Baby Fashion Blog - Baby Gifts & Baby Boutique Stories

Future's so bright...Gotta wear Baby Banz!

We received one of the most fun little items in the mail recently...this little pink pair of baby sunglasses from Baby Banz!  As first glance I thought, "What a shame...so cute, but Emme will totally refuse to wear them!"  Boy, was I wrong, I strapped on the Baby Banz in the bright Southern California Sunshine and what can I say, but, "Emme likes 'em! She really likes 'em!"  She gets the biggest kick out of seeing herself in the mirror while wearing them, too!  The adjustable strap around the head is very soft (like wetsuit fabric), but fits snug so that the shades don't just slip down.  These baby sunglasses will be great for the beach and pool this summer!  She has pulled them down a couple of times, but the strap keeps them around her neck, so they are not lost forever, like any other pair of cute little baby sunglasses has been so far!  Designed in Australia, Baby Banz are thoughtfully made for babies and children, with UV protection in mind.  Baby Banz fit up to age 2 years and Kid Banz fit ages 2-5 years.  They come in tons of fun kid-friendly colors and a new Retro Style!  After trying them out, we are now official Baby Banz "Fanz"...check out the Baby Banz fan club and send in a pic of your own baby wearing Baby Banz!

Start shopping Baby Banz and pick up a pair for your little one for just $15.  You will also find an excellent selection of UV protective swimwear, sunhats, and sunscrenn in the Baby Banz shop!

Here, Emme sports her Baby Banz at Fashion Island outdoor shopping mall on today's outing to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and a carousel ride with our best friends, Laura and Anabelle!  Two women stopped me by the fountain and asked where I got my baby's sunglasses--now you all know the secret!

Baby Banz has an amazing FAQ Section that I found wildly worth posting to answer all your questions about UV Protection for Little Ones and the difference that Baby Banz Can Make...Read on...

Why does my child need to wear Sunglasses?

Baby Banz are a necessity to cover infant and toddler eyes from the harmful rays of UV (ultra violet) light. Until approx 8-9 yrs old a child has no filters in the eye to block out UV light. You can actually do MORE harm to the eye if you put an inferior lens in front of the eye! Behind tinted lenses, the iris opens to allow more light into the eye; if the lens doesn’t protect properly, and more UV light gets into the eye potentially damaging the child’s eye.

How do I teach my child to wear Baby Banz?

Baby Banz should be introduced properly to achieve the best result. When infants 2-3 months old are laying in the carriage for a walk, slip the glasses over their heads and let them get used to wearing the glasses. With older children, it is important that the first time they wear the glasses they are outside when the sun is bright; as they will be more likely to see the benefit of wearing glasses if the sun is bothering them. If tried on inside, the child may have an adverse reaction to the glasses simply because the room becomes too dark. In addition, parents who wear glasses themselves set an example little ones will want to follow.

What is the UV protection of Baby Banz and Kidz Banz?

The lenses are a UV400 lens. These lenses block out the entire spectrum of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays from the sun. UVA rays are thought to be more harmful to the skin – they cause sunburn and get below the outer layer of skin. UVB rays are the rays thought to be the worst on the eye and causing damage to the retina and lens with overexposure and under-protection. UVC rays are extremely dangerous but do not reach the earth's surface due to absorption in the atmosphere.

What are the Sunglasses made from?

Baby Banz frames and lenses made from polycarbonate material. This material makes Baby Banz virtually shatterproof and ensures that they stand up to wear and tear.

Can Baby and Kidz Banz be fitted with prescription lenses?

Yes! Our Baby and Kidz Banz sunglasses are Rx-able and are capable of being cold fitted with a prescription lens up to +/ – 8 diopters. You will need to purchase the Baby or Kidz Banz of your choice and take them to your optician to be fitted with the lenses.

Little Red Riding Hood Spotted Wearing a Skipping Hippos Poncho!

JUST FEATURED IN Parents Magazine!!!

