MOMENT | Summer Bliss

Summer has come to stay here in Australia and we have just gotten back from a 3000km road trip on the beautiful coast of Victoria and New South Wales. We had such a good time enjoying the waves and sun and although it has been the most rain ridden summer so far, we have been lucky to have some wonderful days in the sun&surf. We tried camping under the stars with curious kangaroos keeping us company which was just pure magic (although possums in the night does sound like the worst monster nightmare coming to get you!) Hope you have all enjoyed your holidays out there...summer and winter ones!

M wears an outfit from the current collection of Missie Munster - the best holiday threads you can find for your girls! Casual, cool and stylish all wrapped in one. 

NEW IN | Ten C. Mid Lace by 10 IS

Sometimes sneakers are more than just sneakers. When they can take the sparkle of a nice ballet flat and transform it into the most comfortable sneaker then it is all kinds of wonderful. French shoe label 10 IS keeps on doing the impossible. I have a girl that would rather wear the ballet flats but when it comes to their sneakers she is always an avid fan on zipping them on!

These Ten C. Mid Lace in soft metallic leather are perfect for any outfit and has a wonderful shine that makes the shoe envy in me wish they would come in size 40! (oh yes.. big foot over here! These beauties comes in size EU 24-38 so I just missed out). They come with a chrome free inner leather lining and removable leather insock and sturdy/long lasting rubber sole. They got a smart zip on the side to make them easier to get on and off without re-doing the laces. These shoes run true to size and are available at an array of stores.

To find the closest stockist to you, simply visit their stockist page here.    

:: 10 IS ::

BRAND WATCH | Kids On The Moon SS15

OCEANIA - is the name of Kids On The Moon's new SS15 collection.
Inspired by the depths of oceans and lunar seas the new collection from Kids on the moon is a true deep-dive. Shades of stormy waters are livened up by washed-out stripes, seaweed-inspired checks, pearly skirts and bright corals. A perfect ecosystem of the underwater life touched by the moonlight. Stylefashion-wise the spirit of the collection is slouching towards grunge with oversized tops, layers, faded colours, checks and juxtapositions of patterns and structures. Delicate, almost ethereal and luxurious pearl dresses are great paired with a long hoodie and combat boots.

The silhouettes are loose and nonchalant whereas ombre and faded shades add an edge to overall dreamy and summery collection.

Q&A with Magda Rams and Hysil Sander

Magda Rams, Kids on the moon designer: “Between the ebb and flow, the moon and the bottom of the ocean”

— Where exactly is OCEANIA?
OCEANIA is a fantasy land inhabited by magical creatures, somewhere between the ebb and f low, between the moon and the bottom of the ocean. It is a place with no gravity, where nothing is obvious but everything is connected. The water, the moon, space and freedom. In OCEANIA things change in a split second…

— Can you tell us more about grungy side of OCEANIA?
Grunge gave fashion incredible freedom and laid-back attitude. Mixing and matching of different patterns and structures encourage playfulness. What could be better in kids’ fashion than freedom and playfulness? On the surface OCEANIA is calm and sweet but if you take a closer look it is edgy, nonchalant and has a rebellious nature. The collection is inspired by the sea so the colours are washed out, faded and the fabrics slightly creased.  Even when we use luxurious shimmery cotton we show it in grungy version – very casual, asymmetrical, creased. Paired with combat boots or sneakers it results in a very effortless style - a perfect blend of tough and tender.  

— OCEANIA is more colourful than Kids on  the moon previous collections. You use new fabrics and styles. Where is this coming from?  
 Kids on the moon is a brand in constant movement. We like to play with differ-ent conventions. Every season takes us to different areas of creativity. Our current collection points to similarities between the underwater world and space. We took a deep-dive and met some incredible sea creatures living amongst beautiful coral reefs. Inspired by this imaginary journey we used the shades of the underworld but... added Kids on the moon touch – so the final colours are delicately washed out, faded but still bright and summery.  We’ve introduced pearlcoated cotton as it is one of the trends and it perfectly matches our concept of OCEANIA. The fabrics are, as always very high quality and natural and the styles comfortable.  - OCEANIA is 100% Kids on the moon!

Hyshil Sander, artist, illustrator, author of Oceania’s:“Moonjellies make me feel Zen” 

— In your work fantasy meets nature - your drawings are very delicate, ethereal and imaginative on one had but also show nature, animals in great detail. Where do you find inspiration? 
I once heard dreams are like a kaleidoscope of everything you experience and see. I think my imagination is a bit like this. It's a world made up of everything I know and see and remember and feel and some stuff I completely made up probably. My childhood on the countryside is a big part of this, but sometimes it's a great conversation I had or a stupid movie or candy. Sometimes I just draw a zebra because I want to remember what the skin feels like or I think of a feeling and it has certain colours that I will use.

