Gap Cargo Jacket (12 months-5 years)
You know how much I love an army jacket, but this boys’ one is a particularly good one. It’s literally a scaled down version of my favourite Zara one. Marlow already has one (from DPAM) that I love on him, but it is getting a bit small now, so I think this one might be coming his way any day now…
£29.95 gap.co.uk
The Little White Company 2 Pack Short Sleeve Pyjamas (12 months-12 years)
A few people have been asking me where to get good ‘Summer’ pyjamas from for boys. Why they actually need them is another question (they obviously don’t live in London)! No seriously, I have reached for Marlow’s short sleeved pyjamas a few times this year (although I’m yet to buy Tabs a new nightdress for fear of it just sitting unworn, looking pretty in a drawer…). I have always been a big fan of The Little White Company boys’ pyjamas, and have recently discovered that they do fab Summer ones too. I like that these are shorts, but that the legs aren’t too skinny (like some brands). And of course I’m loving the simple striped design. Their pyjamas are always lovely quality and wash well (sorry – this is turning into a rather dull post isn’t it?). I will definitely be buying this set of two (great value for two pairs I always think) for Marlow. And Tabitha? Well, you never know, she may still get to wear a pretty nightdress yet…
£22.40 (were £28.00) thewhitecompany.com
ps: I always find the White Company sizing to be quite generous, and often actually size-down for their pyjamas. So double-check before buying.
Bows & Arrows Boys Striped Shorts (6 months-6 years)
Marlow had the best pair of denim shorts from Boots (yes really!) that he wore into the ground last Summer (although, rememebering last Summer as I do, I’m not entirely sure how exactly?). Anyway. They were brilliant value, and I always loved them on him (more so than any of the other more expensive options I’d bought). I’ve just spotted these on the Boots website, and they are now at the top of my shopping list for Marlow for this ‘Summer’. Love the faded stripes (and the fact that they are 100% cotton). I think I might even love them a little bit more than last year’s…
£11.00 boots.com
Bobo Choses Petit Grocery T-Shirt (6-9 years)
I love these t-shirts from Bobo Choses. I popped into Fenwicks (one of my favourite stores in London) on Monday to buy a present for my friend’s new baby (their kids’ department is fantastic – they have the best toys/clothes/gift ideas), and they had this t-shirt, and it’s so cool. I’m generally a bit phobic about any kids’ clothing with pictures on, but Bobo Choses always get it spot-on.
£29.00 bobochoses.com
George Chino Shorts (9 months-6 years)
These are a great colour (it always looks good with grey), and I love the chino style. And I think we may finally actually be able to bust out our shorts!
£4.00 direct.asda.com
Original Pyjama Company Moccasins (sizes 18-25)
These are the perfect footwear for babies who aren’t yet walking, but are on the move (crawling and cursing, and generally getting into all sorts of mischief). They look cute (I love that these ones are completely plain – not that easy to find, believe me), are comfortable to wear, and they actually stay put. And the leather soles mean that they don’t slip. And they look so cute of course! They are also great for both boys and girls (Tabs and Marlow both wore them), and the navy will go with everything. One thing I would say though is that they only really work with dresses when worn with knitted tights, so stick to jeans/trousers when it’s too warm for tights. And when worn with trousers, make sure they are worn under trousers. It’s all about the details!
£14.99 trotters.co.uk
Cyrillus Baby Polo-Style Jumper (3-36 months)
I’m not suggesting you start co-ordinating your kids with the weather, but I couldn’t help thinking that this gorgeous baby jumper (loving the elbow patches!) would match perfectly with today’s sky (and that jumpers are still very necessary)…
£35.00 laredoute.co.uk
George Contrast Sweater (5-11 years)
Marlow is currently obsessed with grey sweatshirts (can’t think where it’s come from…), and refuses to wear anything else (on his top half anyway). Although a little frustrating (getting two three year olds dressed in the morning just got that little bit more challenging), I do realise that it could be a lot worse (he could be insisting on wearing a pink tutu every day?). And obviously, you all know how much I love a grey sweatshirt (as far as I’m concerned you can never have too many, no matter what your age). So my current mission is to find different variations of the classic marl grey version. I love this one because it has not one, but three tones of grey, ranging from pale grey to charcoal (with a touch of mid-grey on the shoulders – nice detail). I love it, and surely Marlow will too. I will let you know.
