (you can also record your own). Comedian Adam Buxton (of Adam and Joe fame) provides the hilarious narration so parents can have a good giggle too. Having now downloaded almost the entire collection, CLB can confirm they are fun, easy-to-use and as engaging for littl'uns as they are for nostalgic mums and dads.

Download from 69p to £1.99 each at iTunes

Myths about caesareans

2011-08-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

Evie and Lola, both c-section babies

So, the ever controversial subject of caesareans is in the papers again. This time, refreshingly, it has nothing to do with Victoria Beckham and her latest offspring but the fact the NHS are cutting down on ‘unnecessary’ c-sections to save cash. Oh how the knives are out again for those women who have the cheek to choose a caesarean. Yes it's those pesky elective ones that are apparently draining the NHS millions a year (a planned c-section cost the NHS £2,600 while an uncomplicated vaginal birth £1,200). As a mummy to two beautiful daughters born by elective caesarean this made my heart sink. Frankly I am frightened for all the thousands of women who may not be able to choose a c-section over the next few years.

For a start the NHS is not in the habit of dishing out c-sections willy nilly. Of all the thousands of women who have a caesarean on the NHS each year (they currently account for nearly one quarter of births in the UK) the majority are for health reasons, in order to preserve the life of mother or baby or both whether elective (planned) or emergency. If there is any short fall maybe, just maybe, it is to do with the shortage of midwives and lack of support and expertise during labour. Add to that the fact that women are having babies later, babies are getting bigger and obesity levels are rising and you can see why c-section rates are going up. Interestingly in Holland where ante and post natal care and midwifery is incredible, 80 per cent of women are able to have home births.

Personally, I think casareans are amazing. If only people would stop looking down their noses at c-sections and the women who have them. No wonder some of us are made to feel guilty and inadequate. At worst women can feel like failures, particularly after a traumatic emergency c-section. That's why elective sections are so important; the woman feels in control and is less likely to feel negatively afterwards. My first baby was breech for the entire pregnancy. I have a funny heart-shaped womb (bicornuate uterus) and so it was difficult for baby to change position. Booking my elective c-section at 37 weeks was a highly positive, exciting experience and I was shocked when other women asked if I felt disappointed or cheated in any way. Why would I be when, as my fantastic, straight talking doctor pointed out if I didn't have one me and the baby 'would probably die!' I was able to read-up on the procedure and plan it all and I was determined to make my birth experience as positive and joyful as I could.

When the day came on 18th May 2009, I was calm and excited about meeting my baby. The caesarean was – shock horror - a wonderful experience. (Kat at Housewife Confidential blog wrote a great piece on joyful c-sections earlier in the year). I was lucky to be in the hands of a brilliant team at UCLH in the new Elizabeth Garrett maternity wing. Seeing Evie peering down at me with her mouth suckling for milk as if to say, where’s my lunch, was the most incredible moment of my life. The feeling of euphoria is hard to describe. In recovery half an hour later, my little pink ball of baby latched on immediately and barely stopped breastfeeding for the next 18 months! That was already two myths about c-sections out the window in a flash; I’d read numerous times that you ‘may have trouble bonding with your baby’ and they ‘may have problems latching on’ (luckily a load of codswallop in my case).

When I fell pregnant with my second daughter, I was in no doubt that I wanted another c-section. I carried Lola in almost exactly the same position – her head right up by my ribs and my bump and funny uneven shape that perplexed the midwives every time I had a check up. At both scans it took the sonographer over one hour to get all the required measurements because she was in such a odd ( I like to think eccentric) position. When at 37 weeks she was still breech, much to my relief I was able to book an elective caesarean again. It meant I could plan everything and start looking forward to the big day as well as get the family organised to look after my toddler Evie. I felt empowered.

And so the day came and as I was wheeled into theatre they scanned me to find that Lola had rather miraculously turned into the head down position. The consultant asked me to consider a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). I was in no doubt that I wanted to still go through with an elective caesarean. For one I hadn’t planned for a natural birth. Deep down I knew a c-section would be the least traumatic and most positive birth experience for us. I was well aware that trying for a VBAC isn’t as straight forward as it sounds (there’s an increased risk of a ruptured uterus for a start). We were psyched up for the birth of our little buba, my husband had booked two weeks off work and my brother had booked the day off to help my mum look after Evie. But above all else I just wanted a caesarean. So shoot me. It was my choice. It was how I wanted my daughter to be brought into the world. I am so grateful I had this option.

Please share your thoughts and experiences.

For up to date information on c-sections see the Caesarean Debate blog


Lola latching on shortly after being born on July 22

Joy after Lola's birth. Attractive head gear, eh?

Common myths

You won't bond with your baby - of the many women I know who have given birth by c-section all of them have bonded with their babies.

That they are the easy option - no they are not! It’s major surgery and just sitting up in bed and holding baby for the week after is painful. Add a toddler into the equation and it's even more tricky.

Baby won't latch on – I would love to see concrete stats for this (bet they don’t exists). Most of the women I know who have had c-section have had no problems latching on. Women who give birth vaginally also have problems with breastfeeding and bonding.

Too posh to push – oh what rubbish! Most women have caesareans because they are crucial in ensuring the health – or life - of mother or baby or both.

You won't get the rush of oxytocin you get if you give birth naturally. Really? So the overwhelming flood on love a c-section mummy feels when she clutches her babe for the first time is something else, right?

Baby will be traumatised – what tosh. Both my girls came out in a beautiful, peaceful way.

Feelings of failure/disappointment – it is so sad that some women feel like this, no doubt not helped by other judgemental people. If you view a c-section as the incredible, life-giving operation it really is then you will only feel fulfilment and joy.

CLB ♥ Peak Princess' new designs

2011-08-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

Bella Luella now in new Libery Emma and Georgina cord, from £54.99

Lissa Cook, the super-talented seamstress behind one of CLB's all time favourite labels, Peak Princess has been a busy bee. Not only has she recently launched a new range of ready-to-wear clothing following the huge success of her made to measure service, but she's revamped her website too. Styles are for boys and girls from three months to nine years old and she's even added some Liberty print ties for stylish dads this season too. Love, love, love.

Edie Grace ruffle dress in Liberty Floribunda from £29.99

Freya Bean in Liberty Mitsi print, from £29.99

Freya Bean smock top in Liberty Betsey from £29.99

Lissa's busy work room!

Personalised baby gifts

2011-08-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

Personalised framed baby picture, £28, Not on the High Street

CLB daddy was recently delighted when I bought him some personalised cufflinks with his girls' names on. There's something extra special about personalised gifts for your wee ones - or indeed for friends and relatives. I'm not talking tacky name mugs from your nearest Clinton card shop, but individual handmade gifts from independent designer/makers. Here are some of my favourites. Let me know if you have come across any more...

Letter wall stickers, £1.99 each, Kidscape


Personalised handmade quilt, £90, Cheeky Handmades

Personalised Ava charm, £105, Not On the High Street


Handmade personalised train picture, £35, Scamp Baby Gifts

She's here...

2011-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

Excuse the lack of posts recently but we have been busy welcoming our latest addition, Lola Maud Westhead, to the CLB household! Born at 2.11pn on 22nd July at UCLH, Lola weighed in at a petite 6lbs11 (just over 3.03kg) with a head a dark hair just like her daddy. She has been feeding and sleeping well and older sis Evie has been a remarkably stoical about the whole thing. As soon as she set eyes on Lola in the hospital she ran up to her shouted 'tiny hands, tiny hands!' and then insisted on kissing her on the head very excitedly. So sweet. We couldn't be more delighted with our new bundle of loveliness.

