Blue Alma for Baby

When the stars align and you've found the perfect knitwear to complement your little one's wardrobe, dressing for winter becomes a joy.  Such was the case for us upon discovering the beautiful range of baby and children's knitwear from Blue Alma.

I welcome you to get to know this wonderful brand and the inspirational woman behind it!

Owner and designer, Annemarie Shoemaker is dedicated to producing goods with a nod to tradition, the highest quality fibers, beautiful styling, and comfort.  Annemarie's collection of knitwear provides the perfect amount of warmth without unnecessary bulk or itch.  During her design process, a great deal of thought is given to a garment's functionality and the child's well-being without compromising on style.  When worn, these pieces pull together any outfit effortlessly.  Trust us, you'll be smitten.  

For Annemarie, knitting runs deep.  A skill passed down through generations of family members, she pays homage to these traditions in each garment that is produced.  After graduating from fashion design school in Berlin, Annemarie, a German native, worked in various settings as a freelance designer, in a yarn store, and as a technical design assistant for a knitwear company.  Along the journey, true love eventually brought her overseas to live in Brooklyn, the birthplace of her handknit label, Blue Alma. 

Yarns are thoughtfully chosen and made from pure natural fibers.  The current collection was produced using a cotton-alpaca blend, snuggly soft yet breathable with the ability to wear year-round.  

Annemarie was lucky to have found a team of talented artisans in Peru who help produce the knitwear while maintaining the brand's dedication to 'handmade.'  These women and men are highly skilled and detail oriented knitters who deserve a fair wage.  Feel good knowing that your Blue Alma purchase helps to support this collaboration of talent worlds away.  

Museum of Wonder

We’ve taken to the halls of the Museum of Fine Arts for a stroll with the masters on this blustery winter day. Elise marvels at larger than life works of art and we are soon lost in wonder at the museum.  She’s determined to find pieces from thumbprint images in our guidebook and each discovery brings a moment of pride and excitement.  The wonderful brands, Valya Kids and Blue Alma Knits kept us cozy as we wandered exhibits on view at the MFA.  

Join us at the Museum on Junior Style London!

Litcitar Hearts of Croatia

The magic of the winter season is everywhere these days.  As city dwellers, we've been serenaded by brass instruments while shopping and delighted by the grace of figure skaters in pop-up ice rinks.  An abundance of little white lights keeps us cheerful through progressively shorter days.  And when it gets too chilly outside for mitten-clad fingers, we gather in the kitchen to bake.  

Check us out today on the Junior Style Blog! 

Clothing credits:

Elise's knit dress:  Misha & Puff

Mila's blouse: Soor Ploom

Elise’s apron: Fog Linen

Oven gloves: Thornback & Peel

Mila's hair bow: Pitchoun Designs

Elise's floral dress: Vintage

Gifting Inspiration from ABOE Designs

If you're anything like me, you're still making your lists and checking them twice.  And while we'd like to think we're on top of our gifting game, there is always an elusive present that checks all the boxes.  But this year we've come across possibly the best 'go to' gift for the littles on your list.  ABOE Designs sprinkles its magic through the post with the most adorable assortment of colour in jewelry, dolls, and doll beds that keep little hands busy for hours.  

The precious designs from ABOE look beautiful as is, yet there are endless possibilities to exercise your creativity and make them your own.  With a bottle of Mod Podge, a brush, scissors, and printed paper, this little artist and I decoupaged our doll's sleeping place into a bed of flowers.  We can't wait to add a finishing touch with her colouring pencils, this four year old's favourite medium.   

Between siblings, there is always an eye out for grabby hands and when it comes to her dearest possessions, Elise is quick to secure her dolls and bed!  But when everyone is settled, this set can be easily packed flat and popped into luggage as the perfect play thing for the many adventures that await!

Dreaming in Wool with Merino Kids

The comfort that surrounds us during these cold winter months comes in many forms; a crackling fire, hot cocoa, freshly baked cookies, and cozy sleepwear.  And when it comes to what our children wear for nearly 12 hours a day, there are few brands that meet my requirements.  Fortunately, we discovered Merino Kids when Elise was an infant and since then, have relied on their 100% natural fiber garments to bring us countless hours of peaceful rest.  