I know we all love a "Celebrity Favorite" post and Little Red Riding Hood may not be the celebrity you had in mind, but she is aincredibly well known little lady amongst the juice box and graham cracker set.

Skipping Hippos Ponchos are made in San Francisco and straight out of a fairytale!  THE perfect solution to those chilly days and nights ahead.  When you just can't face another minute of struggling with teeny arms and even teenier zippers, Skipping Hippos Ponchos swoop down and save the day....Just pop a Skipping Hippos poncho on over Baby's little head and you are all set for stormy weather. 

Darling for special occasions, Skipping Hippos Ponchos have the magical power to make everyday special.   I sat Emme down on the lawn this evening and took her picture wearing her own little red poncho (I'm lusting after the pink and brown in the next size up!) =I captured some of the cutest photos.  Picture your little darling or a set of sisters in matching ponchos for the Holiday Card Photo!!!   Skipping Hippos Ponchos are made to order when you make your purchase at Polka Dot Whale and are shipped out in a jiffy.  Just in time for Fall or for holiday gifts, too!  Pick your color and select sizes 6-12 months on up through 5T.   For just $44.97, you cannot find a more unique, snuggly and practical gift for every little girl on your list!

I get such a kick out of what Skipping Hippos' designer, Jolie Fay, has to say about her Skipping Hippos designs:
"If you and your daughter are on an undercover spy mission, do not let her wear the poncho. If you and your daughter are hoping for a low profile, dash out un-noticed, errand, don't put the poncho on her. People will stop you, and people will notice and people will talk about your beautiful little girl in her cute little poncho."                                                 

Splendid Little Baby Duds from Splendid Littles!

Oprah is just one of the mega watt stars who can't get enough of the luxurious t-shirt line by the name, Splendid. 

Kate Hudson and Gwynneth Paltrow love to dress up their little ones in the newly launched baby and kidswear version of the grown-up favorite, known as Splendid Littles.  My baby, Emme, enjoyed her first taste of the line when she tried a darling Seashell Mixed Daisy Splendid Littles one-piece romper on for size.  She wore it all afternoon, slept in it and lounged in the next morning with no complaints whatsoever (as you can see from these happy pics in the Bumbo Seat)!!  Splendid Littles babywear features some of the softest cotton knit fabric you will ever encounter.  In solids, stripes, colorful camo and fun floral prints, the very basic body styles are a Splendid Littles signature.  The beauty is really in the fabric.  Whether it is the super-thin, super-soft knit, summery terrycloth, or the new pointelle designs, you'll fall in love at first touch!  I instantly started searching online for more Splendid Littles after taking Emme's new romper for a spin and will keep them atop my list of Baby Fashion Finds on future shopping adventures!

The press is all abuzz with news about celebrity flaunting their little ones in Splendid Littles!
Here they are featured in People Magazine:

Found only in the hippest baby boutiques online and on the streets.  To find Splendid Littles in your neck of the woods, click here. 

To shop the adult fashions by Splendid, click here.

Love in Bloom with BloomLove Baby Fashions

BloomLove fine baby knitwear has been a favorite of Angelina Jolie, Brook Shields and Jennifer Garner for quite awhile, but is new to the Baby Fashion Blog and we can count ourselves among the following!  So soft to the touch, their light as air fabrics are the core of the BloomLove line.  Muted colors are also a BloomLove signature.  All good reasons to LOVE BloomLove, but I just photographed Emme wearing a gorgeous BloomLove 2-piece Flouncy Knit Set in light pink and have fallen in LOVE all over again! 

We are so pleased with the look and feel of BloomLove that we recently gifted our dear friends and their new baby girl, Amelia, with a few of our BloomLove favorites, including the Jersey Wrap & Snap Tee and Cargo Pants.

The press is abuzz with news about Celebrity Babies in their BloomLove, see the latest at www.BloomLove.com!

 

Check out the season's latest selection at www.BloomLove.com, where you'll find the newly opened,
BloomLove Shop!  Also found in the finest Department Stores and Boutiques, locate a store near you by clicking here!  Note that Saks 5th Avenue carries BloomLove in store and online.