£7.00 direct.asda.com
ps: I also love (and have bought) this one and this one from Mini Boden for Marlow. The towling one also comes in navy, which is fab too (um, yes, he has that one too). I think that’s Marlow’s obsession covered for the time being…
M&S Lace Up Espadrilles (sizes 4-13)
You’ve seen the girls’ version, now it’s the boys’ turn… Love these. So cool with denim cut-offs or jeans with a little turn-up.
£8.00-£9.00 marksandspencer.com
Vilac Toy Guitar
If you’ve been an avid follower of Little Spree for a while now, you may remember this cute red piano that I posted back in April last year. It is still one of the best gifts Tabarlow have ever received. And honestly, they still play with it virtually every day. And the same goes for this guitar (they were given the piano and the guitar to share as a first birthday present from their nanny). And I still love them too. They both have prime position in their bedroom, and have outlived most of the other toys/presents. And I have to say (amazingly), they both still look as good as new. The guitar actually has six musical strings, so no need to cover your ears when the kids start strumming (definitely a bonus!). And it still amazes me what a great price it is for such a lovely, stylish, beautifully made toy, and one that you don’t mind tripping over occasionally…
£17.99 amazon.co.uk
Little Bird By Jools Breton Striped Shorts (6 months-5 years)
It may be Winter outside (I dusted off the black opaques today – so depressing…), but I’m going to carry on regardless. I have to remain ever hopeful that at some point, Marlow will be able to wear a pair of shorts this year. And I love this striped jersey pair from the Little Bird collection (still going strong, and still doing some great pieces). Maybe he could wear a pair of Tabitha’s knitted tights underneath?
£6.00-8.00 mothercare.com
ps: I have already given his (warmer) Winter coat to a charity shop. I was clearly a little hasty. Might have to buy it back!!
George Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (4-14 years)
Everybody needs at least one great zip-up hoodie in their wardrobe. I realised this more than ever when I was shooting in Ibiza last week. I didn’t pack one, and I really regretted it. They are just so perfect to chuck on for those early starts and late finishes, i.e. when it’s a bit chilly, but you don’t want a jacket. I even wear one with a hippie cheesecloth dress sometimes (a look I copied from Carrie in Sex & The City many moons ago…). I tend to always go for a classic light marl grey, but I actually love this faded navy one, and will be picking a similar one up for Marlow (this one sadly only starts from age four). Ideal for ‘Spring’, when it’s not necessary cold enough for a coat, but you still need ‘something’. I will be stashing a couple under the pushchair from now on. Super-cosy.
£6.00 direct.asda.com
Tulip & Nettle Sailor Suit (12 months-6 years)
There is something so adorable about this little sailor suit – I was drawn to it immediately. It has a really classic, Victorian feel to it, which is so sweet and charming. Perfect for a special occasion like a wedding if (like me) you have a phobia about babies and toddlers wearing suits (particularly when ties/bow ties/waistcoats are involved), but you still want something traditional. It looks like it came from some amazing vintage store somewhere…
£48.00 tulipandnettle.com
ps: I want the top half in my size!
Mini Boden 5 Pack Of Bodies (0-24 months)
My sister emailed me a picture of my one year old nephew the other day, and he was wearing one of these (the orange striped one if you’re interested) under a pair of dungarees, and it reminded how great they are. I used to regularly buy them for Tabarlow when they were babies, and I loved how versatile (great with jeans, dungarees, layered under dresses…), practical, and stylish they were (and still are). And not to mention great value. I love the colours in this particular set. Perfect for this kind of weather, because they are so easy to layer. And my ever-growing collection of Mini Boden little cotton drawstring bags is testement to just how much I loved them! I am currently using a strawberry printed one for Tabitha’s ballet stuff (it’s the perfect size).
