Bambino Goodies » Accessories

Hot shop: Line + Liv

Lucy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Over to Germany this afternoon for trop-stylish online boutique Line + Liv. Little Red Stuga, Wovenplay, Fine Little Day, Mini A Ture and Lucky Boy Sunday – a wish list of our super-quirky favourites sit alongside new-to-me European collections from BOdeBO, Théluto, Les Zigouis, +++BB and Bieq and funky Brit brands Jessie & James and Robe of Feathers.

If you’re looking for design inspiration, check out the magazine section for French publications Papier Mache and Toc Toc Toc and German mag Klein Format. My top picks are this divine turquoise dress by Belgian label Cotton and Milk, €30, top, Lieschen Müller’s handmade fit-for-a-princess headband, €19, above, and these fresh spring green rubber wellies from Denmark’s Bisgaard, €34, below.

The navigation is a little annoying, but that’s my only criticism of what is otherwise a real treasure trove. As further incentive to browse, lots of items are currently on sale as well…

Hot shop: I Dream Elephants

Lucy — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I still can’t quite believe that we haven’t featured the wonderful I Dream Elephants as a Hot Shop before. This is literally a dream online retail destination, featuring, as it does, so many of our favourite labels (think Bobo Choses, Ej Sikke Lej, Popupshop and Smafolk) alongside less familiar but equally fabulous names: Inge van der Broeck, K for Keeps, Paz, Selana… the list goes on.

Of the more quirky brands I’m loving this suitably swooshy Liberty Lollipop circle skirt from Littl by Lilit (German designer Lilit Borkowsky’s children’s line), £30, and these rocking guitar cushions by Gabriela Pardo (another German designer – go, Berlin!) which are currently on sale at £35 each, in three colours sure to inspire even the most reluctant performers. Another USP of the site is the ‘Outfit of the Week’ section where I Dream Elephants turn stylist and compile three full ensembles – one ‘little lady’, one ‘little lad’, one baby – in case you have no idea how to put your purchases together.

Hot shop: Imp Kids

Lucy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Hide the credit card, I’ve found some serious shopping temptation in the form of ImpKids. Founded by Liz Marsh, the store is the exclusive UK stockist of Swedish brand Villervalla which, I’m sure you’ll agree after a quick glance at these pictures, is completely fabulous. The site is pretty much a one-stop shop, stocking everything from socks to full-on rain gear and everything in between in an array of bold block colours, rainbow stripes or star prints, plus a few key pieces in denim. It really is that simple.

Everything is reasonably priced with mittens starting at £3.95 up to denim overalls at £44.95. My order (well, of course I couldn’t resist) arrived quickly and beautifully wrapped, plus I got £10 off and free delivery using offers on the site – I think you’ll also get free gift wrapping if you’re quick. The fabrics feel excellent quality (the velour striped top is just divine) and the colours are as zingy and bright as the site promises. My picks are the striped dress, £23.95, and star snowsuit, £39.95 (top), the super-adorable clouds romper, £18.95 (above) and the Molo-esque star leggings, £23.95, and gloves, £23.95 (below). Which I’m wishing I’d bought. Now, where did I put that credit card?

Hot shop: Niddle Noddle

Lucy — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

When I spied Kat’s mention of Niddle Noddle on her marvellous snow boots post I simply had to go and check it out. And what a treasure trove I uncovered. Established by London mamas Eilidh and Katrine, both on a quest to find something a little bit different for their children, the boutique’s ethos is to promote new label.

I have to say, there were even a few new ones on me, alongside old faves Djeco (chic Gallic toys and crafts), Le Petit Lucas du Tertre (chic Gallic fashion), Bergstein (colourful wellies) and Leilalou (stylish dolls). My picks of the new are these super-cool one-of-a-kind rag characters from US-based Warm Sugar, top, from £16.50 for Bam the Pirate Baby. I’m also in love with these vintage-looking leather desert boots – the grey is divine, £52.

What little girl wouldn’t love to be covered in butterflies? This beautiful blouse is by Italian label Modaspia, £18. Finally, how cute are DreamChildStudio’s felt crowns? Extremely, that’s how. And just £15 – you can buy royalty.

Gorgeous Crochet Hats by Kat Goldin

Kat — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I’ve tried crochet and it didn’t end well (nothing which ends with Mama throwing a tantrum is good) so I am always in awe of people who can hook their way from a ball of wool to something magnificent. Kat Goldin who writes Slugs on the Refrigerator has magic fingers and uses them to create the most magnificent baby and children’s hats ever.

Kat is a one woman cottage industry designing and making stunning crochet hats. The pictures speak for themselves and I think she strikes the right balance between fun and cool.