Check out my latest photo shoot of my baby girl to get a glimpse of
what the BloomLove lifestyle for baby is all about...

Celebrity Baby Favorites in the Press

Some items mention on CNN story:

 
Lyla Blue - Mom Rock's Tee Shirt Lyla Blu’s t-shirt designs are bringing out the “rock star” in babies everywhere, making bold statements in pint size.

 

Bla Bla Kids  - 100% Cotton hand-knitted European style baby, infant and toddler clothing and toys. Their delightful infant sweaters, baby booties, infant hats, the infamous hand-knitted Bla Bla dolls

Toddler Treads - hip and healthy for your toddler's feet

Crib Rock Couture is a favorite of celebrities and groupies alike, Crib Rock Couture is the creator of fabulous tee's for pint-size fashionistas. Crib Rock Couture's t-shirt themes put a modern, rock star twist on classic nursery rhymes. Crib Rock Couture tee's are of exceptional quality and softness, enzyme washed 100% pima cotton.

Tee Pee for Me was founded a few years ago by two good friends and stay-at-home moms, Leslie and Lori.

Why are the "collective" we so captivated by celebrities.  Here is a video of Celebrity Baby Blog founder explaining some of the reason for the explosion of Celebrity Baby coverage in 2006.

Jayneoni Boom Boom Room 2007

Boom Boom Room 2007 covered by Top Blogs. Some of our favorites include Celebrity Baby Blog to a cleverly named blog Clever Parents.

Our favorite contributing writer to Clever Parents is Farah Silver. She covered this year’s Jayneoni’s Golden Globes Boom Boom Room (2007). Polka Dot Whale participated in this event in 2006, and found it full of celebrities! This year’s Boom Boom Room had celebrities such as Angie Harmon, Laura Leighton, Tia Carrere and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Read more about this year’s event on Clever Parents.  Or, see more photos of the Jayneoni Boom Boom Room event at Celebrity Baby Blog.  Or celebrity photos at the event - click here (Boom Boom).

BTW, The newly launched Clever Parents has a terrific design and many interesting articles.  Every wonder how to get started blogging or what some great tips at designing one? Check out SoloStream who designed Clever Parents. CEO Michael Pollock provides great advise and visually explains the importance of incorporating video!

Natalie at The Boom Boom Room 2006

 

Have a story or comment to add about the Boom Boom Room.....please add a comment and we'll post it:)

Jayneoni on VH1 2006 Boom Boom Coverage

Baby Goes Camo

Camo Baby Socks and Diaper Dude Camo Bag

Baby Fashion watchers have had their eyes closely following  Gwen Stefani and her son Kingston.  The latest reports (see celebrity baby blog for pic and story) have Kingston showing off his new Trumpette Camo baby socks for boys.  Trumpette is known for thier classic and fashion forward themes along with being socks that stay on babies feet!   Socks retail for $24.00 and are available for girls as well.                                                                                                         

An ideal "go-with" is the wildly popular Diaper Dude Camo Diaper Bags.  Great Diaper Bags for Dads :).   The green, brown, & black camo print is accented with bright orange zippers. Lined in black nylon, the Diaper Dude includes a padded changing mat. Plenty of external & internal pockets for baby and daddy essentials, a key clip, and zippered compartments make the Diaper Dude a convenient carryall for dads. Messenger style strap is fully adjustable.  Both together make a great buy for approx. $75.00

Fashion Watching Kingston and Gwen Stefani this past year:

Crib Rock Couture

This is Elton (Natalie's Husband).  We just saw the latest Crib Rock Couture line!  What makes these tees so unique is their design approach to mix Classic Nursery Rhymes (or tales) with Hip Rock/Pop Songs.  My favorite is the Baa Baa Black Sheep.  Not only is this Hip with the "I'm the black sheep"....it plays off the Classic 3 chord monster band AC/DC's "Back in Black"

Not your average make, Crib Rock Couture tee's are of exceptional quality and softness, enzyme washed 100% pima cotton.  And the secret is out.....read about all the press coverage and celeb babies at Crib Rock Couture's website

 

Not Your Mama's Baby Food!