Five things this new mummy can't live without:

Boob breast feeding tops

Close baby carrier - Lola and I love it

Merino baby blanket

Petit Bateau newborn baby wear

Storksak baby changing bag

Aden + Anais giant swaddles - a life saver!

Evie gets to know Lola

Lola the day she was born

Lola snuggled up in her Aden +Anais muslin swaddle

Lola's first trip to the grandparents' wearing Petit Bateau

Marni kidswear launches

2011-07-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

The eagerly awaited Marni Children range designed by Consuelo Castiglioni, has just landed in the Sloane Street store. Now let's be honest here, these are uber-designer garbs for little ones with price tags to match (from £232 for the above cardigan to an eye-watering £467 for the below padded jacket, ahem!). Still, CLB is swooning at the cute, charmingly naive yet modern designs that are so typically Marni. Truth is, we prefer them to the grown-up collections. Sadly, Victoria Beckham will have to wait a whole two years to dress Harper Seven in Marni as it's aimed at 2-12 year old girls.

Marni, 26 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9NE (0207 245 9520/www.marni.com)

The ultimate hospital bag?

2011-07-14T02:47:00.000-07:00


Olivia baby changing bag, £98, Storksak at Funkymoose			Enter code CLB for 10% off!

With CLB #2 due next Friday (I'm booked in for an elective c-section at UCH) I thought I'd better get my hospital bag sorted. It's been packed for a couple of weeks JUST IN CASE but I have been through it and edited it down to what I consider the bare essentials. Alongside the obligatory antenatal notes, newborn nappies and big pants, below is what I've whittled it down to. What is/was a must for your hospital bag?

1. An old-fashion fan (I find hospital wards insufferably hot so it's my no.1 essential)
2. Some comfy but chic PJs. I love the selection at Babes with Babies
3. Aden + Anais swaddles for new babe. Necessity!
4. Some Mocci slippers for grown-ups, which I can keep on the whole time (great for putting over those unflattering post-surgery stockings and you can even sleep in them)
5. A couple of good breastfeeding tops by Boob that look presentable when visitors come
6. A wrap - for me instead of a dressing gown as it's more versatile
7. Some 'Say Yes to Cucumbers' facial wipes - really excellent and refreshing
8. Neal's Yard Rose & Almond night cream which arrives in a handy tube
9. Burt's Bees organic lipbalm
10. All of the above folded neatly into a new baby changing bag - I chose the Olivia by Storksak at Funkymoose (CLB readers get a further 10% off by quoting CLB at check out)

Muji fan, £6.95

Dotty Mama nursing PJs, £45, Babes with Babies


Jungle Jam swaddles, £24.95, Aden + Anais


Adult Moccis, £28

Seraphine breastfeeding wrap, £42

Nursing top, £35, Boob

Yes to Cucumbers facial wipes, £4.99, Feelunique.com


Burt's Bees lip balm, £3.69

Neal's Yard Rose & Almond night cream, £19.90

CLB ♥ Essie Jain's beautiful lullabies

2011-07-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Album cover art by Iker Spozio

As I sit here tapping, contemplating the arrival of my next baby girl in a couple of weeks time, I am listening to the soothing and soporific tones of NYC-based songwriter, Essie Jain. Jain, whose gentle, folksy voice and elegant piano and guitar melodies, were already a hit amongst grown-ups, realised her talents could be used to soothe babies before bedtime. Until The Light of Morning is her first album of lullabies. Featuring eight truly beautiful lullabies from the deeply moving Lay Down to the sleep-enhancing Tip Toes, it is without doubt my new favourite thing. Finally music that mummy, daddy, toddler and baby-to-be can enjoy together at the end of a hard day. Even the cat likes it. Our lives just got richer.

Listen to samples from her album here

Until The Light of Morning CD is $12 here or from $0.99 per song on iTunes

Essie Jain shot by Brock Fetch, 2011

Pretty Pregnant opens in Islington

2011-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

I just nipped into the newly opened Pretty Pregnant store on Upper Street to pick up some nursing tops for the forthcoming arrival of CLB #2. And what a joy it was. Big, bright and airy with super helpful staff and a handy play area for toddlers, I didn't want to leave. As well as stocking a great range of clothing (both smart and everyday) for mums-to-be from pretty frocks by BellyButton to bump-friendly 7 For All Mankind jeans, there's a good section of pop-pregnancy nursing bras and clothing by brands such as Swedish label Boob (I bought two excellent breast-feeding tops for half price in the current sale). They even offer an at-home bra measuring service - perfect for new mummies who find it hard to get out. North London mums-to-be have been somewhat neglected in the chic maternity shop department, with most of the stylish ones being located in South and West London (they also have shops in Dulwich, Clapham and Chelsea) but not anymore. Welcome to N1 PP!

Pretty Pregnant, 271 Upper Street, London N1 2UQ (0207 226 9822/www.prettypregnant.co.uk) Highbury & Islington tube. Open Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm.

CLB ♥ Chic eKids summer sale

2011-07-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

Yo By Mo bubble dress, was £70.75, now £35.40

Yet more summer sale bargains! This week CLB is loving the ChicEKids summer sale with huge discounts on its carefully selected designer labels for babies and children. In fact, we have an eye on the sweet-as-sugar baby girl set by Emile et Rose, pictured below, for baby #2, due in just over two weeks time! Check out the Poppy & Ned range of gorgeous merino pieces at vastly discounted prices here - a great idea to stock up for autumn now.

Bazaar dEtoiles boys velvet trousers, were £70.99, now £32.50

Emile & Rose baby girl set, was £41.99, now £25.20

BOdeBO puff sleeve dress, was £95, now £57

Poppy & Ned merino dress, was £38, now £9.75

Dr Duve baby products

2011-07-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

CLB had the pleasure of meeting famed German dermatologist, Dr Stefan Duve, last week when he launched a new facial at Mayfair salon, Michaeljohn. We were excited to learn of his range for babies and children which includes a 50 SPF sunscreen, shampoo and nappy rash cream. It's a fusion of age-old naturopathy combined with state-of-the-art western dermatology and reassuringly, everything is free of parabens. We've tested it out and are impressed - the moisturiser was a great consistency, easy to slather on and it left babe's skin soft but not oily. From £22 at Michaeljohn

Turner Pocock Cazalet wallpaper offer!

2011-07-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Zebra print wallpaper

As CLB is on an interiors tip this week, we thought we'd alert you to the vibrant wallpaper designs of Turner Pocock Cazalet. The two main themes are wild animals and sporting designs and include stylised zebra, flamingo and tennis racket themes - all of them perfect for playrooms. Made from environmentally sustainable sources in the UK, they retail at £72 a roll. With Wimbledon in full swing, Turner Pocock Cazalet are offering readers 50 percent off its Tennis and Cricket Wallpaper until 31st July. Enter the code ‘Wimbledon2011’ at the checkout at www.turnerpocockcazalet.co.uk.

zebra wallpaper

Tennis print wallpaper - 50 per cent off until July 31

Polar Bear wallpaper

Cricket Bat wallaper, 50per cent off until July 31

Flamingo wallpaper

Brabantia's new colour bins

2011-06-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Lemon Yellow, Lipstick Red and Chrome Orange

Excuse this autumnal pic but CLB had to share its love of the punchy new Brabantia colour bins. We've been a fan of the brilliant bespoke Colour Your Bin personalisation service, offering over 200 shades of its roomy 45 litre Touch Bins, since it launched a couple of years back. It suddenly provided a chic and attractive way of disposing of all that extra waste your little ones help produce with the added bonus of appealing to their senses. And did we mention the silent touch-opening lid? So slick. So successful has the service proved that Brabantia have made six of them (pictured here) available in its retail range for £199 each, available online at John Lewis. Bins have never been so thrilling mamas! For more info visit Brabantia

Apple Green

Cobalt blue

Violet Purple

And the winner is...

