the secret is out...

I can finally tell you about what I've been working on for the last couple months...
a J.Crew / Crewcuts Pinterest Collaboration.

I was asked by the awesome team at Crewcuts to contribute to their "The small stuff" J.Crew board. You can imagine how excited I was and still am.

The board was launched today, so there are only a few pins as of now- but I have prepared over 100 pins that I think you will love. They are of images that inspire me, of amazing photographers, illustrations and products- all with original sources and therefore lot's more to discover once you click on the photos.

I'd love it if you followed the "the small stuff" board! You should also see what else J.Crew is pinning, it's pretty amazing.

Enjoy!!!

Show & Tell... a family affair

Show and tell... I tell you a little about me and show you something cool related to what I told you!

 

It has been a sad week around here, my great aunt passed away on monday and it really got me thinking- thinking about family and how important it is to me. I'm not just talking about my close family, I'm talking about cousins and distant cousins, aunts and uncles. It got me thinking that I would love, one day, to bring my kids to meet all of my cousins, aunts and uncles who all live overseas. And most importantly, I'd love for them to meet my dad and grandmother. I also realized, that as much as I love the idea of moving away to New York or Japan or where ever, I don't like the idea of being far from my mom and sister and I would be sad if my kids didn't get to play with their cousins. All this to say, family is and always has been important to me wether they are near or far, they are always in my thoughts and heart.

So today, I thought it would be nice to share with you a family owned buisness- where mother and daughters work together in perfect harmony to bring us and our kids the cutest, coolest Robots ever: EBK Robots.

Oh! and even the husbands and kids are involved- here is how they describe themselves:
Jen: Robot whisperer and lover of rainbows.
Becky: Robot maker, boogie shaker and kickin' grandma—don't mess with her!
Sara: head Robot guru and design ninja master.
Dave: Robot beauty maker.
Ellie, Jonah, Nathan, Evan: Robot Testers + Grilled Cheese eating machines.

All the products, robot pluhes and bags are handmade in the US with lots of care and love.

Mister M is the proud owner of the blue Robot bag you see above and carries it everywhere. I can't believe we've had it for almost 2 years and it looks as good as new.

What's great about the EBK robots, is that they are suitable not only for the boys but for the girls too- they come in all the colors of the rainbow and they make formreally great gifts too, for any age really.

I'd love to adopt a family of little robots, wouldn't you?

Now is your chance, get 25% off with code SPRING at checkout- offer is available until sunday March 7th.
www.ebkrobots.com/


 

Color by Numbers 2

If you thought stripes were so last year- think again! Stripes are still going strong and a hot trend for kids clothing this summer. Horizontal or vertical, thin or thick, stitched or painted, which ever way you like them wear them.

Not sure about black and grey as a summer color- what are you talking about? Black and all shades of grey are key colors for your kids wardrobe this summer- or any time of the year really. You'll have no problem finding items in this color scheme for your little ones, I promise.

Here are the links to the inspiring images...

The cool kid in the striped t-shirt is from Quirky Collective- check their shop and blog, it's one my favorites.

The young girl in the stripe tank top is photographed by Laura Burlton and part of a lovely project called Chalk Dreams- a must see and so is the rest of her portfolio.

Everything has beauty- sure does! via Michael Ryan.

DIY how to cut your toddlers bangs- I have got to try this technic. Photo by Sherman/Three Lions/Getty Images circa 1950's, source via BBC.

Striped long sleeve t-shirt with pleated collar- Miss E is the lucky owner of this Cos t-shirt. It's even prettier on!

Lovely Striped photo by Alexey Menshchikov- you must see this portofolio, it's all about shade and shadows, lines and patterns. Simply awesome! 

and the 2 Cute 2 Be True giveaway winner is....

Lucky number 31- chosen by the true random number generator .... ELSKAN. Congratulations!!!!

Thank you you all for participating and thank you to Sunday in Color for this great giveaway.
 

8-52

We made our first teepee this weekend, I just had to take a peek inside...

