contributors - The Little Style File

Zipit Baby

June 18, 2013 Leave a Comment

As a mom to a 7 month old boy, who is constantly on the move, I am always on the lookout for comfortable, cute and functional clothing. Enter Zipit, a new clothing line created by graphic designer and fellow mom, Ruth Waddingham who recognized the need for a more functional design for squirmy babies. She reconceived babywear by brilliantly adding full front openings and zippers that unzip from the ankle- perfect for quick diaper changes or wider neck openings. Gone are the days of struggling to get a shirt over your little ones head!

I especially love that the scamper pants have reinforced double knees (perfect for crawlers) and a reinforced bottom (perfect for all the little spills). The onesie has a wide zipper opening which makes getting dressed a breeze.

Overall, I was really impressed with the quality and functionality of ZipIt, which is perfect for my crawling baby!

ZipIt carries a wide range of items for boys and girls ranging in size from 0-3 months to 9-12 months.

These are some of my fave summer picks:

Learn more about Zipit here:

https://twitter.com/zipitbaby

https://www.facebook.com/zipitbaby

http://pinterest.com/zipitbaby/

Disclosure: I was provided merchandise for review but all opinions are genuine and my own.

Filed Under: baby, contributors, kids fashion, kids fashion, reviews Tagged With: baby, baby clothing, clothing for baby, zippit baby

Summer Florals

June 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

Photo credit Pictilio

Summer is just around the corner, and with it brights and florals! I’ve rounded up my favorite florals for little girls:

from top left:

row 1

1. Romper- there’s nothing that says “summer baby” better than a floral romper. My pick is by Tea Collection, so it’s sure to wash and wear wonderfully.

2. Sandals- my daughters would gaze happily at their feet all day if they had these cute little florals between their toes.

3. Shorts- tiny flowers on a deep blue make these floral shorts relatively neutral! Your little girls can wear them with tanks, tees or blouses and stay cool on the warmest days.

row 2

4. Pants- Perfect for dressing up or down and staying comfortable.

5. Bag- my daughters want to bring fancy purses everywhere they go, and this floral one would be incredibly popular in our house. Roomy to fit all their toys!

6. Tee- this breezy lemony tee is great for daytime and playtime.

row 3

7. Dress- a “princess dress” with florals? Always the ideal around my home.

8. Shoes- Dress up those sneakers for the park by buying sneakers with flowers on them! Everyone wins!

9. Swimsuit- Love the bold colors on this perfect little swimsuit.

If you’re like me and LOVE florals, but maybe don’t prefer to spend any money, have fun creating a floral crown for your little girls to wear!

Will your kids be wearing florals this summer?

Filed Under: contributors, kids accessories, kids fashion, kids fashion Tagged With: kids fashion, summer fashion, summer florals

Matching Dots

June 12, 2013 Leave a Comment

It is summer time and that means fun, cool dresses are a must have in my daughter’s wardrobe. If you are like me you are always looking for something new and fun. Well, today I am excited to tell you about a clothing line I was recently introduced to. It’s called The Matching Dots.

What is great about The Matching Dots clothing line is it’s made here in the USA and their speciality is in polka dot prints designed for girls from ages 12 months to 8 years old. Super fun, especially if you adore polka dots as much as I do!

Another thing I love about The Matching Dots clothing line is they carry headbands and dresses for us moms, as well as coordinating dresses for your daughter’s doll, and even for your family pet!

Can we say adorable family photos?!

My daughter Elle, is wearing the Georgia Kate.

Being a fan of polka dots how could I resist this playful, adorable dress! This dress is easily one of my favorite pieces in my daughter’s closest. The Matching Dots offers free shipping in the US, just one more reason to adore this fashionable line.

Be Cool. Be Glamorous. Be Spotted.

Disclosure: I was provided with an outfit from The Matching Dots for review purposes.

Filed Under: baby, contributors, kids fashion, kids fashion, reviews Tagged With: gifls dresses, kids fashion, matching dots

Everything You Need To Survive Traveling With Your Kids

June 12, 2013 1 Comment

We just returned from travelling to DC with both kids (aged 2.5 and 6 mos). This was our first time flying with both kids to a city where we have no family or friends – translation: we had to bring all of our own gear! Thankfully we survived and things went smoothly, thanks in large part to planning and some awesome products and services. Here are some of my tips!

Getting there

We booked our flight early morning to coincide with my little ones naptime.

