At home in Boston

I'm the only one from our little family who wasn't born in Boston but I've grown to love it all the same.  The ever enchanting Public Garden is home to our treasured Make Way for Ducklings statues and Swan Boats.  If you're a local or just passing through, this park has universal appeal and is not to be missed.  Beyond the parks and history, our city has a strong creative energy that is truly embraced by the community.  As you can imagine, its always fun to discover new makers and brands that call Boston their home.  

During our recent trip to Nantucket, we discovered Smiling Button, a playful children's label born and bred in Boston.  I knew right away we'd be devout fans.  Adorable prints paired with classic styling make for timeless pieces.

Our little lady never stops and this day was no exception.  From the park to the library, her dancing feet were happy all day in our favorite summer shoes which were designed and manufactured in Pennsylvania by Zimmerman.  Read more about our admiration for this shoe manufacturer in my Endless Summer and Little Wanderer posts.  

Well hello there Mila!  This little peanut knew nothing but snow for the first few months of her life and is happy to be spending her summer in sleeveless rompers.  We occasionally run across wonderful handmade labels on Instagram and have fallen hard for Seababy.  Moriah makes precious items from vintage and high quality fabrics.  I just love that this little romper is fully lined and has an adjustable back tie that allows it to grow with the child.  

Elise's Peter Beaton hat (as mentioned in a previous post), is another born in Massachusetts label.  It now seems to be her go to hat for sunny adventures.   

Little Wanderer

Prior to Mila's arrival earlier this year, our travels took us around the globe with a child in tow.  Now with two, our limitless possibility of destinations has come to a screeching halt for the time being.  Instead we've taken longer and more frequent trips to Vermont and rediscovered our own backyard.  There is a wonderful pedestrian trail in Stowe, VT that covers five miles of picturesque terrain and offers us the opportunity to explore the outdoors without going too far off the beaten path.

For those who read my previous post, Elise's Zimmerman shoes need no introduction.  Tried and true, they take us from one adventure to the next and have been without a doubt our go to shoe for every occasion.  They didn't require any break in period and on numerous occasions she's told me they are "so comfy cozy."  Yep, can't beat a comfortable shoe, no matter how old you are.

Romper, sun suit, play suit, call it what you want, we can't get enough of them.  I purchased this Dagmar Daley sun suit on a whim and love everything about this piece. The gathered torso and puff shorts have a uniquely vintage feel and we get compliments every time she wears it.   

There isn't a season when this neck of the woods isn't stunningly beautiful although take caution on that wooden bridge when it snows!

Endless Summer

Temperatures are back in the 90s this week in Boston and humid, my least favorite weather combination.  The girls needed a break from the AC so we took a stroll along the water where you can pick up a bit of a breeze.  Our city has many selling features, but to be a short walk away from this beautiful park along the river is at the top of my list. 

Typically this time of year we're gearing up for Fall and getting excited to do some back to school shopping but I'll miss the ease of our summer wardrobes.  No hats and gloves to keep track of, or wondering if we left the house in enough layers.  If its 90 degrees out, there's no guesswork.  An easy summer blouse by Soor Ploom, Vierra Rose drawstring chambray shorts and our favorite shoes by Zimmerman.  

We're a family that is hard on our footwear.  If worn frequently, most of our shoes last a season or two, tops and very few of Elise's will be handed down to Mila as a result.  I don't know what their secret is, but Zimmerman shoes LAST.  The pictures don't lie, they still look new after almost daily wear on three year old feet.  If you want to feel good about American manufacturing and a small family owned business, please read their "About Us" page.  Now back to that Fall wardrobe... we are obsessing over these gorgeous Scalloped Mary Janes and the Milo Boot in Cheeta.

Babies on Beaches

The concept seems simple, (bring baby to beach) but it is far from that as any parent knows.  In Nantucket we were a short walk away from Steps Beach which much like the name implies, can only be accessed by walking down a steep set of stairs.  Toys, tent, umbrella, chairs, baby, toddler, they all made the trek.  And these smiling faces made it all worthwhile.  