You can buy her hats from her Etsy and Folksy stores with sizes from 1 month to 3 – 7 years. If you’re in the UK the pricing seems to work better on Folksy.

Not only does Kat sell hats but she also writes hat patterns. If you fancy whipping up the Aviator Pilot Hat (pictured top) then you can buy the PDF pattern from Etsy. If you love an owl (who doesn’t love an owl?) then you can download the Owl Hat Pattern for free.

New goodness at Deluna Kids

Lucy — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000

You may remember we featured Deluna Kids‘ fab pom pom poncho back in December last year. Now we bring news of the brand spanking new autumn/winter collection which features a host of loveliness for little ones (up to the age of seven). I’m loving the vibrant retro florals of this trapeze dress, £42, which is also available with black broderie anglaise sleeves.

How great are these metallic leggings? They come in five different colours (bronze, silver, night and blue, cost £18, and will partify the dullest of dresses! The reversible ponchos are still there in new colourways, £60, along with a beautiful pom pom-adorned cape coat, £68, and this super-cute turquoise bobbly scarf, above, £17.

The trunk range has also expanded to include this covetable wardrobe version, £600. I’d like one myself, please. There are rumours of a limited-edition Christmas clothing collection which I’ll keep you posted on, but still no sign of my boys’ range. Fingers crossed…

The Great Autumn Winter Coat Hunt – Winter Accessories Bonanza!

Natalie — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Molo Stripy Kandy Ear Muffs – Style Steal!

We got ours in Kidsen but they’re currently sold out. Try Nordic Kids, £4.99 and Simply Piste. Bargain!

Liandlo farm and squirrel print hats. Quite frankly some of the coolest hats ever. £10, Love It Love It Love It.

Zara Baby & Kids

There’s trappers, bonnets, ear muffs, red, yellow, burnt orange, cable knits, lumber, ear muffs, matching and complimenting scarves – so many glorious knits, colours, and styles to choose from starting from £5.99.

Katvig Quilted Aviator Baby Hats, seriously hot! £19.99 Olive Loves Alfie

Hucklebones

Loving the Miss Marple-esque wool hats over at Sisters Guild. £17.50-£31 and get 30% off with the code BIRTHDAY. While you’re there they also have some very cool pixie hats by Maileg that are perfect for the Big C.

Bobo Choses Scarves

Love these cotton reversible scarves especially the umbrellas and dots delights. £24 Mash n Gravy. They also have knitted hats.

Lindex

Hot on the star front with fleecy hats and bandana style scarves, they also have plenty of ski gear, as well as offbeat buys like the skull scarf (there’s also gingham) and leopard print mittens all starting from €3.95.

A bargain buy owned by Lu, this star ski bobble hat, is currently reduced from £6 to £4.20 at M&Co

Katvig Scarves

Bold, simple stripes from a BG favourite. Available in various colourways, £10.50 Sparkle & Spin along with matching beanie hats. Little Baby Company have the pink and cream.

Maxomorra

Loving these well priced organic cotton beanies in spider (£8.99 Barnyard Kids) and winter (£7.90 Heimoose) prints.

More Molo

From top left, fleece lined Kami hat also available in grey with a different pattern, £10.50 Custard. Their trademark rainbow winter mitts (balaclava also available), £18 Tootsie & Fudge. Black faux fur lined ‘Nat’ trapper hat, £26.50 Nordic Kids (would love in an adult size too….), ‘Kei’ two packs of gloves, mega bargain at £4.95, Juicytots (use our discount code bambino10 too) mittens with neon stars (available in various colourways), knitted balacalava (also in black), and star print cotton hat, £16-£19 Tootsie & Fudge. Fleece gloves also available. For another cool star hat try the Holubolu pink beanie hat, £10 Peter & Jane. Boden also do a star hat.

Toby Tiger

As always, this Brighton based label charms with their range of striped hats and mittens in happy colours. £10.99-£15.99

Snadi

Still one of my absolutely most favourite brand of hats, Nordic Kids as always have a selection of their standout bobble hats as well as gloves and scarves. £19.99 although there are several bargains to be had for babies as, for example the red and white is currently reduced to a tenner and I spotted another for £8 as well as some half priced mittens. Swooooop!

Hello Owls

Try the Smafolk balaclava, £15 Bibi Klamer and Tootsie and Fudge have ej sikke lej’s owl winter mitts in khaki, purple and blue, £21.

Boden Hat & Mittens Sets

Undeniably cute, there are also several animal inspired versions. £22 each.

Lille Barn

The knitted merino hats by this Danish superbrand are an annual favourite of ours in both cool stripes and cable knit detailing in bonnets and beanies. £16.75. Gloves, £14. Yellow Lolly in sizes from birth to 4-6 years.

