Hip Hip Hooray!

One of my fave designers (and former boss) Cynthia Rowley is designing a new babies line for Babies R Us. Her collection is actually called Hooray! She must be making a lot of money these days creating lines for mass brands like Target and Toys R Us. Oh well, who wants to pay for expensive stuff nowadays? Especially for kids who grow out of their clothes in just two months. (A few days ago, the nanny told me that my daughter's shoes don't fit anymore. How can that happen when she only wore them thrice. Shucks!)




I just love these retail magnates and designer collaborations, perfect for the budget fashionistas like me! I can't wait for Stella Mccartney to launch her new babies line for Gap. Hmm... I wonder when Alexander McQueen will design for H&M! That will be the day...

Paris on My Mind

Am so happy the rashguards my Mom sent finally arrived. Was too excited hubby and I brought her to the pool this afternoon. It was a bad idea though cause it started pouring as soon as we were in the pool. Saw baby shaking because it was too cold and had to go back home. There goes our holiday! Why is it raining like crazy when it's summer? Ugh!

Speaking of holidays, my hubby's designer flew to Cebu today for a weekend with the family. My hubby looked envious as he hasn't been to any of the beaches in the Philippines. How pathetic! He watched a show on BBC that featured Palawan and fell in-love with the beaches. We plan to go there for a short vacation this year. I should be fit by that time so I can get myself a nice bikini from Pucci or Missoni.

A friend is getting married in France this July and I might have to miss it (again)! Unfortunately, I have not been a fan of weddings. I missed the "big days" of most of my good friends. Sad, really, cause I am not there on their special day. I'm totally useless when it comes to these things. I would have loved to go to France though (can you believe I have never been?) but timing is really bad since I just started work. Hubby promised to bring me next year or when things are a bit more stable. Can't wait!

I'm looking forward to seeing Paris, Provence and the beautiful vineyards in Bordeaux and Champagne. My to- do- list in Paris includes eating in a Michelin star resto like Guy Savoy, visit the Louvre and of course shop at Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th! Oooh! There are so many nice French brands for both mommy and baby, one I just read about is Vertbaudet which is the French version of H&M. Cheap and trendy, perfect for babies who grow out of their clothes so quickly.

Check out some of the pics from their spring/summer collection. They also sell nice maternity wear (good thing I am not pregnant).



Cute eh? Please take me to France now!

Son of a Gun!

While baby girls are sashaying in their dainty navy outfits, I thought baby boys should wear something more bold and macho. I vote for the military look! If you are tired of the good ol' cargo pants for junior, opt for something more stylish like these tops from Peace and Jam.






Speaking of sons, we were on skype with my stepson today and I must say he is becoming more and more good looking (like his daddy) nowadays. I can just imagine my daughter's friends drooling for him in the future. He is gonna be one hearthrob and heartbreaker for that matter!

Hmm... it got me thinking, if hubby and I had a boy, would he look that handsome too? Not that I want to have another baby again... knock on wood!

Mama's Boy

Whoever said there are not enough cute clothes for boys has not been to Lilboychic's online boutique... since I don't plan to have a baby boy, I just hope my daughter's boyfriend dresses up this chic.

Want a groovy baby? Dress him up in retro clothing and sneakers. Just make sure he doesn't end up in a rave party...



Is your lil prince growing up to be a car aficionado? Dress him up in car prints from head to toe and see how other baby girls start running after him.



Is your baby aspiring to be the next teen idol or boy band member? Dress him up in rock n' roll gear.


Plan to enlist your son in the army? Get him ready with some camouflage action...



Hmm... not sure about the rockstar, raver or military boyfriend for my daughter? The sportscar fanatic sounds like a better idea...

Crew-sing

When shopping for clothes for my daughter, I can't help but like stuff that are for sale for older kids. I can't help but think... I want that skirt for her when she's a bit older. The dress would look good on her when she is three. Apparently, the stuff for toddlers are more fashionable than the cute onesies for infants. I'm wondering if other moms buy clothes for their kids in advance. I don't cause I'm just worried that I wouldn't like those clothes anymore by the time she can fit in them. I guess I just want to enjoy the moment... otherwise, it's like buying Christmas presents on June.