Are we all aware that Martha Stewart thinks that a "Food Mill" is a wonderful baby shower gift???  For all those meditatin', yogi, earth-mother-types with oodles of time on their hands and a stress-free existence, I'm sure it is!   We all know that we should be eating healthy, exercising, and reading the labels on everything we put in our mouths.  Well, we've made it this far on Mountain Dew and Doritos...granola probably doesn't have much of a chance!  After all, its not your fault that your mother made up for what she lacked in the emotional expressiveness department with cookies!

BUT, never fear, you really can right all the wrongs of your own childhood! It's not too late to give your own precious baby a better start in the FOOD department! Food is probably second only to affection on the list of importance in a baby's first years!  Enter, Bohemian Baby--Fresh Organic Baby Food - delivered to your door.  No Martha, we do not have the time & energy to grind our own sweet potatoes!  Bohemian Baby delivers the freshest, most nutritious, delicious and healthy food for your baby during the critical period where life-long eating habits are being developed.  If you live in LA, they'll bring the baby food right to your door and leave it in a special cooler to preserve its freshness.  Better yet, they ship anywhere in the US.  Now that makes a great shower gift, Martha! 

Treat yourself or the newest baby on the block to a few shipments of Bohemian Baby's organic baby food to show how much you care!  Foods come in 3 diffent stages for babies 6 months to 18 months+.  All organic ingredients, no preservatives, prepared by a chef in LA.  With flavors like Pure Mango, Pure Asparagus, Pear & Raspberry, Apple & Butternut Squash, and Winter Squash Stew, you'll wish those little jars came in "Mommy Size"! Prices starting at $3.50 per jar (I heard that!  What, your latte is more important than Jr.'s lunch?)...sign up today at www.bo-baby.com for weekly deliveries, year-round!

Chicken or the Egg?

We just spotted Heidi Klum out with baby Henri and guess what was keeping his tootsies toasty?  None other than one of my personal favorite baby gifts....The Perfect Dozen Polka Dot Socks set.  Packaged in a real egg carton, the dozen pairs of polka dots, in bright primary colors, are just too cute.  Your little chickadee will look delicious in his or her polka dot socks.  The entire line of Trumpette baby socks is a hit with celebrities and ordinary parents alike!  Our friend Jason bought the Monkey socks for his daughter and he LOVES them (so does she:)) He says they are the only socks that actually stay on.  Now, isn't that what baby fashion is all about...form & function?  We know you'll love them as much as Jason  does.  The perfect little something for a friend's baby or your own little one.  You'll wind up looking like a super-star without busting your budget!  Pick up your 1st dozen at Polka Dot Whale or take a look at the entire Trumpette collection.  Our newest additions are the Jungle Critters and the Ballerina half-dozens.  Trumpette sock giftsets start at just $24...a super deal when you consider our $3 thrifty flat rate shipping and everyday free giftwrap!

Wear Your Baby!

Actress, Angie Harmon, was recently spotted "wearing" her 6-month-old bundle of joy in a fabric sling!  "Baby Wearing" has been touted as a wonderful way to bond with your child and soothe a fussy baby.  Not to mention the joy and convenience of hands-free, guilt-free parenting a sling can provide!

My favorite slings are designed by Rockin' Baby Slings.  Two hip LA moms created the Rockin' Baby Sling to satisfy their own need for a fashionable & funky sling that says "Hot Mama" more than it says "Earth Mother."  Rockin' Baby Slings are known for their hip fabric combinations--many are even reversible for twice the fun & fashion options!  At Polka Dot Whale, we offer several of the hottest Rockin' Baby Slings available.  You've gotta love that their slings are one size fits all due to the 2 sturdy ring design that is fully adjustable and even works for dads--Just what you need for that shrinking (or not) post-baby body!    We've found that other sling versions, in S, M, L, etc. often disappoint and do not fit as comfortably as a rockin' baby sling.  Oh, and, another crowd pleaser...you can wear your baby in front, facing out, on the hip, in back, or in a cradle...up to 35 pounds in some carrying positions.

