H&M Baby Hangers (pack of two)
I love a bit of a H&M Home (if you haven’t checked it out, you have to – it’s really fab), and the baby and kids’ collection is growing all the time (just bypass the pink leopard print…). How sweet are these hangers? I also love (and bought) these ones from Cyrillus. And It’s never too early to start hanging up your little one’s favourites pieces (or rather, yours)…
£4.99 hm.com
Vertbaudet Knitted Blanket
Can it be true? Is it actually Spring at last?? Well it seems so (in London at least…). So time to dust off the picnic blanket and get down to your nearest park (Richmond in our case) quick, before it changes its mind! I love this patchwork style. And I love that these kind of blankets are multi-purpose (I always keep at least one under the twins’ pushchair at all times). Perfect for the park, the pram, the cot, the bed… The list is endless. And I love these colours…
£29.00 vertbaudet.co.uk
Butterfly Home By Matthew Williamson Metal Trunk (Large)
I very rarely find myself in a Debenhams store, but when I do, I always manage to find unexpected hidden treasure (perhaps I should go more often?). I found this fab metal trunk in the homeware department, and promptly bought two for Tabarlow’s bedroom, where they now live side by side on the windowsill. I know £50.00 might seem a little pricey for Debenhams, but it is quite large, and really solid and heavy (and definitely looks expensive). I had bought them both small suitcases from the fabulous store, Merci (if you haven’t been, you must) in Paris a few years ago, and this reminds me of something that you mind find there (but with a much heftier price tag!). I haven’t quite decided what I’m going to put in theirs yet, but it could be anything from blankets and bedlinen to toys to books… I also think it would make a great ‘memory box’ to give a baby/child as a gift. And even if you just leave them empty for the time being (as I have), they just look lovely in any room.
£50 debenhams.co.uk
Tamar Mogendorff Little Bird Wreath
Is this the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen? I love the charming, handmade feel, and the gorgeous soft colours… It would look adorable hanging on the nursery door. And would make the loveliest gift. Sorry to gush, but I just can’t help myself – I love it.
£49.00 orfeodesign.com
The Little White Company Applique Cushion Cover
I spotted that this cute cushion cover was in the sale, and I just couldn’t resist it at this new price. I always love stripes and hearts, and I love the simplicity of this design. It’s sweet, but not too girly if you don’t fancy a nursery/bedroom that’s swamped in pink. I for one, don’t.
£12.50 (was £25.00) thewhitecompany.com
Mr Perswall Hide & Seek ABC Wall Mural
I absolutely love this mural. Such a fantastic idea for a baby/child’s bedroom. As you know, I’ve been on the look-out for inspirational ideas for decorating the twins’ bedroom, and I just think this is such a lovely way to cover an entire wall. It’s pretty big (265 x 270cm), but I’m sure you could get it cut down to size to fit a particular wall. I just adore the illustrations – really lovely, old-fashioned drawings. It’s also a great way of getting your kids to learn their letters (seeing them all the time is one of the best ways – they just become familiar in a really natural (non-flash cards) way…). It just has a classic charm, and I love that. And if you are decorating on a budget, this may seem a lot to spend in one hit, but you really wouldn’t need to do that much more – the rest of the room could be pretty simple, and it would look great.