In my search for a natural fiber sleep bag over 3 years ago, I came across Merino Kids, a New Zealand-based company specializing in merino wool sleepwear.  Although wool is typically associated with the cooler months, many underestimate its body temperature regulating properties and ability to wick away moisture, keeping us dry in warmer weather.  

A subtle stripe and simplistic cut gives Merino Kids sleepwear universal appeal.  Whats more, the girls can easily wear and grow into these pieces.  It appeals to our desire to live in synthetic-free clothing and is truly comfort at its best.   

I invite you to share in our coziness this winter and browse the beautiful selection of sleepwear from Merino Kids.  

Falling for Selenita

Perhaps my favourite aspect of traveling is discovering makers and brands from around the globe.  Talented artisans and unique creations remind us of the time we spent in distant lands.  Our summer travels led us on an adventure in Edinburgh where we stumbled upon a hidden gem.  This enchanting city is home to the equally enchanting childrenswear brand, Selenita. 

Join us over on the Junior Style Blog for a journey to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, a feast for the eyes this time of year.  We look forward to seeing you there!

https://juniorstyle.net/falling-selenita/

Discovering Plimoth Plantation in Devon's Drawer

The colorful and crisp New England fall is upon us and there is no better time to soak up the history and beginnings of our commonwealth state of Massachusetts.  Join us over on the Junior Style Blog as we journey back in time to the Plimoth Plantation.  The occasion called for precious fall dresses from the heirloom children's brand, Devon's Drawer.

We look forward to seeing you there!  https://juniorstyle.net/plimoth-plantation-devons-drawer/

The Hundred Acre Wood featuring Sue Hill

The elusive Hundred Acre Wood has been on our list of must-see places this summer.  Nearing the end of our stay in England we ventured into the land of honey pots and Winnie-the-Pooh, retracing the footsteps of Christopher Robin.  Our adventures in Pooh Country with British chrildrenswear brand Sue Hill, can be found on the Junior Style blog today.

https://juniorstyle.net/hundred-acre-wood-featuring-sue-hill/

Strolling along the Thames

We've reached high summer in London and have been craving peaceful walks in the country, a simple pleasure that brings us so much joy this time of year.  Join us on Junior Style for a stroll along the Thames with the wonderful Belgium childrenswear label, Maan and playful dolls by UK brand ABOEDesigns.

https://juniorstyle.net/strolling-along-thames/

"Inspired by Blake Acres," A Free Babes Collaboration

A summer of adventures in London wouldn't be complete without a special trip to the famed Liberty of London store, setting the stage for the "Inspired by Blake Acres" collection which goes live today at Free Babes Handmade! 

Liberty of London is home to those sought-after floral prints we've all come to adore.  What fun we had choosing the perfect fabric for this collection from the Haberdashery floor of our favorite London store!

Our travels have found us surrounded by enchanting English gardens and at the moment London is saturated by color and scents from roses to irises and lavender.  But perhaps my favorite sight this time of year are the summer vines which creep their way up building facades and trees, creating a romantic feel to a simple walk through the park.  These pleasure grounds we've enjoyed have further influenced the "Inspired by Blake Acres" bows and we selected favorite summertime Liberty florals as the perfect compliment to a garden adventure.

British summers are synonymous with gardens yes, but we wouldn't have these lush spaces without a bit of rain!  And when it rains, there are no shortage of wonderful spots to explore but if I could be stuck indoors for a day, I'd choose the Liberty of London store, hands down.  The building dates back to 1924 and was built from the timbers of two ships.  The interior rooms have a homely feeling complete with fireplaces and nooks to explore.  But perhaps our favorite discovery is the rotating clock that chimes at each quarter hour and showcases a knight chasing a dragon.  So whimsical, so British, so very Liberty!

Summer time adventures at Isabella Plantation

by Jessica Dickinson for Junior Style

We ventured to the wonderful Isabella Plantation in summer time favorites by the lovely brand Mabo.  Skip on over to the Junior Style London blog for the full feature!

https://juniorstyle.net/isabella-plantation-mabo/

Hampstead Adventures in Cosy Cloud Kids

by Jessica Dickinson for Junior Style

So thrilled today to be featured on the Junior Style London blog along with the wonderful brand Cosy Cloud Kids.  Head on over to their blog for the full post!

https://juniorstyle.net/hampstead-adventures-cosy-cloud-kids/

The Adventure Begins Here

Our long awaited journey to London is here and we are quickly falling in love with this wonderful city.  We've been welcomed with magnificent weather while chirping birds and cascading wisteria abound.  We rarely leave the home without a picnic blanket and frequent trips to Sally Clarke's bakery are justified only by the amount of walking we do on a daily basis.  