 

We also dressed up, the best we could with what we had, as Mario and Luigi. The kids insisted on having their entire nose painted red- so I obliged. We had a lot of fun...

 

This year one of my goals is to learn to take better pictures and learn how to use my camera. So I have decided to take part of this photo project- started by Joddie of Ché and Fidel, where you take one portrait of your kids every week and at the end of the year you have 52 wonderful, memorable shots. This is just the motivation I needed, I've been carrying my camera's manual around with me for years! It's about time I learnt how to use it to it's full potential.
All this got started when I was inspired by all the wonderful photos and lovely blog by Dee at She Had Us At Hello and when I discovered she was part of this wonderful project, I knew I had found my source of motivation. You should really check out both these blogs.

 

So I'm a little late in the game as I'm starting at week 8- better late then never! I've decided that all my photos will be taken on the manual mode of my camera which is all new to me. Also, as you might have noticed, you never really see my kids faces on the blog- well that won't change, but it's an added challenge- taking portrait without really seeing their faces. So I hope to take photos of the good times, the mood, the little moments...

 

And at the end of the year I will make each kid a book with their 52 portraits. I think this will make for a great Valentine's Day gift! Don't you?

 

Here we go, every sunday I'll be posting a portrait of each kid- wish me good luck!

 

What's in your closet? Vintage booties.

 

I had an hour to kill today before I picked the kids up from daycare and so I did a little thrift shopping. I think the stars were alined- I found lots of amazing fabric and the best vintage boots. Not just one pair, but two and for both kids in their respective sizes. When does that ever happen?

 

 

Miss E is the new owner of these sweet baby blue Moon Boots. Perfect for the month and half we have left of winter. They might even fit next year.

Mister M now has a pair of vintage Dr. Martens- they are covered in the cutest illustrations of farm animals. I've never seen anything quite like this before. I think they are so cool. They didn't come with shoe laces, but I found these blue ones lying around and it worked out quite well- don't you think?

I can't wait to show you all the fabric I got too, it's all in the dryer right now.

Have a great weekend. xx

I heart TOMAT

Do you find it hard to find fun and cool t-shirts for your boys? I do! Most often there is a detail that annoys me, sometimes it's too over the top or just not the right color combination.

Well TOMAT has just the right balance! I love their choice of colors for their t-shirts, to top it off it's all 100% certified organic cotton. I really like their illustrations, they are creative and playful and every t-shirt is hand printed with water based inks. So what's not to love?

The collection is available for babies and small kids- boys and girls. You can find out more on their website and check out their Etsy shop too.

Coaters + Little Goodall

Are your kids in the dress-up phase? Mine definetly are, their isn't a day were my kids don't wear some form of dress-up clothes.
Imagine being able to wear those clothes out looking good, real good. That is just what Gitta was looking for when she discovered the wonderful world of Little Goodall .

 





Little Goodall  creates lovely handmade coats that ressemble those animals kids love, such as a lion, a dino, a fox, a bear and a leopard. They are all made in the US with thick soft wool and the the fox and leopard are made from sustainable felt thus eco-friendly. I can't beleive all the little details that go into making one of these coats- it takes 10 to 15 hours just to make one! Incredible.







 Here is the good news, these coats now available in Europe exclusively through COATERS. Gitta loved these so much she thought everyone should have access to them. You can find all the styles on the online store and these coats are available in sizes 1 through 6.
Fout more on the Coaters Website.

So which is your favorite? So hard to choose...

 

Color By Numbers no.1

If you follow me on my Tumblr- Least Little Thing, then maybe you have noticed I like to color coordinate my posts and create a mood. Here's a little secret, out of everything I do on the world wide web Tumblr is my favorite- I feel like it's my most creative platform and truly represents me and what goes on in my head. Since I love it so much, I thought it would be nice to bring some of it to Petit a Petit- a collage of image that inspire and make me happy.

Today, the photo of May Xiong's sister has gotten me mezmerized- i just love everything about it starting with the colors, the stare, the beauty.
Oh and that green! How perfect when matched with a lighter green, coral, yellow and indigo- don't you find? A perfect color combination for this summers wardrobe or a kids bedroom. 

