What the Kids Wore // Reima

I very rarely dress the children entirely matching because their personalities and style is just so different that there is very little they all suit but I love co-ordinating them and finding things that look a bit similar or in the same print, partly because they look fun but also because it makes tracking down a lost child a lot easier! I usually have them in at least the same colour for travelling and airports!

I am going to be working with Reima this year, a brand we have loved for years since we first discovered their amazing ski wear and all four children needed a raincoat for the spring so I couldn't resist getting them matching coats in different colours. It means they still get to look unique but they look like a walking rainbow when they are together and I know the quality is outstanding.

All the coats are completely waterproof, windproof and dirt-repellent as well as being lightweight and fleece lined and perfect for spring showers or autumn winds.  (You can see all Reima's softshell collection here).  It has been wonderfully sunny this past week but I don't trust the weather not to change and these sizes should take them through to next Autumn at least! Reima sizing is based on height rather than age and all four children are wearing the size that corresponds to their height with just the right amount of growing room!

You will be seeing lots more pictures of the children in Reima clothing over the coming year and not just their outerwear! We are looking forward to trying out their swimwear and casual clothing too!

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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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Little Bird SS16

Today I have visited the Mothercare Spring/Summer 16 press day and I loved checking out the new Little Bird range to hit the shops next February - April.  Think sailing boats, kites, turtles, fish and farms alongside their signature rainbows.  The colours are as vibrant as ever and there are some beautiful pieces in both the baby and child collection.  

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What the Boys Wore - Smafolk

Kids clothes should be fun, comfortable, playful and soft.  Smafolk captures this perfectly with their range of colourful oekotex childrenswear.  Their signature apple print comes in different colours and styles and they release a new collection every few months. 

Smafolk are a brand we know well and I was really excited to see what they would send me for the boys.  The brown and blue theme they chose meant the boys looked fantastic together, and the range is designed so that you can mix and match styles to create different looks.

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What the Boys Wore - Fat Face

I love having boys (which is pretty useful as I have three of them now), and one of my favourite things is that they seem to take a lot longer to start having an input in what they wear.  Dylan will still happily get dressed into which ever clothes I lay out for him each morning, and whilst we get the odd request for a spiderman T-shirt, he is pretty happy in anything as long as it is comfortable.

He was allowed to choose his own clothes recently, and I think my style may be rubbing off on him as he picked all the things I would have chosen for him.  Fat Face have a new children's range that starts at 4 years old, and he chose two T-shirts and two pairs of shorts from there.

I have to say that the sizing is pretty generous.  They do intermittent sizes of 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and as he is usually at the top end of 5-6, I wasn't sure which to chose, but I am happy that we went for the smaller size as he fits with growing space.

The ice cream van top was his favourite - this kid just loves ice cream! The T-shirts are really well made and quite a thick strong cotton.

The shorts are long, and have the button elastic on the inside to adjust them.  I think these will definitely still fit Dylan next year and they are really great quality - anyone still reading my blog in 5 years may well see pictures of 5 year old Finn in them.

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What the Boys Wore - Tootsa MacGinty

Somehow the bloke and I have made it to 31 and 27 without ever gaining a driving license between us, but that all changed last week when he passed his practical test and promptly went out and bought a car (I think Finn will still be safe behind the wheel before I am).  

The newly acquired license has given us a taste of freedom and last weekend we drove up to Scadbury nature reserve near Sidcup to meet with one of my favourite bloggers, Amber from the Goblin Child.  I love her style of photography, and these gorgeous clothes we were sent from Tootsa Macginty deserved their own photoshoot.

I apologise now for the magnitude of photos, it was too hard narrowing down so I have included all of my favourites.

This safari print is perfect for my little explorers, although we didn't spot any of the animals roaming loose in London.  Armed with a torch, some binoculars and two walkie talkies, they set out on their expedition.

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What the Boys Wore - Half Pint Chic

The evenings are getting warmer and it is becoming a real challenge to get Dylan to wear something other than long sleeves and legs to bed, despite the fact he gets so hot in the night.  It is still a challenge to get Archie to wear anything at night (even in the middle of winter), as he has worked out how to undress him self at speed.

Half Pint Chic sent the boys a pair of Mini Vanilla pjs each, and they have had no problem getting ready for bed since.  The onesies are short sleeved and short legged and have buttons down from the neck to help get them on.  The RRP is £28 for these, but Half Pint Chic are selling them for only £12.  I would suggest sizing up on these as we found the boys' current sizes are already a bit snug.  

