Addison’s Wonderland came to us purely through serendipity- a chance tweet we happened to see that landed us square in the middle of a world of girl’s bedding and decor that is straight out of a faerie tail. Ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles seems to be the mantra here…and who could ask for more? The delicate patterns and rich textures created by the gathers and ruffles create dreamlike scenes for children and parents alike. I know a few rooms in my house that could use a few more ruffles…
Meet Emily Ulmer Photography
This post is so long overdue it’s not even funny! We did this interview last year and life, as it tends to do, interfered and thus it sat un-posted for months. But now we are oh-so-pleased to introduce to you Emily Ulmer Photography. We first encountered her work on another blogger’s site, where her unique take on photographing children had spawned many different opinions. We for one found her work intriguing, as it captures a side of children not often seen: that side of them visible in between moments, in the silence during an intake of breath, when energy is in a state of stillness immediately prior to bursting forth once more. Or in those moments where they find themselves lost in thought…take some time to browse her work here at EmilyUlmer.com and take in her impeccable style and thought provoking view of childhood.
Once you’ve had a chance to absorb her work, come back and read our brief interview with the artist herself. Savor the experience, and take a peek inside her mind, incidentally 7 months in the making…
Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you got started in photography, any favorite shoots you have done, any particular photos from your latest collection?
I was born and raised in Southern Caliornia. When I was about 18, my grandfather gave me his old 35 millimeter and I began documenting my younger sister in her teenage years. And from there I began photographing my friends, trying to capture that delicate period between adolescence and adulthood. I’ve been shooting for years but it wasn’t until very recently that I found the area I love in photography. Sometimes it takes a long time, I guess! As far as favorite shoots, it’s hard to choose, as I feel so close to all of them. But some of my favorite recent work is the series of the two sisters, Josephine and Oona. There was an inherent maturity and soulfulness in both of them that was so inspiring to capture. And they loved having their picture taken which is not often always the case with children!
How did you get started with this current theme of photography? What was that initial inspiration that drove you to photograph children with your particular style and themes?
About a year ago I took some pictures of a friend’s four year-old son. There was something different in those photographs that felt much more pure than my portraits of adults.
It felt like an obvious gravitation as I’d always tried to capture the innocence in young adults. From there I began shooting more children in their own environments, attempting to show them in their most natural state, when they are most comfortable. I’m trying to show childhood from the perspective of the child, which is not often done.
The clothing in your photography definitely has a very vintage look to it, where do you find/how do you select it?
The clothing does play an important role in my pictures. I generally go through the children’s own wardrobes and choose pieces that are timeless and best suit the child’s personality. The simpler the outfit, the better. I’m beginning to collect vintage children’s clothing which is a lot of fun to search for.
I worked in fashion for a bit when I was younger and developed a specific aesthetic with the clothing that I use for my portraits– which does contribute a lot to the overall feel of my pictures.
Your photographs have a unique look and feel to them, is there any special equipment or techniques you employ to achieve your specific style?
Now that I’m shooting digitally mainly (as you have to take a lot of frames when you’re shooting children!), I’m very conscious of having my pictures look as though I’d shot with film.
Color has always been incredibly important to me as I printed all of my earlier work on my own. I’ve always leaned more toward ‘warmer’ colors, which is also why I only use natural light. So I spend a lot of time playing with the tone and colors as I edit my work, to achieve the look I’m going for.
Lastly there have definitely been a lot of contrasting opinions on your work. Many have felt that there weren’t enough smiling faces, or that some of the imagery had dark overtones. Do you have anything you would like to say in response?
I know, it was very surprising! I had no idea that there would be so many people that would have such strong reactions to my work— both positive and negative. There are definitely those out there that feel that children should only be photographed laughing and smiling, etc. There’s a lot of over romanticizing in children’s portraiture. People want to think that kids are always happy and bubbly. But they also have a serious side to them, however young, which I find very beautiful.
Of course some equate the seriousness with dark overtones. But I’ve never looked at my work as dark. It’s the quiet moments that I’m trying to capture and in those moments they are typically not smiling nor jumping up and down. And I always let the overall mood of the child dictate the feel of the shoot, as I’m trying to show them for who they are.
As promised, our exclusive interview with Jen of Eden’s Bouquet! Love the insights into her inspirations and process, every designer has a different story to tell- hers is one of wedding gowns, European style, and a healthy dose of country living.
Your work is all highly detailed and imaginative, talking specifically about your fabric choices- where does that inspiration come from?
I am inspired by fine fabric. I could spend days in the fabric store or trade shows, especially bridal textiles and notions. It is so easy to dream up collections when you have piles of fabric in front of you. The trick is keeping all my dreams in order. I am also inspired by European designers. They take children’s fashion seriously and the attention to detail is amazing.
What was your background prior to starting Eden’s Bouquet?