-images source-
The vintage cloud chair is by Yrjö Kukkapuro via Varpunen.
The flower and Butterfly illustration is by Montreal artist Olivia Mew.
The green cupboard via Soderbergagentur.
The applique house skirt is by Mini Boden ( past season).
The embroidered illutration is by Jazmin Berakhah.
 

2 years- Now what?

Snow White Outfitted

I mentioned yesterday that it was my 2 year blogging anniversary and I thought it would be nice to reflect on the past year. I have a lot on my mind and I will try to make sense of all of it here!

What a year it's been-  almost 200 posts this year only ( I even started a sewing blog), over 500 Fb, 750 Twitter, nearly 3 million Pinterest, 750 Tumblr and 225 Instagram followers. WOWOWOW! You guys, you rock my world.
I get such mixed feelings with blogging- somedays feel very lonely, but then I see all these numbers and think how lucky I am to have all of you.

Coup De Coeur no.15 

I started blogging because my friends and sometimes strangers would ask me where I got my kids clothes or how come I knew about this and that- I thought it would be nice to share the info. I also started blogging because I missed the days when I had my children's clothing store, I would do all this research to find out what I wanted to stock and to discover the next big thing- blogging gives me the opportunity to keep on doing that without all the problems that are associated with having a store. The last reason I started blogging is that I knew I was going to be starting a new full time job- not related to kids fashion and this was my way of keeping on doing what I love, my passion alive.

ROXY MARJ

Today I blog for all of the same reasons- but for so much more. Believe it or not- I'm a pretty lazy person or should I say a procrastinator and without deadlines or pressure I don't work to well. So blogging gives me those deadlines and that pressure I need. I do more for and with my kids, I do more for myself and push myself to be better and more creative- things that I probably would have never done without blogging. I'm not a competitive person, never have been- only with myself and I get that drive I need here!

Cristallines + Milk Magazine

And then blogging has brought me so many great opportunities- meeting amazing people from around the world, making new friends which I hope to hug one day. Making connections I would have never thought possible. Making some dreams come true. Changing my life, my vision, my goals, my dreams.

So I want to thank YOU for passing by once, once a week, once a day or everyday. You make me a better person and that is priceless.

Coup de Coeur no.2

There are a few people I'd like to thank only because they have made this a particularly special year... Courtney of Babyccino and Rachelle of La Petite Magazine- you have trusted me to be part of your team and I am for ever grateful.

La Petite Magazine

Angela of Novalee and Melanie of Sweet & Sour for giving me the opportunity to start this year with lots to look forward to.

And so many more that have shared my stories or given me the opportunity to guest post and share my vision. Thank you!

KCWC

All the images in this post are from your favorite posts. Of course the DIY's are always a big hit and to my surprise whenever I make or sew something up for kids is a big hit too. I'm always looking to improve- so if you have an idea or something you particularly like and would like to see more of, I am listening.

So what's in store for the next year? More of the same, but better! Here's to 365 more days of  blog posts. 

2 Cute 2 Be True + GIVEAWAY

There is so much to celebrate today...

 

First, Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Secondly, can you believe I've been blogging for 2 years!!! Happy Anniversary Petit a Petit!

 

Thirdly, I reached over 500 likes on Facebook.

 

This calls for a celebration don't you think?  



 



 

I'm giving back the love today with Sunday In Color - on of my favorite kids online shops, read all about it here.

This giveaway  is 2 Cute 2 Be True!!!

You can win one of five "2 Cute 2 Be True" handmade crochet soft toy. These stuffed toys make great friends or decorative elements- they are soft, hugable and loveable. They stand 10' tall- wow!

 

 

So here is what you need to do to Enter:

 

- Check out the Sunday in Color Website and tell me in the comments which "2 Cute 2 Be True" you would like to win. My favorite one is on the website waiting for you to discover!

