Alice à Paris Baby Tousers (1-18 months)
Love these. They definitely have that French feel/design to them, and I love them equally for baby boys and girls. I really like the loose cut (so ‘French’, and let’s face it, no one wants to see a baby dressed in jeggings…), the pockets, and the little twill tie at the waist. So cool and easy to wear. And will look great with pretty much every kind of top. I can’t get enough of Alice à Paris!
£22.00 aliceaparis.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
Levi’s Baby Jeans (3-18 months)
How cute are these? I’m not normally a fan of obviously designer things for babies, but I just couldn’t resist these. Perfect for girls or boys, and the faded (mid blue) wash is spot-on. And they have the all-important baby elasticated waistband (in stylish grey no less!). And apparently Levi’s are making a comeback, so it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the curve…
£38.50 johnlewis.com
Petit Bateau Boy’s Striped ‘Serge’ Trousers (3-12 years)
I love that these trousers are called ‘Serge’, presumably after Serge Gainsberg (when he was cool, rather than old and a little bit creepy…)? Great shape, and loving the faded stripes. A great option for boys who wear the exact same pair of (Gap, girls) skinny jeans day in, day out to nursery (Marlow). I need a pair of these (for me and for Marlow)!
£45.50 petit-bateau.co.uk
H&M Striped Jeans (8-14+ years)
Love, love, love these! A great (and super-cool) alternative to a regular skinny jean. Plus the monochrome trend is HUGE for Spring/Summer (look out of my Monochrome story coming out in the April issue of Red…). I’m just cross that these don’t come in Tabitha’s size…
£12.99 hm.com
Gap Bow Printed Skinny Jeans (6 months-5 years)
Is this not the perfect seque from my last post? From a single bow hair clip to a pair of skinny jeans literally covered in bows! Told you I was an addict. These are almost a bit kitsch for my taste, but I just think they are so cute (in that ‘cool cute’ way that is very hard to call sometimes…). I also love the shape and fit of Gap’s skinny jeans (and always buy them for Tabitha), so I know they will look great. I would style these with a grey cable knit jumper (in fact, now I come to think of it, Tabs has one from Gap!) or a simple sweatshirt. Nothing too ‘glitzy’ (yeah, like Tabs has anything even remotely glitzy that’s not confined to the dressing-up box!) or girly. And I might add a pair of hi-tops or an ankle-boot. What I’m trying to say is, steer clear of anything too girly or sweet with these – think ‘cute tomboy’ and they will look adorable.
£17.95 gap.eu
ps: just realised that these are very similar to a pair of Topshop cropped cigarette pants that I have from last Summer. Pale pink with little black hearts all over them (they sound a bit Timmy Mallet, but honestly, they are really cool). I would only ever wear them with a navy or grey cashmere jumper or a slouchy grey or white t-shirt. If you tone down the cute/fun element, they look really great. Actually, where are those trousers..?
Next Grey Spot Skinny Jeans (3 months-6 years)
Printed jeans are all over the place at the moment (I’m still loving the Current Elliot faded leopard print ones…), and this is a really cool pair from Next. It’s getting to the end of ‘Summer’ and I’m starting to think less about Summer dresses and sandals and more about cool skinny jeans and jumpers (I think I’m talking about myself and Tabs now). I love that these are a little different from your average skinnies, but will still go with loads of things because of the neutral grey. Tabs will be rocking hers with a little blouse and hi-tops. Cute.
£10.00-£11.00 next.co.uk
I literally cannot wait for the new Mini Boden Autumn/Winter collection to hit their website. This is just a small selection of some of my favourite pieces – in order of ‘baby’, ‘girl’ & ‘boy’. I went to the press preview a few weeks ago (with Tabarlow), and was instantly smitten. It was such a gorgeous collection. I am already a fan of Boden for kids, and buy a lot for Tabarlow, but it has a very different feel for next season. Firstly, there is a new designer at the helm (Tara, a fellow twins mum as it happens), and it just feels, well, different. It just has a more whimsical feel that I love. The colours are more muted (plenty of my favourites in there – grey, navy and dusky pink amongst others), there are less bold pictures on things (although having said that, I am obsessed with this fab raccoon jumper!), the prints are sweeter, and it just has a bit more of a ‘French’ vibe. This is just a tiny taste of what’s to come, but trust me, the collection is literally brimming with beautiful things for your little ones. You are going to love it (and be surprised too I think). The collection will be available online from 31st July. Put it in your diary now! I have.
Cos Classic Blue Jeans (3-4 years)
Some days you just don’t feel like rocking a skinny jean. Some days you just want something a little more relaxed… Same goes for little boys. These jeans from Cos are a great alternative because they are looser than a skinny, but not too baggy (my pet hate in boys’ jeans as you know). They are based on a classic five pocket style that taper at the leg. I really like the classic indigo colour too. They will look great with a hi-top or chukka boot. Sold!