2011-06-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ruth Horsman, picked using Random.org! Well done to Ruth who wins a splendid pair of 9 London maternity jeans and thanks to everyone else for entering. Don't miss CLB's next competition, announced next week.

Lettie Belle's new designs

2011-06-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

Textile designer, Laura Anne Marsden, is adding new designs to her website today. The Chelsea College of Art trained designer has made her name designing eco-friendly felt cushions since giving birth to her daughter, Scarlett Isabelle, in 2009. CLB adores the new collection of vibrant animal designs; we're just finding it hard deciding which one to pick. Somehow, the flamingo is winking at us. Long cushions, £45, square cushiosn, £25. Also, check out her new range of Play Felt Sets, £13.50. All available at Lettie Belle

CLB ♥ Sisters Guild summer sale

2011-06-27T01:52:00.000-07:00

Hucklebones top, was £36, now £18

The summer sales are in full-swing and are a great place to pick up bargains for your little ones. CLB's first stop? Sisters Guild, who have up to 60 per cent off lovely labels such as Hucklebones, Little Ducking and I Love Gorgeous. Discounts are also available on accessories and homewares.

Dandy Star Save the Whale T-shirt, was £22,now £13

Fluke bloomers, were £16, now £9.60

Mr Men babygrows

2011-06-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here's something happy for the weekend: Mr Men themed babygrows at branded T-shirt website Fabric Flavours. Wait for the smiles to roll in as you parade your bubba in one of these. £16, available in sizes 0-6, 6-12, 12-18 months.

Bubble London picks

2011-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

The zoo-themed Little Esop stand

It was a quick dash around the stands this year for CLB but we still managed to spot some gems. Loved the bold zoo-themed Little Esop stand, not to mention the rocking new collection for s/s 2012. Hucklebones was looking stronger than ever with cute knitted dresses, ruffles and ribbon hair accessories while Aravore, the gorgeous London-based organic label had incorporated vintage fabrics into its pretty cotton designs. CLB also loved the punchy, bright Little Duckling collection this year as well as the dreamy old-fashioned nighties and pjs by Lunn Antiques. Our fave find? The delightful Sun-San (Salt-Water) sandals (first featured here a few weeks back). From 2012, they are available in grown-up sizes too: already on this mummy's shopping list for next year...

Pretty frocks from Hucklebones...

And ribbon strewn Alice bands

Primary colours at Little Duckling

Old-fashion nighties and PJs at Lunn Antiques

Cool new owl prints at Old Rectory

Vintage fabrics worked into pretty organic pieces at Aravore

Gorgeous leather sandals by Sun-San (Salt-Water) for babies and mummies too

Japanese paper balloons

2011-06-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

How positively cheerful these little animal paper balloons make CLB feel. Inflated simply by blowing through a little hole, they can be inflated and deflated a few times so offer brill playing potential. We can't think of a more perfect party bag addition. £2.75 at the wondrous Papermash.

CLB ♥ COS kids

2011-06-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

One of our favourite, though hard-to-get, high street brands for children is COS. Working the same cool, contemporary aesthetic as the main women's and men's collections, the childrenswear features quirky cotton dresses, cardigans with discordant hued pockets and tactile accessories in a punchy citrusy colour palette for ages 0-6. Deliciously offbeat. You can find it on the first floor of COS's Regent Street branch, currently at up to 60 per cent off in the summer sale.

COS, 222 Regent Street, W1B 5BD (020 7478 0400/www.cosstores.com) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thur 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Bebe Cacharel

2011-06-21T01:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a chic little baby is ever we saw one. French label Cacharel has just announced it will be launching its first (0-3 years) babywear collection for s/s 2012 and here's an exclusive sneak peak. Tres adorable! Designed by Corinne Sarrut, the Noveau Né range will include smocked skirts, floaty blouses and divine lace Christening outfits as well as boyswear inspired by daddy's wardrobe. The campaign is photographed by esteemed photographer Sarah Moon, who from the look of the above image captures its spirit most eloquently. To be unveiled at the Pitti Immagine Bimbo fair in a couple of days time, we can't wait to see it in its entirity next spring.

COMPETITION! Win a pair of 9 London designer maternity jeans

2011-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

London's original designer maternity boutique, 9 London by Emily Evans is offering one lucky CLB reader a pair of 9 London designer jeans worth £135 in their size. The below styles are up for grabs and Evans will help you decide which style will suit you best depending on you size and shape. Chelsea-based 9 London, which is also stocked at Harrods, is a CLB favourite. As well as offering her own label, Evans handpicks the best designer labels - including Aromalia, Malene Birger and Citizens of Humanity - for mums-to-be. Having a bump has never been so glamorous.

WIN!
Grey Straight Jean
Blue Straight Jean
Black Straight Jean
Black Skinny Jean
Blue Skinny Jean

The size range starts from an XS up to an XL and 9London will be able to advise you on which size and style. The competition ends at midnight on Fri June 24. Just leave a comment below saying why you want them with your email address (entrants without email addresses can't be entered). The winner will be picked using random.org. Good luck!

WIN! 9 London skinny jeans in blue

WIN! 9 London straight leg jean in blue

WIN! Skinny jean in black

Mask Animo: recycled cardboard masks

2011-06-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

How much fun are these graphic animal masks? Made from recycled cardboard by French company Mask Animo, each one is cut out ready to paint in the colour of your choice before being assembled with tabs. Easy peasy! We're just not sure who will have more fun, mummy or child? Set of eight masks, £12.50 at Eside.co.uk

Stylish Maternity Wear: 12 Must Haves

2011-06-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

1. A pretty top like this one, £36, Topshop
Investing in a few on-trend, flattering tops will lift your spirits

Having just spent the last few months in maternity clothes, I thought it was about time I shared with you my must-haves. It was around the 18 week mark this time around when I had to fold away my size 10 jeans (sob) and become reacquainted with maternity clothes. My first stop was Topshop Maternity where I stocked up on Baxter jeans in black and indigo, alongside a few pretty tops and bump band (genius invention). Next up was Seraphine for a few stylish knits and tops followed by Gap (for good everyday items) and Figleaves (for maternity/nursing bras). Friends also wear by ASOS maternity which is affordable and trend-focused. My greatest treat? My 9London jeans and Mulberry Postman's Lock bag which is such a great mummy bag because it fits all your essentials in an easy-to-wear compact space. Long gone are the days when pregnancy was frumpy.

Check back tomorrow for a fabulous 9London jeans giveaway!

