Happy Halloween

Why did the chicken cross the road? Because she wanted to trick or treat. Or at least that's what was motivating Mini today. Our own little chick and Gruffalo headed to Karen's for our annual Halloween bash and had a blast. Everyone made such a huge effort. There were crocodiles and wolves, skeletons, witches, kittens and lobsters. Mini Learnt quickly that if she waddled along the street holding out her candy bag she would garner both huge applause and sweets at the same time.
I may have made minis outfit and carved the pumpkins but my inspiration came from Martha Stewart. There's nothing she can't do. Check out her website on www.marthastewart.com for some serious inspiration. Minis outfit was super easy to make. Two bodies sewn together and filled with toy stuffing. Then sew two feather boas around them. For the feet I just sewed two panels of felt together in the shape of duck feet. And the hat came by way of Portabello market. Yet another vintage Halloween.

The Gruffalos

Phin and Mini have taken matching outfits to their heart. Phin was overjoyed when I came home with a pink Gruffalo pyjama for Mini from John Lewis. Snap! He screamed and promptly made me swear they could both wear theirs tonight. Here they are watching the little Einstein puppet show together (thanks tante Marika it's become a firm favourite).

Apple Picker

We spent the afternoon picking crab apples from our tree to make into jam. Papa climbed the tree while Phin and mini plucked them from the branches and popped them into the bowl.
Mini wore her purple and yellow polka playsuit from Shelley by John Lewis today with a bright yellow bow and lots of mischief.

Polka Playsuit

Finally the weather is heating up and so is Mini in her hot pink Ferrari. Or rather it's good at cooling her down in today's heatwave. Tom and Phin are lending a hand at filling it up and Mini is posing in her new purple and yellow polkadot playsuit by John Lewis from Shelley and best bud Noah (big shout out for your 1st birthday today). We added a big yellow bow 'Little My' style (as does Phin in his red star Hartfords)  and a pair of crochet espadrilles by Ralph Lauren from a recent Bicester Village jaunt. Stylish summer indeed. 

Festival Chick

Our little Min is already a festival queen at the ripe old age of one thanks to a rocking day of birthday celebrations in Warwickshire. Clever nick rented a stately pile to celebrate his 40th and loaded it with musicians, bouncy castles and an enormous ice cream machine, it couldn't fail to be a hit.
Mini didn't rock a festival look, opting instead to use the occasion to unveil her cherry embroidered smocked party dress from Auntie Peggy at the Linen Shop on Walton st. Incongruous yes, but hey she stood out from the crowd.
Mini was a big hit garnering kisses from all, the sweetest being from Phin's friend Ava whom Mini just idolises.
Oh and did we mention the kids sumo wrestling? Beyond hilarious. Phin could barely stand under the weight of the suit and collapsed happily in a giant padded heap.

Bluebell

I love putting mini in blue. Especially cornflower or bluebell, it picks up her ice blue eyes. Today she is wearing one of my favourite tops, a trapeze vest from Bonton in a shirting fabric worn with a pretty rick rack edged body underneath by Bonpoint and a pair of White cotton polka pants by Makie and lace edged socks from John Lewis. Despite getting her fifth and sixth teeth coming through she's still smiling and enjoying the sunshine.

Little Diva

Mini looks like she is casting for a part in her favourite soap opera. She may only be able to say hi but with so many expressions she never fails to convey what she's feeling. On the last day of our heat wave Mini is wearing a pale blue gingham sundress with puffed sleeves and a mini pelmet from The Gap worn with her john Lewis lace edged socks and gold ballerinas from Baby Bloch. I think she's ready for her close up.

White Wedding

It may have been mother's day but more importantly than that it was Tata's wedding. Phin's old nanny Marta was getting married, or rather she was being a princess today and meeting her prince (way too much Disney in our house i'm afraid).  As Billy Idol proudly sang, it was a 'nice day for a white wedding'. The sun was shining and what better occassion was there to unveil her white broderie anglaise smocked dress from Marie-Chantal. A generous gift from the lovely Natalie, who also gifted the ultimate party shoes from Stuart Weitzman. All finished off with delectable socks trimmed in lace from John Lewis, perfect for showcasing those gorgeous chubby thighs that i just can't help squidging.

Phin was so excited about Tata becoming a princess for the day. He dressed for the occasion in his stella for Gap skinnies, blue and white nehru collared shirt from Bonpoint, caramel cardi from Cos and chocolate cord blazer from Marie-Chantal. And then he got a kiss from his princess and the day was complete.

Festive Feeds

Mini has been sleeping in style. The lovely Daisy has given her the softest cotton onesies from Makie. A welcome respite from all Phin's blue stripes, dinosaur and car patterned sleepsuits. Pom Pom booties were a gift from the Simpsons for her brother, which are getting great use a second time round. And we are loving her festive bibs from John Lewis, the perfect nod to Christmas.

What's up?

We're on the go! Mini's blog has gone mobile. Gosh i feel like a techno whizz. Mini is rather less impressed but at least it means fashion file fans that you won't be without your fashion fix over the festive season.

Retro ruffles

I love the pleated elizabethan-like ruffled collar on this floral sprig shirt from Caramel paired with a chunky oilve knit. And as you can see i've expanded mini's bow collection. im now going even bigger. ridiculous but i'm addicted to them!

Its almost halloween and i'm getting into the spirit with these adorable bibs from John Lewis