Since my daughter no longer flies free, we purchased her ticket and created a frequent flyer account for her with the airline, so she could earn miles.

Hotel: Call in advance and ask for the following (which are usually free):
-room away from the elevator

-a crib and/or pack in play

-a refrigerator in your room

Car Service: Since we had to bring our car seats with us, a regular taxi was a bit too cramped! Going Green Limousines in Chicago was terrific. Roomy SUVs, friendly service, they supply car seats (if needed) and give you Loyalty Rewards for future use. This made our trip to and from the airport really easy!

Organize: Create a tripit account, send all of your confirmation emails there and it will create an itinerary for you. Your mind will be blown at how easy and fast this is!

Baggage: We checked our car seats (see note under Gear) and Gate Checked our Stroller. Remember once you arrive at the Gate, head to the desk to pick up your gate check tag. Remember to leave your items at the end of the ramp prior to getting on the plane, you will find them there upon deplaning.

Car Seats: We brought our infant seat and toddler car seat. The GoGo Kidz wheels are a must-have for the toddler seat! As are covers for your car seats since the airlines do not always have bags. For the infant seat, a large garbage bag works (nothing fancy), but for the toddler seat, this works great and you can easily leave the GoGo Kidz Wheels attached.

Umbrella Stroller: Hands down the Uppa Baby GLuxe is the best. It’s survived countless flights, folds easily and stands straight. My favorite feature is that it reclines!

Carriers: My 6 month old loves being in his carriers. He’s taken to napping in the Ergo, but when he’s awake he loves facing forward in the Bjorn Active Carrier.

Nursing/Feeding Gear: I packed my Medela Pump in Style Advanced Backpack full of several Comotomo bottles, a bottle brush and some Dapple for washing. I also brought along a case with an ice pack to keep the bottle cool. Be sure to check out the TSA Guidelines before you go.

Diaper Bag: Full of diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, pacifiers, snacks, sippy cup. Want to know the rest of my diaper bag must haves? Find them here.

Infant & Toddler Picks: Toys and Food are the winning combo! I also try to bring something of comfort from home (ie: a blanket) and surprise them with some new toys, books and/or apps to keep them busy!

Left to Right:

Links/ Sophie the Giraffe/ Ella’s Kitchen/Beaba Spoons

Kids Headphones/iPad+Case/My Little Pony/Travel Aquadoodles

For more travel tips, check out:

What are your must haves for traveling with kids?

Filed Under: baby, contributors, cool finds, family, kids accessories, travel Tagged With: Family Travel, travel tips, travel with baby, traveling with kids

London Kids Style: No Added Sugar

June 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

I am thrilled to be writing my first post as a contributor for The Little Style File. Kristin and Betsy are always bring us the latest in kid’s style and fashion while making sure us mommies aren’t left out. I will be bringing you the latest kid’s fashion each month from my adopted city of London.

One of the coolest London kids’ labels around is definitely No Added Sugar. What started out as a company making “witty” babies t-shirts has turned into a super hip and quirky fashion label. All of the pieces contain special details that make them really fun for the kids to wear.

From a cheeky phrase to bright strips and cool bunny logo the collections captures the essence of the cool Brits. Seeing a baby dressed in a black and white striped one-piece saying “sleep thief” will definitely put a smile on your face. I love all the little dresses from the girl’s summer collection and they are sure to stand out from the crowds.

The boys’ collection this season is loaded with fun tees that reflect the personalities of vibrant and spirited boys.

The ultra hipster No Added Sugar shop opened up in Notting Hill last September and is definitely worth a visit if you are ever on this side of the pond. And if you can’t make it to the shop shipping is available to the States.

Filed Under: baby, contributors, cool finds, kids fashion, kids fashion Tagged With: kids fashion, kids style, london fashion, no sugar added, uk fashion

A Chic Diaper Bag | JP Lizzy Diaper Bag Review

June 3, 2013

I had the amazing pleasure of checking out this so chic Patent Classic Black diaper bag from none other than JP Lizzy. At first sight I was a bit skeptical because of the size of the bag and I immediately judged. I thought to myself that there was no possible way that I will be able to fit all that is necessary in this bag. Let me tell you, I was so wrong in so many ways. This bag has more than enough room.