2. Great maternity jeans
For everyday, live-in maternity jeans go to Topshop (Baxter, £40, pictured), 9London and Gap

3. A bump band
So simple, so practical and goes with anything. £7, Topshop

4. A cute frock
We love this pretty dress, £130, Pretty Pregnant

5. Chic shorts
You needn't say goodbye to summer shorts with these cotton twill shorts, £79, Isabella Oliver

6. A chic mummy bag
Mulberry's Postman's Lock bag, £650, is CLB's favourite

7. A stylish knit like this bamboo breast-feeding top, £49, at Seraphine

8. A great maternity/nursing bra
CLB loves the selection available at Babes With Babies including this classic, £39.95

9. Some comfy ballet pumps
Dance company Bloch do the best. £130 at Net-a-porter

10. A great body oil to moisturise dry skin and hopefully keep stretch marks at bay
£15.50, Blossom Mother & Child

11. Something glamourous for nights out or weddings from 9London

12. Some luxury PJs. Because you will be spending a lot of timing lounging over the next few months.
I love this travel set, £295, Lounge Lover at Net a Porter

CLB ♥ Green Baby Kids

2011-06-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Green Baby have just got bigger! How cute is their first range for children? Starting at just £12 for a vest top and featuring the brand's signature 100 per cent organic cotton, sizes range from 2-8 year olds. Available at Green Baby and John Lewis

Gwyneth Paltrow: Notes From My Kitchen Table

2011-06-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

This week Gwyneth Paltrow's perky new cookbook, Notes From My Kitchen Table, landed on my desk. I could barely contain my excitement. As we all know, Gwynnie and hubby Chris Martin are super-squeaky clean (apparently they don't do red meat, alcohol, gluten or dairy) so how could a cookbook by Ms P be terribly exciting? OK I have to admit, I do read her blog Goop and secretly harbour a desire to live her life (some days anyhow) so I couldn't wait to pour over the glossies pics of her slaving (as if) in the kitchen. The book features a selection of Red Magazine-style piccies of Paltrow in a seletion of floaty, summery outfits and the occasional picture of her gorgeous children, Apple and Moses. Of course, there are plenty of her musings on food too: 'Oddly, some of the most exhilarating creative moments I experience take place when I stand in the kitchen faced with the task of making dinner when I wasn't expecting to.' Ultimately, it's a tribute to her food-loving father, Bruce Paltrow. 'I have always loved food, being around it, preparing it, and of course eating it. This adoration was instilled in me by my incredible father, a supreme gourmand with a deep love for great food and wine.' The biggest shock? There are some scrummy meat recipes included such as the cheesy stuffed burgers and duck cassoulet but it's the delicious, healthy, light summer suppers - vegetable paella and stuffed artichokes for example - which make this cook book worth forking out for. Thankfully it's not too virtuous either - I for one can't wait to try the pancake recipe from her late father below. Evie and I are raring to go!

Gwyneth Paltrow: Notes From My Kitchen Table, £20 (Boxtree) Currently available for £10 on Amazon

bruce paltrow ’s

world-famous pancakes

Now if there is one image of my father that is the most ‘him’ – that

is to say encapsulates all of his elements and delivers them in one picture – it

would be him over his cast-iron griddles making his world-famous pancakes.

These things have been legendary in our house for decades. He first got the

recipe out of the Joy of Cooking and adapted it over the years to utter perfection.

The recipe below is so truthful to his pancakes that it’s almost hard for me to

eat them, I keep expecting him to walk into the kitchen.

350g unbleached plain flour

75g granulated sugar

31/2 teaspoons baking

powder

2 teaspoons fine salt

750ml buttermilk

75g unsalted butter,

melted and cooled,

plus more butter for

cooking

6 organic large eggs

Up to 250ml milk, as

needed to thin batter

Real Vermont maple

syrup, warmed, for

serving

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk,

butter and eggs together in another bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry

ingredients, whisking just enough to combine (small lumps are okay). Let

the batter sit, covered, overnight. The next morning, heat up your griddle or

favourite non-stick pan and slick it with a little butter. Add enough milk to the

batter to thin it to the right consistency – the thicker the batter, the thicker

and heavier your pancakes; the thinner the batter, the more delicate your

pancakes – neither is wrong. Cook the pancakes on the griddle, flipping

them after bubbles appear on the surface of the uncooked side. Let cook

2–3 minutes more, then remove and eat with lots of warm maple syrup.

yield: 3 dozen 12.5cm pancakes • active preparation time: 20 minutes

total preparation time: 20 minutes plus overnight resting

CLB ♥ Cheeky Handmades

2011-06-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

Vintage print girls pyjamas, £22.50

CLB recently met Jennie Caminada at a bustling two-year olds' birthday party. What caught our eye was the cute, handmade pyjamas in a retro cowboy print she was giving Evie's toddler chum Lucas (see below). Caminada, a mum of three boys set up her craft business, Cheeky Handmades, after giving up her job for the NHS last year. She now works from her Walthamstow home making delightful one-off quilts and clothing for babies and children, running crafting courses (see her blog for details) and fixing old-fashioned sewing machines. Working closely with clients, all her designs are unique and can be personalised with the child's name. Check out her Etsy and Folksy shops.

Retro print fabric

Handmade boys pyjamas, £22.50

Handmade quilts

Livie & Luca shoes launch in UK

2011-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Port, £32.99, in sizes 3-12

Lovingly handmade using remnants of leather, each pair of Livie & Luca shoes is unique. The eco-conscious Californian brand, known for it's whimsical, folksy shoes for babies and toddlers, has just launched in the UK. Hooray is all we can say - this is just the kind of brand CLB admires. With an especially comfy flexible soul, these charming shoes will be loved by your little one as much as you. From £26.99-£33.50. Stockist 07834 225558.

Celestina, £32.99, in sizes 3-12

Elephant, sizes 3-9

Petal, £32.99, sizes 3-12

Pio Pio, £32.99, sizes 3-9

Barcelona, £32.99, sizes 3-12

Happy 1st Birthday CLB!

2011-06-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's a year since the Chic Little Baby blog launched and what a whirlwind it has been: 175 posts, 35,947 page views and an international readership that stretches from Auckland to LA. Evie and I have had lots of adventures along the way trying out new baby fashion labels, meeting all sorts of creative mums who have set up their own brands and checking out London's cool kids shops. Thanks to all our readers for following CLB so loyally and also to our wonderful sponsors, who help keep CLB ticking along. Check the blog next week for some 1st Birthday giveaways, including a divine pair of 9London maternity jeans. Meanwhile, I have decided I will celebrate with a cupcake from the chic new Laduree shop in Covent Garden. Mwah from us.

CLB ♥ Peaks of London

2011-06-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

Tokyo dress, £195

Wow! What a great idea: stylish breast-feeding friendly clothes. Peaks of London (don't you love the name?) was started by two stylish London mums, Sheena Gunn, a costumiere and stylist and Julie McKeen, a marketer, who were frustrated at how difficult it was to breast in public in style and dignity - like many of us they are lamenting the cuts to this year's National Breastfeeding Week which was due to run from 19th June. Their sartorial frustration led to a small but perfectly formed collection of flattering dresses and tops which can be easily adjusted to feed baby while out and about most elegantly. With labels like this, CLB hopes more and more women will feel comfortable - and chic - feeding their little ones in public.

Available at 9London, 190 Pavilion Road, London SW3 2BF (0207 730 1318/www.9london.com)

Harrods and www.peaksoflondon.com

Wrap top, £145

Grecian top, £145

Drape dress, £195

Wrap top, £145

Perfect presents for two year olds

2011-05-31T00:24:00.000-07:00


Vilac wooden piano, £49, The Conran Shop

With Evie and a cluster of her little friend's turning two, I have been asked numerous times for gift ideas for two year olds. Trickier than it sounds. At this age, learning is accelerating fast and suddenly all those baby toys look very babyish indeed. Evie has suddenly developed a passion for role play and as a result adores the baby doll and buggy her Granny bought her - I am hoping this is good prep for when her little sis arrives in less than two months time. But she also loves tinkering on the little wooden piano her Grandpa bought her, pretending to make food (hello play stove) and the Win Green cloth playhouse from mummy and daddy. I have a few ideas below for boys but would welcome more suggestions. I have found that for safety reasons most manufacturers will print '3 years and above' on toys that may well be perfectly suitable for 2 year olds - just use your discretion.

