My dear friend Mary is the co-founder of Petite Soul. If you haven’t put your baby in a bonnet you don’t know what you’re missing. Cuteness overload! Lillie Sol has been wearing and modeling for Petite Soul since she was born and their newest collection is amazinggg. They have also teamed up with Winter Water Factory for a few exclusive designs (my favorite is the wildflower!). Congrats PS on an amazing winter launch!
Photos by Mary Grace
You know when you fall in love with a brand online only to become even more obsessed and in love when you see and feel the goods in person? That is Seek Collective for me. I originally swooned over every piece in their shop but when I received my items in the mail I couldn’t get over how truly exquisite they were. It also doesn’t hurt that each piece is lovingly created by artisans using hand block printing and weaving as well as natural dying processes. You can see the details and beautiful craftsmanship in each piece – the love and time taken to create them truly shows. The fabrics they use are organic and all of their stitching is done in India in a training center that provides work to the local women in a safe facility with fair wages and overtime. You can learn more about their process here.
A few snaps of my love bugs and I on mamas day. The weather was perfect and we strolled along the Upper East Side before heading to Queens to spend the afternoon with the grandmas and our family. I actually shared the day with Ivan who’s birthday happen to fall on Mother’s Day this year. So basically it was a mama/birthday extravaganza. So much love. All day long. I am wishing and praying for a million more days just like this one.
On Lillie Sol: Romper by Anaiss & I
On Lucas León: Cardigan, Tunic, & Shorts by Anaiss & I | Sneakers by Bucketfeet
For over a decade Reed Krakoff was the man behind the creative direction for Coach. In 2013 he ventured off to design his own collection and this year he joined forces with Kohl’s to bring a limited edition collection to the masses. The line features his signature handbags (at an amazing price point: $59-$129) as well as ready to wear and small accessories.
I feel so honored to have been able to work with the amazing Kohls team and the incredibly talented Reed Krakoff to bring you a taste of this fab collection. I spent the day shooting with Melodie Jeng a few weeks back and we hit up some of my favorite NYC gems – Cafe Ost, Tompkins Square Park, and beautiful Park Avenue. It was such an awesome experience. My absolute favorite piece is that sunny yellow gem of a satchel you see in the photos. The color is everything and it’s the perfect size for every day use. Totally my #1 pick for pairing with blue jeans and a white tank.
Below is a brief Q&A I had with Reed Krakoff:
What was your inspiration behind the collection? Colors, patterns, etc.?
+ I drew the biggest inspiration for the REED for Kohl’s collection from some of the items from my luxury collection. I was so intrigued to reintroduce some iconic pieces to a wider audience. When designing, I always think about the most exciting, impactful and aesthetically pleasing outcome, which is when the color blocking concept went into full swing. It’s always been a part of my design philosophy to create things that are bold, exciting, and happy, and generating excitement in the affordable accessories category is one of our main goals with the REED line at Kohl’s.
What kind of woman do you see wearing your collection? What is her style?
+ The target customer for the REED for Kohl’s collection is really anyone who appreciates fashion, someone that might be new to designer collections, but loves style and of course value.
You can get more inspiration and style ideas over on Pinterest. Also, shop the entire collection here.
Photos by Melodie Jeng
This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. Thank you for supporting the companies I love and trust!
You know when there’s a brand that just suits your children’s personality? Whether it be the colors, designs, or fabric – it’s just a perfect fit and becomes your go to. That’s how I feel about Children of the Tribe. With a bohemian feel and amazing shapes that allow your kids to move and feel like KIDS. Yeah. I’m in love.
Spring in NYC. Pretty much the best (after Fall of course ;). As soon as that warm breeze hits the air, I am itching to be out of the house every day. My very favorite place to go with the kids is Central Park. The Conservatory in particular is absolutely stunning with it’s fountains, gardens, and maze-like pathways which Lucas loves to run through. I got to have a play date there last week with H&M, Heymama, and one of my very best friends in the world (since we were 11 you guys!). Pretty sweet! Viviana, the babies, and I all wore H&M and just walked around the park. It was perfect. I’m obsessed with this seasons selects at H&M (that red dress is my absolute fave and it was only $20. I mean…) and they have always been my go-to for staples for the entire family.
The best part of the afternoon was watching our little girls kiss and interact and of course seeing all the beautiful blossoms popping up. There is nothing better than beautiful, pink covered trees. Trust me on this!
Heymama asked Viviana and I to take a little friendship quiz and it was so much fun. You can read our answers below:
Nicole
+ What do you love most about your friend?
She’s incredibly loyal and the most amazing mother to her three girls.
+ What do you think she appreciates most about you?
Our ability to get together at any point and pick up right where we left off.
+ Her favorite thing about you is?
My honesty and our trust in each other.
+ Best memory of you and your kids together?
The day she came with her daughters to visit me the day Lucas was born. To see her children hold my baby was a surreal, perfect moment.
+ How are your parenting styles different?
I actually think we are pretty similar in that we both have similar approaches and are pretty traditional. I think she might have the disciplining thing down to a science and I’m still learning!
+ Best piece of parenting advice she’s ever given you?
Patience and how to discipline with love.
+ How would she describe herself in three words?
Funny, strong, loving
+ How does she react to her kids tantrums?