But, when I saw J.Crew's Crew Cuts, line for kids from 2-12. I wanted to get my hands on them ASAP. I just knew they would look good on my daughter. I have to stop myself before I end up buying her prom dress for her for when she turns eighteen. Good thing I am banned from using my credit card online... but then again, there's always mother to call and get them for me (Happy Mother's Day, Mom!)

Can you blame me? Check out how adorable their stuff are...

Boys Will Be Boys

I have to look for presents for baby boys. I'm godmother to my friend's baby, my other godson is turning one and another baby of my friend is celebrating his birthday too! This changes my shopping routine a bit... no more ruffles, lace or pop sleeves this time. And of course, I always opt to buy clothes as presents... toys are too bulky to send anyway.

On my way to work, I passed by Paul Frank Industries which was a block away from my office. The window display was inviting and I found myself going inside. I had to check their infant line, Small Paul and boy the stuff were really cute, especially for boys! But I found that they were way overpriced...600 hkd for a camouflage onesie! I liked their hooded jackets and printed shirts too. Sigh, I wish I was paid much higher so I can afford them all. Hmm... I need to work harder!

Wanted to show you some pics of the stuff I saw and found that Small Paul was cheaper online at oliebollen.com. Hurray!

This rocker jacket is so cool with the mohawk hood...


Love the colors on this camo print hoodie too, so cute with jeans and sneakers...


They got cute onesies too and this is perfect for babies who love their tunes...


Or those for those who are teething...


If you want a cheaper alternative, my friend just told me about Agoo, a new funky line for babies from the Philippines. Too bad they are only for babies 0- 9 months (2 babies I'm getting gifts for are turning one!) They don't have a store yet but you can check their stuff on Multiply. Take advantage of their sale, some onesies are only around 50hkd or US$6. Not bad!





Now who said dressing up a baby boy is not fun?

Pardon My French (Once Again)!

I just read about a sale on Bonpoint's sale at Gilt Groupe this week. I never heard of this brand before but when I searched for it online, I was in-love! Tell me you aren't! The French has done it again... Bravo!

Lunch Date

I ate salmon maki, sashimi rice, chicken teriyaki and a mango smoothie for lunch (oink!) Did I mention that I also had Mrs. Fields cookies an hour before? Gosh! Am on my way to fatty land!

Since I felt guilty about everything I shoved down my throat, I decided to walk around the vicinity of my office in Causeway Bay to burn some calories (yeah right). After a few steps, I saw Hermes and Chanel on my left, Gucci and Tod's on my right. Not a good sign! This place is shopaholics' land!

I ended up in Lee Gardens and went to the children's floor. Saw the orange Burberry dress for my daughter and even if I really liked it, I still couldn't justify paying 1,400 HKD for one. So, I moved on to the next store, Seed, a children's clothing line from Australia.

Felt like I was in heaven! I palpitated when I saw their spring-summer collection. I am not gonna shop... I am not gonna shop! Now, breathe! Their stuff were perfect for my daughter... feminine, playful, preppie and practical! Seed is just like Gap and Zara Baby, just a bit more expensive. Okay, a tad more expensive! But their clips, shoes, denims, swimsuits were irresistible! It's so her style! The saleslady must have seen the reaction on my face when I was browsing around and said, "They are really cute huh?" I told her I would definitely come back. Besides, lunch break is over.



Next time, please remind me to just call the Thai resto beside our office to deliver some cheap and cheerful Pad Thai. It's dangerous for shopaholics like me to roam around the busiest shopping area of Hong Kong with fave shopping companions, VISA and MASTERCARD! I am banned for now...

Look Who's Talking

Tired of the usual onesies from Carter's? Don't want to spend on designer babywear? Get your baby some of these funny onesies or better yet, create your own and make someone's day. Just don't quote me!