£24.00 (was £30.00) Boden.co.uk
Cyrllius Baby Sailor Top (6-36 months)
Now that we have (finally!) ditched the Winter layers, Tabarlow are starting to bust out their Summer clothes. But this weather is still a little unpredictable (I’m covering all bases today in denim cut-offs, cashmere jumper and Chanel ballet pumps…), so it’s the perfect time to introduce a few cotton long sleeved t-shirts into their little wardrobes. I always find them so useful, particularly for nursery when the temperature can change dramatically from drop-off to pick-up. This is a great one from Cyrillus, and I can can see both Marlow and Tabitha wearing it. And I never, ever tire of navy and white stripes…
£21.00 laredoute.co.uk
ps: just popped into Gap and saw this adorable cheesecloth baby girl’s dress. Just had to share it!
H&M Boys Basketball Boots (sizes 7 small-1)
Time for a boys’ post I think. These were brought to my attention by my lovely friend (and ex-neighbour), Kath (who is about to go from one to two kids in a matter of weeks). I was (and always am) happy to get a good tip-off, but equally annoyed at myself for not sniffing them out myself (after all, I’m always in H&M on a ‘smash ‘n grab’ mission for Tabarlow). Kath bought them for her two year old son, Sam and he’s barely taken them off apparently. They are completely plain (I like that they are unbranded, and so does my credit card), and grey! And you just know they are going to go with everything. I love the lace and velcro combo. This is the kind of thing that I would definitely double up on (as Kath wisely did), because at this price, frankly you’d be crazy not to…
£5.99 hm.com
F&F Blue Chinos (12 months-7 years)
These are the perfect ‘Spring trouser’ (and I don’t generally find it that easy to find good boys’ trousers…). Lightweight, great colour, good shape… I would give these a little cuff and style them with a relaxed fit grey marl t-shirt. I have picked up a few really great F&F things from Tesco before. You should take a look next time you find yourself in one of the larger stores. You might be surprised (as I was) at what you find…
£6.00 clothingattesco.com
ps: I liked these cool ‘brick’ coloured ones too.
H&M Striped T-Shirt (4 months-2 years)
With the sudden arrival of the sun, I also suddenly realised that Marlow has the grand total of two short sleeved t-shirts in his wardrobe (drawer). So this prompted a quick trolley-dash (in between prepping for a styling job) to H&M (I always pick up great boys’ things there). I love this cute striped tee with its contrast ‘grandad style’ button trim and spotty pocket (a little different from your regular striped tee), and the price is great. I also snapped up some of their great ‘Conscious’ organic cotton two packs of t-shirts (plain grey and navy, and grey/navy stripe and plain grey) for £4.99 a pair (sorry -they don’t seem to be available online). I also popped into Gap and picked up two of these (one in grey/white and one in navy/white). And they are currently reduced from £7.95 to £5.99! So that’s Marlow (and hopefully, your little boys too) sorted for t-shirts for a while.
£4.99 hm.com
Gap skinny jeans (6 months-5 years)
These are the jeans that I am a little bit obsessed with. I originally bought a pair for Tabs, and loved them so much, I bought a pair for Marlow too (I don’t care whether something is labelled ‘girls’ or ‘boys’). They are skinny, but not too skinny. I have since bought Marlow no less than three pairs of the exact same jeans because they are one of the few styles of jean that I like the fit of. Most boys’ jeans are too baggy for my liking. The fit of these is perfect. Tabs has had the same pair (plus a pale grey version) for over a year now, and the knees have just worn through (they have had a LOT of wear though!). Time to get a new pair for I think. Marlow’s however, have got plenty more life in them yet…
£17.95 gap.eu
Cyrillus Boys T-Bar Shoes (sizes 20-24)
I always love these kind of classic canvas t-bar sandals for the Summer. They are always pretty inexpensive (so you don’t feel so bad chucking them out come Autumn…). They always look chic, and the velcro strap makes them fast and easy to get on and off. I will be buying a pair of these each for Tabs and Marlow. This navy baby pair from H&M are a great option too.
£24.00 (were £30.00) cyrllius.com