The universal law of cuteness states that anything in miniature is automatically adorable. Puppies, natch. Babies, of course. And these especially precious sneakers from Morgan & Milo, which are no exception to the rule. They come in slip on, Velcro and lace-up styles in classic floral and striped patterns or louder sparkle and flame designs. If only our feet were miniature too!
Wendy Mullin has had a do-it-yourself approach to fashion since her years as a student, when she was studying by day, sewing by night, and selling her creations in the back rooms of Midwestern record stores. Now, she brings her vintage-inspired looks to the masses by offering her craftier fans patterns from which to make the clothes themselves, along with her original instructional manual Sew U. Her new book Sew U: Home Stretch, which just hit shelves, tackles the tricky world of sewing with stretchy knits, from a simple crewneck tee to the floaty "Madame Butterfly" dress. Get ready to indulge your every Project Runway fantasy.
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Torn between a giving mom something practical and giving her something indulgent? Let us introduce you to our current obsession: this luxe, oversized toiletry bag-cum-clutch from the brilliant Anya Hindmarch. The quilted, dove grey patent leather wipes clean with a cloth, so mom can feel safe packing it with shampoo bottles and toothpaste on a big trip. Once in the hotel, she can unpack the products and take the pretty thing out to dinner in place of her purse.
For more useful, beautiful finds, check out our mother's day gift guide.
Why give the same standard cashmere blanket at your next baby shower when the people at Shokay offer something much more special? The company crafts their throws, booties and stuffed animals from luxuriously soft yak down sourced directly from Tibetan herders, helping them to earn a living. We especially love this Tenzing Norgay baby blanket, with it's quirky pattern and cozy feel, named for a Tibetan explorer. Maybe your tot will be inspired by the courage of its namesake.
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If every other kid in school also has the Dora bag, consider upgrading to something truly unique. Vessel's Zoo Collection bags are made of sturdy canvas and have bright, graphic designs that featuring giraffes, elephants, and porcupines. The company also makes zippered sacks that are perfect for taking toiletries to sleepaway camp and adorable beach hats.
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As any chef will tell you, the best way to rid kids of picky-eater-syndrome is to let them help out in the kitchen, where they can watch everything come together. Getting little ones to patiently measure and stir while you whip up a coq a vin is a tall order, but these extra-cute Beansoup aprons are sure to get them amped about dinner duty--and about expanding that finicky palette.
Leave it to a Hollywood mom to show us how being more Earth-friendly can actually make you more glamorous. Author Sophie Uliano takes readers through a step-by-step process to make their lives more eco-chic. From her custom yoga program to her own line of green beauty products, the book is full of cool products (a whole chapter called "soulful shopping") and easy ways to help reduce your carbon footprint. Even Julia Roberts is a fan--she wrote the foreword!
When shopping for spill-proof toddler cups, we'd bet questions like "Is it nontoxic?", "Is it durable?", and "Can I toss it in the dishwasher?" come before "Does it look good?" Thanks to French Bull housewares , the answer to all of these is a resounding yes. Not only will you have peace of mind, you'll also be proud to display these graphic, patterned sippy cups on your kitchen table.
If you're seeking a shower gift for your greenest friend or hoping to replace your tot's germ-infested blankie, Cariboo Earth has the perfect solution. The New Zealand-based company has developed environmentally sustainable, hypoallergenic nursery blankets made entirely from (naturally flame-retardant!) wool. Their unique "anti-itch, anti-prickle" weave promises to be gentle against delicate skin--and the blankets come in five sweet colors, courtesy of non-toxic dyes.
Whether your rings and bracelets were purchased at Van Cleef & Arpels or for five dollars from a street vendor, it is time to stop housing them in
Tupperware or strewn across your bedside table. This typically minimal acrylic jewelry box from Muji is the perfect place to store family gems and plastic bangles alike. The plush velvet-bottomed drawers protect your baubles from scratching, the transparent sides mean no more digging blindly for that missing earring back.
Say goodbye to your bulky nylon laptop bag, with its thick, seatbelt-like chest strap. As our computers are getting smaller and sleeker, so are their carrying cases--like this bag from Urban Junket, which combines handbag and briefcase in one. The rich mahogany leather and detachable crocodile- textured pouch make this piece lust-worthy while the internal organizational pockets and zippered laptop sleeve are all function.