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What the Boys Wore - Boots Mini Club

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

Whilst I now buy most of the boys' wardrobe online, I love finding great clothes on the high street, and Boots Mini Club is one of my favourite places to go.  I discovered their baby range when I was trying to find a new baby present for a friend's little girl - she had specified no pink and it turns out that baby girl clothes come almost exclusively in that colour.  Boots baby range is colourful and fun whilst being comfortable and practical too.

Finn now has several of their summer rompers, as they are only £6 each and come in bright prints perfect for summer days.  There is no pastel blue, but there are frogs, dinosaurs, airplanes and all sorts. (In the little video before he is wearing one of my favourites - the rainbow stripes)

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What the Boys Wore - Mini Rodini

Despite the fact these boys refused point blank to wear hats as babies, they seem to love them now, and apparently are never fully dressed without one.  The weather for thick winter hats is over, and it isn't always sunny enough to need their sun hats, so these Mini Rodini beanies we were sent are perfect.

We have never bought Mini Rodini before but I am really impressed with the quality and design of these hats, and have seen some beautiful prints on their website too (check out the crocodiles!).  I love the fact that they run one print through lots of different items, meaning it is great to co-ordinate siblings without completely matching them (I don't get to do this enough!)

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What The Boys Wore - Dinosaurs (H&M)

When Finn was still tiny and staying in special care, I popped out the hospital for a couple of hours to do something 'normal' with my big boys.  We went for a lovely lunch and then to the shops as we had bought Finn clothes anticipating a big baby, and the dinky seven pound bundle we were handed was drowned in everything we had ready.

I asked Dylan which sleepsuits we should buy for his baby brother, and he looked at my choices dismissively before announcing ' the baby won't like those, he wants dinosaurs!'.  Finding Dinosaurs on newborn clothing is not all that easy, but we managed it thanks to h&m, and we ended up picking up something for the big two as well (Dylan chose all three of these items).  

Dylan's T-Rex top is sweatshirt material and says T-Rex down the black arm.  It goes straight back on the moment it comes out the wash and is definitely his favourite top.

Archie's hoodie is age 2-4 and somehow we find H&M clothing does fit for the full 2 years.  The boys love telling us what each dinosaur is called and it seems to go with everything too.

Finn's romper is part of a 2 pack, but this is definitely our favourite of the two.  He is only just outgrowing it at 12 weeks, despite it being 0-1 month and Dylan loves seeing Finn in the clothes that he chose for him.

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Alternatives to Baby Blue for Baby Boys

With Finn being my third boy, I have to admit that I am done with pale blue.  When we were expecting Dylan, we stocked up on the traditional baby blue and he suited it completely but I have discovered over the last three years how great a variety of boys clothes there can be, and Finn has a wardobe full of white, grey and colour.  His clothes are fun, comfy and perfect for a baby boy without being overly blue.  

I love colourful baby clothes, playful styles and pictures that remind me of childhood.  Dylan has loved choosing clothes for his little brother, and he always goes for bright (and usually covered in dinosaurs too).  I have found some great independent stores, scandinavian brands and even places on the high street that have great colourful boys clothes.  This sleepsuit is from Melijoe and I love the colour scheme. 

Blue doesn't have to be pale, Finn looks lovely in blue, but we have chosen darker or brighter shades.  No matter how you dress a baby, you will get asked repeatedly whether it is a boy or girl, and dressing him in blue helps other people to recognise them. It also makes it a lot easier to shop!

There is something so precious about babies in white, and I can't resist that angelic look, especially in the first couple of months.  There isn't long where white works as weaning and crawling soon eliminate it from their wardrobe, so I love white on my babys, although with two big brothers who love playing with him, Finn won't be keeping white clean for long either!

These gorgeous babygrows can all be found on the Melijoe website

Disclaimer: Featured Post

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Box Upon a Time

There are so many things you can get subsciption boxes for now, and I was excited to be contacted by Box upon a Time to see whether I would like to test out their children's clothing box service.

Filling in our information was easy, and I set up a personal profile for Archie, detailing the things he likes to wear, and things he doesn't.  It gave me the opportunity to not only pick out styles we liked but to also make sure if there was a colour of pattern we really didn't, that it wouldn't be included.  What would actually be inside the box though is a mystery until it arrives.  A stylist handpicks each item based on your profile and the £49 box I was offered should contain 3/4 items with a value between £80 and £120 (For my box it was £93).