£167.00 johnlewis.com
Lulu & Nat Floral Heart Cot Quilt
Another question I have been asked a lot recently is where to buy a gorgeous baby quilt (that doesn’t involve extending your overdraft) from? Mydeco.com is quite a recent discovery of mine, but I’m loving it. I found this beautiful double-sided quilt there, and it’s definitely one of the prettiest ones I’ve seen (Zara Home Kids also always do fab ones). I love the combination of the tiny red hearts and the paisley-esque floral print. It feels like a vintage one (minus the moth balls and the hefty price tag). And being reversible is always a bonus (‘two for one’), so you can chop and change. And don’t be put off that it’s officially called a ‘cot quilt’ if you’re not necessarily looking for one for a baby. I use quilts like this all the time to layer over duvet covers/blankets for decoration and extra warmth. They also look lovely draped over the end of a bed. And for babies, they are just so useful to have around the house – for lying/crawling on etc. And they are always great for the pram/puchchair too. It would make the perfect baby gift (start dropping those hints now if you’re expecting…). I have quilts that I bought when Tabarlow were born (I used them to style up their incubators when they were in hospital for a long two months…), and they are having a bit of a renaissance in their newly decorated bedroom now. Oh, and last but not least, they even just look lovely when they’re not doing anything at all – just piled up on a shelf with other blankets (particularly if you have a mix and match of different prints, textures and colours). I might just have to add this one to my ever-growing collection…
£45.00 mydeco.com
Fine Little Day ‘Pirum Parum’ Print
I was obsessed with this print. It kept cropping up on Pinterest in gorgeous kids’ rooms that I re-pinned, and I just instantly loved it. It’s so sweet, but also so cool. I wanted it for Tabarlow’s bedroom and was on a one-woman mission to hunt it down. And thanks to one of my ever-resourceful Little Spree readers, I did. I tweeted on the off-chance to see if anyone knew where I might be able to buy it from, and the lovely Victoria (of the suspected bow-eating dog tale a while back…) did! Result. So I ordered it, plus the ‘Apple Papple’ print (I was quite giddy by this point), and they are both currently waiting to be framed and hung in the twins’ newly decorated bedroom (still a work in progress…). So thank you again Victoria! Some might argue that it is perhaps a little babyish for two three year olds, but I disagree. I think it has a stylish charm, and is a really lovely blend of ‘old-fashioned’ and modern. I just hope Tabitha and Marlow love it as much as I do!
£28.00 bodieandfou.com
ps: ok, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the results of the Mini Boden giveaway! Thank you all for taking the time to enter. The response was fantastic, and I loved reading all your comments – a great mix of cute, funny, and quirky. As you know there are (sadly) only eight winners though. If you are one of the lucky eight listed below, please email me at the Little Spree address at the top of the website with your full name and address, and I will pass your details on to Boden, who will send your chosen item (in the requested size) out to you directly. Some people haven’t given a surname, but if you entered and requested that particular item, it will be you (if that makes sense?). Congratulations!
1. Pretty woven top: Sarah (you were in labour when you entered!)
2. Leather Sandals: Clare (‘Belfast Mummy’)
3. Alphabet Print T-Shirt: Nicola Reddy
4. Roll-up Trousers: Christina
5. Colour Pop Jumper: Holly Collier
6. Stripey Pocket Tee: Katie Roberts
7. Easy Printed Dress: Samantha Boshoff
8. Towling Top: Lisa
Bodie & Fou Gold Star Wall Stickers
If you don’t have a huge budget to decorate your nursery/little one’s bedroom, these are a fantastic (and super-stylish) instant fix. I love a star (as you all know by now!), and these gold ones will add a little star quality to any wall you choose to stick them onto. And they are perfect for a baby’s nursery, or a toddler/older child’s bedroom. I like them arranged in a haphazard way like they are shown here, i.e. not too perfect. And the best part? If you get bored of them, you can just take them down…
£35.00 mydeco.com
ps: yes, I have wifi! Thank God.
Cyrillus Liberty Print/Linen Cushion Cover
As you know, I am in the throes of ‘styling’ Tabarlow’s bedroom. It’s definitely a work in progress, but I have to confess, I think I may have already gone a little bit crazy on the soft-furnishings… At the last count, Tabs and Marlow each have a sheet, a duvet cover, two pillows (with different pillow cases of course), a little decorative cushion, and a quilt (hanging over the end of the bed). Phew! And guess which idiot has to make the beds each morning? Thank God we’ve done away with the afternoon nap! I had already bought all their bedlinen by the time I found this charming cushion cover, but I really wanted to share it because it’s such a great ‘neutral’ print that would work equally well in a boy’s room as a girl’s (and perfectly where a boy and a girl are sharing of course). For a boy it wouldn’t look too girly mixed with greys and blues. Just really chic and cosy. And it would look so pretty mixed with other floral prints on a girl’s bed. I love the faded green tones. And the back is just plain, neutral linen. So chic. It would also be just perfect for a baby’s nursery. This is definitely one multi-functional cushion!
