CLB ♥ Ruby & Freddies

Pink Woolie, £38


Turtle dove, my love! In case you hadn't noticed, CLB is a sucker for anything London-inspired. Ruby & Freddies is a charming new Brit brand which takes inspiration from our fair city - the Little Londoners babywear (for 0-12 months) and is based on Cockney Rhyming slang while the Little Frocks (for 1 to 7 year olds) and are named after London landmarks. Would you Adam and Eve it, even the Little Woollies jumpers (for 1 to 7 year olds) feature pigeons in bowler hats? We also love the fact everything is made in the UK using organic cotton. Super cute.


Islington Angel, £38

Blue Woolie, £38


Greenwich Girlie, £40


Green Woolie, £38
Bow Belle dress, £40




Chic Mum: Sophie Dean

Stylist Sophie Dean with her daughter, Araminta

Sophie Dean is a fashion stylist who has worked for Wallpaper Magazine, Grazia, In Style and ES Magazine. She combines editorial with advertising and also styles children's fashion shoots. She is mummy to Indigo, four-and-a-half (who has modeled for Burberry and Gucci) and Araminta, three (also a model) and lives in west London.


Greatest style challenge since having children?
Switching from wearing the 'Mum' cap to 'Fashion Editors' cap in the same day.

How long do you allow yourself to get ready? 

It depends what for, if it's just getting the children to school, then 15 minutes, if I am going on a job, then half an hour (I work out what I am wearing the night before in my head).

Quick beauty tips and tricks? 

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers. They instantly make my eyes look bigger and give the appearance of mascara on my lashes.

You off-duty outfit for when it's just you and the kids?

Low slung baggy jeans, v-neck jumper and Birkenstocks.

Beauty product you could not live without? 

Bobbi Brown foundation stick

Health regime? 
I run around Queens Park a couple of times a week, drink lots of water and don't eat meat but lots of fish. I also treat myself the the best detox retreat ever once a year called Breathe Detox Retreats in Devon (www.breathedetox.com), where I come away totally cleansed (mentally and physically) having lost weight and feeling fabulous!

Who is your hairdresser? 
Andrew at Ego Hair in Queens Park.

Favourite designers? 
Isabel Marant, Marni and Chloe.

Favourite kids' labels? 

Mini Boden; Little Bird at Mothercare; Caramel Child.

Where do you hunt for fashion bargains? 
Portobello Market on a Friday for good vintage finds.

Favourite secret shop/website? 
www.rowenandwren.co.uk

Desert island fashion item? 

My Heidi Klein polka dot bikini (as recommended by my husband)!






Visit Sophie Dean's website at www.sophiedean.com




Health and Wellbeing: Avni the amazing osteo

The wonderous Avni Trivedi, an oesteopath and zero-balancer


I first met Avni Trivedi four years ago, shortly after the birth of Evie, having returned to work where I found sitting at a desk prompted neck and shoulder pain. After a thorough assessment which involved her studying me physically (and spotting my lop-sided shoulders) we discussed diet and lifestyle. Avni got to work gently cracking my neck into alignment. It felt amazing and I floated out of the consulting room feeling physically lighter and mentally uplifted. 

Avni specialises in mother and baby osteopathy; she obtained a Masters in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children and also trained as a doula. Babies can benefit hugely from a trip to her, not only enjoying the sensation of touch but also being relived of colic, reflux, feeding and sleep issues. Avni puts emphasis on the power of touch as well as posture, nutrition and creativity so working holistically. Just being with her, induces a state of calm.

The next time I saw Avni was in the lead up to Lola's birth two and a half years ago. At 32 weeks my shoulders and neck had become tense and painful and over a few sessions Avni was able to work her magic: gently casting away tension and realigning my spine. After each session, I'd feel a huge sense of relief and in the final few weeks of Lola's pregnancy I felt calm and had a surge of energy which no doubt helped me make a speedy recovery from her birth (a straight-forward scheduled c-section). 

Avni was there again for me when I returned to work a year after having Lola. We'd moved house and had it renovated when Lola was a newborn (not recommended!) – that coupled with sleep deprivation, I found my stress levels were soaring. I felt like I was running on empty batteries and explained I had started running to help. Looking back that seems nuts when I was so active scrambling around after my girls and dashing into central London for work three day weeks. As well as gentle manipulation, Avni told me to slow down a bit maybe have my thyroid checked and to think about calmer exercises like yoga and swimming. 

Most importantly, Avni made me think about how a few simple adjustments in my life could benefit massively. In the last year I have made strides towards a better lifestyle investing in a juicer (life changing, seriously!), taking a bit more time out for me and generally maintaining better poster. Small but significant steps. Yoga, swimming and more sleep are next on the agenda. And maybe I'll even get my thyroid checked. Actually, I think might be time to go and see Avni again...


An session with Avni Trivedi costs £110 at the Osteopathic Consultancy, 58 South Molton Street, London W1K 5SL (020 7706 1997/www.osteopathuk.com). Bond St tube.


Must haves for a super-chic Christening

1. Cute shoes, £89, Brit Chic Signature


Little Prince George of Cambridge is getting baptised today so CLB thought it only right to round-up some stylish Christening gift and outfit ideas. The trick is to go classic without being too stuffy. So, here you go: ten steps to a stylish special day for your wee one...


