A Diaper Cover After My Own Ruffle-ee Heart: By RaeGun

I have always been a fan of the diaper cover.   Add ruffles, and I'm in heaven.  I don't think I EVER let my daughter where a dress without a diaper cover. I was sort of OCD about it.  If you know me, this will not be shocking to you at all. I know...I know.  I would say 99% of the time even with tights, she wore a diaper cover.  ANYWAY.....

My point with all this is I LOVE RaeGun diaper covers. So adorable and so well made.  You can find these styles as pictured above, or even to-the-knee covers as well.  

I can't stop at the ruffle diaper covers though, because I have my eyes on the vintage Peekaboo Alice in Wonderland dress in brown gingham trimmed with baby blue rick-rac. I REALLY love it. {Yes, the talented Marissa Fischer, the creative mind behind RaeGun, knows I want it.}  I really hope Tennessee's brown  Sweetheart Salt Water Sandals from last Summer still fit.  I think they are the perfect style for this dress: 

 

I love the coordinating diaper cover!

 

I love the color combination, yet the style and fabric still maintain a very girlish feel.  I also love that this dress is so dang cute for my daughter, yet it looks like I could have worn it in the, um-hum....'70's.

Here are a few of my RaeGun picks, but check them out yourself at her Etsy store. Worth the click!

 

I do think the french fry outfit is a scream!

"All My Favorite Things" Birthday

 

  

This has been truly one of MY most favorite things to do with Tennessee in all of our five years together.  I can't believe she is old enough to help plan and make invitations for her birthday. 

Invitations are mostly out and we are anticipating her birthday and upcoming soiree.  Her special touch to the invitation was the inside lid.  We found embellishments together to match "A Few of {her} Favorite Things".  It was her favorite part.  It originally didn't say "making invitations" and she pointed that out to me.

The Theme:  "All My Favorite Things"

The Party:  Favorite game, favorite treats, favorite food etc.

I HIGHLY SUGGEST, party or no party, sitting down with your child to make a list of his/her favorite things.  My biggest surprise......favorite store: Barnes and Noble.  I had no idea and loved hearing that.  

Don't think my heart didn't skip a beat or two when she said favorite animals: "Can't decide between Zebra and a Giraffe."  So we did them both! That began our whole base and process of the invitations.  She was so excited to find the Giraffe sticker for the box and I, the zebra print template. Of course everything was a team effort and ultimately had to pass the "Tennessee vote".  

Birthdays are never just one day around our house.  It is usually a multi-day event.  Saturday started with a pankcake birthday party for a friend; then a pedicure with her best friend; topped off with birthday shopping with her Nana. 

 

Note:  I told her to choose an outfit to "dress up" to go with Nana.  So thrilled our Room Seven silk skirt from last Fall's line, blouse and tights still fit.  Love that outfit. Thank you to Darling Divas Boutique for all your great lines you carry.  Layered on top...a Target cardigan.

{The New Thing-ee On The Old Keyboard}

So I know I've gotten more personal lately with my posts, but is it just me or has the use of "{" and "}" replaced "(" and ")"?  I remember in 7th grade typing class thinking, "What is "{" and "}"?   I've seen it used more in the last six months than in my whole life.  Especially on blogs and websites...yet, still not in everyday life.

Must say.....I do love anything that is a little more foo-foo and/or frilly, so I am on the "{" and "}" bandwagon.  Let's be honest, it does add a tiny bit more life to what you are saying via typed phrases. {Whomever made up the use of the "open brace/close brace" filled with text, I want you to know I fully acknowledge I'm copying you.: ) }

just be......Amazed!

'

I Love, yes with a capital "L", Love just be.  It's all about the embellishments and ruffles these days, but I really feel like they were one of the very first to market in this genre of clothing, handbags and accessories. 

 The fabrics, textiles, designs.....are all pieced together so beautifully.  I think one of the greatest aspects of just be, is the ability to create so many amazing articles, yet each feels like a custom work of art.  I can spot designer Suzi Bates' line across the room at a boutique, but upon a closer look, you just see the individual genius intertwined through each. 

The pettiskirts.......so here is something I had yet to see.....well, until at a local boutique the end of November.   Total petti, but patterned fabric at the top instead of all that petti material throughout like you see EVERYWHERE. Do you die?  I have to say I go for the more chic, comfy look with the ruffled fabric and embellishment just be offers, but if you ARE going for petti, why not add the pazazz of the material atop? Love it!