— Can you tell us more about the Moonjelly you drew for Kids on the moon? What was your inspiration? What is she like? 
I loved drawing the Moonjelly!  I watched a bunch of nature documentaries and it really made me feel Zen watching the jellies! I think she is a quiet queen of the ocean, with a calm confidence. I wish this for the girls who will wear the tunic, calm confidence.  — What is your first drawing you can remember? When did you realize that drawing was your passion?My first drawing I really can't remember! Drawing is a part of me. It's not something I realized, I just knew it. I also always knew I would go to art school, I tried to think of something else, like history or English or astronomy, but it was just to show the adults around me I made a conscious choice to go to art school anyways. It never felt like I had a choice, there was no other way for me. 

— Does your daughter draw? Do you have any special ways to encourage creativity and passion in her?
My daughter draws, like all children do, but not as much as I used too. She likes other things like sports better I think. We put most of our energy into showing her that she's a wonderful little human being and that we are her foundation. I hope this will give her strength and courage to do whatever she wants to do, knowing she can always come back and we will love her no matter what happens. When you know you have a safety net it's easier to take chances in life and you're not afraid of failure. 

— What would be your dream commission?
The cover of The New Yorker. But in less specific terms I like commissions that are daring and different. Like this girl that approached my for her dissertation on children living with HIV. I already learned so much from her by talking to her once, and won't forget this experience ever I think. I like it when people ask unusual things so I can grow and learn.

To find out more about this collection or where to shop it please visit:

:: KIDS ON THE MOON ::

BRAND WATCH | Smalls

First off I'd like to say thanks for sticking around during the absence of our house move. It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks and it's has not been easy as it never is when you have to move your entire life into another home. We are finally starting to settle in and so I am back online and back to the blog sphere! 

I would like to introduce you to a new label that we have had a chance to try out and review. Since I am haling from Scandinavia I know the importance of a good thermo top! They can be hard to find, but when you do, you know it will be the one piece in your kids wardrobe that you feel good that they are wearing again and again. 

Meet Smalls. - Created by two New Zealand friends Cat (stylist) and E-J (marketing) who now resides in UK. Between them have 6 kids aged between four and ten. When their kids were babies, their generous New Zealand grandparents sent them lots of woolly goodies from their homeland. It was during this time that they realised the magical powers of merino wool. Wrapped up snug in it, their kids stayed warm in the cold British winters and in summer or indoors, they didn’t get as hot and sweaty as they did in cotton or polyester. And most excitingly, because the merino stayed cleaner for longer, they didn’t have to spend as much time doing washing -– or suffer the post- wash disappointment of the garments shrinking or coming out grey.
 
Long the secret weapon of the sports industry, they are now bringing the power of merino to your smalls. The perfect combination of comfort and cool, here’s why their range of everyday wear is so good...

• Easy care machine washable wool. I get better with every wash.

• Breathable like a second skin. I draw moisture away from the body... so wear me day after day. I won’t get smelly!

• Warm in winter, cool in summer, that’s year-round comfort.

• You won’t believe it’s wool – I’m as soft as a puppy’s earlobe

• No itchy labels and anti-allergy!

• Made from superfine wool trimmed from happy sheep that roam the mountains of New Zealand and Australia.

• Sustainable and eco-friendly. You’ll be handing your Smalls down through the family.
   

Smalls comes in two options, Tanks and Longs. The colours are great and versatile and with names like Misty Rose, London Fog Grey and French in the Navy it's hard to resist to get more than one. I also love their little nice details such as adding a fluro stitching, which makes the garment pop and adds a special touch. 

All garments are made from 100% super fine merino wool all the way from New Zealand.    

“No matter what’s happening outside, you’ll know they are happy underneath it all” love Cat & EJ xx 

Find your Smalls here! (and yes they ship worldwide)

:: SMALLS ::

OUTFIT | Pretty in Pink

Sometimes you need a bit of pink in your life, and this soft palette of dusty pink is my favourite! Team it up with a bit of burgundy and you will have a nice pop of contrast that will set off the whole outfit.

Find all items here:

1. Firefly headband by Tutu Du Monde / 2. Heart top by R'belle / 3. Skirt by R'belle / 4. Magic hi-tops sneakers by MAA shoes. / 5. Knitted vest by R'belle / 6. Leggings by R'belle

Right now you can get a great SPEND & SAVE offer from Buckets and Spades on both R'belle and Shrunk. 20% OFF when you spend $100 on full price items code : save20 and 25% OFF when you spend $200 on full price items code: save25.  

This offer is valid until May 19th.

SMALL FASHION | Rain rain go away...