Automoblox car S9R sports, £24, Funkymoose QUOTE: CLB at checkout for 10% off

Making stuff for Kids, £16.99, V&A Museum of Childhood shop

Brio stove, £39.99, Just Gorgeous


Gypsy caravan basket by Rice, £34.80, Sisters Guild

Mini Mello stool, £46.90. Eside.co.uk

Mandrill sweater by Mini Rodini, €41, Shak-Shuka.com


Wooden magnetic numbers, £15.98, Toyella.com

Slippers for papa and son, from €22, Collegien

Crazy animal magnets, £13.99, Olive Loves Alfie

Win Green Toy shop play house, from £160, at Cotton George

And the winners of the Aden + Anais competition are...

2011-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Marzena - cozy slumber swaddle
Rachael Goldstone - 2 pack swaddle
WandaFish - Issie security muslin
EventSmiles.co.uk burpy bib and Swaddle Love book

Picked using Random.org. Well done to all four winners and thank you to everyone for entering. CLB will be in contact shortly. Check back at the end of the week for our next incredible giveaway, some designer maternity jeans in the size of your choice!

Last chance to enter Aden + Anais competition!

2011-05-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, today is your last chance to enter our fabulous Aden + Anais competition. Just leave your details here including your email address (otherwise we won't be able to contact you). There are four prizes available, so the odds of winning are high. Good luck!

Junior Style Sale online until Fri am!

2011-05-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Oobi baby polka dot raincoat, was £40, now £20

CLB loves a good sample sale, especially one we can participate in from the comfort of our sofa. Junior Style Sales hosts regular 72 hour online flash sales with gorgeous brands like Caramel, I Dream of Elephants and Imps & Elfs at up to 75 per cent off. Don't miss the latest, for 0-8 year olds, which finishes on Friday morning at 8am. Readers of this blog can receive an extra £5 off orders over £15 by quote LCB01 at the check out.

Imps & Elfs Walk Dress, was £45, now £22.50

Rock Your baby cherry leggings, were £15, now £7

Mikey Matthews Shirt by Munsterkids, was £25, now £12.50

Caramel Baby & Child Hadrian shirt, was £65, now £20

Oobi Baby whale print raincoat, was £40, now £20

Oobi Baby Lulu skirt, was £36, now £20

CLB ♥ Sun-San sandals

2011-05-20T04:07:00.000-07:00

Good weather is forecast and holiday season is almost upon us so now is the time to stock up on sandals for your little one. CLB adores Sun-San, the classic leather sandals dating back to 1940s America, which unbelievably has only just landed on British shores for summer 2011. The leather is coated with water-proof sealant and the buckles are rust proof so it means children and run in and out of water in them: how ingenious! From £33.99 at Panache Kids and Olive Loves Alfie (available in newborn and baby sizes, then child 5 – 12 and youth 13 – 3).

The Wallace Collection

2011-05-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Mrs Susanna Hoare and Child, Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1763-64

It was Evie's second birthday yesterday and I met my mother for a celebratory lunch at The Wallace Collection. This stunning Georgian townhouse on Manchester Square has been on my must-go to list for the past decade and I finally got to experience the incredible opulence (think gob-smacking Louis XV chandeliers and stunning Sevres ceramics) and an utterly incredible collection of 18th century French art (there is currently a fantastic exhibition of Watteau's art, on until June 5). As a mummy myself, naturally I was drawn to the images of mothers and children. It was moving to see how children and babies have been depicted in paintings over the past few centuries and I was particular taken with Sir Joshua Reynold's 1763 portrait of Mrs Richard Hoare, Susanna, with her baby (above). If you haven't been, CLB can strongly recommend it. What's more there are a host of family activities including The Little Draw, a drop-in art workshop held in the galleries on the first Sunday of each month from 1.30-4.30pm. There will also be a whole host of activities during half term (from Mon 30th May-Fri 3rd June).

The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN (020 7563 9500/www.wallacecollection.org) Bond St tube. Open 10am-5pm seven days a week. Admission free.

COMPETITION: Aden + Anais for FOUR winners!

2011-05-17T00:45:00.000-07:00

Issie security blanket

Chic Little Baby is delighted to announce a giveaway with recent sponsor Aden + Anais, the ultra-cool designer muslins brand founded by Australian mummy Raegan Moya-Jones. The CLB household is full of them; they are used as blankets, swaddles, buggy sun shields and well, muslins! We are thrilled to be able to offer four readers the chance of winning one of the following for prizes: a cozy slumber swaddle worth £22.95, a 2 pack swaddle worth £24.95, an Issie security muslin worth £15.95 and 2 pack burpy bib worth £15.95. CLB will add Aden + Anais' gorgeous Swaddle Love book, £12.95, to one of these bundles. To enter just leave a message telling CLB of your tips for soothing your little one to sleep. Four winners will be selected at random. Please leave your email address too. The competition, which ends on Fri May 27 at midnight, is open to only European readers this time. Good luck!

Burpy bib

Cozy slumber swaddle

2 pack swaddle

Swaddle Love book

CLB ♥ Waddler

2011-05-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Every now again a label comes along that breaks the boundaries of babywear. When CLB spotted Waddler when it launch at the end of last year, we knew we had set eyes on something truly special. The story began when Philip Thompson, his wife Marina and their one year old son, Finn, moved to South America in 2008. 'After Finn was born we felt the time was ripe for adventure and spent almost three years living between Argentina, Peru and Bolivia,' explains Thompson. Much of their time was spent in the beautiful Andean region. 'We loved the slow pace of life there, the incredible light and the rolling high altitude plateaus. And we quickly discovered that the best way to keep Finn warm in the chilly winter was by wrapping him up in the locally produced Alpaca.' With the help of some local artisans, Marina turned her designs into beautifully knitted alpaca jumpers and trousers and thus Waddler was born. All the clothes are made by women in La Paz Bolivia (in fair trade conditions) using baby Alpaca wool which adapts to all temperatures so perfect for British climes. We were delighted to hear they'll be available from Sistersguild come September but in the meantime you can buy the designs for the wonderful Waddler website. From £20 for knitted booties.

Missoni for Bugaboo

2011-05-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

Bugaboo Bee, £579

Is this a match made in CLB heaven? Harrods and Bugaboo have teamed up with one of our all time favourite fashion brands, Missoni, to produce these beautiful designer buggies. Presenting them at an exclusive mummies breakfast yesterday at Harrods, it was love at first sight for CLB. The classic Bugaboo Bee features Missoni's distinctive zig-zag design while the Cameleon features a vibrant block colour print that will stand out in any playground. And there's even a knitted Missoni blanket for the most stylish of strollers. 'It was a great joy to work on this project,' says Angela Missoni. 'Children are so sensitive to colours and patterns, so working with Bugaboo gave me a unique opportunity to create a dream stroller that I hope will be enjoyed by children and will stimulate their senses.' We are sure they will. The Missoni Bugaboo's will be available exclusively at Harrods for one month from 1st June.

Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Road, London, SW1X 7XL (020 7730 1234/www.harrods.com) Knightsbridge tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm, Sun 11.30am - 6pm.

Bugaboo Cameleon

Yann Sciberras at Bobo Kids

2011-05-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

Mia is a Princess

Bobo Kids, the gorgeous children's interior shop in Chelsea, launches the first of its in-store exhibitions today. Running until July 31, twelve pieces by French artist Yann Sciberras will be showcased throughout the store. We love his bold, graffiti-inspired graphics strewn with quirky characters and cheeky slogans. Sure to add a bit of street cred to your little one's boudoir. Art work from £990.

Bobo Kids, 29 Elystan Street, London SW3 3NT (020 7838 1020/www.bobokids.co.uk) South Kensington tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.