£22.00 cyrillus.com
ps: I’ve really loved reading all your comments for the Mini Boden giveaway. So many brilliant styling ideas (I’d better watch out!). If you haven’t had a chance to enter yet, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time. I won’t be announcing the winners until Friday 1st March. And hopefully that will be the first of many Little Spree giveaways (only with items/brands that I truly love though – that goes without saying).
pps: I’m also loving seeing all the pictures of your gorgeous little ones wearing their Little Spree purchases. Please ‘tweet’ them to @littlespree, and I will share my favourites on the Little Spree Facebook page. And tell your friends too! The more the merrier…
Cyrillus Grey Bunting
My latest obsession? Nurseries and bedrooms. Well, nothing new there, but I am in the process of doing up Tabitha and Marlow’s room, so I’m more tuned in than ever to all things stylish for babies’/kids’ rooms. Who doesn’t love a bit of bunting? Well, as long as it’s not too twee or cutesy anyway. How great is this Cyrillus (they do a gorgeous interiors collection – definitely worth checking out) bunting (we could’ve guessed the French would do the chic-est example couldn’t we?) in tones of grey? And it’s currently half price in the sale! Bargain! Get ordering quick before it sells out (but not before I’ve had a chance to put my order in)…
£6.50 (was £13.00) cyrilliuis.com
Zara Home Kids Number Cushion (40 x 40 cm)
To say I am obsessed with Zara Home would be understating the point. I am in that store every chance I get (and it doesn’t help that I have one ten minutes from my house!). I find it virtually impossible to leave empty-handed. I love Zara Home and Zara Home Kids in equal measures. They just have the best things, it’s as simple as that. I buy everything from crockery to kids’ furniture in there. I am currently in the process of decorating Tabitha and Marlow’s room now that they are both in ‘big’ beds, so of course you don’t need me to tell you where I went first. Anyway, I won’t bore you with the intricate details of the exact bedlinen I bought, but it’s basically a layered mish-mash of various gorgeous printed pillow cases, quilts, blankets and cushions. I love this particular cushion because of the mix of neutral and neon, so it’s cool, not gaudy. I particulary love the pink, but they also do a neon yellow number one which is great too. I like numbers in the same way that I like monogramming – I can’t really explain it, but I’m always instinctively drawn to them. They just always look cool, and a bit ‘special’. Anyway, I love this cushion, and although I haven’t bought it (yet), if I did (and you’re interested), I would mix it with mismatched floral printed bed linen, or place it on a great vintage chair in the bedroom. I always think things like this make great birthday gifts too – they feel a bit more personal. I have to stop now, or I could literally go on all day, and I have stuff to do…
£19.99 zarahome.com
ps: sorry, one last thing that I love about Zara Home Kids is that they do fantastic things for boys as well as girls (because as we all know, it’s a lot easier to find cute things for girls, even when it comes to decorating their bedrooms). If you don’t particularly want cars or trucks on you son’s duvet cover, they have lots of great, stylish alternatives, such as stars, stripes, and cute illustratrations with a hand drawn feel that are adorable and super-stylish.
pps: also something to remember: Zara Home Kids also have a small selection of clothes that you won’t find in a regular Zara Kids. It’s particularly good for gorgeous newborn/baby things (it’s always the first place I go when I need to buy a baby gift), but also beautiful nighties that I buy for Tabitha to wear as dresses in the Summer. That’s it, I promise.
H&M Home Baby Door Sign
How sweet is this? And I think it has to be the most ‘stylish inexpensive’ thing I have posted to date. What can you buy for £1.99 these days? Nothing particularly cute or stylish that’s for sure (I think you’d even be hard-pushed to find a hair clip…). If you know anyone who is pregnant/just had a baby, click and buy her one! Such a lovely little pressie. If I still had babies, I would buy one for myself! But then, I would have to customise is to ‘babies are’ (or buy two)…
£1.99 hm.com
M&S 5 x Pack Star & Striped Muslin Cloths
I don’t know whether it’s my imagination, but there just seems a much better (and wider) selection of cute muslins around now compared to when I first had the twins. I just had to make do with a huge stash of plain white ones (which, don’t get me wrong were perfectly acceptable, but they definitely weren’t going to win any style awards…). These days the high street seems to be awash with lovely printed ones. I really like these M&S ones for their simplicity. If I was pregnant now, I would definitely be stocking up on these…
£8.00 marksandspencer.com
H&M Home 2 Pack Fabric Bags
I have these and I love them. I have to confess to having a bit of a thing for little drawstring bags (I have so many, I’ve actually lost count…). I just find them so incredibly useful – keeping snacks/spare pants/medicine in inside my bag when I have the twins with me, so I can lay my hands on things quickly and easily. Also for separating things out when I pack Tabarlow’s bag for a visit to their grandparents… These ones are great sizes, and made from 100% organic cotton. They would make a really sweet present if you’re a bit strapped for cash after Christmas. Have I mentioned how much I love H&M Home??
