MINI STYLE FOR SPRING

There’s no real surprise that I have become pretty obsessed with Rio’s wardrobe (nearly as much as mine!). I’m loving discovering all the various kids brands (which is obviously a totally new territory for me), creating outfits and building a real look for our little man. Sam is pretty involved in his outfit choices too (already an evidence in Rio’s ever growing trainer collection!). We both have a pretty minimal and neutral style, and it’s not surprising that we’ve naturally conveyed that in terms of what brands and quality of clothing we have been investing in for Rio…

There are already certain brands, and go-to sites (for time poor mama’s) which have quickly become core favourites of mine. I guess when time has become even more limited than ever, there’s not a lot of spare time to be trailing the bricks and mortar shops to pick up his wardrobe, and online shopping has become my saving grace.

As we’re off to Dubai next weekend, I’ve already started planning and preparing his Spring wardrobe, and have been investing in timeless, classic, yet practical and comfortable pieces. The latter is so important, and although occasionally it’s fun to style him up in more traditional outfit sets; practically, on a day-to-day basis, it’s all about finding those brands and pieces which feel good to wear, are soft on his skin, and easy to change him in and out of. Fortunately, the choice is endless (perhaps a bit too much at times) – and with time not being on my side, I’ve already identified a few go-to sites which I can always seem to rely on…

I shared the round up of all my go-to brands and retailers in this post – covering all the different categories (from high street basics to designer) – and one of the sites I mentioned, Melijoe – is quickly becoming one of my all time favourites, for designer and contemporary brands. A luxury online fashion store from Paris (an instant thumbs up from me), founded in 2007 by mother of five Nathalie Genty, is a super chic and highly edited website. It’s a really user friendly and easy site to browse and (dangerously) easy to shop from; her idea was to create a shopping experience at the same level of aesthetic as online adult shopping (no wonder I love it so much).

Even the overall branding and packaging is so on-point.

The site stocks a lot of high end brands such as Burberry, Stella McCartney Kids and Gucci – as well as a curated edit of various up-and-coming, and more affordable labels, including Tiny Cottons, Molo and Mini Rodini (all personal favourites of mine). Being more realistic (and especially with the pace Rio is growing), I’m not really investing heavily in lots of designer pieces (aside from a few key styles for special occasions – of which I have sized up loads, to make sure I get my money’s worth!). I’m actually finding that I have transferred my own shopping habits for myself, in the way I’m buying for Rio – with a varied mixture of high and low, quality over quantity, and pieces which are timeless and classic, at a relatively reasonable price point.

Molo Zip Sweatshirt
Molo Grey Pants

Petit Bateau is a great example of this – where the quality is always amazing and durable – yet affordable. I also really love Molo, for more cooler and casual styles, and the odd piece of Kenzo Kids (I just couldn’t resist this playsuit for Dubai!). Rio’s been living in his Adidas Stan Smith’s since day zero – and I just picked up the cutest little striped espadrilles from Mayoral.

Petit Bateau Graphic Sweatshirt

The general feel and overall style I’m loving and investing in for Spring – includes a lot of greys, navy and white, with the subtle pop of colour with the classic Petit Bateau long sleeved vests (tip: always size up in this brand), which will hopefully last him all summer. As I mentioned, I’m a big fan of soft and comfortable styles, so loose fitting joggers, tops and jumpers in soft brushed cotton, which is breathable and easy to wash, is essential. I’m not really a big fan of styles with tight collars, shirts, skinny denim or anything too masculine when it’s for a baby boy – so I’ve been keeping it pretty neutral and casual with a slight nod to a nautical theme (again, perfect for summer holidays).

Petit Bateau Cardigan, T-shirt and Pants Set 

…a very special thanks to my boy for taking part on this shoot, and for having the patience of a saint. I have no idea where he gets that from!