Find Rockin' Baby Slings at Polka Dot Whale  from $87-$97.  Please note that many fabric choices are limited editions, so pick up your favorite sling today!

Calling All Sports Fans...

Rumor has it that Kobe's wife might be expecting...Well, I have just the diaper bag for her!  Timi & Leslie is the designer responsible for bringing us some of the most creative & relevant diapers bags on the market.  With so many sports wives & "sports widows" out there & dads getting more involved everyday, Timi & Leslie's sports themed diaper bags have been a hit! Rick Fox even had one custom made with his own number for his Miss America wife, Vanessa Williams.  How romantic:)

If you've already signed up to coach the 0-6 months team, this might be the diaper bag for you.  If your husband can't peal himself away from screaming at the big screen to watch Baby's first steps, this might be the diaper bag for you.  If you've got a whole wardrobe in your team colors & are known for your face-painting skills, this might be the diaper bag for you! If you're married to a professional athlete with millions of dollars, this might be the diaper bag for you (just alternate days with your Louis Vuitton)!

 

Future stars, future coaches & futures fans, we've got the bag for your gear & your diapers at www.PolkaDotWhale.com ... Whether you're hoping to raise a Bonds, a Beckham, a Jordan, or a Manning, there's a Timi & Leslie diaper bag made just for you!

Brooke Shields on the View...

Just had to post that Brooke Shields looked fabulous this morning on The View, as she talked about her 2nd pregnancy.  Since I had just posted about her baby Rowan, before the news had broken, I wanted to update you all.  She doesn't know when the baby is due and didn't even know she could get pregnant naturally since she went through Invitro 7 times to have Rowan!  She mentioned a support group/hotline called Fertility Lifelines, found at http://www.fertilitylifelines.com/ for people like her who struggle to have a baby.  Brooke is their spokesperson, and the part of me that is still a social worker, thinks that everyone should spread the news about Fertility Lifelines to those who need it.   You can just imagine some of the lame & frustrating things (that aren't so helpful) that people say to people going through fertility struggles, but Fertility Lifelines looks like a great resource! 

All for the love of babies...

These shoes were made for walkin', Baby!

Apparently, the celebrity parents are all about fashionable footwear these days, with the cutie-patootie socks and now soft-soled shoes showing up on Brooke Shields daughter, Rowan.  Why not...When Mommy is walking on $500 Jimmy Choos, right?  Nothing may come between Brooke and her Calvin's, but it looks like nothing comes between Rowan and her Jack & Lily soft-soled shoes!  Pediatricians recommend these soft-soled leather shoes for infants 6 months to 3 years....and conscientious mommies, like Brooke, are following their advice.  The shoes miraculously stay on the feet and protect babies' delicate skin while crawling and walking indoors & out.  Most notably, they allow the natural gripping action of an infant's barefoot to go to work (unlike those funky, stiff walkers from the mall). 

At Polka Dot Whale, we carry the very stylish version of soft-soled shoes from Jack & Lily, a Canandian company known for their high quality leathergoods. Check out the styles for boys & girls in cherries, lions, stars, bows, flowers, and sport trainers at Polkadotwhale.com where you can snag a pair of these celebrity favorites for $26 in sizes 0-6 months & 6-12 months!  A darling gift for someone else's baby, and just the start of a lifetime of fabulous shoes for your own little Imelda Marcus:)

Bale's Baby Girl

Christian Bale, of Batman fame,  was recently spotted carrying his baby girl, who is about 6 months old.  The darling little girl is wearing Trumpette's precious Mary Jane Socks.    The socks are a Baby  Fashion must-have!  But the Bale's aren't the only fans, Elisabeth Hasselbeck's baby girl also wore the May Jane socks for her debut on The View !

The Mary Jane Socks can be found at www.PolkaDotWhale.com for $27.