 

- For extra Entries like Sunday in Color on Facebook***

 

- For an other entry like Petit a Petit on Facebook or follow on Twitter or Pinterest***

 

*** let us know your login names in the comments.

 

- Spread the word for an other entry on the social media of your choice- don't forget to tell us how you did it!

 

This giveaway is open worldwide- did you know Sunday In Color  ships worldwide?

 

You have until Sunday 24th- midnight to Enter. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by email ( make sure we have it!) and anounced on Monday.

 

Good Luck!!!!

SHOW & TELL... Home Spun Vintage

Did you read the first post I did over at the Sweet and Sour Blog? Basically, I blurted out a little something about myself and then in relation to that I featured a kids clothing line. I got lots of great feeback from that post and I have been trying to figure out a way to incorporate it to this blog- I think I found it!

So, as of today and every wednesday from now on there will be a new little feature called Show & Tell. Ummm how interesting, it also happens to be show and tell at my kids daycare on wednesdays!

So it goes a little something like this...

Do you know I am huge VINTAGE fan? I love vintage anything! I guess it's in my blood... I grew up shopping in thrift stores, wearing hand me downs and even upcycled clothes made by my mom- can you beleive I still have two of those baby dresses and Miss E wore them when she was little. I love garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and even a little "garbage picking". I spend hours at a time looking trough the Etsy vintage shops, and I get such a thrill when I find something I love. It might come to no surprise then,  that the first childrens line I ever ceated was from recycled fabrics and today I am often attracted by kids clothing that is vintage or inspired by styles from the past. Don't you just love it when new meets old?

 



Home Spun Vintage is about all that! Corrie and Kathlene are two second-hand vintage loving moms who have started not one but two clothing lines, the first is made from reworked vintage kid's clothes and the other was created to complement the first, all inspired by the yesteryears.

I can't tell how much I love their new Spring-Summer collection. Oh those colors! So gorgeous. The pinks and turquoise are lovely, mixed in with the navy- just perfect! This collection is inspired by the seaside carnivals of the 50's and 60's.
I am truly head over heels about the boy selection. It's always such a challenge to find good boy clothes, that are funky yet wearable. The diagonale stripes are so much fun and that denim jacket is too cute. What can I say about the girls- peter pan collars are must in any girls wardrobe, navy gingham is one of my favorites and how awesome is that colorful plaid.

L-O-V-E it all.

Get this, Home Spun Vintage is having a Valentine's Day Sale in their vintage shop- get 30% off everything in the store by entering HEARTS30 as the coupon code.
 

NOVALEE - Issue 4

Ladies and gentlemen I give you: Novalee - Issue 4/ The Rad and the Restless. 

I can finally tell you what I've been working on for the last couple of months with the incredible Lula Berthelette... drum roll...  Novalee an online magazine, dedicated to the world of children- cool kids might I add.  

I am their newest crew member and artistic director. I am so excited to be part of the team and the future that lies in front of us. So it would be awesome if you could check it out.

Here is a little sneak peek... 

You will find cool products on the pages of  Hustle + Flow.

Amazing editorial shoots by talented photographers.

Cute kids, great styling and awesome clothing.

Lots of inspiring art.

And even a DIY/ tutorial.

But wait, there is sooooo much more! So check it out: novaleemagazine.com

I would love to know what  you think. Do you have some suggestions, ideas or anything you'd like to share? I'd love to hear all about it.

Thanks for reading! 

What's in your closet? The Men's Refashioned Shirt.

9 years ago I refashioned my first men's shirt into a little girls dress. It was the first item I made for my clothing line Laïla B. You can see more photos of Laïla B. on my page called  I sew (up top) or my Flickr. 

Today, Miss E is wearing it! 

With a few alterations... more details on my sewing blog LETS DO SEW.

School Picture Day

It's school picture day at the daycare today, for both Miss E and Mister M.

Every year I get an email telling me way in advance what those days will be and every year I think to myself "I will be prepared" and then every year I scramble to put something together the night before. I always seem to be looking for things, sewing on buttons, washing off a stain and hoping it will dry on time- that sort of stuff.

