Bright Summer Patterns from Kenzo!

Ugh, why is it only mid-January?? The only silver lining I am seeing to this situation is that it means I still have about four months to get "bikini ready" as they say. The holidays once again caused me to loosen my belt a notch... but that's what it's all about right? In any case, I am loving the colorful sunny patterns that Kenzo is showing for their spring/summer 2013 collection. My favorite is definitely the strawberry print headband pictured at the bottom. Also in this print you can find dresses, hats, you name it. So so adorable. Tons of bright bathing suits too, both one pieces and bikinis. Now all we need is some sun. Get ready for it and find these and more at Children Salon!

A Great Beach Bag by Parrot!

What better time to think about beaches and cruises and palm trees than the dead of winter? While there is no snow anymore here in the Midwest, it is frigid. While it's always a torturous tease to see summer clothes start emerging this time of year, it's great to have the warm weather as something to look forward to... because let's face it: January and February can be miserable. So nothing makes me think tropical cruise more than a fun nautical-themed bag like this one from Parrot. 100% cotton so it is machine washable (in case you spill a daiquiri or something on it!), this bag is perfect to tote around your kids' beach gear. Find it for $107.00 at Children Salon.

Leopard Print Love

Something about Cavalli's leopard print never gets old. My favorite thing about the collection's use of this print is that it's not the typical cutsey pink/purple babied-up version. It's chic and realistic, just like you would see on a scarf for an adult. Babies should be allowed to be chic too! To dress your chic baby in this onesie, it will cost you about $90.00. Find it and more at Children Salon.

Roberto Cavalli's Fall 2012 Floral

Roberto Cavalli floral onesie

Roberto Cavalli floral zip-up jacket

Roberto Cavalli floral baby changing mat

Roberto Cavalli floral infant's bubble dress

Alright, so we all know I went a little ballistic over Roberto Cavalli's peony pattern this past spring. But then again, who didn't? It was such an amazing and refreshing break from their usual (but fabulous) leopard print and ruffles. For fall 2012, Cavalli has done it again with yet another amazing floral pattern. The colors are so rich and warm, and I love the gold-toned ornate details that is tangled up among the flowers. Like the peony pattern was, you can find this pattern on everything from baby bags to rain coats and you can find them ALL at Children Salon.

Gucci High-Tops!

Truthfully speaking, I never thought high-tops would come back. I remember my favorite outfit when I was little: Reebok high-tops, jean shorts (knee-length, rolled cuffs), aand a white t-shirt with a green waist-tied shirt over the top of it. Oh, and a side ponytail. Cannot forget the side ponytail. The 80s and early 90s were a very strange time fashion-wise, but apparently some elements were a good enough idea to bring back. Fashion is fascinating because it is very circular. If something was once a trend and that trend dies, it will come back in good time. So high-tops. Not the most comfortable shoe, and not something that will ever be fashionable on adults ever again in my opinion, but pretty adorable for babies (example 334324523 of the "Babies Can Pull Off Anything Rule"). From Gucci, these Coda high-top sneakers are made from soft pink leather with durable rubber soles and sweet pink laces. Find them for a nominal cost of $235.00 at Neiman Marcus.

Warm and Wonderful from Juicy Couture

Cannot lie... the softly-colored embroidered onesie and bib are by far my favorite. Have you been to Saks lately? If not, open a new tab in your browser right now. Even if you are at work. Keep a half-finished spreadsheet handy in case your boss walks by. But you have to go to Saks' website and check out all of the adorable winter baby items... then spend the rest of the day shocked that you are excited for SNOW.

Tartan Bibs by Ralph Lauren

Ahh... a conundrum we have here. Traditionally, I am not a huge fan of Ralph Lauren's baby collection. It's not that I dislike what they do, it just doesn't do much for me. But now they had to go and make a three piece bib gift set with tartan. I LOVE TARTAN. You with this round, Ralph Lauren; I think these are fabulous. Even with the tartan and dark colors, in my opinion these would be perfect for both the gentlemen and the ladies. And, with dark colors, less showing of stains! What more could you ask for? Find this perfect Christmas gift (oh yes I just went there) at Children Salon.

