New Gift Sets from Armani Junior

It's only 10:40 and it's already been a crazy Sunday: awoke to my upstairs neighbors (I live in a condo) blasting rap music and vacuuming at 6am, kitten pulled down shower curtain at 7am, some random guy with a wrong number started psycho dialing my phone (think 12 times in ten minutes) and leaving random texts for someone named "Meech" at 8am... This is a bad trend to start because I have to watch my boss's kids tonight and they are psychotic by nature (they probably get it from my boss). Oh well, at least life is never boring! 

Anyway, I saw these cute little gift sets at Lavish Kids this morning and am a very big fan, mostly because of the linen overalls. I think they have a kind of French-y feel and would love the opportunity to buy the his and hers version for someone with boy girl twins. The four piece set comes with a onesie, the overalls, a soft cotton hat, and cute little plush duckie. Also, props to Armani for tasteful logo usage on all four pieces! These can be yours for $200.00.

Armani Junior Knit and Denim Dress

Happy 2012 everyone! The year of a supposed doomsday! Who knows if it is actually true, but why not use this as a great excuse to adopt a "live every day like it's your last" attitude? Or one close to it works too. If you want to go skydiving, go. If you want to buy a new car but don't really need one, do it anyway. If you want to go to Hawaii, get a tattoo, call a long lost love, do it. What is the worst that can happen? We see 2013 and all of a sudden you say, "Wow, 2012 was the best year of my life. Why not live EVERY year like that??" Sorry, I have been reading a lot of inspirational books lately. Apparently they are working :)

So, maybe on your 2012 bucket list is to indulge your little one in some expensive and beautiful items that you wouldn't normally buy. Why not? It is fun. If you are new to the miniature versions of the big name designers, Armani Junior is a great place to start because the prices are actually quite reasonable. Take this sweet dress for example. It is one piece: a knit top with attached pleated denim skirt, and even some attached snap-closure bloomers underneath. The adorable striped sparkly bow has the Armani logo at the bottom, and the striped cap sleeves match. There are navy blue buttons down the back, another denim bow around the waist (like a faux belt), and adorable scoop pockets on the front. It is very apparent that a lot of thought and purpose went into this beautifully-crafted dress. All of this for $115.00! Let this be the start of your designer baby clothes obsession. Find it at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Armani Baby Wool Mittens

You know what is a strange situation? When the kids you have babysat for for about nine years suddenly become too old for a babysitter. I watched the same two kids all throughout college and continued to do so in the years that followed. Over the past year or so, I went from seeing them once a week to once every couple of weeks as their daughter started staying home alone and/or watching their younger son. Then every couple of weeks turned into once a month. Then I stopped hearing from them. I got a surprise text last week saying they needed someone for tonight and I was overjoyed. Those kids are like my family. I was only there for three hours but it was like old times, except Sean was telling me about his new email address (he sends his friends emails with subject lines like "Robots!" and "Machines!" because he loves how those things then show up in his gmail ads) and Rebecca was writing a paper on her laptop provided for her by her school. Times have changed, all around. I don't know why I am feeling so sad about it. Maybe because when I left their house, all I could think about is if I'll see them again, when for so many years it was, "See you next Saturday." Blah. I think I just have the blues today after a bad day at work and will stop rambling. 

ANYWAY, in honor of the days of trying to stuff his little hands into mittens so we could sled down the genius hill in their back yard, here we have a cute pair of wool mittens from Armani. I'm loving the wraparound logo (on the mitten where the stripes do not form the actual logo, there is a patch that reads "Armani Junior... just in case that is the mitten that gets lost, it can still be identified as Armani without it's mate). Buy these for the little guy in your life, for $53.00 at Children Salon.

Armani Nylon Baby Bag

Purple is traditionally a color of royalty... and it still reigns this fall. Darker, dramatic versions of purple, plum, and mauve are popping up everywhere this fall so it looks like purple fever has still not run its course. I have to be honest, I am still getting used to it. I blame my college roommate's aunt for my dislike of purple. It is her favorite color; and she is maybe the most self-involved person I have ever met. Think: you are telling a story and she interrupts you to start telling her own story which is just sooo much better than yours (because it involves her) and at the end, she forgets you were even talking to begin with. I think we all know someone like that. So lately I feel like I have finally made my peace with purple and it has even snuck its way into my wardrobe. So a perfect example of a dark fall purple: this nylon baby bag from Armani. Nylon isn't the most attractive thing, but it's practical because you can wipe it clean. Besides, the Armani logo kind of negates the un-attractiveness. Nothing like a designer name to spice up an otherwise mediocre bag. If you are still feeling the purple, make this bag yours for $160.00 at Lavish Kids.

Days of the Week Onesies from Armani Junior

I am loving where Armani Junior is taking this. First starting with their days of the week bibs,  they have now moved on to onesies. I am just such a huge fan of the "days of the week" idea to begin with that when you pair it with a designer name then pair that with baby items?? You can't go wrong. These white and pink jersey onesies depict all things baby with a girly twist. I'm in love with them. I want them and do not even have a pregnant friend to give them too. Get yours while you can, for $180.00, at Neiman Marcus.