Whether your office attire is staid business formal or casually eclectic, the right pair of shoes can put a spring in your step while going about your daily routine. These modern, stacked-heel Cole Haan pumps are a fantastic update to the workday staple. The gentle, round toe is business appropriate; a flashy patent sheen is purely for pleasure. Plus, the well-disguised Nike Air cushioning inside makes them uncommonly forgiving after hours on your feet.
Dear ballet flat, the time has come for us to express our undying gratitude to your legacy. You're comfortable, you're tasteful, and you have all but eliminated the need for otherwise stylish women the world over to wear frumpy sneakers on the way to work while carrying sky-high stilettos in their tote. We're currently digging this version by Pedro Garcia, with a softly ruched heel wearable enough to take you from play date to date night.
Sometimes the easiest way to feel festive is with a fresh pop of color. These royal purple satin sandals from J. Crew work just as well with drainpipe jeans as they do with a party dress, and they're wearable enough to carry you through all those weddings of the season. Plus, they're all you need to inject new life into your tired black shift dress; though lately, we love pairing ours with unexpected colors, like navy or emerald green.
Admit it, it's hard to muster up the energy to don anything stylish when the weekend rolls around...and most of the people noticing what's on your feet are under the age of ten. Consider these lace-up tennies from Tretorn an effortless compromise. The subtle golden sheen and comfy rubber sole make for the perfect balance of glam and practical. When was the last time you got to feel fashionable on the playground?
Nude patent, the fashion world's favorite neutral of late, won't be going anywhere fast. The pale color elongates the leg, and the shiny, squeaky-clean leather is oh-so elegant. Why not carry the trend into spring with these peep toe pumps from Marc by Marc Jacobs? The silhouette feels demure-while the four-inch heel is anything but. Part career woman, part vixen, this is a shoe that should be in everyone's closet.
In need of some comfy, portable seating? We recommend Mia's floor pillows from Bliss Living, made in brightly colored patchwork prints, accented with covered buttons, and trimmed in dupioni silk. At almost two square feet, they're hefty enough to be extra cushy, and don't let the luxe fabrics fools you -- whether on your living room floor, inside a great blanket fort, or just in front of the tube, these cushions are made to be well-used.
We are always on the hunt for something small and desirable to hold other small and desirable things. Snapdesign's graphic makeup bags and coin purses are our favorites of late. Beautifully handmade in a variety of colors and styles and embellished with decorative top stitching, you can buy matching sets or mix it up. The leather holds up well in even the most high-traffic purses, and the zip closure will hold business cards, travel items, you name it!
We've been a fan of CharmCo jewelry for some time now -- their wide and gorgeous selection of vintage and reproduced charms offers something for every taste. Now, with their recently launched "Wish List" registry, there's a smart way to spread the word. To start your own Wish List, log onto
CharmCo and click through the bits and bobs to build your own unique dream piece. Then use the clever email form to send friends and family a subtle(ish) hint. We think it's a great way to begin a lasting tradition.
We can't full explain our obsession with Birdlette but, trust us, it runs deep. Their colorful onesies and tees are 100 percent cotton and built for wear and tear. But our hearts were won by the quirky hand-silkscreened animal graphics, which take themselves just seriously enough to be hilarious. It's hard to pick favorites, but we're particularly fond of the hippo in sneakers, and the guinea pigs at the bus stop. We're betting you'll soon be obsessed, too.
Tired of seeing your accessories coming and going? So are we, which is why we immediately fell under the spell of these one-of-a-kind Madame Fortuna charm necklaces. Inspired by the haunting, historical streets of New Orleans, each necklace is a carefully curated bouquet of charms and vintage pieces ("Creole Queen" shown), affixed to an antiqued brass chain. When hung around your neck, it's sure to elevate any look. Trust us: it's a little bit of voodoo.
Happy Valentine's Day! To show your affection for the whole family this year, check out these BoobyDooby eco-friendly tees. Not only do the organic tees heart the environment, they also display powerful messages for those in your own heart: "my kids," "my bro," "my sis," "my mom," or "my dad". Tagless and super-soft, they're a truly sweet way to show your love
The holidays may be over, but winter's just getting started. How about something cuddly to get you through the season? Keep your tots (and yourself!) cozy this winter with cuddly Owl hats and mittens. The darling accessories will keep fingers and ears warm during sledding, ice skating, or any other cold-weather activity - and they're made entirely from wool, so Jack Frost won't have a chance to spoil your fun.
Dressing up can be such a bore for little boys -- the stiff suit, the uncomfortable tie, the shiny, squeaky shoes. This Small Paul Fedora may quell that distaste by making the whole thing feel more like play. The hat looks swank enough for dad, but it's been sized down for your little man. Surely this will get him excited about dressing up for grandma's house...