Human is a Robot

CLB ♥ Thornback & Peel's new T-shirts

2011-05-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

How cool are these bold, screen printed cotton T-shirts by CLB favourite Thornback & Peel? Take your pick from a strawberry, tortoise, hare or erm, a tin of sardines. As ever this Brit brand proves children's design can be sophisticated - not a soppy kitten in sight. £15 (sizes 3-7 years old) each at www.thornbackandpeel.co.uk

Liberty fashion fabrics: child inspired

2011-05-03T03:03:00.000-07:00

Jane Ray visualisation

We can't quite express how much we adore these new Liberty art fabrics, inspired by famous children's illustration. The Liberty Art Fabric Design Studio has developed 50 new designs in conjunction with a host of well-known children's illustrators including Lauren Child, of Charlie & Lola fame, Quentin Blake and Sally Haysom. We love to see how their vision (shown here in their 'visualisations') has been translated into beautiful spring Liberty fabrics good enough for grown-ups too (see below). Simply charming.

Fabrics from £19.95 per metre at www.liberty.co.uk

Lauren Child visualisation

'Tuesday Child' by Lauren Child, £19.95 per metre

Quentin Blake visualistation

Kara's Trees fabric, £19.95 per metre, Quentin Blake

Sally Haysom visualisation

Princess Emerald by Sally Haysom, £19.95 per metre

Royal Wedding celebrations

2011-05-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

The CLB family headed to the quintessentially English town of Old Amersham to join Evie's grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins for a day of celebrations and what an utter giggle it was. We donated a lemon drizzle cake using this tried and tested and much loved recipe before scoffing on yummy homemade sandwiches, cupcakes and Union Jack decorated biscuits after watching the dazzling Royal Wedding on TV (still dreaming about that utterly heavenly McQueen dress). Evie ended the day dancing to Wham: just as any good English knees-up should conclude.

Cupcakes galore!


Cool big cousin, Ana and Evie

Union Jack biscuits

Union Jacks at the ready

The Royal Wedding dancing queen

A well deserved apple after all the festivities

Royal Wedding souvenirs

2011-04-26T03:20:00.000-07:00

Royal Wedding biscuit tin, £40, Biscuiteers

CLB's selects stylish keepsakes, gifts and bits and bobs to get you in the Royal Wedding party spirit. Evie is already loving her Belle & Boo Royal Party Parade poster. Enjoy your Friday off!

Royal Wedding Parade poster, £25 (£55 with frame), Belle & Boo

Knit your own kate and Wills bus, £25, Not on the High Street

Kate Middleton mini comics, Scribble Hound

Royal Wedding figurines, £12, Early Learning Centre

Royal Collection pillbox, £25, Royal Collection

Royal Wedding plate, £29.95, Emma Bridgewater

Royal Wedding cupcakes, £2.50 each, LOLA's cupcakes

Daddy and daughter bonding

2011-03-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

We have just found out we are expecting another little girl, due at the end of July. Naturally we are all thrilled, including Evie of course. But it got me thinking: will daddy CLB feel a bit left out with all the talk of Mary Janes and butterflies, and in years to come the mood swings, chocolate binges and shopping sprees (OK, so enough with the cliches but you catch my drift)? Then again, while I am busy performing tasks as a one-woman dairy, daddy CLB can spend precious time bonding with our first born. He is already a wonderful teacher: her has taught Evie to count to ten when walking her up the stairs, to open and close boxes of raisins with some dexterity and to sift for shells on the beach (pictured doing so here at the weekend at Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire). Often, I am too busy being mum for such detail. I guess it is also time for him to get in touch with his feminine side: no bad thing for any man. Somehow, I don't think this will mean waving goodbye to Call of Duty any time soon but a mummy can dream...

If you have any tips for being a mummy and daddy to two girls I'd love to hear them here...

Dandelion Baby's five best baby products

2011-03-29T00:55:00.000-07:00

Amber Macintosh with her children, Isobel and Magnus

At last, a resource to help lead mummies to the best beauty products for their little ones: Dandelion Baby. Amber Macintosh, founder of Dandelion Baby, the new online beauty guide for mother and child, reveals her five best baby beauty products exclusively to Chic Little Baby. All products can be bought through her website.

Forever Friends Naturals Bubble Bath, £4

'The products from this new brand smell heavenly, delicious baby bubbles!'

Weleda Baby Body Cream £6.50
'A super rich cream containing only natural ingredients, perfect for
babies with sensitive and dry skin.'

Organic Babies No Scent Oil £9.95

'Great organic massage oil in a pump that insures no spills with a babe in
arms.'

Organic Pharmacy Apricot & Chamomile Baby Wash £13.50

'The best gentle wash for delicate skins, fits easily into your wash bag when
on the go.'

Bio Oil £7.70

'One for the family first aid kit; reduces stretch marks and heals scars
after toddler tumbles.'

CLB ♥ Jessica Graham

2011-03-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

Bag, £10

How cute are these children's accessories by award-winning designer, Jessica Graham? CLB has already earmarked the hooded towel and bib sets for baby number two, due to arrive into the CLB household on July 29, and the teddy bear wash bag for Miss Eviechops. Practical but adorably chic. www.jessica-graham.com

Our lovely winner!

2011-03-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well done to Carolyn Broadhead of New South Wales, Australia who won the fabulous Belle & Boo wall stickers, brooch and book for her gorgeous daughters Belle and Evie!

Total Wardrobe Care comes to the rescue

2011-03-24T02:26:00.000-07:00

The CLB household has a problem: moths. It's a constant battle to try and keep them at bay - I have waved adios to many a moth-munched cashmere sweater. There was only one option left: to get the experts in. I called on Julia Dee of Total Wardrobe Care, who has helped Elle Macpherson to get her wardrobe sorted no less. Julia, who has 30 years experience on such matters, was brilliant. She spent well over an hour looking at CLB's wardrobes, shelves and drawers, and explained how I could help deter the dreaded moths by firstly getting everything washed and dry-cleaned followed by regular wardrobe vacuuming and cleaning. 'Put all your shoes, bags and accessories in linen-lined baskets, that way you can pull them out easily to clean,' she said. She recommended The Holding Company for baskets. Brilliant idea! Furthermore, she advised that only clean clothes should be put away ever day (moths love to feast on food, skin and hair particles). I can see this will be a challenge for naughty CLB daddy who likes to chuck his clothes directly on the floor at the end of every day! I spritzed her gorgeous organic moth deterrent spray, made from lavender, cedarwood and clove bud and hung her pretty pink and white (so chic!) anti-moth sachets throughout my cloths rails, all of which can be purchased from her lovely website, along with luxurious hanging garment bags, sweater bags and hangers. Now, bring on the spring clean!

Read Julia's five steps to a natural moth-free wardrobe here

For more information logo to www.totalwardrobecare.co.uk. Call 020 7501 0331/2. Email info@totalwardrobecare.co.uk

Total Wardrobe Care's gift set

Total Wardrobe Care's anti-moth products

Total Wardrobe Care's stylish storage bags

DON'T MISS Junior Style Sale, starting tomorrow!

2011-03-23T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hucklebones Rust dress, was £64.45, now £16.99 (75% off)

Hooray! Junior Style Sale, London's best designer sample sale for baby and kidswear kicks off tomorrow. Sixty brands, including many CLB favourites, will be sold at up to 75 per cent off. We'll be dropping in for sure to check out the ranges by Hucklebones, Mini A Ture, Bebe Minihaha, Kenzo and Caramel among many more.

Junior Style Sample sale, Thur March 24 through to Sat March 26. Alphaville, 14 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7LB (www.juniorstylesales.co.uk) Open Thurs 10-7pm, Fri 10-5pm and Sat 10-5pm. Admission £1.

