KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Marilyn once said diamonds are a girls best friend, to which I say hear, hear! I would only add that when it comes to day-dreaming Paris is a girls better friend. It is hard to resist the romance of this beautiful city and all that it has come to represent.

Chic, stylish, fashionable, and French – if only I was describing myself!

Luckily, I can console myself with a quick escape into some gorgeous Parisian websites for a virtual immersion in taste and sensibility. First stop is this fantastic blog, les vestiaire de jeanne, which is a delicacy of chic Parisian fashion.

I haven’t been able to find out much more information about the designer or whether the clothes are modelled by her daughter or sister. Either way the stunning Jeanne is delightfully French and she looks postively lovely in everything!  I love the simplicity of the pieces which are made from Belgian Linen and available at European boutiques and online at enfant terrible (in Canada).

I also check in on the enfant moderne website to keep track of more petit sweets for the lovely little ones.

For the ultimate in designer childrens wear with beautiful European styling you can’t go past Bonpoint. The boutique is famous for its party frocks and boiled wool cardigans. Apparently Suri Cruise wore a Bonpoint dress in her Vanity Fair debut, and needless to say, Bonpoint is a big favourite with celebmoms.

If you happen to be visiting Paris any time soon then do have a look at the new(ish) department store called Merci. It is a uber upmarket op-shop and is the brain child of Bernand and Marie-France Cohen the couple behind Bonpoint.

It has a few levels that includes coffee shop, florist, habadashery, second hand books and even a fragrance store. There is of course vintage designer bags and clothes and also a designer corner where designers such as YSL, Stella McCartney, Azzaro, Alexis Mabille and Marni design new pieces that sell at a lot less, as well as cut price kids clothes from Bonpoint.

All of the profits are channelled into a foundation to support children’s charities in Madagascar. Bravo for shopping with a conscience!

For more inspiration and dreaming head over to the Paris Pool at Flickr – Bon Voyage!

Today’s post written by Edwina

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I have been lucky enough to have just come back from a family holiday in California.

We spent 6 weeks Los Angeles and had the most wonderful time. Because we were staying with family we really got to unwind and join in life Southern California-style, which for me meant one word – shopping!

But instead of giving you a show and tell of things I bought (which included tons of fabric and hundreds of glass beads), I thought I might share with you some things I found and loved or dreamed of buying had my purse been a little heavier.

When in Los Angeles and looking for fabulous kids clothes, look no further than Bonpoint (9521 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills). You may already know of this powerhouse of French design, but dropping into the Beverly Hills store may just find you rubbing shoulders with some pint sized fashionistas from famous families (Shiloh Brangelina is a regular, I’m told).

I also got a chance to get up close and personal with all things from the Bloom baby range. They are so beautiful and well made, and would look simply perfect in any home.

Aden + Anais is also doing really well in the boutiques State-side. Aden + Anais was formed by two Australian mothers who moved to the United States and found that the swaddling cloths made of the muslin fabric they wanted were too small for their babies, so they started a business making their own.

Lucky for us these popular beauties are available in Australia from The Hip Infant, Urban Child and Where did you get that? to name a few fabulous local online stores.

I also found some cool boutiques that have online stores that ship internationally. Yeah! You might want to check out This Little Baby Wears Cotton, for lots of cool, comfortable, cotton clothing, or La La Ling for brands such as Ses Petites Mains and Tea Collection.

I would also recommend checking out Neige Clothing, which is based in California but with a decidedly French Influence. Neige is the design-child of Adrienne Catrina who before launching her own label was a Design Assistant with Vera Wang. It has a strong classic look with fine detail and high quality.

You can purchase Neige locally at Urban Child (new season’s is in, and current season’s is now on sale. You can also grab and extra 20% store-wide discount at Urban Child until midnight tonight, 4 February 2009).

1. Ses Petites Mains – Josephine Knickers La La Ling $US34
2. Coco Baby Rocker from Bloom Childrens Wonderland $US200
3. Bonpoint – Winter Flowers 232,65€ Little Fashion Gallery 115,50€
4. Piggy Organic Hoodie Paris Little Piggy $US36.95
5. Paul Frank Romper Little Piggy $US42.95
6. Aden and Anais Swaddle The Hip Infant $49.95
7. Market Sling by Serena and Lily Serena and Lily $US129
8. Tea Collection – Mizumoto DressTea Collection $US53.00
9. Neige Clothing Neige Clothing Prices range from $US49 – $US155, check site for individual prices.

Shipping rates vary, please check individual sites for rates.