£30.00 cosstores.com
Mini Boden Slim Fit Jeans (2-14 years)
These are the famous Mini Boden jeans that I am always banging on about (anyone who follows me on Twitter will definitely know this!). They are just such a great fit – skinny, but not too skinny (and I am very particular about the fit of jeans – my biggest pet hate is really baggy jeans on boys). I have bought these ones for Tabs and Marlow, even though they are officially girls’ jeans. So far I have only bought the mid-wash and the indigo, but I love these other colours too (surprisingly I actually really love the marshmallow pink ones!). And they are such a great price for a really well made pair of jeans (I love Mini Boden quality). Time to stock up!
ps: thank you for all your lovely emails. I love hearing your thoughts on Little Spree, and I welcome any feedback.
£20.00-£22.00 boden.co.uk
Stella McCartney Kids Horrace Jumper (3-36 months)
As much as I love Stella McCartney Kids, it’s a little on the expensive side for Little Spree (it would have to be a very little spree indeed!). Then my lovely friend Kim told me about this cute jumper that she had bought for her daughter, Marcie. Ok, so £40.00 for a children’s jumper may not be the bargain of the century, but I think it’s a pretty fab price for such a cute and quirky jumper from Stella. And I think you would get tons of wear out of it if you make sure you buy it in a slightly roomier size. Wear with…
1. Stella McCartney Kids jumper £40.00 stellamccartney.co.uk
2. Gap skinny jeans £15.95 gap.eu
3. Jo Jo Maman Bebe floral sandals £14.00 jojomamambebe.co.uk
Mini Club Boys Slimfit Jeans (6 months-6 years)
I noticed that the Next grey skinny jeans I posted a couple of weeks ago have sold out. So these are another option if you didn’t manage to get your hands on a pair (I think all little boys need a pair of grey, skinny jeans in their wardrobes right now). This pair from Mini Club are really great (don’t be put off that in the picture they look a bit like something Simon Cowell might wear), and are made from 100% cotton, and are lovely and soft. Plus they have the all-important adjustable waistband, which I am always a big fan of. In fact, I actually bought a pair for Marlow this morning, and have just tried them on him and they look really cool (the shape is really good). Give them a little turn-up to make them a bit more 3/4 length, particularly when wearing them with boots. One thing I would say though, is that their sizing is often quite generous. I bought these in size 1-1.5 years for Marlow and he’s almost two and a half! And he’s not exactly what you would describe as skinny either. So bear that in mind when you’re buying. And don’t forget, you get your Boots Advantage points too!
£8.00 boots.com
Next Skinny Jeans (3 months-6 years)
I originally bought these jeans for Tabitha, but when I tried them on her, they were far too baggy. So I thought I’d try them on Marlow (I hope my dad is not reading this – I think he’s still traumatised that I dressed Marlow in girls’ knitted tights until he was a year old – girls’ skinny jeans could prove to be a step too far). Anyway, as I have said before, when kids’ jeans are described as ‘skinny’, this usually means a ‘straight leg’ to you and me (although jeggings should definitely be taken at face value, and avoided at all costs, but you probably don’t need me to tell you that). So to cut a long post a little shorter, these jeans look fab on Marlow (and are not too girly or skinny). I love the faded grey colour too. Wish I’d bought two pairs. Wear with…
1. Next Grey Skinny Jeans £9.00-£10.00 next.co.uk
2. Cos Checked Flannel Shirt £30.00 cosstores.com
3. Jones Bootmaker Suede Desert Boots £34.00 jonesbootmaker.com
1. The Little White Company Peter Pan Collar Floral Blouse (0-24 months)
Tabitha wears some version of a blouse or tunic most days. They always look so sweet with jeans and a little cardigan, which is kind if of her ‘look’. It’s a kind of ‘pretty tomboy’ vibe which I love on little girls. You’ll never catch Tabs busting out a pink, frilly dress that’s for sure. So this blouse is a great example at a great price. The Peter Pan collar is such a cute detail too.
£16.50 thewhitecompany.com
2. Zara Jeans With Bow Detail (3-18 months)
£11.99 zara.com
1. Gap Intarsia Jumper (0-24 months)
This is a great jumper for a boy. Not too boyish, but not too girly either. I lalways love a star motif. Perfect with a pair of slim-fit jeans.
£16.95 gap.eu
2. Next skinny jeans (3 months-6 years)
I originally bought a pair of these jeans (the grey ones) for Tabs, but when I got home they were too big for her, so I tried them on Marlow and actually, they looked great! Don’t be put off by the fact that they are officially called ‘skinny’ jeans (somehow seems so wrong on a two year old…) – the fit is more of a cool, straight-leg jean. And give them a little tun-up. I find Next sizing quite generous, so I would consider buying a smaller size in these. My faves are the grey, but I do really like both the indigo and mid-wash blue (and will be going back to buy them).
£9.00-£10.00 next.co.uk