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Mamas and Papas Kid's Clothes Review

I am pretty sure that Dylan boasts a better wardrobe than me, and he is turning into quite a trendy little toddler.  Mamas and Papas have recently sent us an outfit each for both Dylan and Archie and we have been busy testing their new togs.

Dylan was sent a shirt, bow tie and skinny jeans (which are now in the sale).  The shirt and bow tie are not something I would usually choose for him, but the jeans I just love.

The shirt is well made and the material is lovely, but I will be teaming it with an open neck, rolled up sleeves and a white T-shirt for the little man as it seems more practical for everyday wear.  It is perfect for smart occasions though with the funky bow tie and I know it will get worn as it is meant for parties and special occasions.  The jeans are wonderfully soft and stretchy and perfect for an active toddler.  I love the material and Dylan has been getting a lot of use out of these.  I will definitely be looking in Mamas and Papas for his jeans in future as the stretchy waistband and cut means they are a great fit.

I love Archie is sleepsuits and I think with the colder weather he can get away with them still as day wear for those lazy days.  This velour sleepsuit looks very neat from the front as the poppers are all on the back.  This is really comfy for Archie as he tends to play either sitting up or lying on his tummy and sleeps on his tummy too.  I love the contrast on the bottom of the feet and the orange stripes look really funky. This is not something I would have probably chosen off the shelf but it is lovely and cosy and Archie has been wearing it lots.  I can see it will be perfect over the winter and easy to put a snowsuit over the top of whilst keeping Archie as comfy as possible.  We have used it at night and it is thicker than our other sleepsuits, but I think it is too nice to be kept hidden away so it is mainly used as daywear.

The quality of the Mamas and Papas clothes is amazing, they feel durable, comfortable and soft, and I think both outfits look great. 

Disclaimer:  We were sent these items free of charge for the purpose of this review 

but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Name It Clothing Review

I love boy's fashion and blogging has introduced me to so many amazing brands that I had previously never heard of.  There will always be space in the boy's wardrobes for some supermarket bargains but I love finding them something different which usually involves online shopping. 

I discovered the Swedish brand 'Name It' through Zalando earlier in the year and brought the boys some adorable fire engine vests.  When Name It contacted me a few weeks later, I couldn't wait to see what they would send me and I wasn't disappointed.  

Dylan was sent a pair of swimming shorts, some blue turn-up trousers and a checked shirt.  Archie has a pair of pyjamas, a blue T-shirt and a pair of jeans.  The quality of all the items is superb and they are really not that expensive at all - the same prices as you would pay at many high street stores.  

The pyjamas are soft and stretchy and I love Archie in them.  They wash well and haven't lost any of their shape.  The T-shirt is bright and the print is saying on perfectly.  The jeans are not the style I usually go for with Archie and they wouldn't fit a cloth nappy underneath but they are a great fit in a disposable.

Dylan's shirt and trousers look really smart and he wore them recently to a friend's wedding.  The shirt is soft and washes well and the trousers are perfect for this weather as they are quite thin yet seem hardwearing (as I need them to be with a toddler!)  The swimming shorts are a great fit and got plenty of use this summer at the beach.

I am really impressed with all of the items, they are great quality, wash well and the boys love wearing them.  Name It have some lovely stuff on their website and I am eyeing up a rocket tee an these gorgeous cord dungarees for their winter wardrobes.

Disclaimer:  I was sent these clothes free of charge for the purpose of this review,

but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Boots Mini Club Clothing Review

When I found out I was having a baby boy, I was over the moon.  I was also rather glad to be bypassing the pretty pink dresses and shopping for gorgeous dungarees and funky rock Tees.  I thought having a boy would save my pennies, but that couldn't be further from the truth, as there are so many gorgeous  clothes for little boys now.  One of my favourite places to shop for them is Boots and I was lucky enough to be send an outfit for each of the boys from their new season Mini Club to review.

The outfit that they sent for Dylan is not one I would usually have chosen.  I have never bought him cords before and tend to stick to a certain colour pallet, but as soon as I dressed him in this I was in love and it is on again as soon as it is comes out of the washing machine.  The cords look fun and are a great fit and the long sleeved T-shirt is super soft and keeps its shape well in the wash.  The shirt is my favourite part of the outfit and is something I would definitely have picked myself.  It looks great with everything and is perfect for this weather.  I have found that Dylan has quite a long body and I would have loved the shirt to be a couple of inches longer, but compared to other stores we have shopped in, this was the longest.