£6.99 hm.com
H&M 2 Pack Baby Blankets
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I love H&M Home! They have the best stuff, and the prices are incredible. I always find great things there, and now I’m obsessed with their increasing collection of baby/kids things. How cool are these? They are officially baby blankets, but you could use them as muslins, or to cover the top end of the cot mattress (a tip I learnt from my maternity nurse – so you don’t have to change and wash the sheet if baby (or babies in my case) are sick or dribble a lot…). And how chic would one of these look in the cot? I would just be happy to have these ‘around’ (if I had babies around that is). And they’re in the sale!
£4.00 (were £6.99) hm.com
Percy & Nell Monogrammed Cushion
As you know, I’m a huge fan of anything monogrammed (my new Louis Vuitton ‘S.C’ bag is testament to that…), but particularly where gifts are concerned. How chic and stylish is this cushion? It would make the best present. It looks great, and shows that you have put a little bit of time and thought in (always a good thing in my book). It would make a great Christmas present, or gift for a newborn baby (Tabarlow were both given handmade T and M cushions when they were born, and I still cherish them now). This is a particularly chic one – I’m loving the grey on grey. There’s nothing not to love about that…
£25.00 percyandnell.com
La Redoute Baby Star Sheets (set of two)
I’m about to move Tabarlow into little beds (late I know, but the later the better as far as I’m concerned!), so sadly I’m too late for these as well, otherwise I would definitely be ordering them. I think they are the chic-est, most stylish cot sheets I have come across to date (well that don’t involve extending your credit card limit and lying to your husband anyway…). And such a great price. And perfect for twins! Make sure you check the size guide before you buy though – they come in two sizes. Sweet dreams.
£17.00 laredoute.co.uk
10 Little Birds Star Print Suitcases
How sweet is this set of three little cases? Tabarlow are obsessed with drawing and colouring at the moment, so I have accumulated quite a collection of crayons and pens (you can only imagine how tense I am about all those loose lids etc…). I have a case similar to these that I am currently using to keep them all in (although I have to admit, it’s not as cute as these). This is a perfect example of something that looks great, that you and your kids like (and we all know what a rarity that is?). And why stop at crayons – you could use these to literally store anything. They are also great to take out and about (I have started carrying said crayons and drawing pads with me when I’m out with the twins so that I know I always have their current favourite source of entertainment onboard to bypass any potential tantrums). Great for gifts too. Oh, and can we just talk about the price? £10.00 people! £10.00!
£10.00 10littlebirds.com
10 Little Birds Mushroom Fairy Lights
Looking for a cute alternative to a night light for your little one’s bedroom now that the nights are getting darker earlier? Look no further. Tabarlow still have their big toadstool night light on the floor in their room (which I love, but does need a new bulb, which is proving to be rather tricky to find, but anyway…), but how sweet are these mini woodland mushrooms? They come as a string of eight battery powered LED lights that you can simply hang anywhere in the nursery/bedroom. How cute! I have actually just recently discovered 10 Little Birds, and I am sort of obsessed with it. It’s a website that stocks a huge selection of adorable, original things for kids that are all £10.00 or less. So perfect for presents, pass-the-parcel, and those all important party bags. It’s a small, family run business, and the initial concept was based on ‘imaginative gifts at the most affordable prices’ (such a great idea). They also include many pieces from fair-trade businesses, and products that incorporate recycled materials. My only question is, are these mushrooms or toadstools?
£9.00 10littlebirds.com