TroiZenfants Loulou Party Dress, was £70.99 now £35 (50% off)

Hucklebones coat, was £135.99, now £39.99 (75% off)

Bazaar d'Etoiles Libery shopping dress, was £80.50, now £20.12 (75% off)

Hucklebones Bubble Dress, was £57.55, now £28.78 (50% off)

Belle & Boo competition winner!

2011-03-23T02:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who entered the Chic Little Baby/Belle & Boo competition. The winner, selected using random.org, is Carolyn from New South Wales, Australia. Well done to Carolyn! Check back for our brilliant new competition, which will be announced at the end of the week...

Yes to Baby Carrots

2011-03-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

We are loving this new skin friendly range for babies which includes a great bubble bath and nappy cream. Launched only last week, the CLB household has been impressed by its punchy no-nonsense packaging, gentle formulations and lovely textures. Ingredients include organic carrots, melons, aloe vera and vitamin E and everything in the range is free from nasty parabens, phthalates and SLS’s. The best bit? Products are affordable too - from £7.99 for nappy cream at Victoria Health

CLB ♥ Laura Ashley girlswear

2011-03-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

How cute is the new girlswear collection (for 2-8 year olds) by Laura Ashley? I remember treasuring a Laura Ashley dress when I was a nipper, so it's great to see this classic Brit brand has relaunched girl's clothing. The spring/summer collection whirls CLB happily into spring mode (it's time for the weather to catch up please!). Prices are ultra-affordable too - cardigans start at £22; dresses, £26 and coats, £38. Available at Laura Ashley stores nationwide and online

Maclaren Nursery Furniture by David Netto at Harrods

2011-03-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

The Cabine crib and changer

We Brit mums associate Maclaren with the trusty, take-everywhere Maclaren buggy, but did you know they do some rather stylish nursery furniture too? CLB had a morning appointment with charming LA-based interior designer David Netto in Harrods' glorious baby department. Spurred on by the birth of his first child in 2001, Netto launched his own range of super-chic nursery furniture which Maclaren have now bought into. 'I went shopping for cribs for our modern house in LA and I was scandalised,' he tells CLB. 'There was no modernism, no luxury and nothing to fall in love with...I decided to remedy this.' That he has certainly done; his new designs include a range of sleek, modern cots, changing tables and nursery accessories aimed at style-conscious parents everywhere (cribs are upwards of £1,000). Available in two colourways: the 'Moderne' range features ebony stained ash with white lacquer while the 'Cabine' range arrives in natural oak also with the signature white lacquer. Netto will be available in store for nursery design consultations this Saturday and Sunday. Go get his expert advice while you can.

Maclaren Nursery Furniture, exclusively at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7QN (020 7730 1234/www.harrods.com) Knightsbridge tube. Open 10am-8pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun.

Moderne changer

Moderne crib

Belle & Boo COMPETITION!

2011-03-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Belle & Boo wall stickers

CLB is delighted to announce its second competition with Belle & Boo. One lucky winner will receive the glorious hot air balloon wall stickers (worth £41), a brilliant Bubbles Before Bedtime book (£6.99) and super-cute wooden 'Boo' rabbit brooch (£5). All you have to do is leave a comment below is telling us about your little ones' latest obsessions. (Evie is currently into cranes, of the building site variety, having spotted one from the local park. Don't ask me why!) The closing date in midnight on Fri March 11. The winner, who will be selected at random, will be announced on March 12. Good luck!

Bubble Before Bedtime

The Boo brooch

The Museum of Childhood

2011-02-25T01:24:00.000-08:00

CLB finally made it to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green and what a fantastic afternoon we all had. Set over three floors, this huge open-plan building holds a vast selection of antique toys, accessories and clothing alongside changing exhibitions (the current is the brilliant Food Glorious Food; a look back to how food is incorporated into childhood, on until April 25). But to top it all off there's an excellent cafe and shop, both located handily on the ground floor. Evie loved looking at the old dolls houses and stopping at the numerous play stations (there's also a very popular sandpit on the second floor). But mummy and daddy genuinely enjoyed it too - so much nostalgia. My heart fluttered with joy when I spotted the 1980s Care Bear collection. Brilliant all round.
V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA (020 8983 5200/www.vam.ac.uk/moc) Bethnal Green tube. Open 10am-5.45pm everyday. Admission is free.

CLB hits London Fashion Week

2011-02-19T02:07:00.000-08:00

Yang Du's clown scarf...for grown ups!

CLB hit the first day of London Fashion Week yesterday to check out the a/w 2011/12 catwalk collections and exhibition at Somerset House. It's always interesting to see how many designers are inspired by childhood themes. We spotted this jolly collection of woollens by brilliant, madcap designer Yang Du. How much would your toddler love it if you wore a pair of these finger puppet gloves this winter? Love the concept of accessories for grown-ups designed to delight little ones; what a novel idea. Thanks Yang!

Finger puppet gloves anyone? Yes please Yang

Yang Du, the lovely designer herself poses for CLB

Lounge Lover: yummy mummy leisurewear

2011-02-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

A recent CLB crush, Lounge Lover make luxurious clothes for lounging: surely the ultimate leisurewear for chic mamas? Created by Sylvie Gabriel, the range includes super-soft jogging pants, wrap tops and dressing gowns so ideal for that post-natal, breast-feeding period where clothes should be cosseting and comfortable. I can't think of a more thoughtful present for a mother-to-be - how stylish would she feel with it in her hospital bag? Available at Harrods, Selfridges and Net a Porter.

CLB ♥ Everyone Dreams of Peace colouring book

2011-02-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

We love the humorous, spidery line drawings in this new 64 page colouring book which encourages your little one to read, colour, draw and dream. Perfect for little peace crusaders in the making. Divine! Everyone Dreams of Peace by Freddy Deane £18 at www.e-side.co.uk

Eeny Meeny: a stylish new kids exchange shop

2011-02-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats the thrill of discovering a new independent children's wear boutique for CLB. Our good friend Rachael alerted us to this new local shop selling gorgeous second hand clothing alongside unusual new clothes, toys and nursery accessories (ages 0-6) and so Evie and I headed down there on Sunday morning. Tucked away in residential North London 'hood of Tufnell Park, Eeeny Meeny is bright and elegantly designed children's wear shop with the added bonus of selling well-priced exchange clothes - a rarity in London. The nearly new range includes good quality labels like Petit Bateau, Cacharel and Ralph Lauren but the owners will also take the odd piece of Gap or Monsoon kids (50 per cent is paid for clothes selected up front). Everything has to be in excellent condition - check the website here for specifics. New ranges include vintagey looking frocks, hand knitted tank tops and a fantastic selection of old-fashioned toys (it's a great place to fill party bags with lots of bits and bobs under a fiver). The latest addition to CLB's sacred little black book.

Eeny Meeny, Campdale Road, Tufnell Park, London N7 0EA (020 0011 4202/www.eenymeenykids.co.uk) Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm (closed Mon), Sun 11am-4pm. Tufnell Park tube. Parking if free after 12pm and all day Sat and Sun.

Beautiful books: save our libraries

2011-02-05T02:26:00.000-08:00

The Magic Donkey Ride (Orchard) Giles Andrea and Vanessa Cabban

Today is Save Our Libraries day - authors and celebrities across the country are hosting reading sessions at libraries (check the Guardian website for a map of activities). Evie has adored books since she was about three months old. This morning we have already read four books, all of which we picked up at Islington's wonderful Central Library off the Holloway Road yesterday. CLB has never spent so much time in libraries and the thought that 450 libraries and mobile library services are under threat makes us weep. On our library visits we always meet interesting people and get to see a whole lot of books we'd never come across on Amazon (you can learn so much from the librarians). Plus, many libraries now do loads of children's activities such as baby bounce and there's currently a reward scheme where you get a free book after several borrows. Here are Evie's current top five books (naturally, this changes frequently!). The best way people can show support for their local libraries is by visiting them and get borrwing. I have given up Amazon in favor of the library, save a fortune and never read so many interesting books. Find your local library here

Mr Pusskins Best In Show (Orchard) Sam Lloyd

Stickman (Alison Green Books) Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler

We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Walker Books Ltd) Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

Lulu's Clothes (Bloomsbury Publishing PLC) Camilla Reid and Allie Bushby

Valentine's gifts you can all enjoy!

