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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cutest Bib Ever.

No really. This bandanna star bib by Ikks may be the cutest darn thing I have ever seen. It has this cowboy-esque "V" bandanna shape and little tassels and stars and come on it's just precious. My only worry is about how dirty the little white tassels will get, as they will surely act as tiny mops and soak up the gigantor mess that typically ends up on a high chair tray, but minor details right? Pick one up for your little buckaroo for $27.00 at Children Salon.

New Expensive Baby Things from Fendi!

Many of us love indulgences right? Guilty pleasures? That's why we love to hear about how much money celebrities spend on engagement rings, vacations, birthday parties for their children, custom steering wheel covers... It's disgusting yet somehow fascinating at the same time. I will not get into the politics of how the money spent on a $2000.00 steering wheel cover could be used to provide water for children in impoverished countries.... Aaaaanyway, I love Fendi. I cannot lie, I do. Every season when their new clothing emerges onto their site (they arrange by outfit, shoes included, so you can get the whole look), I swoon. I love high fashion. Will I ever have a baby that wears Fendi? Probably not. Do I appreciate the you-know-what out of it? Absolutely. Take this baby carrier and stroller for example. Gorgeous. A stunning dark navy blue with Zucca print accents? Yes please. Talk about indulgences... the baby carrier costs $369.00 while the stroller costs a whopping $1098.00!! Could you imagine? I cannot, yet I fantasize often. Find both at Children Salon.

Cavalli Bib Gift Set... And Other Things.

Okay, I know how it works with seasons and department stores and online and blah blah blah. You see bathing suits on the racks in February when you can't help but think, "Oh hell no, I am too pale and fat for that!" And how about right now, when I am browsing Children Salon, and click "New In" and it's all snowsuits and puffer jackets and fuzzy hats??? Nooooo!!! I'm not ready. It's July. And not even mid-July, so the summer isn't even halfway over. I'll be darned if department stores make me think otherwise! Aaaaanyway... I chose something neutral to share from Children Salon, such as this three piece bib gift set from Roberto Cavalli. The colors and incorporation of that famous leopard print that Cavalli loves is just about perfect: tasteful and fun yet not obnoxious. And the price? A not so bad $115.00! Get yours now... along with a snowsuit.

Cute Adorable Baby Headbands!

Baby Dior

Sonia Rykiel Enfant

Catimini

Monnlisa

Young Versace

What is it about babies in headbands? They are just so cute... hair, no hair, some hair, who cares? And who cares if they are pulling it off their head every few seconds? Start them young and you are sure to have a hair accessory addict in training. There are endless options nowadays as far as headbands go... and these are the best of the best from the brands you love. Find them all at Children Salon!

Cute New Sandals for Summer!

Baby Graziella

Kenzo

Monnalisa

Roberto Cavalli

I love how summer creeps up every years and somehow I seem to fall short of my springtime fitness goals... except this year I randomly decided to get back into running and am up to five miles a day. Even crazier yet, I have signed up for a half marathon in October. Goals are good to have, right? In any case, one of my favorite parts about summer is ditching the socks and shoes for painted toes and sandals. And why should your little one be left out of the fun? Especially with all of the cuteness popping up around Children Salon lately, wow! I went ahead and picked some favorites (pictured above) but there are soooo many more to choose from. This year seems to be about embellishments galore: ribbons, bows, charms, flowers... loving it all. I guess the only issue might be settling on just one pair or two that you like!

Burberry Baby Knit Booties

I randomly dreamed about frogs last night (I was chasing them and trying to catch them... what am I, 5?) so when I saw these cute little green booties, it seemed oddly fitting to talk about them. Hi, by the way. I know it's been a while. More on that later. So a little break from the normal for Burberry, these colorful booties (this shade is appropriately named "asparagus") are made of soft knit cotton and would be a fun addition to any outfit. Find them for just $60.00 at Saks.

New Guess Baby Shoes!

I have to be honest, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Guess would be those t-shirts that everyone had back in the 90's with the giant question marks on them. I also think of that scene in the Brady Bunch movie... that I am going to choose not to describe. If you have seen it, you know what I mean. But then I see things like these adorable baby shoes, and I know that Guess is still around making new statements every season. I am pretty in love with the pink check and striped shoes; the logo in rhinestones is also pretty awesome. The prices are very reasonable too, all around $50.00. Get your favorite pair at Children Salon.

Potentially Obsessed with Roberto Cavalli's Floral Print.

Okay okay, I know I already said this when talking about the Cavalli baby nest, but I cannot get enough of this gorgeous floral pattern! It's springy and warm and Easter-y and such a refreshing break from the usual things we see from Cavalli (leopard and ruffles and other fun stuff). This morning was unusually sunny in the Midwest US; lately it has nothing but gloom. It gave me that false sense of feeling that spring is just around the corner, when in reality we probably have a good 5-6 weeks. I suppose I am finding solace in beautiful flowery things like these: just imagine the weather they will be worn in! Hopefully you know someone who either has a little girl or will have a little girl when this magical time of year finally arrives, because this collection is begging to be shared. Find it all (there's more than what is pictured above) at Children Salon.

Some Cute New Monnalisa Accessories

I cannot tell a lie: in my opinion Monnalisa can do no wrong. There is just something about the little touches that you can see in every single one of their baby items; it's like every small beautiful detail was taken into consideration. My favorite of these new accessories for Spring/Summer 2012? The stretchy orange print headband. Notice how not only the Monnalisa name is embroidered across the orange, but there are also little rhinestones all over it. Spice up your child's warm weather collection and find these at Children Salon.

New Bibs from Gucci baby!

Ahh Gucci... the king of expensive baby items. From little rain coats to boots to fedoras and yes, even bibs. Saks has these three right now, new for spring 2012. I must say, I am loving the little birdie one! Typically, Gucci goes for the traditional GG print when it comes to its baby accessories (bibs, hats, bottle covers...) and it makes me happy to see that they are exploring more baby-esque themes. And days of the week Gucci bibs? Yes please! Could you imagine opening something like that as a gift and not squealing, "How much did you pay for these?!" So on that note, get ready for the prices. Gucci birdie bib: $195.00. Logo print bib: $120.00. Days of the week bibs: $355.00. Get the credit card ready!

Petunia Pickle Bottom Now Makes Baby Clothing!

Yes! I have been waiting for these to come out and the time has finally arrived! Petunia Pickle Bottom has always been a favorite when it comes to baby bags; the crazy beautiful patterns and colors can be recognized most anywhere. Now, you can get all of that colorful goodness in their baby clothes as well! From onesies to blankets to cute little hats, I think I am loving the patterns on the clothing more than I love the ones on the bags, if this is even possible! Even better: these sets are very reasonably priced, from between about $40.00 and $60.00. Check out this new collection at Nordstrom.

Another Expensive Bib from Baby Dior

Is it just me or is everyone turning up pregnant lately? I feel like my entire Facebook news feed from my personal page is filled with those strange baby updates that shows what week people are in and if their baby looks like a dinosaur or an actual human being. "Jill is at 22 weeks!" "Abby is at 12 weeks!" I mean is the entire world pregnant except for me? Maybe I can make a recommendation for my more financially sound friends, with the $82.00 baby bib from Dior. $82.00! Wonders never cease. It is tax return season, so if you are lucky enough to have some extra cash, you can find this at Saks Fifth Avenue.