I'm excited to share with you our treasured moments and findings from "across the pond." Over the next four months, we'll be introducing you to wonderful makers from the UK and beyond and will take you on explorations from off the beaten path.  The adventure begins here!

It wasn't hard for me to feel right at home here where many seem to share my appreciation for gardens, songbirds and serenity.  So we've found ourselves visiting these beautiful green spaces that the English have so painstakingly maintained.  

Among the garden crowd, "bluebells" is the buzzword these days.  A pretty little blue flower that en masse, creates a blanket of periwinkle in the woodland areas.  They can be found right now in London's Holland Park and Kew Gardens.  Further afield, the National Trust has a handy guide to bluebell fields throughout the UK.

Without further ado, I leave you with a few of my favorite garden moments from our first week in London.  May these be among the first of many adventures as our summer awaits!

The Glorious Gardner

Our beloved city is home to the enchanting Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum which is a magical place for patrons of all ages.  The Venetian inspired ambiance centers the soul and transports us to far off worlds and times while remarkable works of art are etched in our minds.  

Our British adventure begins in less than a week so our days have been filled with visiting these most treasured spaces to which we say "adieu" but only for a short while.   

With European travels on the horizon, we've been lusting after all the wonderful creations from overseas and recently indulged in the sweetest frock from the collection of Princesse au Petit Pois®.  The beautiful pairing of a swiss dot apron and a linen dress edged with black rick rack gives this ensemble fullness and texture.  Timeless and playful, she looks as if she's jumped from the canvas of an Edwardian painting.

A trip to our favorite museum is not complete without visiting my all time favorite artwork, John Singer Sargent's El Jaleo. The impressive scale and sultry scene always holds me captive.  It was a joy to see my daughter pay tribute to this awe inspiring exhibit in her own 'Elise' way.  

When we were last here, photography was only allowed on the first floor around the atrium.  Just last month, they relaxed the rules and cameras are welcome throughout!  We can now leave with a little bit of the Gardner (without being mistaken for thieves!). Read more about the Gardener's missing artworks here.  It remains one of the greatest mysteries of our city.

Everything's Coming Up Peonies

It has been a busy few weeks for us as we get ready for our summer abroad in London.  With limited packing space, we're editing down our list of toys, clothes and gear.  My sentimental side is already missing Vermont and all the beauty that it brings this time of year.  Pretty soon our yard will begin to bloom with allium, lupine, day lilies and the crown jewel of our garden, giant fuchsia peonies.  I find myself looking for ways to bring some of this beauty with us on our travels abroad, a little taste of home when we're yearning for the sound of peepers, a glimpse of fireflies or a bouquet of our favorite wildflower.  So you can imagine how excited I was to learn of a local children's wear brand steps from our front door aptly named, Petit Peony that will send us on our journeys with a nod to our New England roots.  

I've had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Petit Peony's founder and designer, Kate Bowen who shared with me her journey into creating the "most spirited and memorable children's line on the market."  

A year and a half ago, following the birth of her son, Kate got right to work creating summer dresses for girls in her Vermont home.  Her design philosophy was to create pieces that looked unique yet refined.  Kate constructs each piece with at least two opposing fabrics which gives her designs interest and effortless coordination.  Kate was introduced to co-owner and CEO Ashely Wayman who's background in business has helped to establish the brand around the globe.  Kate and Ashley's collective passion for these coveted pieces was recognized by boutiques all over the country and abroad, 85 in total. 

As we were chatting, we inevitably came to the topic of work-life balance which is even more relevant when raising three young children.  As many of us know, a perfect balance doesn't exist but Kate's philosophy is refreshing and true.  Quality time spent with your children is better than quantity.  Between traveling for work and designing her line, she finds time to be present in the moment with her kids.  

If you're local to the Boston area, I'm personally inviting you to a trunk show I'll be hosting on Thursday, April 14th from 5-8.  Please email me (hello@blake-acres.com) for more details.  I guarantee you'll be smitten with their beautiful selection of summer dresses and coordinating leggings.