Many just be pieces feature the "pom-pom" trim.  Look closely at one of the latest with the sweet black and white pattern.   Is that really a pram? Fun.

Ok, so I can't just feature kid's fashion. It was really icing on the cake when I discovered these skirts and handbags I loved could also be found in little girl sizes as well. 


If you are local to Northern Utah, catch just be and other local artists/designers/vendors at The Art Market, tomorrow, February 5th.  Also, why not become a fan of just be on Facebook?  You'll get up-to-date photos of their latest. 

 

I REALLY want this! (above)

 

For the more subtle

I had to take this off the just be website because I love everything featured in these pics! (above)

Keep creating just be! 

Not Too Shabby....Apple

I fell in love with Shabby Apple a few years back when I first saw this adorable black print dress.  

Now, as time has gone by, I just love seeing what they will come up with next.  I can't decide what makes me so drawn to the line more: the fabric patterns or the fact that little girls can look oh-so-stylish and feel comfortable at the same time.  

Every little girl I've ever seen sporting a Shabby Apple design, looks put together and like someone got them ready, but they feel free to run and play and explore.  I absolutely love that about this line. 

It seems Shabby Apple sticks true to itself, while still creating all the time.  I know they are really excited to release their "Central Park" line for Spring. Check out their blog for a sneak peak here and there of these inspired works.

I also adore this dress.

Can't wait to see more from this new "Central Park" line.   Be sure to check out what New York local bloggers have to say about their City via the Shabby Apple blog.

I also have to mention I have much love for their dresses for women.

Priceless Artwork

 

I have always loved art.  This isn't my time nor season for becoming a connoisseur of art, but someday I would love to pick it up as a hobby and really discover artists in depth and find the styles and genres I like.  I also feel like those "priceless" pieces are not in my reach right now.  Or so I thought.....

"PRICELESS" is relative.  I love this priceless picture by my in-house artist, Tennessee. 

We are placing our house on the market and I've been trying to find that special arrangement on the mantel in my family room to spruce up the room's appeal.  I think I've got it!  

I've commissioned a piece and she's agreed.  We are going to buy a large canvas this week.  

I did have her complete a small canvas a few years ago which sits on an easel in my husband's office.  However, I saw a segment on a local TV program this week in which a designer gave a client's children some paint colors in the hues of the room's decor.  They all painted self-portraits.  SO, upon purchasing the canvas, we will purchase paints.....some in her choice and some in mine (the rooms colors).  

I am loving all the metallic looks out there, so perhaps the background can be a combination of a metallic and base color paint. 

Excited for this!

Also have to mention she used her Smencils and erasers she collects before she did the markers.  She loves to show her friends her eraser collection.  {Thanks to our friend "Louisa" for introducing us to Smencils and decorative erasers last year} The best part is that these erasers really work well!

I think I love them as much as she does.  My favorite eraser is the garden bouquet.  Hers is the popsicle.   She's excited to have these be part of her swag at her upcoming birthday party.  (ala Fancy Nancy......swag is fun to replace favor right?)

The Hunt(-er) Is Over For Rainboots!

I keep visiting these Hunter rain boots.  I absolutely love them.  So cute and fun.  I really love the fuchsia, baby blue and lime green ones.  Really, just love them all. You can purchase them alone or for an additional cost, you can purchase insert "socks" in a variety of colors for $20. Sweet Childrens Shoes rep at Nordstrom owns them in adult size and says the insert socks are uncomfortable.  THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN BOYS as well.  I'm not saying $60 is practical, but I do love them. My little Miss Tennessee's pick:

And when I say "pick", I mean she wanted to try on each "girl" color and decided on these.

This is a little collage of a few things I'm working on right now.  The Hunter boots are actually for a little project coming up in a few months.  Can you find them in the photo?  No not the huge thing in the bottom left corner.  That is not purple/lavender, but a PERIWINKLE "something".  I love periwinkle because my mom bought a periwinkle suit when I was very young and I thought it was the most beautiful looking and

SOUNDING color in the world.

