1) Felt Fox Hat 2) Mimi Kirchner Doll 2) Mister Fox
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Thank you for everyone’s well wishes during Hurricane Irene. We’ve been very fortunate. My home went unscathed and other than some tree damage, leaks, and minor flooding, the neighborhood seems to have fared well. Some of my friends in other parts of the city and East Coast were not so lucky. Wishing you well as you trudge through the cleanup and battle insurance companies.
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What is going on with this weather? An earthquake in New York City, and now, a hurricane the same week?
We’re hunkering down for the largest storm since 1938. The mayor shuts down mass transit beginning at 12 noon tomorrow, and low lying areas near the coast line have mandatory evacuation. We’re on higher ground, but my mother scared the living daylights out of me for fear of loss of power and what that can entail.
It seems to me my fellow New Yorkers are not taking this storm seriously. If you have yet to prepare, this is for the mamas out there, here is my own mama’s checklist as she helps us prepare for Armageddon. It was helpful to me, and if you’re in the Northeast, you may still have some time to check a few more things:
1) The power may go out. Fill the car with gas. You won’t be able to get it for days after the storm.
2) Have plenty of cash on hand before the storm. Different denominations, plenty of ones and quarters. You won’t be able to use credit or debit cards. The stores, if open, will have no electricity. If you do find something to buy, the cash registers won’t open.
3) Be sure to shower and bathe pre-storm. You can’t count on water supply.
4) Your gas stove might work, but sometimes the gas lines are compromised and they not only don’t work but might be dangerous.
5) Get a cooler or two or three with ice pre-storm so you can store what you need in there. Make as much ice as you can ahead of time.
6) Stock up on items that won’t go bad. Raisins, dried fruits, nuts, bananas, apples, oranges, bread, crackers, lettuce, bottled water, peanut butter, packaged cheese crackers, canned foods, packaged foods, chips, salsa, and wine (my addition).
7) Cook as much as you can before the storm. Anything made with mayonnaise or eggs needs to be eaten first, obviously.
8 ) Every kind of battery you could possible need is vital to have. Get battery-powered radios and make sure you buy their batteries at the same time. More than you think you’ll need because with no news, no entertainment, etc, the batteries will die and need to be replaced much faster than in your wildest no-electricity nightmare. Oh, and good lantern-style flashlights — at least two per room (more for he living-dining-kitchen area) with PLENTY of batteries — can’t emphasize this enough. At night you won’t be able to see otherwise. Don’t even consider candles — far too dangerous with little ones.
9) The children may go stir crazy. Think of games to play, tell stories, emphasize using one’s imagination with the children. Classic Play is on the same wave length and has some great ideas for all ages.
10) If you are in zone A in New York City or an otherwise low-lying area, please heed your local warnings, and get out!
Sorry to be such a downer.
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Ever look longingly at the beautiful fashions in the blogosphere but know they’re unattainable on a budget?
Well, look no further. J.Crew has put all its sale items on further 30% discount with appropriate code MUSTSHOP. You can really score some great deals! Pictured above is what I might pick. Conveniently in time for back-to-school shopping through Thursday, August 28.
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Rachelle Francey and the La Petite editorial team have clearly been hard at work.
Find previews of the fall’s finest pieces styled by the experts. The photography is stunning. There’s also a series of children’s rooms in bright whites with layers of pattern and color. You know that’s right up my alley! Wile away a Tuesday morning right here.
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I’ve cast my net in the lunch box search far and wide, only to wind up back where I started: big box stores. This one from Target may be my favorite, though I have yet to see it in person. The water bottle is included, all for $12.99.
Soyoung Modern Family has a new name and new designs. This orange daisy style is calling my name, $29.95. Also, look out for the large cooler bags.
Sugar Booger should change its name, but they do have loads of darling soft lunch bags that fit into a backpack so your child has only to keep up with one thing. How darling is this Matryoshka? $15.50
Crocodile Creek can be hit or miss. This robot pattern hits all the right notes for me. $16.99.
Speaking of robots, Beatrix NY has introduced a female robot, “Svenja.” How cute that she’s walking her little robo dog? $34.
Neoprene goes Nordic with Built. It’s not on their website, but Target says it’s available in store.
Skip Hop extends the woodsy theme to foxes, $14.