2. Fabulous flowers. We heart the Prince George Christening Bouquet from Wild at Heart

3. Cool personalised e-vites, from a selection at Paperless Post

4. A classic Christening outfit with a twist, £79, from Trumpets & Tiaras

5. A glittery bow. Why not? £10.99 at BoboBows


6. An original gift. baby Lapin & Me lamp, £60, The Pippa and Ike Show

7. A personalised framed picture, £24.95, Not on the High Street

8. A traditional gift. Mother and child pendent, £68, Tales from the Earth, John Lewis

9. Something for mother and babe: hip (Royal) muslins, £48.95, Aden + Anais at Babes With Babies

10. Push along cart with bricks, £65, Silver Cross




Just launched: Roald Dahl's 'Fantabulous Fabrics'



We are head-over-heels in love with these fantastic fabrics featuring Roald Dahl's beloved Quentin Blake-illustrated characters. All the favourites, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the BFG, The Twits and CLB's family favourite, Fantastic Mr Fox are featured – you can buy either lengths of cotton fabric or duvet covers and cushions. A chance to bring a little childhood nostalgia to your child's bedroom. From £18.99 per metre. Stockist details  www.ashleywildegroup.com





CLB ♥ Somerset girl by Alice Temperley



We're not surprised to learn that Alice Temperley's Somersert range for John Lewis is the department store's best-selling label of all time. And guess what? The lovely London designer, know for her ethereal frocks and dreamy wedding dresses, has expanded the collection – designing a range specifically for girls. Somerset Girl caters for 4-12 years olds with pretty mini-me blouses, dresses and faux-fur collared coats and CLB is smitten. From £20 for a skirt.

In store at John Lewis, 300 Oxford St, W1 (020 7629 7711) and soon on www.johnlewis.com







Chic Mum: Courtney Adamo

Courtney Adamo with her youngest daughter, Marlow

Courtney Adamo, 32, is co-founder of Babyccino Kids and lives in north London with her husband and four children, Easton, 8, Quin, 6, Ivy, 4 and Marlow, 11 months. 

Greatest style challenge since having children?
Not having enough time in the morning to think about my clothing options. I often end up throwing on something I’ve already worn earlier in the week because it’s easy and doesn’t require too much thought. I also never have enough time for make-up, which is fine most of the time because I tend to prefer a more natural look…but the older I get (and due to the lack of sleep we’re getting at the moment!) the more I realise I could use a bit of make-up.

How long do you allow yourself to get ready? 
I can be super quick! All I usually need is 15 minutes. I only wash my hair every three or four days and usually in the evening, so that helps keep things quick in the morning. 

Quick beauty tips and tricks? 
I really don’t have any tips or tricks. But if I had to choose a product I couldn’t live without, it would be the Universal Styling Crème from Aveda. I have really thick, wavy hair, and this seems to calm it all down a bit. I also like Burt’s Bees chapstick. And Sjal Cela Intuitif face lotion.

Your off-duty outfit for when it's just you and the kids? 
Skinny jeans, ankle boots, and a jumper (and sadly, often a rain coat!). 

Health regime?
I try to do yoga at least a couple times a week, which I love both for mental and physical benefit. I also stay pretty active running up and down our stairs and chasing after children all day long. But that’s sort of it. I wish I had more time – I would definitely do yoga every day if I could.

Who is your hairdresser? 
I go to Mowgli in Primrose Hill. My hairdresser at Mowgli recently moved to Australia, so now I’m going to have to find a new one. 

Favourite designers? 
Isabel Marant, Ace & Jig, Hatch, and Topshop. 

Favourite kids' labels?
Bonton, Miller, Petit Bateau, and Bonpoint for a real splurge.  

Where do you hunt for fashion bargains? 
Topshop! But I’m not really good at bargain shopping. I have a teensy wardrobe, and also like to keep things really simple… so if I’m going to spend the money, I would rather buy one nice thing than buy a few cheaper, trendier items. 

Favourite secret shop/website?
I love Couverture & The Garbstore in Notting Hill. I also really love to visit J Crew and Madewell when I’m in America visiting family. 

Desert island fashion item? 
Hmm… if I could, I would live in my cosy, worn-in Topshop leggings. So comfortable (I even sleep in them!).

Courtney will be hosting ShopUp! designer kids' shopping event on Sun Dec 1 and Mon Dec 2 at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Rd, NW1 7AY. www.babyccinokids.com


Courtney with her beautiful children (from left to right) Ivy, Marlow, Quin and Easton
 

Stella McCartney Kids Halloween goodies

Arlo charity T-shirt by Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney Kids has launched the above limited edition 'Arlo' pumpkin T-shirt for charity PADEM, which helps educate school girls in Kenya. CLB always approve of style for a good cause. We are a little bit potty about the below transparent brolly, bump patches and bat tee from the Halloween range, too. Booooo!

Transparent brolly, £35, Stella McCartney Kids

Bump patches, £24, Stella McCartney Kids
Bats T-shirt, £40, Stella McCartney Kids