Bonnie Baby Four Piece Gift Set

It has been so much fun (my Grandma always says that is not proper English but oh well... sorry Grandma) to watch Bonnie Baby's flawless collection grow and change ever since their big entrance into the wonderful world of high-end baby clothes. Breaking away from only carrying super-soft cashmere, now Bonnie Baby offers amazing cotton items like this four piece gift set. Made from baby-soft stretchy cotton, this sweet apple pattern set comes with a romper, hat, blanket, and bunny toy. The perfect gift for a special baby boy in your life? I think so. Find it for $123.00 at Children Salon.

Life and Stuff.

Long story short: the unexpected is never far away. Be grateful for what you have; appreciate it with every ounce of your being. You just never know when you could lose something that you hold very, very dear. With that being said, Designer Baby will be back up and running starting this coming Sunday! We apologize for the unexpected and unannounced break, but are looking forward to a return to normalcy and a return to chatting about beautiful baby things. Thank you all :)

The Perfect Holiday Dress from Baby Graziella

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas party, church on Christmas, New Years Eve... this dress is perfect for all holiday occasions. It is a wonderful combination of wool and cashmere, combining all sorts of textures from the ribbed top to the sequin bubble skirt to the soft satin bow belt. I love dresses that you could pair with both white or black as far as tights, shoes, and accessories go. This dress falls right into that category. This hat by Ciccino would be an adorable addition to the outfit:

And maybe pair them with these little black patent shoes from Early Days:

Why am I all of a sudden excited for the holiday season? Why am I wishing I had a baby in my life (umm not necessarily my own) to buy these things for? Almost too much cuteness to handle. Find all of these at my all-time favorite, Children Salon.

Burberry Baby Snowsuit - Fancy!

Oh yes, I'm so going there. I'm posting about a snowsuit on the last day of August. Why not get crazy... it is Friday, tomorrow starts a new month, and I am headed to Chicago for a weekend of awesomeness. And let's face it, winter will be here before we know it. Normally I think that shiny snowsuits somewhat resemble Hefty bags:

Come on, it's a little uncanny isn't it? But... now I'm going to be a hypocrite. I love this one from Burberry. Something about the combination of the dark, shiny material paired with the softness of the check lining and faux fur works for me. Or maybe it's just because it's Burberry, but who can say? The hood is detachable and the entire thing is machine washable; the only downside in my opinion is that there are no detachable mittens or booties. Half of the sizes are already out of stock, so get yours while you can for $335.00 at Children Salon.

A Beautiful Outfit by Chloe Baby

Be still my heart. Chloe's baby collection is just amazing. Words that come to mind: classic, soft, French, sophisticated, stunning. Soft gray flannel pleated shorts with an elastic waist give the appearance of traditional wool but will be as soft and comfortable as pajamas. The top is a cotton/silk blend (maybe even more comfortable!) with a ruffly empire waist. Little pink flowers and a rhinestone logo add the final feminine touch. Amazing. I can see white tights and little black shoes under the shorts and maybe a beret and black jewelry of some sort? Endless possibilities. Find the shirt for $145.00 and the shorts for $150.00 at Neiman Marcus.

D&G's Ugly Sweater Party

Okay... I don't know if I'm in a particularly opinionated mood or what, but this sweater is just... yikes. Not really sure what Dolce & Gabbana is going for here, but it doesn't seem to be working for me. Something about the combination of the knit flowers paired with the brown remind me of a pillow my grandmother made back in the 80's. It was a beautiful pillow perfect for the 80's, not material for a sweater in 2012. Vintage is all the rage nowadays and I'm guessing that is what D&G is going for here, but I'm just not digging it. Made of 100% wool, this unique gem is sure to keep your baby warm. Find it for a nominal cost of $450.00 at Neiman Marcus.