Viviana has the patience of a saint and is able to be firm yet remain incredibly calm.
+ Name her favorite tv show? Favorite guilty pleasure tv show?
Sex and the City. Any of the Housewives.
+ Funniest thing she’s ever done?
We have so many hilarious moments that we’ve shared. We’ve been friends for 20 years (crazy!) so we have been through it all together.
+ If you spend a date together with your kids, what would she want to do most?
Take the kids out to explore NYC. We’d go to the Central Park Zoo and then eat authentic Chinese food.
+ If your friend could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Fiji!
+ Most perfect day for your friend “sans kids”?
A day at the spa then out for dinner, dancing, and drink with her girlfriends. A mama can dream!
+ What’s a guilty pleasure she wouldn’t want to admit?
Lots of wine!
+ Who is your friends style icon?
Kate Moss
+ If she could be anyone for a day who would it be?
Sofia Vergara
+ What do you love most about your friend?
Her ability to stop and take a second to capture all the beautiful moments life has to offer, because lets face it how many of us value the little details of every day life.
+ What do you think she appreciates most about you?
The fact that I am always honest with her, no matter how big or small the situation is, I will always give her an honest response.
+ Her favorite thing about you is?
Being able to text me at any time for an on the spot recipe!!
+ Best memory of you and your kids together?
The best memory of the kids together has to be when we surprised Lucas and picked him up from school one day. He was so happy to see us and the girls were so excited they were able to visit his school.
+ How are you parenting styles different?
It all sums up to city life vs the suburbs.
+ Best piece of parenting advice she’s given you?
Telling me not to give up on breastfeeding and encouraging me to keep going even when I felt i couldn’t continue.
+ How would she describe herself in three words?
Funny, Classy, Trendy
+ How does she react to her kids tantrums?
Even if she wanted to scream her head off you would never know, she is always super calm with them and some how seems to talk them into realizing they made a wrong choice.
+ Name her favorite tv show? Favorite guilty pleasure tv show?
Sex and the City. Love and Hip Hop.
+ Funniest thing she’s ever done?
We were at one of the saddest get togethers imaginable but you can always count on your bestie for a good laugh. Nicole was pumping and her milk was spilling out everywhere. She peeked out of the bedroom desperately looking for the first female in the room to come help her. She was soaked!
+ If you spend a date together with your kids, what would she want to do most?
Have a picnic in Central Park.
+ If your friend could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Dubai
+ Most perfect day for your friend “sans kids”?
Sleep in, wake up to fresh iced coffee in bed, followed by a lunch date with her closest girlfriends. Return home, take a nap, wake up and get ready for a low key dinner date with the hubs.
+ What’s a guilty pleasure that she wouldn’t want to admit?
One word: chocolate! Hahaha!
+ If your friend could have one wish what would it be?
To one day own a brownstone on the upper east side.
+ Who is your friend’s style icon?
Audrey Hepburn
+ If she could be anyone for a day who would it be?
Kourtney Kardashian!
Shop our looks:
Me: Dress (similar here)| Choker
Lillie: Dress
Viviana: Top | Skirt
Sofia: Blouse
I have always dreamed of the day when I would match my little girl. I have absolutely no shame and have certainly tried to pull this off with Lucas but there’s something so sweet about sharing my style with Lillie. So here we are, my very first mami + mini post! Our very first pair of matching shoes! These are from Avarcas and I’m obsessed! I have always been a high fan of Pons, they are beautiful AND comfortable and our matching pair is perfect for Spring and Summer. Excuse my while I go peruse the internets for more matchy matchy attire. I’m thinking denim skirts!
My go-to brand for the perfect (and I mean perfect) tee just launched a new collection just for the kids. Everlane Mini is an 11 piece collection that includes yummy cashmere hoodies, beanies, and classic tees. The color pallet is muted and modern and it’s intended to match seamlessly with your own wardrobe. Their motto? Dress your kids the same way you dress yourself. Needless to say I’m in love.
Did I mention that my Lucas León is that adorable model you see up there? Yep. I’m a very proud mama bear. I know i’m biased but I think Lucas totally rocked this campaign! A very big thank you to Everlane for choosing my boy to represent this incredibly swoon worthy collection for the kids. PS – check out this article featuring more on this new move from Everlane in VOGUE!
I have fallen in love with a children’s clothing company. It’s true! Sapling Child has stolen this mamas heart. Made from 100% organic cotton and designed in Australia, each piece is whimsical yet timeless. Comfortable yet beautiful.
I love that I can shop their online store for both Lillie and Lucas. The fabrics are incredibly soft and my kiddos just look SO SO cute dressed up in Sapling. Did I mention the founder/designer Peta is a mama herself and I have had the pleasure of meeting her in person. Pure sweetness. I love when the face of a company is just as amazing off screen. It truly allows you to connect and feel good about every purchase made. Peta is extra wonderful and has decided to offer my readers a 30% discount! Use the code ‘LL4SAPLING‘ while checking out (it can be used world wide). Happy shopping!
You can also check out more images and styles over on Babiekins.
Fall is just around the corner and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Pumpkin spice lattes, crisp weather, and all those gorgeous colors. I had a chance to collaborate with Feather Drum and each piece had me delighting in the fact that Autumn is almost here. You can see more of Lucas’s look over on Babiekins.