The collection is full of playful patterns that so beautifully coordinate with one another.  Half the fun is playing stylist by mixing and matching your favorite pieces to get a look that's all your own!  As an ode to our beloved New England summers, Mila is wearing Firefly leggings with the Navy Anchors Reversible Wrap Dress which is lined in a delightfully pink seersucker material.  With an option to wear the reverse side, we have two dresses in one!

Elise strolls in wonder of the magnificent collection of works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.  It is a mother's delight to watch as she stands in awe of the great masters of our time.

With a swing in her step, she looks as pretty as a picture in Bubble Gum Leggings and the Pomberry Reversible Wrap Dress which for me is reminiscent of a peony bouquet.   

The perfect topper for these lovely pieces was found again not far from home in neighboring New Hampshire.  Fancy Free Finery has a glorious collection of flower crowns for your fairy princess.  Easy to wear, this Anemone felt flower crown adds a special touch to any outfit.  

Come what May

We are reeling over the ever changing weather forecasts here in New England.  Boston was covered in 4 inches of snow Monday and we're experiencing arctic like temperatures in April!  Needless to say, I'm dreaming about May flowers, swan boat rides, and picnics.  In the meantime, we have no choice but to make the best of April with outdoor adventures that keep our feet on the move.

Whether jumping in muddy puddles or sloshing through the snow, Elise's new Keen Encanto boots keep her little piggies dry and warm.  They're absolutely perfect for these unpredictable conditions we're facing outdoors.

Like a stubborn mule, year after year we feel those first signs of spring and eagerly pack away all our winter gear.  Inevitably, I'm shocked when it snows in April!  This year the joke's not on us anymore.  We're prepared for anything that comes our way with our Keen boots that can kick through snow like sand on a beach.  

I've lived in Boston for over ten years yet just recently discovered this gorgeous wooded area a short drive from our bustling city.  The Arnold Arboretum is quite literally a living museum for countless species of plants.  A short walk into the serene park and you're sure to be amazed by magical trees and vegetation.  Loose yourself playing hide and seek beneath the canopy of greenery in this natural playground.  

Rainy Day at the Museum

When it rains here in Boston, flocks of children descend upon our museums where they can expend some energy roaming exhibit halls.  We followed suit and found ourselves at the Harvard Museum of Natural History where I was pleasantly surprised by its intimate space yet impressive collection of curiosities and critters from our natural world.  From the display of colorful rocks to the menagerie of animals, I felt like we were on the set of Doctor Dolittle.

This is the golden age for jumpsuits.  They are back in a big way for all ages and I can't think of a better silhouette for our walking toddler.  Like any Soor Ploom piece, the cut of the Frankie Jumpsuit is perfection.  Mila can move freely without restriction and the soft pre-washed linen can be worn year-round which is wonderful news for us long-suffering New Englanders.  Minikin, purveyor of the world's most enchanting children's wear, has a wonderful selection of these Brooklyn made garments including a gorgeous Minikin exclusive, this Birdie Tunic in coral.  

I have a tendency to scoop up anything in a blue green shade which compliments Elise's eyes so this Soor Ploom Peasant Tunic was a no brainer.  Aside from the dreamy fabric and gorgeous gathering, I am absolutely loving that it can be worn first as a short dress, extending its longevity.  Fresh out of the lavender infused packaging from Minikin, Elise tells me she "smells like roses."      

Mila is dwarfed by the museum's kingdom of creatures.  This is a wonderful place to loose yourself on a rainy day and a mesmerizing experience for curious youngsters.    

Spring Necessities

Bring on floral, pastels and frills.  We crave a warm summer day as snow is still teasing us in the forecast.  But while it might be brisk outside, we can at least pretend with these lovely pieces that are sure to take us joyfully into the warmer days ahead.  While we're not exactly a family of musicians (at least 3 of us are tone deaf), the girls do love to make some noise.  Mila's first stop in the toy bin is her collection of musical instruments.

Enter the most adorable Briar Handmade summer bonnet which pairs beautifully with this sweet coral dress from Tocoto Vintage, both available at Minikin (in other words, get them now!).  Some of my all time favorite pieces are from Tocoto Vintage, a brand that generates feelings of romanticism and nostalgia.  Their fabrics are oh so soft and the styles are as precious as the babe who wears them.  