Armani Junior Babygrow: More Fairisle!

I was just talking about this yesterday! Apparently I need to purchase more fashion magazine because I definitely was not aware until very recently that the Fairisle print is back with a vengeance this season. Always a favorite, this doesn't really come as a surprise; it just seems like all of a sudden it is everywhere! Seen here on this babygrow from Armani Junior, this 100% cotton romper is dark navy and shows a layered look, with the snowflake Fairisle vest attached to the top half. I am honestly not so much in love with the outfit as a whole, but again, I am a sucker for Fairisle. See more details of this outfit (which comes in an organza gift bag), found for $104.00 at Children Salon.

Armani Junior Bedding!

Okay let's face it: your bed only resembles the beds in department store adds sometimes. You buy the matching sheet set that goes with the comforter... but you know what? Sometimes those sheets need to be washed and sometimes you need to put a backup sheet set on your bed that DOESN'T match the comforter. Everyone does it! Who cares? Same with crib bedding, especially with crib bedding. Babies throw up. They drool. Their diapers overflow. You wash and wash and wash, even if there are no visible stains, you wash because of germs. So as your back up sheet set, why not leave that to Armani? That way, you don't have to feel so shameful about having sheets that don't match the bedding (why can I not stop thinking about the carpet/drapes situation...)! This three piece set includes a pillow case, mattress cover, and top sheet, and has that cute Armani pacifier pattern that is gracing their newest baby items. It is the perfect back up plan. For $180.00, get yours at Children Salon.

Armani Baby Blanket in Gift Box

I have seen a lot of baby blankets cranked out by the big name designers, but I surprisingly must say that this one may be my favorite. It isn't just a recognizable pattern (i.e. Burberry baby blankets) or just plain expensive for the sake of the name (i.e. Hermes baby blankets), but it is a soft fleece blanket on one side and jersey cotton with an adorable pacifier pattern on the other side. AND, the Armani logo is tastefully embroidered in one corner. Soft brown colors also make it acceptable for both sexes. AND, it comes in a branded gift box. Well done Armani, this is pretty genius and is likely to be a huge seller. You can get yours for $121.00 at Children Salon.

Armani Junior Days of the Week Bibs

Days of the week sets are just great, especially for the generation that has new babies right now: for the majority of us probably had at least one "Days of the Week" set of undies. And like us, our babies now probably wear Tuesday's bib on Sunday, but who cares? It's all about the novelty of the idea. We love it, no explanation necessary. This is why I get excited when I see a new days of the week set, like this one from Armani Junior. Seven bibs, each with a different picture for each different day. What is interesting to me is that the day of the week is on the tag sticking off of the item, when it is the word "Armani" that is displayed underneath. I love a little twist like that. You must pay the price though, of $114.00, to brighten your days with these bibs. Find them at Children Salon.

Armani Baby Three Piece Set

Does anyone else just loathe Mondays? I feel like I am having a midlife crisis, at the ripe old age of 28. I went to school for art. I love art, everything about it. My parents were pretty unhappy with my choice to major in art and history of art in college, but it is what made me happy, and I was the one paying the loans, so I did it. 

After college I did not want a 9-5 job, so I became a bartender. I was making great money and it was a fun job. That also did not make my parents happy. I started managing a restaurant two years ago, a restaurant that was doomed from the start. In order to get out of it, I took a desk job that a friend of mine who was moving had up for grabs. My parents were finally happy because in their mind, you have to have a 9-5 desk job that you hate in order to be normal and to be accepted as an adult.

Now I am unhappy. Miserable is probably more like it. My parents and friends always say, "That is how it's supposed to be when you become an adult." But what if I don't want to accept that? The people that believe that are the people who have jobs that they hate for 40 years then retire and wonder where their time went. What if I want to go down a different road and do something that other people may not see as legit but that I am happy doing? What if, as a college-educated woman, I want to make art and tend bar and let that be my life??

Sorry, this whole thing has been on my mind a lot lately. I apologize to everyone who has had to read through my emotional word-vomit in order to get to the relevant subject of the above-pictured Armani three piece gift set. Coming in its own little box, this set comes with overalls and a white long-sleeved top, along with a cardigan for those chilly days (remember what those were like?). All three pieces brandish the Armani logo, which warrant the giant $212.00 price tag. People with mediocre desk jobs like me will never be able to purchase something like this... Maybe it's time to make the change. I want to be able to dabble into luxuries! Okay, I am done ranting. You can find this set at the always-fabulous Children Salon.

Baby Swim Suits: You Are So Ridiculously Cute.

So I have to go to Florida next week for a work conference. Guess who has already planned on "accidentally" forgetting to pack a bathing suit? This girl. Maybe all of the rain we have been getting in the Midwest thanks to my best friend La Nina has given me this false sense of security that summer is just soooo far away and I have all the time in the world to get in shape... not so much. It always creeps up on you. Summer is sneaky like that. I wish I could be like a baby and wear fat thighs like an adorable fashion statement. This sweet little bathing suit is new from Armani and is just about as girly as it gets: pink, ruffles, bows, and a fun lolly pop on the side bearing the logo. Find it for $95.00 at Lavish Kids.