Along with the ample room, the sleek design makes it so versatile and can be worn with any ensemble. No matter if you are throwing on sweats to travel to the store this bag will pull it all together. I received so many compliments while traveling to the store with it. Everyone thought it was my purse and immediately wanted to know the designer and where they can purchase it. Do you think I held back? No way. I told them exactly where they can find it. I did make sure to tell them that it was a diaper bag, but told them that the extra pockets can easily transform to water bottle pockets or pockets for little trinkets to make this bag a purse.

Here are a few specs about this diaper bag:

-Patent faux leather quilted exterior fabric

-Wipeable Nylon interior liner

-Zipper closure

-Stroller straps

-Changing pad

-Large zippered interior pocket

-2 open interior pockets

-2 adjustable interior bottle pockets

-2 exterior side pockets

-Includes short handles for carrying with hands/over wrist; a 36” long strap for over the shoulder

I actually wanted to put this bag to the test and stuff my daily items into the bag that I usually pack to see if the handles pulled, to see if it all fit (I tend to travel a bit heavy because I’m usually out all day), and to see how it held up to spills and leaks. Here is a list of everything I put into the bag:

4 Jars of Stage 3 Baby Food
2 toys
6 diapers
Wipe case
2 Sippy cups
2 Changes of clothing
1 Pair of pj’s
Wallet
Cell phone
Makeup Bag

As you can see, this bag fit everything perfectly and kept it quite organized. I didn’t have bottles or cups protruding out of the sides making it known that it’s a diaper bag. The side pocket kept my cell nice and snug and it didn’t fall out even when I tipped the bag.

What do you think of the Patent Classic Black JP Lizzy diaper bag?

Disclosure: I was provided with a JP Lizzy diaper bag for review purposes. All opinions are honest and my own.

Filed Under: baby, contributors, mom fashion, mommy, mommy style, reviews Tagged With: diape bag, jp lizzy diper bag

Heirbloom Giveaway

May 31, 2013

Accessories have always been a part of my life, as a little girl dressing up in my moms gowns and jewels, to adorning a few crowns in my pageant days, and now in my every day personal style. As a busy mom and business owner, I have come to love designing accessories specifically to my clients unique style. A reflection of who they are, a bit of their story. Today, I am honored to be able to share some of my story with you. The background into my family and the reason I took the plunge and started my own business, HeirBloom. I feel so blessed to have found a niche, a creative outlet that others can enjoy, and allows me to be home with my twins who are 19 months. I have 4 girls, and I dream of having a store front that we can all share in and enjoy together some day. I have designed over 500 custom pieces and not one an exact replica! I use vintage and estate jewels, either my families or yours, and redesign them into new and unique accessories. For brides, little ones, portrait photography, events, every day style, and the pretty details to the moments you remember for life!

One of my favorite things to do, is styling wardrobe and then designing specific to the looks you love best! If your style is minimal with neutral colors, you may want something metal, with charms or natural stones. Or adding a pop of color is always a fantastic way to show your fun side! You may want to make a bold statement, with lots of color and blended patterns, or have a special event your going to, with that perfect dress and need just the right piece to bring it all together.

I recently designed this necklace for a photo shoot and totally fell in love with the colors and tribal feel it sets off. I used beads and different fabrics and fringe and even a vintage earring to tie it all together. Photo Credit: Jeff Anderson, Styling: Ahndea May

I wanted to show you 3 different ways to style this necklace. It doesn’t matter if your minimalistic, chic, a sophisticate, or more boheme, you can add your flare to the same necklace and change the entire vibe. That is the beauty of accessories, each little detail you add, completes your look, makes a statement, showcases your personality and bottom line they are just fun! If you don’t like taking risks with your wardrobe picks, take risks with your accessories and dare to be a bit edgy.

Styling around a statement necklace via The Little Style File

Here is a sneak peek from my latest bridal shoot. I designed this piece with feminine florals, vintage jewels and pearls and some very special detailing. Bridal is one of my favorite things to design. I work with the bride to create something unique only to her. Incorporating elements from her dress, veil or family heirlooms to give that special significance. Exciting projects are on the horizon this summer so make sure to follow my blog for the latest news. I haven’t even shared this yet… but HeirBloom will be a featured accessory on my favorite Stylist Summer Watkins wedding website Grey Likes Weddings starting next week!