The only thing that comes between Elise and her ukulele is the perfect summertime dress from our Alaskan friends, Oma + Jo.  "A Shop for Teeny Adventurers" Oma + Jo encapsulates all the wonder and adventure that is childhood into playful and wearable pieces that are timeless yet modern and unique.   

Above Elise plays with the adorable Animal Seesaw from Manzanita Kids.  Its tactile, fun to balance and of course, beautiful to look at!  

Here Comes the Sun

Could it really be true that this warm weather is here to stay?  Everyone around here in Boston is giddy with excitement thinking that Groundhog was a good predictor of an early Spring.  This time last year the grocery stores were being raided, Mila was 8 weeks old and our primary mode of transportation was a sled.  So this beautiful weather has been a bit unexpected but oh so welcome.  It also gave us good reason to pull out some of our newest warm weather pieces from the playful and modern children's line Vivie & Ash.  

Since becoming a Mom, I've become more and more aware of the fabrics we put on our soft baby's skin and am always on the lookout for cleanly manufactured textiles like these 100% GOTS certified organic cotton pieces from Vivie & Ash.  They feel wonderful against the skin, wash beautifully and give me the peace of mind I desire.  What's more, they're beyond adorable!  From bunny prints to pastel smiling flowers, it's near impossible to pick a favorite.  Pictured is Elise in her special "butterfly dress," the Floral Dreams Flutter Sleeve Swing Dress and Mila in her Three Quarter Sleeve Bunny Peplum top and Light Coral Pocket Lounge Pants.

No matter what the mood, our hearts are always happier when we have some tunes playing in the background.  The girls start acting like their silly selves and dancing parties ensue.  Their much loved dollies are wonderful companions both on and off the dance floor.  To know Elise is to know she is in love with the Nutcracker.  We had the wonderful opportunity to order a special Clara doll and Mouse King from the queen of embroidery, Sheremet Nadya from @familytoys.  Take a peek at her page which is full of fairy take like embroidered creations.  They are truly what dreams are made of. 

When we were expecting Miss Mila, I didn't purchase much, only a few special gifts for the new baby as we waited anxiously for her arrival.  I had admired the wonderful knit creations from Fournier for years and knew that our second daughter would be welcomed home with a friend from the collection.  A little girl bunny with a Parisian style and rosy cheeks was waiting to greet the newest member of our family.   

Babies, Breweries and Books

Not a title I'd ever thought I'd publish but come to find out babies make really great companions when you're venturing into the rural Northeast Kingdom of Vermont for the world's best brewery.  We found ourselves in Greensboro, Vermont on a random Wednesday in February for the release of Hill Farmstead's Flora Plum which quite literally tastes like mimosa in a bottle with a hint of plum.  I am by no means a beer connoisseur nor do I really know anything about craft beers but I did catch word of this wondrous place not far from our home in Vermont.  A drive through bucolic farmland and serene forest was a welcome agenda item for the two of us on an otherwise uneventful weekday.   

Not long from now, our scenery will be filled with double decker busses, chiming clock towers and beautiful English gardens for a stint in London so we're soaking up as much of this country life as we can while dreaming of the adventures that await.  

And as we go about our days, you can rest assured we're doing ever important research on the lovely children's clothiers that abound in this marvelous city.  Above, Mila for one is wearing a favorite smocked winter dress from Sarah Louise, a timeless English brand.    

She's still finding her balance but is happiest when she's figuring it out on her own.  Thankfully for these velveteen booties, our winter so far hasn't seen much snow.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is filled with scenes like these.  It is an inviting place filled with a bit of mystery and seduction, and leaves you with a yearning to go back and discover more.  

Among the things Vermonters do best are coffee shops, craft beer and independent bookstores.  These cozy Vermont towns are home to some of our favorites including Bridgeside Books in Waterbury, Vermont.  You can make yourself at home here and browse their wonderful selection of children's literature.  They also offer a lively, music and craft filled story time every Friday morning which Mila loved.  We came home with a new classic, "Shh! Bears Sleeping," by David Martin and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Francher.  It was recently on the the New York Times Book Review and wouldn't you know, the author makes his home in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom of Vermont!