I have no formal training in fashion design. I have some funny stories to tell involving country girl(me), major tradeshows and big time magazine editors.
Like a lot of mothers, I started out sewing for our children and never got tired of it. I then started selling one of a kind creations made from vintage wedding gowns on eBay. In 2003 I started designing exclusively for PoshTots.com before launching my first collection in 2004.
What got you started working in children’s clothing design?
Imagination and my sewing machine. Designing is a wonderful creative outlet for my overflowing mind.
What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?
Bridal magazines. I love thumbing through these for inspiration, the details and textiles are unexpected in children’s clothing and that is what I love. More recently I have been inspired by our trips to the ocean and the quaint old beach towns. There’s something about history that sparks my imagination.
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
I think it would be fun to eventually open up a little brick & mortar boutique. Then, open boutiques all over the world and on the moon with women’s clothing, a maternity line and a complete home collection. Haha. Seriously, this venture has taken me farther than I had ever imagined so if this is it, I’m happy.
What makes you tick as a designer, what direction to you find yourself returning to time and time again?
I love designing Formalwear and find myself adding a touch of fancy to styles whether I plan to or not.
What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?
I love the use of lavish fabrics and romantic style that I am seeing in the fall 2010 women’s collections. I try to incorporate trendy silhouettes into my designs and many of my styles and color pallete are inspired by women’s clothing. I love when moms say they want to wear eden’s bouquet.
How do you feel that current trend affects your design?
The fabric & style trends are right up my alley and I will definitely draw inspiration from them for upcoming collections.
What do you feel makes your work unique?
I think the colors, detail and fabric in my collections make them unique. I don’t know of many children’s clothing designers that use silk the crazy way that I do.
What’s your favorite piece from your current line? Any all time favorite(s)?
The bloomers. Comfortable, simple and adorable with everything. My all time favorite collection is the Cobblestone Collection.
*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*
From the moment our eyes fell upon the vintage greaser stylings of Knuckleheads we were in love with the rolled cuffs, the coveralls, the stripes, the plaids…it all adds up to a label with a style all its own, instantly recognizable. When it comes to clothing that embodies the playful mischievous spirit of boyhood you can’t go wrong with any number of pieces from their catalog.
That being said- see those shirts up there? Want to win one? Good, let’s get started then, shall we?
The winner will win a Rockabilly Shirt courtesy Knuckleheads. Available in sizes 12-18 months up through 7 years
Entry Rules
MANDATORY- Comment on this post, leaving your email address so we can contact you if you win.
Stack the odds in your favor Post a comment for each extra entry (ie if you post this giveaway on your blog you would comment 3x)
(1) Extra Entry – Follow us on twitter (or if you already do just let us know, it still counts!)
(1) Extra Entry – Tweet about this giveaway and use this link http://petit.vg/bnYft5
(1) Extra Entry – “Like” us on facebook (or if you already do just let us know!)
(3) Extra Entries – Post this giveaway on your blog, if you want to use a badge in your sidebar or link roll you can grab that here
(3) Extra Entries – Sign up for our fashion sharing community and post an outfit
Deadline for entries is Monday the 13th at 6pm EST- We will select a winner using Random.org and notify them via email!
Boys’ fashion has had a lot of catching up to do with the plethora options that are available for our little girls, but in the last couple of years we’ve seen the offerings broaden and really come into their own. No longer are we bound to pastel blues and puppies! Really, a lot of what we’re seeing lately is what we’re loving about girls fashion these days- heavily vintage influenced style with a modern twist. Most importantly the trends we’re highlighting here are ones that let boys be boys, without sacrificing style.
Our top 5 boys fashion trends of 2010
Patterned snap and button down shirts with contrasting yolk
We’ve seen these popping up EVERYWHERE! Every label seems to have their own take on this classic look for boys. The contrasting yolk lends funky style to an otherwise clean cut shirt. Patterns like diamonds, bold polka dots, and tonal stripes are the order of the day, with patch pockets and snaps also make the rounds for easy on and off.
Stylish headgear- Snowboarder hats and fedoras
The number of options for headwear for men has expanded significantly over the past few years, and in turn has trickled down into boys’ fashion as well. We’re seeing a lot of military inspired hats, classic fedoras, and skater style snowboarder hats. As we all know boys have much fewer options for accessorizing than girls, so we have to make each one count!
Our favs
Snowboarder lid by Eli’s Lids
Harbor Tweed Newsboy by Eden’s Bouquet
Fedora by Axel and Hudson
Varsity Jackets and Bombers
Another great throwback to the timeless look that embodies boys and all the rough and tumble madness that they carry with them every day. Snaps, zippers, leather accents, patches- they offer endless opportunities for unique embellishments that give each piece as much individual personality as the boys who wear them.