We have had a few days of rain so it only makes sense the fashion follows!! Here are a few items that goes perfectly hand in hand with our current forecast...

from top left
1. Bicycle sweater by Emile et Ida / 2. Rain tee by Emile et Ida / 3. Bicycle backpack by Emile et Ida / 4. Rain sweater by Emile et Ida.

BRAND WATCH | baobab AW15

Welcome to another brand watch! This time I'd like to show you another great label from Australia, that has a strong focus on organic fuss free clothing for kids. 

Meet baobab - every season they make a collection of clothes for kids that are stylish but 'wearable' and super comfy. Made from soft but durable fabric. The range caters for baby (3months-2yrs) girls (2yrs-10yrs) and boys (2yrs-6yrs). This seasons colours are vibrant and ‘pop out’ with the custom designed prints in ‘house of cards’, ‘abstract shapes’, ‘brushstokes’ as well as an orginal series of animal placement prints on dresses and tees.

There's a focus on details - in the stitching, curved hem lines, the bell-sleeves, the raglan cuts, the ribbed necklines, the shell buttons, the oversized pockets and the wide cut tees. Their garments are made of 100% cotton and the majority of the knits are made from GOTS certified organic cotton - soft on the skin and good for the world!

baobab is designed in Australia and made by their wonderful team in India. They visit regularly and can guarantee that our clothing is ethically made by some amazing people. 

To check out their new AW15 range visit their online website here:

:: BAOBAB ::

Brand Watch | Miss Ruby Tuesday

Have you heard that Women's label Ruby Tuesday has started a kids collection? Aptly named Miss Ruby Tuesday, it takes minimalism to new heights! Here is what the creators behind the small offspring has to say about their new baby...


"2011 marked the birth of Ruby Tuesday, a collection of iconic pieces that complement the wardrobe of every fashion conscious woman. Three years later, we are happily thriving and expanding the women’s line to include the younger generation.
It started with our travels to Paris and Scandinavia when we brought loads of kids stuff like Stella McCartney circus jackets and beautiful basic items with a twist. Our home is filled with three girls of 0 till 9 years old, so the seed of our 'mini' collection was inevitably planted. The collection is a mix of jerseys, washed sweats and 100% linen T-shirts.

This season, we have developed a print that is a mix of dots and animal prints, that is now already blogged internationally by trend forecasters as the ‘Dalmatian spot’ print. Miss Ruby Tuesday is essentially a kids collection with an adult touch; not too complicated in design and colours, but with nice details and prints.
Ruby Tuesday, the name of a song from the Forty Licks Album of the Stones, is a never-ending story of inspiration and influence. Within four years, we hope to branch out the label throughout Europe, and collaborate with boutique shops that are fueled by passion for their concepts while meeting the interesting individuals behind it."

You can find Miss Ruby Tuesday over at Dutch online shops Orange Mayonnaise and Springstof

SHOOT | Scotch R'belle AW15

"Deep into the forest where the birds sing a bit louder and the plants seem a bit more lush hides the best playgrounds and biggest adventures"  - This is where we try to escape and let the kids explore just get away from paved roads and city life.

It was also the best place to shoot some photos to show you the new AW15 range from girls wear label Scotch R'belle. The new autumn/winter range has just dropped at Buckets and Spades and there are so many key wardrobe pieces for the girls in there. As per usual the attention to details in these garments are amazing. I can't even begin to describe the thick quality of this skirt. The embroided flower pattern is gorgeous and the drawstring waist makes it such a stand out piece. There are so many good outfits in this drop and you really can't go wrong with what every you choose because the colour pallet is made to fit everything in the collection.

Here is how we styled a few pieces together for a warm autumn/winter outfit.

SHOP THE SHOOT:
Zip Through Sweat with special hood / Mix and Match Boatneck sweat / Skirt with waistband / Wink leggings. / Minnetonka moccasins.

To see / shop the entire range from Scotch R'belle click here or see more photos from Scotch R'belles wonderful collections, visit here.

Photo: Annica Derby Stylist: Zlata Relin/Annica Derby Production: Buckets and Spades.

Moments | Roll up!

M wears: Reba floral top by molo / Bella tutu by molo / Sneakers by Converse / Top hat.

It is hard not to get a bit silly when you get to wear such an amazing outfit. This is THE tutu of all tutus. It comes in a little suitcase, and is a dream of thick layers! It swirls like a beauty and even though its quite heavy (read layers of layers) it has the best little adjustable waist so it won't slide south. It goes perfectly with the Reba flower top and would make any little girl want to run away and join the circus...

