What the Kids Wore // Alba

Growing up, we had a blossom tree in our garden and it always felt like the flowers came from nowhere.  All winter the tree was empty and then almost overnight we were greeted with this spattering of pink on the tree and all over the grass.  It meant Spring was here and all around colours and life would be sprouting. It still makes me excited now when I see the park lined with pink blossom trees

I have been buying the children clothing from Alba since Finn was a baby and I was really excited this summer when they sent us these outfits for the children.  Their clothes are inspired by Majken's (the founder) own childhood and I love the retro vibes, the bright colours and the super soft organic cotton that is it all made from.  Everything is soft and stretchy and designed for children that love to move.

I want my children to have a similar childhood to mine where they are free to run barefoot in the garden, climb trees and play outside as much as possible and we love living so close to this beautiful park.  There is a lovely little nature garden where we can watch the tadpoles swim and turn into frogs, where we can look for plants and flowers and bugs and talk about the world.  

You have to feel these clothes in real life to know how soft and comfortable they are because I can't get it across in a picture but I think you can see how much the children love them.  Cora gave her dress a cuddle before she put it on and announced ' I love pink, I love my new dress, I am so lucky today!' and Finn asked if I could wash it straight away so he could wear it the next day.  

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What the Boys Wore - Dapperbaby

I love dressing my boys, picking clothes that suit their personalities, their colourings and their lifestyle.  Finn needs comfort, the right fit for crawling and the right shape for his growing pot belly.  Archie needs freedom to run and jump, he doesn't want to be restricted, his clothes need stretch.  Dylan needs to look 'cool', or whatever a 4 year old considers cool, because he is starting to want an input in what he wears, but he also like soft and bright.

We have found brands that fill every criteria and the places we buy them from and whilst I love discovering new brands, there are some old favourites that I go back to every season.  Dapperbaby is one of my go-to online retailers as the lovely Emma stocks a mix of our favourites alongside new brands that I can't resist trying (and always love).  Her service is amazing, my orders tend to arrive the next day and a little bag of Haribo always makes me smile!

Emma sent us a few pieces and this playsuit from Albababy was the thing I was desperate to open.  The colours look so perfect together, it is practical for Finn to crawl and move in, the shape and cuffs mean it will last for a long time and I love how he still looks like a baby in it.

I bought my first Albababy item quite recently and have been slowly stocking up ever since, the quality is outstanding and I love the cuts of the classic pieces.  These are definitely clothes that you can keep for future children and Britney bump will have plenty to grow into. 

Albababy isn't just for Finn and Archie was sent this classic brown and white striped top.  His wardrobe contains a lot of patterned trousers and I know that stripes are guaranteed to go!  The cuffs on this are currently folded over and I think this will last him a very long time too.

These dog leggings are from Maxomorra, a company I have written about several times and who make up quite a chunk of all three boys' wardrobes.  Archie loves leggings and with potty training they are ideal for him.  He loved the design and they are perfect for this in between weather where it isn't always warm enough for shorts but he doesn't need anything heavy.

Archie really likes to put clothes to the test, and these definitely passed!

Archie is wearing the leggings in 98/104 and the top in size 104, he is a pretty average sized just turned 3 year old.

One of my favourite things about Maxomorra is how they make a print work for all children.  Many of their designs come in baby vests, leggings, dresses, hoodies and t-shirts alongside other items making it great for matching siblings of different ages.  Emma stocks a great selection at Dapperbaby and she sent Dylan the hoody to match Archie's trousers.  Made from organic cotton like every Maxomorra item, the hoody is soft, lined, stretchy and considered 'cool' by my boy - everything we want!  I love the contrasting yellow that keeps it bright and fun.

And finally, Maxomorra make the most amazing summer suits, I just love how light, practical and bright they are.  Finn was sent the racing cars, and I fell immediately in love.  During the spring months he can wear it with a vest underneath and the dungaree look and by summer it will be a romper on its own.  The sizing is so generous that this will definitely last him until Autumn and it is super soft and stretchy making it perfect for a baby that sits, crawls and cruises.

These playsuits go up to a size 92 which would probably fit your average 3 year old still and they look so incredibly comfortable for days at the beach, exploring the garden and enjoying the sun. 

And I may have taken quite a few photos of this one, because it is just too cute!  I think it is definitely going to be one of those items that Finn lives in this summer.  Maxomorra do several prints each season which include some 'girlier' colours and more neutral ones so there is something for every baby.

I really recommend Dapperbaby for fantastic kids clothes.  Many of the brands she stocks are organic, all are beautifully made and they are a great alternative to the highstreet.  It helps that first class delivery is free and Emma is happy to measure items and chat about sizing if you aren't sure what to order as well - Find her over on the Dapperbaby facebook page

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Spring Style for Archie

Spring has arrived and we already enjoying building sandcastles on the beach, lunch in the garden, bare arms and the odd ice cream. It feels like there was a sudden shift from winter coats to leaving the house with just a cardigan but I am not complaining (nor am I expecting it to last without a few colder days thrown in the mix)

In honour of the wonderful sunshine I have started thinking about the boys' spring wardrobes and making wishlists. I have been browsing for Archie and seem to have found a bit of theme with white, black and yellow.  His wardrobe is pretty full of colour and these simple shades will go really well and maybe be a bit more grown up for my newly turned three year old.

Archie Spring Style by beckygower on Polyvore

Beau LOves Inky Black Arrows Davenport Pants / Clarks Tric Roar G Canvas Shoes | Brantano.co.uk / Woven Hood Shirt, Beige, Boy 2-7 Years, Kids | Lindex / Patterned Sweatpants, Turquoise, Bottoms, Kids | Lindex / T-shirt with Print, Yellow, Boy 2-7 Years, Kids | Lindex / Black Short Sleeve Dinosaurs Slogan T-Shirt (3mths-6yrs) / Aarrekid clothing | Short Sleeved T-Shirt - Whale | Finnish designed... / Mini Rodini | Swedish Children's Clothing | Mini Rodini T-Rex SS... / Lucky No.7 childrens clothing |Lucky No.7 Rebellious Tee - No! / Lucky No.7 childrens clothing | Lucky No.7 Pants - Shark / Albababy | Albababy Gelas T-Shirt - Yellow Striped | Albababy tshirts

Archie is still living in his wellies so we need to get him some more suitable Spring footwear for the dryer says and I love these Clarks sneakers from Brantano as they are fun but still pretty Archie -proof (dark colours!). We only have a couple of these items already but I am hoping to slowly get a few more over the coming weeks (slowly so that the bloke doesn't notice of course). Lucky no.7 is my new favourite brand for Archie and so the t-shirt tóp left and the shark shorts are top of my list!

Have you started buying ready for Spring/summer? What have you seen that may accidentally fall into your shopping basket?

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