When you give someone a cozy shawl from Afghan Hands, you get to feel warm and fuzzy, too. The nonprofit teaches craft skills to Afghan widows in order to help them gain independence, literacy, and livable wages. The oversized fringed shawls are made from a cashmere and wool blend and intricately embellished with bright thread by hand. It's a wonderful way to share the wealth this holiday season.
Need a luxe, last-minute gift that doesn't feel like an afterthought? Here's one so thoughtful it even gives back. DHL and famed designer Zac Posen have teamed up this season on a colorful Tote for Teachers. The Italian leather tote is lined with cotton twill and features the signature DHL colors. All proceeds go to TeachersCount, a non-profit striving to elevate the cultural status of teachers and provide better resources to the education community.
Don't you know a mother who deserves some serious luxury in her life? These elbow-length gloves from Malo will make her feel like she's stepped into another era. Exquisitely crafted from the finest buttery-soft leather, the gloves come to fit your hands perfectly and wear incredibly well, keeping her both cozy and sleek through many winters to come. So go ahead: splurge a little. Available at Malo, (212)396-4721.
We love a nice old-fashioned find from time to time, especially in the nostalgia that surrounds the holidays. Made from supple goatskin, these women's pruning gloves from Smith & Hawken protect your hands in two ways: The wrist closures keep dirt out, and the insides are treated with aloe to keep your palms soft and your manicure intact. Handy, sure-but to the green thumb in your family, truly a lust-worthy gift.
Baby, it's cold outside. If you know a woman who hates to sacrifice her style in the face of the snow, the Haakon boots from Tecnica will please her no end. Designed and crafted in the fashion mecca of Italy, these fuzzy mukluks feel more like a celebration of winter than an anti-fashion, functional, and necessary evil. Their bovine fur-and-wool upper is naturally insulating and water resistant, while the colorful contrast stitching adds a bit of punch to the winter-white landscape. Visit tecnicausa.com to find them in stores near you.
Torn between practicality and luxury for mom's gift this year? Then don't choose between them; this gorgeous wool riding coat from Pringle of Scotland is the perfect marriage of the two. Warm and versatile, the stylish piece effortlessly elevates even the most casual outfit, while a flirty tulip hem adds a contemporary hit. And the brand's signature immaculate tailoring means the coat promises to hold up for years to come. Available at Bergdorf Goodman, bergdorfgoodman.com for stores.
Bookhou's diaper totes are made from canvas printed with gorgeous, slightly nostalgic prints, and the little pockets are just the right size for a few diapers and essentials. Plus, each bag is the perfect length to hook onto your stroller without dragging. So instead of offering up a schleppy diaper bag with more bells and whistles than she'll ever use, why not something she'll love even after the baby is grown?
We're counting down the days to one of our very favorite holidays, and we'll start with one of the most crucial components: the get-up. This sweet Little Red Riding Costume is just one of the gorgeous fairy-tale ensembles available from John Derian. Imported from France and made from 100 percent cotton, the costumes are hand-tailored and will last through years of dress-up. Plus, with quality like this, you'll be craving a matching one in your size.
These Eco-Weekender bags by Gecko Traders are proof positive that you don't have to sacrifice unique style to be eco-friendly. Made from repurposed rice sacks, the sturdy totes and pouches are carefully lined and finished, giving a touch of luxury to your do-gooding. They also provide sustainable living for the Cambodian weavers and producers employed by the company, so your diaper tote or makeup case is helping to get more than one life in order.
These cotton Veggie onesies from Nubius Organics are entirely organic, soft as a feather, and printed with soy ink, so you can feel confident that only the most gentle materials are touching baby's skin. This set of three comes bundled up in a reusable tote for the produce market--also, of course, made from 100 organic materials--and if you ask, they will even include some sweet stuffed vegetables. For more of our favorite eco-baby styles, check out our Green index.
Can you believe this is a diaper bag? The Journey Pack from Petunia Pickle Bottom's Scout Collection, made from industrial-weight heathered felt, isn't too pretty to deliver: the stylish pack comes with a water-resistant changing pad and an antiqued-brass wipes case, and is equipped with nine pockets for bottles, magazines, diapers, stroller clips, and your cell phone. It's billed as a bag that Dads won't object to toting around, but a minimalist mother will surely appreciate the sophisticated subtlety, too.