Shortly after Mila was born, I knew I wanted her to have a something special of her own that could be passed down, something timeless.  I also knew that Minikin was sure to have what we were after.  I find myself drawn to their aesthetic and always love shopping with them because they create a personal connection with their customers that is hard to find elsewhere.  They carried a gorgeous Spring collection from Tocoto Vintage and we found Mila an adorable three piece set; bonnet, blouse and bloomers.  The pieces were made from a featherweight cotton and are adorned with ruffles and lace trim, truly special.  

Tiny Cottons, an imaginative brand based in Barcelona, produced this muslin swaddle which has become one of my essentials.  I rarely leave the house without it and only wish I had purchased more.  This print is from their spring/summer Camp-Pin-Pump collection and features a swim logo print that took me right back to my swim team days.  

Wildflowers of Nantucket

The title of this post is actually the name of a wildflower guide I found on island last week which I'm still regretting not purchasing.  Nantucket is a magical place in many regards and can attract a wide array of visitors as a result.  I love that every time we visit, we uncover something new about the island.  For the first time, this year Bartlett's Farm offered wildflower picking tours and it was a messy adventure but oh so worth it.  

The day before our flower tour, a special little package arrived from the coveted new label Tortoise & the Hare Clothing out of Lancaster County, PA.  Rosina has designed a collection of the most precious heirloom quality pieces.  We were thrilled to learn about this new brand and snag a few items from her first release.  I think Elise has worn this gingham blouse three out of the last four days.  The cut is superb and it wears beautifully.  And wooden buttons up the back, need I say more?

We happen to be a hat family.  Much like those who collect sunglasses or other accessories, we like our hats.  Elise was the first in our family to get a Peter Beaton followed by my husband and then finally I had to join the party and get one too.  If you're ever on island, please visit this adorable hat studio, tucked away down an enchanting alleyway visiting the shop is an experience in itself!

We heart wooden buttons....

Elise enjoyed helping me arrange our wildflowers when we returned to the house.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed Bartlett's Farm offers this tour again next year!

Vacation days

Summer feels like it just started but somehow we are nearing the end of July already and it will be over before we know it.  Luckily we were able to plan a trip to Nantucket while the sun is still shining, our first time here as a family of four.  

A classic island calls for classic styles and a Wren and James gingham dress fit the bill on this day.  A style you might remember from your own childhood photos, Wren and James uses only the highest quality fabrics and their craftsmanship is exceptional.  Here its paired with a Namhee NYC Liberty print whale necklace and Free Babes bows.   

Painting Rocks

I've been fortunate to spend some quality time with the girls in Vermont this summer.  Away from the distractions of the city, we've been exploring the nature around us.  It was sunny and humid on this particular day and although we needed to get out of the house, I didn't exactly want to be baking in the sun.  We collected some rock friends along our drive into town and gave them each a home in our egg carton.  With acrylic paints, Elise gave "faces" to her rock friends.  They took on their own personalities over hours of pretend play.   

Elise in our favorite summertime dress by Soor Ploom.  If I could get my hands on more colors, I would have but they sold out quickly this year.

Mila is taking it all in.  The girls have lived in these matching Soor Ploom pieces this summer.  The fabrics are wonderful and have the softest touch.  I also find the fit of these pieces to be spot on.  They fit far longer than you would imagine and Elise can wear multiple sizes in both the tops and dresses.

A small town 4th of July

Our 4th of July was spent in Northern Vermont.  Two parades within a couple miles of our home, face painting, t-shirt making, flag waving and near perfect temperatures made for a memorable holiday weekend.  

Wovenplay made a special run of these gorgeous fourth of July dresses this summer and we were lucky enough to snatch one up.  The organic fabric was hand printed and is just stunning in person.  Best of all, Elise loved wearing her special "star dress".