Tennessee and I both also fell in love with these at Nordstrom today.  We had seen them online, but really loved them in person.  They are yet to be tested though.  The DESIGN theory is elastic at the back of the heel to keep them on.....this may be good or bad.

Going to have to see.

I'm also loving the new striped Ugg boots for Spring. 

Used to be just me loving things......now WE  both do, which makes shopping and budgeting very tricky. I do love my shopping buddy though.....and her 5 year old precise shopping methods: Girl colors.....girl-ee......she loves it!


Dang, just found these......really loving them.  Not too pricey, but not too practical either. 

FRESHLY PICKED!

One day a few years back my sister invited me to a great art market where I discovered Freshly Picked.  I bought a Freshly Picked little green and pink polka-dot pouch just perfect to throw in your purse.  Then while at the grocery store a few weeks later I found the perfect little notebook and pens to fit in it.

I couldn't wait 'til the next boutique to see Freshly Picked again and purchase more for gifts.  That pouch has been refilled over and over again with new little notebooks.  I've always kept it in my purse or in the center of my car.......until mice nested under my dashboard last month.  They made all sort of "deposits" on the pouch through their travels around my car at night. I am very sad to say, said pouch had to be thrown away.

However, I am loving new creations of Freshly Picked designer, Susan Petersen. She is so talented....and sweet too!

My daughter has the adorable ruffled skirt above.  I love, love love it on so many levels.  In addition to her creative nature, Susan is a talented seamstress.  This skirt compliments a "winter wonderland theme, yet can carry you into Spring/Easter and throughout Summer.

Susan will even teach you how to make some items on your own.  I love how she shares a tutorial on her blog for a "how to" make this fun oil cloth coin purse.  

I think what I love most about her is that she doesn't do just one thing.  Susan branches out and really takes her designs to the next level!

To purchase something from Susan, visit her store or visit her blog.

Thanks Susan!

It's So Sweet - Sweet Marguerite!

                                                                

So here's the story.  One night I was searching Etsy for that fun, unique "something".  There are many takes on the tutu these days, but Sweet Marguerite nails it.  Absolutely gorgeous.   Truthfully, when I saw the little icons while doing my search, I thought, "another tutu shop".   However, once I really took a look at this adorable Etsy store I couldn't get over the Pretty Little Pom Pom Tutu Skirt.  That's just the beginning.....

Upon receiving the product in the mail,  I was absolutely blown away at the quality. Truly high-end boutique artistry.

Sweet Marguerite designs tutus for any age. These pieces differ from others you find on Etsy due to the thorough process of layering the fabric and then sewing it. Many tutus are made with 6" strips tied or sewn to elastic.

Mention you found them on The Swanky Isis and receive a 10% discount!

Floral Bold, But Beautiful

I am so in love with this floral print and its color scheme by Catimini.  It incorporates bold colors, yet so feminine and pretty.  Find it at the ultra chic and very cool online store, Darling Divas Boutique.

I've found myself going so funky this year and although I love the funky look at times, I'm going back to timeless for my daughter for new purchases for awhile.  I guess, "bold" colors on a traditional style can help capture a happy medium between funky and timeless.  I think sometimes funky can get a little too "clownish".

First Love of Spring

Now is the time for all the Spring lines to debut and although I have not had a chance to hardly skim the surface of my favorite boutique and designer lines, I did come across this great Mim-Pi dress.

Typically, I'm all about girly, girly, girly, but this dress just speaks to me.  Probably because it is still so feminine, yet in very basic colors.  I also love Mim-Pi's pink and mint green hues also in their Spring 2010 line.

Rainbows and Unicorns

So today if you find yourself trying to sift through the toys scattered about the house, in a battle to put on shoes or even defiance that may know no end, think of the priceless little treasures your little one(s) drop in your lap everyday.

Yesterday mine was a 45 minute medley of made up songs by none other than my daughter and her imaginary ghost friend, Bambie.

My favorite...."Rainbows Over My Head and Unicorns".  Perhaps Bambie has this sign (above) on the magical wooded path that leads to her cottage.

 What's your favorite little treasure of love you've received lately?


I think you learn the most about your kids when they imagine and create!  As it relates to fashion, let them have their "day" for clothes.  If it is absolutely crazy and mismatched....people will look at your child.....and they'll know you let them pick their clothes that day.......and that just makes everyone smile.

Little Boys!