Milkdot makes some of the most attractive soft lunch boxes around, $25.
Mickey Mouse is due for a comeback. Be the first with this retro tin box from Old Navy, $10.
This Union Jack from Dabbawalla is so slick. This family awaits the tricolor version. $30.
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As much as I try to deny, it’s that time. School is just around the corner. Have you started yet?
Here are the 10 Best Backpacks for Kids in 2011. They’ve been chosen with older kids in mind who might actually have books to trek to and from school, cute animal packs need not apply. Up top, a red number from American Apparel, $28.
Classic Fjällräven Kanken available at J.Crew, $65.
Jewel tone happiness from ASOS, $43.10
ASOS Canvas Backpack in Mustard — this might be my pick for the timeless quality, thought the double buckles pose a problem for little ones, $60.34.
Deena & Ozzy Colorblock from Urban Outfitters, $59.
Bakker Made With Love Vinyl Schoolbag, $62.48. The aqua was available stateside at Chasing Fireflies until a few days ago, but there’s a plethora of colors at international site Smallable, $62.48.
Crewcuts Wandering Star Backback, $49.50. I have a hunch this one will go quickly as well.
Beatrix Big Love Eco Pack made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, $56.
Baggu Elephant Backpack, $24. They also have the most amazing rainbow of the season’s best hues and some stripey greats.
Poketo Canvas Multicolored Backpack, $48
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It feels a wee bit early to embrace the Fall and I’m not letting go of summer just yet. But the new Talc collection softens the blow.
The timeless nature of these clothes might have you believe that they’ve been around forever, but Talc is actually a relatively new label out of France. The clothes are mature in cut and color with a healthy dose of play. I love the signature animal ear hoods, and by the looks of things perhaps this will be a big season for hats? Find a few key pieces or just use these images for inspiration. Talc knows how to put together an outfit like nobody’s business.
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We’re back for the second installment of Playtime New York. Find my review of the “boy’s” stuff here.
The more girl-oriented part of the show is more difficult to cover. Not only is there more of it, but I dress two little ladies at home so this is more personal. As usual, Playtime did not disappoint.
Sometimes the best surprises are the ones that come when you’re least expecting them. Such was the case with the runaway hit of the show, sunglasses from Sons + Daughters. I spent a long time talking to them and am pleased to tell you that they will also be offering an eyewear line in the future for bespectacled kids like my Bee.
Gorgeous, no?
Another discovery was Ode. This is a textile driven line inspired by the designer’s native village of Ode, India and originally created for her niece. She wanted to make clothing that did not feel like costumes, but could actually be worn casually this side of the Atlantic. In person, these jewel tones are truly vibrant.
Zolima exands beyond the lotus blossom. Also incorporating jewel tones into their collection, they really know how to put together an outfit over there:
Next time I think they should get together with Bensimon for a combined exhibit. Come to think of it, most of the clothing at the show could do with pop of neon:
Sneak preview of the Bensimon Liberty prints for the Spring:
Two collections that are easy to confuse by name, also share some visual similarities. Littl by Lilit from Germany, left, and Little Lief from New York, right (I adore both):
Wovenplay getting in on some of the jewel tones, their fabric choices harkened back to the forties:
Kico Kids went high tech:
They also have a new line of shoes made just for them:
Bobo Choses goes camping next summer:
I’m still dreaming about the painterly colorways from Caramel Baby and Child:
Makié made me smile twice. First when I spotted that dress on the left, and second when I saw it’s miniature mock up:
Those little clothes are perfect for these guys:
That’s it for Playtime Spring preview for Fall 2011! I look forward to bringing you more from these and other awesome brands I got to know there. Fall and Winter up all too soon.
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Must be suffering wanderlust because both this and the post on my other blog follow brave souls who dare take the road — erm, ocean — less traveled.
I so admire people who are not afraid to live their lives boldly. It gets more difficult to follow your dreams after children. Priorities shift, things change. James Burwick and Somira Sao let nothing stand in their way of their dream, and took a calculated risk when they took their wee children, Tormentina, 3, and Raivo, 9 months, on a transatlantic voyage via sail boat. After having set sail from Portland, Maine, they just finished a 21-day-trek across the Atlantic Ocean. To find out more about their trip and the journey ahead, follow Anasazi Racing.
All images via Anasazi Racing.
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