An Affordable Designer Diaper Bag from Armani Junior

I almost thought this was a mistake when I saw that $150.00 price tag, especially considering the cost of many of the clothing items and accessories cranked out by Armani Junior. But alas, it seems to be correct: a very affordable diaper bag that is stamped with a very recognizable designer logo. Here is my main qualm with this bag though: I think it looks a little cheesy and fake, like if I saw someone out and about with it slung over their shoulder I might mistake it for a knockoff. Complete with a bottle carrier, stroller straps, and a changing pad, you can find this diaper bag at Neiman Marcus.

Armani Baby Pacifier with Case

We're baaaaaack!! After the week at work from hell, I am so happy to be able to start posting away again! I am also overjoyed at the fact that the sun is out today. I have my patio door open to let some fresh air in, even though it is only 45 degrees out. That can be fixed by turning the heat up to 75 or so. In any case, here we have an Armani pacifier and a carrying case. I know this is more of a novelty thing, but really? A pacifier carrying case? Maybe I am out of the loop and these things get used fairly often, but I would probably end up putting chap stick and nail polish in the case. At least when you are walking around town, when people look at your baby's cute little face it will be hard to miss the Armani logo. Buy yours for a gigantic price of $75.00 at Children Salon.

Armani Baby 7 Days of the Week Bibs

Looking at these bibs, all I can think about is how much I want to see someone, a baby, a deranged adult, anyone, wearing the bib that says "Friday." We found out at work on Monday that we are being audited this week, and it has been all downhill since then. No time for fun, no time for blogging, no time to think about anything but scrambling to put everything together at work. I miss college jobs. Panera was never this stressful. And we got free bagels like every day. Anyway, I thought these bibs from Armani were appropriate for my current mind frame. Three more days until Friday! See these for $148.00 at Children Salon.

The Perfect Party Outfit: Armani Junior Pink Bubble Dress

A child's first birthday is a pretty big deal, and as we have seen on the various reality shows depicting the rich and famous (or sometimes just rich and wishing to be famous...), people tend to drop some bucks on the party. So naturally, with an expensive party must come an expensive party outfit. Armani Junior's pink bubble dress just screams "party dress" to me. It's vibrant pink satin is embellished with ruffles and a little bling: the Armani logo in glitter on the chest. Pair those with the Oilily Cupcake Purse, Dolce & Gabbana floral shoes, and a cute party hat from My Baby Clothes Boutique, and you have the ultimate birthday outfit. See more details of this $165.00 dress at Nieman Marcus. 

Cute Pink Armani Onesies

Lavish Kids is still adding Armani Baby items in mass quantities, I can hardly keep up with it. These two are interesting to me because they are just simple and sweet: no huge frills or bling or obnoxious logo usage. They are just regular-looking baby clothes. I actually think they would make cute Valentine's Day outfits for twin girls (I sit around at work and dream up dumb things). The only thing that is not so normal about these pink onesies? The price of course. Duh. $95.00 apiece. Is it Friday yet?

A Last Few Winter Items: Armani Baby Wool Set

I got sick of winter faster than usual this year. Usually I don't start to get stir crazy until March; that is usually when I start to feel the itch for dinner on patios and the sun staying up past 6pm. This year, that feeling started in mid-January. I think I have been posting nonstop about spring items since then, trying very hard to look forward to warmer days. However, as over winter as I am, this three piece set from Armani cannot be ignored. Beautiful little mittens, hat, and scarf, all made of 100% wool with delicate pink trim, this set might be a great thing to purchase when it goes on sale within the next month or so, then given as a gift next year. Or kept for yourself, if you are expecting a little one. For $150.00, you can see more details at Lavish Kids.

Armani Baby Silk Floral Dress

I don't want to anger anyone here... but I am not a big fan of this dress. It reminds me of something that I would see at K-Mart. Please don't get mad about that comment either; I like K-Mart (the ones that are still in business anyway) and am not judging those who may purchase clothing there. But an Armani dress that could pass for a K-Mart dress? Dislike. It's something about the combination of the blue color and floral pattern with the dark ribbon that I can't quite put my finger on, and for $415.00, I would not put my fingers on it either. Just my opinion... see more details and make your own at Lavish Kids.

Armani Spilled Milk Onesie

The shock of $70.00 onesies never really wears off for me. And that is in fact how much this one costs. Kind of a genius design idea: loving how the bottle says "Armani" and the milk is spilling down into the logo. Again, Lavish Kids has seen an Armani explosion this week with a crazy amount of new onesies, bibs, outfits, and shoes. Feel free to indulge, if you are so able!

Armani Baby Blanket Gift Set

This is genius! I definitely just talked about an Armani blanket 2.5 seconds ago, but Lavish Kids all of a sudden has a ton of new Armani baby items, and I was smitten with this as soon as I laid eyes on it. Talk about a unique logo! Who doesn't love wiener dogs? Well, I'm sure a lot of people don't, but this one is so cute. And look at how he is just walking right onto the bib. I almost wish this gift set came with a dog rather than the signature little Armani duck. Adorable, expensive, $150.00, I want it.