So, anyone who knows me knows I LOVE little boys.  They are so scrumptious and I just always want to squeeze them.  Hopefully I can have my own someday, but for now I'll goo and gaw over my nephews and my friends' boys. 

I also love that a little boy can look All-American in your basic rugby-esque polo or rugged tee. 

I usually find myself on a Saturday night at Target and/or Wal-mart doing that last minute shopping so I can have an enjoyable Sunday. This last weekend I pulled out my iPhone to snap these little cuties at Wal-mart.  I didn't catch the price, but come on, we all know they are affordable if they were at Wal-mart and don't they have a Gap, Boden, JCrew etc. look?

Love Those Leggings

So I always love to find leggings with a little flare......a ruffle, a sparkle, a stripe...etc.  

What I don't love is black dirt spots from the carpet or floor and grass stains on an expensive pair.  Sometimes even a stain stick can resolve those little spots. 

Pick up a pair of these at Target for $4, or online for $8 for a pack of two.  

I won't cry over $4 vs $18 or even $20+. 

Note the tiny ruffle on the bottom of the leg.

Look Again

So at first glance I wouldn't say these would turn my head, but then I thought about it and I think they would be adorable on.  You could really put just about any color top underneath for Spring, Fall or Winter.  Fun!

I love the All-American tomboy feel, with the feminine flare in the trim and floral print. 

Available at Naartjie for $24.00.  They are having a great sale on basics right now.

Wool Bracelets

Amid all those new Spring lines debuting for 2010, the reality (at least in the home state of The Swanky Isis) is that the weather is still cold, cold, cold.  So, still enough time to enjoy those lovely little things of winter.  LIKE....making cool wool bracelets. 

Find instructions and "how to's" here, in the September 2009 issue of Family Fun Magazine. 

The Swanky Isis bought a wool sweater at a thrift store a few months back and is going to give this one a go.....let you know how it works out. 

Hopefully it is a fun project for the little ones to help out with.......now where in the bottom of the laundry is that thrift store sweater!?!

Happy New Year!

It's been a busy holiday season.....can't wait to get back to regular posts; bringing you

the latest for your kids. 

We still have more posts about those great vendors we featured on our December TV segment.  We are so lucky we had such great pieces, from such great places.

Hope you have fun things planned for you and those little ones.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ZozoBugBaby!!!!!

Ok, so I (Natalie) am so in love with the Etsy shop ZozoBugBaby.  I have to put my name on it because it is a site I peruse regularly and find myself saying, "Oh, I LOVE that one...no that one...no that is the cutest...: and on and on. Such fun, feminie, bright colors with a knack for coordinating patterns and styles together.

We featured the "Candy Shoppe Twirl Skirt" and matching top (left) on the TV segment because it didn't make you instantly think "Christmas", but had a Holiday feeling....yet practical to carry you throughout the season.

We intended to feature the "Angel Wings" dress (right) which really mimics that of an angel with its flowing sleeves, but our cute little model got cold feet, so the dress didn't air. 

Just when we thought we were in love, we fell more head-over-hills.  Check out these adorable dresses from ZozoBugBaby's Spring 2010 line.  My personal fav is the "Posey" dress....first one.  I think I'm going to have to purchase this.

Again, the colors....the patterns....the designs!  These are whimsical fashions which allow your little girl to look and feel comfortable, all while maintaining a distinct girly-girly-esque persona. 

So if that isn't enough and you are saying, "Hey, those are cute, but I can make that".....guess what?  ZozoBugBaby offers their actual dresses OR patterns for purchase through the Etsy shop.  How cool.  Me? Well, sad to say I am not a seamstress, but great to know I could either have my tailor make ZozoBugBaby styles or buy them. 

What more can I say?  I will definitely be following this great designer!

You can catch up-to-date posts on the blog www.zozobugbaby.blogspot.com.

Merry Christmas from The Swanky Isis

We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you will check back in Monday for more posts on our fabulous vendors from our December TV segment.  

Also, believe it or not, all those Spring designer lines are coming out, so we'll be looking for 

those and bringing

them to you!

Happy Holidays!

Great Discount Code At Starlooks Boutique.com

Starlooks Boutique wants to give you a 15% discount off any order just for finding them on The Swanky Isis.  Offer valid through January 31, 2010.

Thanks Starlooks!