Banana Republic Has Gone Mini!

Banana Republic has just introduced their latest limited edition collection and this one is for the mini rock n rollers. The pieces are gender neutral which is really helpful on the second go round. Now that I have a baby boy, I'm regretting my daughters ultra feminine infant wardrobe. I still harbor a serious addiction to buying any item of clothing with butterfly sleeves, so I doubt Mr. Blue Eyes will be getting any future hand me downs.  Love the cozy cashmere and the asymmetrical fisherman sweaters for the wee gents and the tomboy onesies for the lil' lassies. And if you feel the urge to splurge on the cashmere, it looks like today they're offering 35% off with the code: BRSAVENOW

Fantastic Foxes

Seems like the Fantastic Mr. and Mrs. Fox are having their day! I keep seeing the most amazing clothing and home items emblazoned with stylish, hip, and adorable foxes. Below are some of my favorites.

Fox Dress Wild Things Dresses

While I was busy looking for a halloween costume for Little Miss, I can across the most delightful shop on etsy called Wild Things Dresses. Her dresses and  teepees are all completely adorable but I am particularly smitten with the fox and ordered it up straight away. It's perfect for my daughter for Halloween because she doesn't like wearing things on her head, but it is so beautifully made, it can be a  whimsical dress to wear this fall winter!  

Bookend Reading Fox

Love this fox metal bookend from DesignAtelierArticle.

Renard Fox

 This fox from Moulin Roty is named Mr. Renard and he looks like quite the gentleman. He reminds me of the wily fox from Beatrix Potter's Jemima Puddle Duck.

Fantastic Fox Hat

Thinking maybe I might need this hat from Awberry to accompany Little Miss trick or treating.

hand screen printed fox cushion cover

Graphic and playful fox pillow from Robin and Mould

Autumn Leaves Print

And while the fox isn't the star of this print by Mary Kilvert, somehow her rust colored presence really captures the mood of fall.

Mini Boden Summer Clearance Sale

Mini Boden's clothes are so adorable and brightly colored with fun patterns and intricate appliques and right now, they are having an amazing sale. Many of their clothes and accessories are up to 70% off.

Summer embroidered play set

I picked up this lavender two piece set for $17 and found out yesterday the price had gone down even lower to $13!

Big applique t-shirt

I love their animal appliqued tees. This zebra would be equally cute for a boy or a girl.

Towelling Poncho 

And this little toweling poncho would be perfect for the beach. Sizes are limited so hurry and don't forget to check out the men's and women's. I snagged a few things for myself. Especially since my daughter's wardrobe is becoming far more stylish than mine!

Ragtales

(image by Flitterin)

Loving all things Liberty of London, I decided to check out their website before the holidays and found the most adorable dolls and animals from Ragtales in their children's section. I ordered Molly the dolly (seen above with Patsy) for Lil Miss for Christmas and she has been a big hit. The quality is impeccable, and she is so charming and old fashioned. 

 (Pippa, image from Ragtales website)

So for Easter, I ordered Patsy, and Pippa the cat from the Ragtags collection. They are the perfect size for toddler and baby hands and a great price.

(picnic set, image from Ragtales website)

Their dolls and animals are filled with personality as are their accessories like this festive picnic set. Sadly, Pippa went missing at the grocery store. Hopefully, she's off having an amazing adventure!

Ciao Ancora! E Senor Blum

Its been a long time since I've posted. The birth of my daughter in 2011 has not given me much time to travel or even fantasize about jetting off to exotic places. Most of my days are spent running after a very busy toddler. I hope to start posting again regularly, but I think this blog may evolve more into daily musings and will certainly become more child centric. That said, I did have the opportunity to take a long vacation to Italy last year when my daughter was only 7 months old. Our 2 night stay in Venice involved climbing 100s of stairs carrying a stroller in 90 degree heat! I did come across the little gem of a puzzle shop Senor Blum in quiet Dorsoduro where I picked up this cat puzzle. All the puzzles in his shop are hand cut and many have Venetian themes like the one above. I had hard time deciding which to purchase, but did not have room for many of the more elaborate designs in my suitcase. This one appealed to me as the silhouette of the cat is a reminder of the many stray cats one sees in Venice, and the window is so distinctive of Venetian architecture. It has been sitting on a shelf in my daughters room since I got it and she has just recently been requesting I take it down for her to look at. We work it together and it's a nice reminder of those hot days spent in Venezia.

Senor Blum

2840 Dorsoduro

Venezia, VE 30123 Italy

+39 041 522 6367

The Gilt Group Jetsetter Website - Everywhere

Image from Jetsetter

If you have yet to discover the joy that is Gilt, a website devoted to online sample sales at amazing prices, you are really missing out. You can attend their cyber sales from the comfort of your sofa, but still might find yourself in a battle over the top you want in the perfect color and size. Like all good sample sales, sizes are limited, you've got to get there early, and be really decisive (or in this case have really fast internet), but boy are the deals good. 

To add to the mix, they have just recently launched a travel sight called Jetsetter. The prices are incredible. Most sales last only three days, and have limited dates available, but if you're already planning a trip to one of their sale locations, or like to fly by the seat of your pants, it's perfect. Last week they had rooms at the urban chic City Club Hotel in New York for $115. A  hotel of that caliber in NYC will normally cost you at least $200 and upwards. 

Most of their hotels appear to be in the luxury category, with rates slashed over fifty percent. 

Image of Capella Telluride Hotel from Jetsetter

On sale now is the Capella Telluride hotel with rates also starting at $115. 

Image of Maroma Resort & Spa from Jetsetter

The next sale up will be the five star Maroma Resort and Spa on the Riviera Maya. 

Tea on the Thames - London

(Image from Silver Fleet Website)

(Image from House & Garden Magazine)

No trip to London is complete without having high tea at one of the many swanky establishments. Now you can have your tea and sight see too! The Silver Fleet Cruises offer a high tea on board their Art Deco yacht the Silver Barracuda. Refurbished with luxury Osborne and Little fabrics and other glamorous touches, the two hour cruise also includes a live commentary of historical sights and details. The boat departs from the Waterloo Pier at the base of the London Eye every Thursday through Sunday, and tickets can be purchased at the London Eye website for 18 pounds. It all sounds so perfect for those of us who prefer to sight see in style on a limited budget!