Dylan wears:
Shirt - Boots £12
Long sleeved top - Boots £5
Cords - Boots £11
Trainers - Clarks

Archie's outfit comprises of a vest with long sleeved top attached and jeans.  I am a huge fan of the integrated bodysuit as there is less fiddly clothes to try and put on a wriggly baby, but it still keeps them just as warm as two layers.  The top layer doesn't ride up as much and when it does Archie's little belly is covered.  The jeans look so cute and have a soft elasticated jogger style waistband for comfort and fit.  They are lovely and soft which is very important to me as Archie is in a sling often and needs clothes that give him flexibility. 

Hanging out with Aunty NatNat, Archie wears
Integrated polo bodysuit- Boots £8
Jeans - Boots £10
Socks - Boots from 3 pack  £4

Overall we are really impressed with the quality and fit of both these outfits.  The T-shirts are lovely and thick cotton, perfect for Autumn/winter and the trousers are clearly designed for babies and toddlers on the go.  Everything down to the socks (which were pretty cosy looking too) was a great fit on them both.  Dylan is 25 months/ 35lb and wearing age 2-3 and Archie is 7 months/19lb and wearing 6-9 months.  The trousers are generous in length (they are longer than they look in Archie's picture) and we haven't found any shrinkage after several washes with any of the items.

I have already bought from Boots Mini Club and I am eyeing up another hooded shirt for Dylan and some dungarees for Archie.

Disclaimer:  I was sent these outfits free of charge but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Base Kid's Fashion

Summer is meant to be on the way, and despite the grey clouds I have been busy planning the boy's summer wardrobes.

For Dylan it will be all about bright T-shirts and knee length shorts and Archie will be in rompers or dungarees.  Base asked me to take a look at their kid's range and I thought I would share my favourite pieces.

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Two Little Boys

One of the great delights of having two little boys is getting to be the cruel mummy who dresses them in matching outfits and takes loads of photos! As Dylan is in 2-3 year clothing, they are generally in different departments now, but we have been sent a jumper for Dylan and matching romper for Archie from Cashmirino and I couldn't resist matching them up this week.

Both items are 100% Cashmere and beautifully soft.  The romper has buttons down the back which is perfect for my tummy sleeper.  Dylan's jumper is in age 4 (he is 20 months), and seems to be a good fit on him, although I think he will be wearing it for quite some time!  Archie's romper is sized 3 months.

I love the boys in their matching outfits and they were even better for cuddling being so soft!

Disclaimer:  We were sent the jumper and romper free of charge, but all thoughts, opinions and photos are completely my own.

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Trendy Toddler

Dylan is no longer a baby and with a little squish due any day now I know this is a fact that is about to be confirmed.  Sleepsuits are no longer a valid option (although we are holding onto a couple as he looks so cute in them) and he sleeps warm and cosy in proper pajamas like a big boy.

Dungarees are not made in his size, probably due to potty training so they are out the question and as he is now well and truly in the toddler range in every shop he is looking every bit the little boy! 

Unfortunately part of the parcel of being a fully fledged child rather than little baby is that he is not great at staying still, and photographing him is becoming increasingly difficult.  Mothercare sent us some lovely tops in the lead up to valentines day though and so I have tried my hardest!  As he is too young for dating, I get to be the one appreciating his gorgeous blue eyes and special sloppy kisses and so it is only fitting that he wears an I heart my mum slogan!

Making mummy a masterpiece

complete with the cheekiest smile!

Go, go, go mummy!

All three tops are in age 2-3 years and all are a nice snug fit on my growing boy!  I love the quality and design of Mothercare clothes and they last so well that you may see a certain Mr Squish wearing these same tops in the not too distant future!

Disclaimer:  I was sent three tops for Dylan from Mothercare for valentines day but all thoughts and opinion as well as photographs are of course my own.

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Me and I Kids Clothing Review

One of my favourite places to get gorgeous toddler clothes from is the bright and colourful Me & i.  Their prints are perfect for busy little people and the colours really stand out making winter more fun.  They have sent us one of their new collection T-shirts and Dylan has been rocking the fire engine top for the last couple of weeks.

It is beautiful quality material and a great fit on him although the arms are a little long as he needs a bigger size than his age.  He has loved wearing it and carrying around his rather noisy fire engine toy at the same time and we have had lots of compliments.  I love their new

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