Sneakers
They come in many styles and shapes and sizes, and they are everywhere! Taking inspiration from the classic Nike and Converse hi-top style from years past, this new breed of sneakers is multiplying in new varieties every day. Like hats, the right pair of sneakers can add some whimsy to a formal outfit that takes itself too seriously, fit right in with a skater style outfit, or simply be a staple of you boys’ wardrobe.
Our favs
Cesario Black Sneaker by Creative Recreation
Command Hi Top Sneaker by Children’s Place
Coronado Hi Top by Keen
Quality Denim- Rolled Cuffs
Being a consummate denim addict, I am loving the selection available for boys these days. As boys’ fashion lines have expanded to cover more and more different styles, you’re able to get denim the way you want it. Rolled cuffs are particularly popular lately as the vintage revival continues to grow in strength and variety.
What are your favorite trends? Which ones can’t you stand?
Spill it in the comments :)
Introducing Tom and Drew Boys
We are very pleased to introduce a fresh new label from NYC: Tom and Drew Boys. Tom and Drew is named for, and inspired by the nephews of founder Alexia Panza. As we all know finding fashion forward style for boys that matches their personalities and needs can be something of a challenge.
Sharing our frustration, Alexia created Tom and Drew, providing a unique take on boy’s fashion that harkens to classic American style. Taking inspiration from elements such as the iconic Varsity jacket, the collection builds on wholesome looks while providing accents like bull-dog cufflinks, grandfatherly cardigans and selvedge denim.
We were able to get our hands on the lookbook for their new SS11 collection and all of the looks capture a unique identity, something distinctly American that hints at (or sometimes more than hints at) vintage style, but at the same time features a more contemporary cut and fit that makes it feel effortless and childlike in it’s nonchalance. Being a denim addict, the inclusion of high-end Japanese selvedge denim in this line is a particular source of excitement.
We are currently awaiting word on which online stockists you will be able rely on for your future Tom and Drew fix, and we will let you know just as soon as we hear. In the mean time we will leave you with their press release for SS11-
The ducklings are hatching, the bass are biting and the sharks are circling; it’s spring/summer time! Tom & Drew’s SS11 collection took inspiration from childhood memories spent on Cape Cod. You will find attire that is appropriate for every occasion; from lemonade stand sales to beach bonfires to summer camp swimming lessons to evenings spent with parents at the local Yacht Club.
For the SS11 collection, there will be three deliveries, each taking inspiration from different animals; ducks, striped bass and sharks.
Tom & Drew is excited to be one of the first children’s wear companies to introduce Japanese selvedge denim to the market. T&D’s denim is of the highest possible quality and has been imported from Osaka, Japan. The selvedge denim paired with appliqué pima cotton t-shirts, “slubby” jersey reversible hoodies and light weight “space dyed” knit sweaters make for perfect summer outfits.
Another notable category in the SS11 collection are the color changing t-shirts. The graphics of these incredibly soft shirts change color when the wearer comes in contact with UV rays.
A new term to the children’s wear market; Tom & Drew have created “suspenderalls” in denim and also Pima cotton jersey. Suspenderalls are pants that have attached suspenders, giving overalls a revamped, gentlemanly look. The denim suspenderalls have “hidden knee art” (embroidery underneath a reinforced layer of denim.) Phrases such as “play hard” will be seen when boys are on the playground and scuff up their pants.
Check out their website at www.tomanddrewboys.com
Follow them on twitter
Read their blog
“Like” them on Facebook
Inspired by one of the latest outfits that one of our members posted in our fashion sharing community, we have these durable stone washed jeans from Children’s Place. A step up from your standard run-of-the-mill jeans, these feature a classic fit and a lived-in look that’s sure to stand out. Durable construction and hardware mean they’ll be a great hand-me-down pair for years to come!
Here we are with the matching swim trunks for the gingham shirt we posted a little bit ago from Petit Bateau. A perfectly vintage summer look paired with the matching shirt, or any vintage style tee’s in your lil boy’s wardrobe.
While there is certainly some dispute as to whether this patterned boys gingham shirt by Petit Bateau is unapologetically retro, or just an oldschool eyesore -you may have guessed- we love the broad strokes of retro-goodness! Feel free to disagree with us in the comments :) Dyed in light woven gingham poplin it features metal snap buttons (trying to get your little man in and out of a button down shirt? who wants that headache?!), top-stitched seam in the middle of the back and two top-stitched chest pockets with the bottom finished in contrasting red whip-stitch.
Keep it simple! If you need some simple, affordable footwear with a classic style for your boy, you can’t go wrong with these hi-top sneakers from Children’s Place. They’re canvas lined with rubber piecing at the toecap and sole, but the real kicker here is the cushioned footbed with anti-bacterial treatment to help keep your boy’s feet fresh. Adjustable velcro straps are of course essential while he’s still working on his knot tying skills.
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