Photo Credit: Mandy Blair Photography Hair and Makeup: Rachel VanGilder Styling and Accessory Design: Ahndea May Stylist

Now it’s your turn to win a $50 gift card to Heirbloom! Enter in Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: contributors, giveaways, kids accessories, styling Tagged With: giveaway, Heirbloom, wedding

Chicago Children’s Theater: The Elephant and The Whale

April 30, 2013

The Elephant and The Whale, a world premiere all-ages show, is a collaboration between Chicago Children’s Theatre and Redmoon- companies well known for their onstage spectacles. With its abundance of gramophone music, pedaled panoramas, and incredibly detailed puppets, this show doesn’t disappoint. The Elephant and The Whale, directed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, is the story of a traveling circus in 1919, and hard times are forcing the weary owners to leave it all behind them. They sell off their possessions one by one; the tent, the clown noses, even their star attraction: the elephant performer Ella.

Ultimately, the circus is purchased by a greedy businessman, who orders a million gallons of sea water for his new attraction, a tank for “mermaids”. A whale is unwittingly trapped in all of those gallons and a new sideshow (that of the ugliest fish on earth) is born. The under appreciated elephant and the homesick whale form a friendship and communicate plans for their escape in what the spectators believe to be beautiful songs.

The staging is lovely and the show’s use of puppetry is nothing short of magical. Shadows, contraptions, and miniature scenes played out in trunks all illustrate this tale of adventure and friendship. The energetic cast (Kurt Brocker, David Catlin, Kasey Foster and Becky Poole) shifts seamlessly from narrators to puppeteers to stagehands, all while conveying this gorgeous story. My three year-old was entranced for the full hour, and eagerly called out answers to the actors’ questions. Even though this show is geared for young audiences, adults will find plenty to enjoy, and will be transported alongside the children to the skies and oceans and rolling landscape of this sweet performance.

April 10th- May 26th, 2013

For more information, visit Chicago Children’s Theater at chicagochildrenstheatre.org

Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610

872.222.9555

Performance Saturday, May 4th at 11am is Chicago’s first ever “autism-friendly” live event

Thursday evening shows include a free pre-show pizza party, and Friday evenings include a post-show craft.

Disclosure: I was provided with complementary tickets. My review is honest and my own.

Filed Under: chicago, contributors, family, fun, theatre

How To Make Mickey Mouse Cookies

April 23, 2013

Part of planning a fun party is all the cool details. These Mickey Mouse cookies were a huge hit at the Mickey party! I wanted to share how to make them with you.

How to make Mickey Mouse Sugar Cookies:

Step One: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1 1/3 cup Butter

1 1/2 cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

(Cream Together)

Combine:

4 cups of Flour

2 tsp. Baking Powder

3 Tablespoons of Milk

Add slowly into the butter/sugar mixture. MIx well. Refrigerate dough in a plastic bag overnight.

Step Two: Take out the Chilled cookie dough one hour before making

Step Three: Roll out Dough make your cookies. Grease cookie sheets, Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.

Step Four: Cool Cookies completely before decorating/icing them

Step 5: Make Royal Icing:

3 Tablespoons of Meringue Powder

4 cups of Powdered Sugar

6 Tablespoons of warm water

Food coloring of choice

Beat 7- 10 minutes. To thin it out more just add a little more water. After it’s mixed add food coloring. Place icing in a decorators bag or squeeze bottles.

Step 6: You outline cookie first with the icing being on the thicker side. Allow to dry then make sure your icing is ready to flood center of your cookie. Decorate accordingly.

You can check out more details of the party here.

Filed Under: celebration, contributors, cooking, tutorials Tagged With: mickey mouse cooke tutorial, mickey mouse cookies, mickey mouse party

Mickey Mouse Party

April 23, 2013

I’m excited to share with you this Mickey Mouse Party! I created a variety of “Mickey” treats for the two dessert tables.

Some of my favorite things about this party was creating the DIY details to add to this party. I found a lot of cute ideas on Pinterest. I bought black lanterns from Hobby Lobby and used card stock and hot glued ears onto the lanterns to make it into a Mickey Mouse head. Another idea I saw online was creating Styrofoam Mickey heads. I bought Styrofoam balls and black paint and created these adorable little decorations to add to the dessert tables.

The back drops to each table were so simple and easy to create as well. All you need is foam boards, material, tacks, ribbon and scrap book paper. I created several Mickey banners with using scrap book and card stock paper. I made different size Mickey’s with black card stock and assembled everything onto the back drop. You can use this back drop idea with any kind of theme for your next party.

All of my party printables were created by Lauren Haddox Deisgns. I love using party printables for each of my parties because it helps tie in the entire theme throughout the party. Having a Mickey Mouse Party? Check out my Mickey Mouse Cookie Tutorial!