Find the outfit here:
:: molo ::

BRAND WATCH | I DIG DENIM SS15

Get in the mood for denim! Swedish denim lovers I Dig Denim is coming out with a new line filled with exciting garments for all denim lovers. There is nothing better and more timeless than a good denim wardrobe and this season they have focused on some new classic pieces for both boys, girls, teens and women! Needless to say we are big fans of this label since the start so we are excited to see how well they are doing. Their new SS15 campaign is beautifully shot by photographer Max Modén and he manages to capture the brooding denim rebel so well!

View their LOOKBOOK / View COLLECTION

For more info please visit: www.idigdenim.se

Brand Watch | Mini Rodini / See You Later Alligator SS15

This Mini Rodini Spring/Summer ’15 collection See You Later Alligator is inspired by the fishy life under the aquatic surface. The colours are sea weed green, ocean blue, sand, sunset pink and Florida orange.

Here's Mini Rodini's description of their new even more sustainable collection!

This season, mermaids, mermans, whales, dolphins, sea birds and crocodiles will all cheer when they find out that the beautiful luxurious swimwear collection is made from the finest weave, recycled from PET bottles and other plastic waste. The very same waste that are likely to float around polluting our seas and marine mammals often eat and die.

We have made jackets to wear when sailing in stormy salty waters. Sun hats, caps and shades that protects from the scorching sun when canoeing in the Everglades of Florida. But beware of crocodiles – don’t swim in the swamp! See you later Alligator collection also contains stylishly sustainable dresses, shorts, sweaters, t-shirts and shoes that suits at all occasions, but most practical to wear on dry land.
It’s time to put your super fancy Mini Rodini swimwear, or any other sustainable summer style on and feel proud that you actually are a part of making an environmental change!

As usual Mini Rodini creates fun and playful prints which will be popular among children and parents alike. Luckily there are plenty of great retailers that sell this label around the world so if there is a specific print or size you are looking for there are plenty of opportunity to find it!

To find Mini Rodini in Australia please visit following retailers: Buckets and Spades / Hipkin / Mr.Wolf / Alfie Wild and in Europe visit: Orange Mayonnaise / Springstof / Loja Dada / Shan & Toad / Cozy Kids / La-Di-Da.    

SPOTLIGHT | Knitwear by MICAELA GREG

I know its in the middle of summer here in Australia but when I see great knitwear for kids, I simply have to share. How good are these soft knitted pants from Micaela Greg? It might be the only thing that could make me wish for colder weather! The pants comes in size 12 month up to 5yrs.

Micaela Greg is a knitwear label founded by San Francisco based sisters, Marie and Karen Potesta. The sisters transform spool after spool of yarn into effortlessly cool knitwear by combining modern geometric patterns, intermingling textures, and deceptively simple silhouettes. They strive to design visually bold knitwear, with both an artful quality and boyishly cool aesthetic. The collection is proudly made in California, and constructed of the finest quality Italian yarns with the softest hand feel.

View their kids collection here and their women's collection here.

SNEAK PEEK | I Dig Denim SS15

I love bringing you these little sneak peeks of the new collections for SS15, and here is a great little video showing our favourite denim label, Swedish I Dig Denim. Timeless, hard wearing fashion that will last on your life loving minis. For this season we can see the return of a few modern classics, among them the soho shorts and the great bomber jacket (see photos above) in a new colour version -light grey and in lighter Spring materials.   

Agency/production co: http://www.rockson.se
Photographer: Max Móden

:: I DIG DENIM ::

Tropical Fever | Scotch R'belle

Back from holiday with the suitcase and heads full of holiday memories. One absolutely magical day was when we had a chance to visit the vast sand dunes in Newcastle. Endless hills of white, pristine sand which was so soft that it squeaked when you stepped on it. It was the perfect backdrop to shoot some absolutely amazing clothes by Scotch R'belle. If you are looking for clothes for your girl that is that perfect mix of cool and cute, then look no further.

Packed with wonderful details such as double layers, highly detailed buttons and little hidden printed messages in fun places it takes fashion into the art territory. Most garments are made to fit several outfits in the collection and it is a joy to mix and match this label. The tropical theme is wonderful and the colour choices are perfect for this summer! The cropped tee is detachable and underneath you have a lovely singlet, held together with a wonderful detailed copper button. The skirt is also double layered and has a gorgeous printed under layer which reminds me of aboriginal art and ties perfectly together with the rows of colour fringes in the waistline.

SHOP THE SHOOT //
Top: Cropped Tee with Genius print (cropped tee + singlet) / Skirt: Double layer skirt with Special Colourfu / Sandals by Pom d'Api

For more Scotch R'belle visit their Australian retailer Buckets and Spades who currently is having a great sale on a large selection of this collection.

Ⓒ Photgraphy by Minor De:tales for Buckets and Spades.