H&M

Didn’t see much for bigger kids but for babies, the fur trapper and the stripy delight are serious bargains at £4.99 and £2.50 respectively.

Cotton baby hats

Take a simple hat and add a blast of colour for a bit of quirk. From left, Kate Quinn Organics knot hat, reduced to £4.95 Little Baby Company, orange Limobasics baby hat also available in dark grey, olive, and fuchsia, £5.80 Yellow Lolly, and Bob & Blossom knot hats in lots of scrumptious colourways, £9.99 Juicytots (use our discount code bambino10 too). For knitted striped hats, Pumpkin Patch also have some for £3.50. I also spotted ej sikke lej nutty printed baby bonnets reduced to £3.95 at Little Bou.

COS online!

Lucy — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Now, I know I’ve asked you to do this before but, seriously this time, hide my credit card, for (be still my beating heart) H&M’s chicer sister COS is finally online! We told you about the gorgeous spring/summer pieces in stores and I’m lucky enough to have a branch on my doorstep, but for some crazy reason it doesn’t stock the kids’ collection (in Brighton, home to many a stylish bambino – go figure!), so I’m super-excited about this development.

The range is concise but complete, so you’re bound to find something to suit even the most discerning young consumer. I love the minimalism of the boys’ tops and sweaters – it’s so refreshing to find clothing devoid of slogans, branding and cartoon characters on the high street. As with the grown-up collection, the focus is on cut and the palette is a pleasing combination of greys, cobalts, burnt orange and zingy citruses – this yellow and grey wool sweater (above), €29, is heading straight for Alfie’s wishlist.

As is this Katvig-esque long-sleeved stripy tee, above, €15. For young ladies, there’s a brilliant keenly priced range of accessories, such as this necklace, bottom, €9. And if only they made this printed poplin dress (top), €39, in my size, I’d snap it up.

Hot shop: Burp!

Lucy — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Hurrah for another online boutique and yay for it being British. Burp! is the Hampshire (Farnborough, to be exact)-based brainchild of Kate & James Hayden-Ellis who, like so many parents these days, were bored with the traditional baby offerings and took matters into their own hands.

The result is a small but lovely selection of goodies for little ones divided into four sections: play, read, look and wear. In Play you’ll find Ella & Otto rattles and comforters, Stuf black and white developmental toys and sock animals from Peekaboo Pets – my personal favourite is Dave the rabbit, above, £17.

Read contains such lovelies as the genius magazines and activity books of our good friends at Anorak, charming tomes from the likes of J Otto Seinbold and Margaret Wise Brown, plus a selection of the delightful Little Golden Books I remember from my own childhood – I consider The Me Book,£7, a staple of any nursery bookshelf.

Look is the art section, with a few choice quirky pieces, including a funky black and green limited-edition print from the fabulous John Burgerman for £35. Meanwhile, Little Shrimp, Old Rectory, Nippaz with Attitude, Tootsa Macginty, Boys & Girls and Moccis are all in evidence. I’m loving these Ella & Otto Beep Beep PJs, £25 and the WryBaby pirate towel, top, also £25. Shipping varies, but is very reasonable and the site is nicely designed and easy to navigate. Definitely one to bookmark.

Ear Defenders for Babies and Young Children

Kat — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

After having to sit with my hands over Betsy’s ears at the tame volumes of Giffords Circus I knew we would not be going to festivals without some proper ear protection for her. From festivals to air shows to fireworks (or even noisy wedding discos) they will come in handy year round.

There are three brands dominating the children’s ear defender market at the moment; Peltor, Edz Kidz and Baby Banz. They are all pretty similar in design and feature a sprung headband which keeps the ear muffs in place.

Having tried both Peltors and Baby Banz versions I can confirm the fit both babies and adults. The fit is designed to be snug to keep the padded seal firmly in place. I see from Amazon reviews that quite a few people have found the Edz Kidz version too tight for their liking (but could be down to one reviewer putting the idea in everyone’s head of course!).

The ear defenders block out loud noise but still allow you to hear what is going on around you, including people speaking to you making them ideal for allowing children to enjoy loud events without damaging their hearing.

We bought the Baby Banz Hearing Protection ear defenders form Little Sunflowers for Betsy. At five months she was a little under their age range but fit her just fine. When we first put them on they bothered her a little (as would anything unusual) but she soon settled down. She wore them happily and didn’t startle at loud or sudden sounds – she even managed to breast feed happily. Be sure you’re in a quiet spot when you take them off as the increase in sound can be a bit of a surprise.

I’m adding ear defenders as a must have. Prices are around £12 – £17 but given they adjust to fit for many years I think they’re good value. I will be investing in a pair each for Milla and Monty before November 5th and perhaps we can have tear free fireworks!

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