2011-02-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

I Love You biscuits, £37.50, Biscuiteers

Cashmere baby dress, £36, Les Tricots de Margot

LOLA's LOVE cupcakes, £2.50 each, LOLA's

Mama and bebe slippers, from 22Euros, Collegien

Heart measuring cups, £8.50, Heal's

Olli Ella SAMPLE SALE

2011-02-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read it right: Olli Ella is having its first sample sale - display chairs and ottomans are being sold at over 20 per cent off (that's about £200 off per chair). Yeeee-hah! The sale starts at 9am on Weds 2nd February on a first come, first served basis. All available models, pictured here, will be listed on the Olli Ella blog (www.olliella.com/blog) which will be updated live. Orders can be placed over the phone, in person, or via email. Now could be the time to snap up one of these super-stylish nursing chairs mamas!

Evie gets ready for Bubble London

2011-01-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

Day one of Bubble London and Miss Evie Chops decided to dress up in her all her finery. Pearls, Granny's handbag, velvet cowboy hat and erm, a paper bag. It's certainly a look my darling one. We had a great day - Evie enjoyed hanging out on the Olli Ella glider nursing chairs with daddy before running the length of the Business Design Centre while mummy did the stands, judging best stand design with the girls from CWB Magazine, Babyology and Shak Shuka. The winner was Little Esop for their striking robot-themed stand. Well done!

Here are just some of the labels CLB loved today: newcomer Old Rectory, a gorgeous Irish print label that has just started doing beautiful organic babywear, the new autumn/winter collection from Hucklebones (they are also doing babywear from next season: yippee!), the new Belle & Boo quilt (out soon for £45) and charming story-book frocks from Poppy (sooooo cute). Check back for more updates tomorrow...

The Little Esop award winning stand

Beautiful printed organic blackets by newcomer Old Rectory

The new Belle & Boo quilt

The new a/w 2011/12 Hucklebones collection

Dresses that tell stories by Poppy

Olli Ella's new Go-Go chair!

2011-01-28T00:37:00.000-08:00

The new Go-Go glider

Chic Little Baby swung by the Olli Ella party in Islington last night to launch the Bubble London kids trade show - and what a gorgeous soiree it was. Founders, twentysomething sisters Chloe and Olivia Brookman, indulged guests (including the lovely Lindsey from Urban Mums blog, Courtney from Babyccinno Kids) in champagne cocktails and Primrose Bakery cupcakes (yummy!) and showcased their fabulous new Go-Go glider. Joining the already super-successful Mo-Ma and Da-Da gliders, the Go-Go is offered in five colour options and has a shorter production time and is more compact - so perfect for the smaller nursery.We just know it's going to be their next big hit!

The Go-Go with matching Ottoman

HUGE discounts at Sistersguild for CLB readers!

2011-01-25T15:17:00.000-08:00


I Love Gorgeous dress, £36.40 was £56 - get a further 10 per cent off with CLB!

Now, you know how much CLB's adores baby style website, Sistersguild.com? There are still lots of huge January sale bargains (at up to 60 per cent off) and as reader's of this blog you can get a further 10 per cent off sales bargains by quoting 'GIDDY' at check out. The offer applies to everything in the 'dressing room' sections and is valid to and including Monday 31st Jan. Happy shopping!

Little Duckling jog bottoms, £13.75 was £27.50

I Love Gorgeous top, £25.35, was £39


Belle & Boo skirts, were £24, now £20.40

Aden & Anais giant muslin swaddling squares, £26.21 was £34.95

Preview: Petit Bateau + Petit Pan collaboration

2011-01-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

'Lunule' short babygro, £27

CLB is a gigantic fan of Petit Bateau - Evie's first ever outfit was an teeny weeny candy pink Petit Bateau babygro and matching cardigan. How delighted we were to see they have collaborated with kooky Parisian print brand, Petit Pan. The sleepwear range fuses Petit Bateau's tactile, super-soft fabrics with Petit Pan's modern takes on Chinese prints which include graphic poppies, balloons and half moons. We just love it. The range will be available in Petit Bateau stores for a limited time between Feb 23 and March 25.

'Helium' Babygro, £29

'Coquelicot' nightdress, £26.50

'Helim' Babygro, £27

EMU Australia pops-up in London with 30 per cent discount for CLB readers!

2011-01-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

Sheepskin aficionados know that EMU Australia is one of the more authentic - not to mention credible - Aussie footwear brands around. Founded by the coast in Geelong, southern Australia, surfers would come off the beach to the Jackson's tannery to look for off-cuts for their tired feet. EMU still operates this 130 year old tannery. We love the cute styles for babies and children, including the shark, above and ladybird, below. Now you can shop the range at a temporary pop-up store in one of CLB's favourite independent shopping streets, Lambs Conduit Street. What's more, EMU Australia are offering Chic Little Baby readers a generous 30 per cent discount on stock. Just mention 'ChicLittleBaby' at the check out. The offer applies to phone orders - purchases can be posted.

EMU Australia pop-up, 47 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3NG (020 7242 9876/www.emuaustralia.com) Holborn tube. Open 10am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 11am – 7pm Sat.

E-side.co.uk - a stylish new eco website

2011-01-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

Blue Whale BPA-free plate, £12.70, by Smiling Planet

It's not always easy for design-conscious parents to seek out stylish but environmentally-friendly goods for their little ones. Now, with the help of e E-side.co.uk, a brand new website with impeccable green credentials and tons of beautiful objects for your home and child, it is entirely possible. This is just the kind of innovative, forward-thinking idea that CLB admires; the founders have done all the hard work sourcing sound ethical, fairtrade and eco-friendly products so you don't have to. But of course the emphasis is equally on brilliant design. We especially love the items featured here including the charming BPA-free plates by Smiling Planet and Mini Mello lacquered bamboo stools. How very chic! CLB is delighted to welcome E-side.co.uk as its newest sponsor.

Lilly's Chair, £125, by sustainable Danish designers Henrik Thygesen and Sebastian Jorgensen

Chalhborad bear, £15.70, by Cocoboheme

Organic and fairtrade crocodile, ££22.80, by Papili

Mini Mello lacquered bamboo stools, £46.90, by Ekobo

Peak Princess' dress for CLB winner!

2011-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this pretty dress designed and handmade by the brilliant Lissa Cook of Peak Princess, specially for CLB competition winner, Kristy of Queensland, Australia. Thank you Lissa! Check out Lissa's glorious designs and new Liberty fabrics for 2011 here

EXCLUSIVE Hucklebones new s/s 2011 preview

2011-01-05T04:38:00.000-08:00

Now, you know how much CLB adores Hucklebones, the London-based label that creates heirloom clothing for little girls (2-8)? Well, can you imagine how we squealed with delighted when seeing the beautiful new collection. Evie has been looking adorable in pieces from the a/w collection and now I see, I have no option but to start saving for a couple of choice pieces from this utterly delightful range. Inspired by the flora and fauna of the garden, it includes elegant silk dresses, tailored shorts and neat penny collar blouses; dreamy and collectible clothes for little girls. Love the cute 1940s-styling for the shoot too. In store from early Feb.