Born Identity

When shopping for friends' babies, it's important to ask what their babies' style personality is? Instead of spending a lot for clothes baby won't wear or won't look good in, this question can save you some cash. Of course, baby can have two style personalities depending on his or her activities, just how we can be both Carrie and Samantha (from Sex at the City) at the same time.

Preppie/Country Club Baby

This is appropriate when baby is playful and active but a bit reserved with his or her actions. He or she likes horses, golf clubs or soccer balls. Since baby is sociable and interactive, these oufits are best worn when going to Hong Kong Football Club (or Manila Polo Club in the Philippines), Sunday lunch at Top Deck (or Greenbelt), playgroup at My Gym or (Gymboree).

Where to shop: Ralph Lauren, Gap, Zara, Petit Bateau, JCrew, Hackett London

Lil Fashionista

This is for the outgoing and cheeky baby. He or she is showing a little bit of character already, either one who smiles at the camera a lot or is a bit snobbish and does not like being with strangers. They are the future Victoria and David Beckhams, the late Kennedys (Caroline and JFK Jr) or better yet Jackie O and James Bond. Best worn when going to parties, baby's first photoshoot or special occasions (like the Baby Gala Dinners or the Baby Tatler Ball).

Where to shop: Juicy Couture, Chloe, Dior, Burberry, Armani, Fendi, Kenzo, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus or Harrod's

Artsy Fartsy/Alternative Baby

This is for the creative and a bit moody baby. He or she likes playing with crayons and creates buildings from blocks in a little corner or likes dancing to music and playing with the guitar. Favorite DVDs are Baby Van Gogh or Baby Mozart. He or she would grow up to be the next Zaha Hadid or Mick Jagger. Best worn when going to Kindermusik, Woodstock concert, art museums or when checking out the facilities of a finishing school (you want to be prepared way in advance).

Where to shop: Little Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Comme Ca Baby, Roxy or Quik Baby, Von Dutch Baby, Small Paul by Paul Frank

Romantic Prairie Baby

This is for the sweet and loving baby who is on the shy side. He or she wants to be hugged and carried the whole time and cries when Mommy is not around. She likes walking or crawling on grass, playing with animals and wades in little puddles. Best for baby who grew up in the countryside. Think Little House on the Prairie or Brokeback Mountain! Best worn to church, first days of school, sister's holy communion or Mommy's best friend's wedding.

Where to shop: Gap, All Organic and Eco-friendly brands, Marks and Spencer, Oilily

Happy Shopping! If your baby does not fit any of the characteristics above, watch out for What's your Baby's Style Personality Part 2!

Stockholm Stopover

My daughter's half brother is Swedish by nationality. That means I have the excuse to go to Stockholm someday. Sweden just happens to be one of the leading design centres. Brands like Ikea, Volvo, Absolut and Ericsson come from that part of the world. Looking for modern art, cool furniture or hip baby clothing? Come with me to Stockholm and see what these designers are made of.

Plastisock's designers believed that kids can look like dinosaurs and dolls and look smashing with a tutu and cowboy hat by creating unisex baby clothing. Thanks to them, brother and sister can start sharing clothes now!




Mini Rodini's graphics are pretty cool and unisex too (hmm, what's with Sweden and not having any difference in genders). The electric guitar and robot prints are their signature patterns. I like their squid blue onesie, reminds me of the characters in Atari (yikes, that just gives away my age). Simple but very stylish!




Franka's philosophy is to create clothes that are playful. Relaxed, comfortable, practical but very good quality, that's how former production manager of H&M describes her designs. These nautical outfits are just to die for!


NovaStar was inspired by the birth of baby Novalieh. Mother/designer Helena Orlenius wanted to create a brand of children's clothes that kids can actually play in. I guess if your child won't be walking on any catwalk soon, you'd be happy with their collection.




So, when are you booking your flight to Stockholm?