Fancy Fur Baby Booties

Well... it doesn't get much fancier than this: fuzzy leopard faux fur, pink velvet ribbon tied into bows on the sides, and a rhinestone logo. Under normal circumstances, if I read a description like that I'd turn up my nose. It just sounds like too much, doesn't it? But... in this case it's not. It's not at all. Let's call it "Monnalisa Magic," because everything they touch is just pure gold. These are fantastic. If I was out somewhere and saw a baby wearing them, I'd stop and inquire. They almost even make me excited for winter. Almost. These are sure to sell out quick, so get them while you can for $101.00 at Children Salon!

Designer Pacifier Bags!

Talk about a luxury! Who even has an inexpensive regular bag for their baby's pacifier? Don't most people just use a ribbon or cord to attach it to the actual baby? Well, if that is not fancy enough for you, consider this cute little leopard print pacifier bag from Roberto Cavalli. It cracks me up that this has a strap like a wristlet. Perfectly girly with wild leopard print and gold logo, this would make a very unique gift that you can pretty much guarantee no one else at the baby shower will bring. For a whopping $107.00. And if this one is a bit too feminine for you, how about this blue Zucca print pacifier bag from Fendi:

This one is a bit more low-key and suitable for a chic baby boy. Wouldn't the two make fun boy/girl twin gifts? That is, if you have another $104.00 to spend on this one. Style is not cheap! Find both at Children Salon.

From People.com: Mini Straw Fedoras

Could these kids be any cuter? A straw fedora is the perfect summer accessory and who says that kids can't rock them as well?? From left to right: Honor Warren, Skyler Berman, and Vida McConaughey. I am loving Vida's dress as well! Find more cute mini-celebrities at People.com.

Catimini Winter 2012: A Sneak Peak

So while I am finally ready to welcome the idea of fall (not actual fall, just the idea of it), there is no way that it's time to think about winter. The Christmas season - my favorite time of year. Everything else about winter - ie ice scrapers, snow driving, dark at 5:00... not my cup of tea. That being said, these items from Catimini's winter 2012 line were too adorable to not share. We will call it "getting our feet wet," so maybe when actual winter arrives it will not be such a shock. Find all of these at Children Salon.

Baby Bag Trend: Patterns.

Patterned bags aren't just for adults anymore! Okay... so baby bags are still carried by adults. But still. I have always been a huge fan of the crazy colorful patterns found on Petunia Pickle Bottom's bags, and it seems like more and more brands are taking that carefree, fun approach. When you reach into your bag to grab the extra pacifier because your child lost theirs for the 1000th time, wouldn't you feel better if you were reaching into a bag like these?? The top bag is Dolce & Gabbana, followed by Kate Spade, then Marc by Marc Jacobs and you can find them ALL at Saks.

TOMS Mary Janes! With Glitter!

Yes yes and YES. After overcoming my anti-hipster attitude-induced distaste for TOMS shoes, I have all but fallen in love with them. I especially love their "One for One" motto: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need. So the hipsters had the right idea... this time anyway. Red glitter shoes are fabulous and fun for any little girl, even if they are not familiar with the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy's famous ruby slippers. Sometimes about them just makes you feel like dancing around. And with their super durability, your little girl can dance until she drops. Find these for $36.00 at Neiman Marcus.

Fall Accessories from Neiman Marcus

Okay okay, I am finally warming up to the idea of fall being around the corner. The end of summer is weird isn't it? You feel ready for sweatshirts and leaves on the ground and football, but feel sad to leave behind sunny days by the pool and daylight until 10pm. This fall is special for me, as my last day at my at my day job is September 7. But I have already been ranting enough about that. So here we have a handful of pretty autumn things. On top, a very expensive ($290.00) baby changing pad by Gucci, a fair isle blanket set by Ralph Lauren (is it not the sweetest thing you have ever seen) and ribbed tights by Tartine et Chocolat. Note the little rhinestone butterfly on the ankle. Okay fall, I'm ready to accept your entrance. Find all of these at Neiman Marcus.