Last year was particularly stressful- the long sleeve t- shirt I needed for Miss E was covered in yogurt and waiting to be washed. Honestly, how could I forget to do the laundry that week? She ended up wearing something completely different then what I had planned- bummer.

Is picture day a big deal in your home? Do you buy a new outfit or go out of your way to put something together?

I do put an effort into it, even if it's the night before. I usually have an idea of what the kids will wear in advance, but sometimes things don't go as planned. I do like the kids to be wearing something a little dressy, as if they were going out to a nice restaurant or a birthday party. But then again I like to dress my kids up.

This year I knew what Miss E would be wearing. Over the holidays we received the most lovely package in the mail from my friend Marie-Laure of Le Carrousel. In that package was a dress, a beret, some stickers and 2 lollipops. Oh, you should have seen my face! And the kids faces when those lollipops fell out of the envelope!!!

The dress was perfect, perfect for every occasion- specially School Picture Day.

As much as Miss E loves her beret - she thinks she is Suzy from Moonrise Kingdom, she isn't wearing that today. But instead a cute barrette from Hello Shiso, which I couldn't find and took me 30min to remember where I had to put it. And of course, her pink toe cap shoes from the All for Children collection at H&M.

She was very excited to show off her outfit to her class mates this morning.

As for Mister M, he is wearing some hand-me-down skinny jeans from Gap and a button down shirt from Zara, which I probably should have ironed! But who has time for that... Maybe next year!

Oh and tell me I'm not the only one who makes their kids practice their smiles. We do it in good fun- it cracks me up to see those fake smiles!

Not so much when I get the pictures in the mail though...

NEWS FLASH: Oeuf sample sale

Have you heard? Oeuf is having a sample sale.

WHERE? Online at  www.oeufnyc.com

WHEN? Feburary 6th 2013.

WHAT TIME? Noon, eastern time. Be on time, first come first served!

WHO'S INVITED? You and your friends, so spread the word...

This and That... oranges anyone?

oranges by Joaolive

So as you might already know Bobo Choses has come out with their new collection- Petit Grocery by Jean Gustave. And if you've been reading this blog for a while now, you probably already know how fond I am of Bobo Choses. However, I must say this is probably one of my favorite collections yet.

It doesn't help that Miss E has a slight obssesion with oranges, clementines and tangerines. So you know what that means, I am going to have to get her at least one piece from this collection. But then the lemons, tomatoes and milk bottles are jsut as cute. Help!!! I can't seem to choose... maybe that's a good thing!

And as you've all probably seen these images a thousand time- I thought it would be fun to pair the Bobo Choses collection with some art, illustrations and prints by various artists... A little bit of This and That!

The pear print is by Enzo Mari and entilled La Pera. It is a reprint of his original work dating back to the 1963, a classic. I just love the simplicity of the drawing and it looks really amazing anywhere in the house. Same goes for this sweatshirt, I would hand it on my walls!

This tomato is by Happy Tree Press, it's a print of a paper collage and can be found here. Do your kids like tomatoes- I have a hard time getting mine to eat them! Unless it's ketchup. Just Loving this all over tomatoe print- it comes in a romper and cute shirt as well. Too much goodness in one collection, I tell you.

 This all over lemon print is by Elliot Jones, cute in the kitchen or in a kids room. And  don't you love this wide cut tee? Even for the boys, it works so well.

This simple print of an orange is by Pumpkin and Butterfly. And this photo of  Bobo Choses reminds me so much of Miss E- it could totally be her twin sister! It's a sign... I must buy the entire collection!!!

Who knew tomatoes could be soooo cool? The print is by Sarah Jane Draws- I love the overlapping tomotoes or do you say tomathoes?

 Un citron is by Christie McGraphics, there are few more cute fruits to choose from in this Etsy shop.

What can I say Bobo Choses really outdid themselves this season with simple and comfortable designs and the most adorable prints. The collection is composed of all the essentiel summer pieces and to complete the look their accessories and home goods are just as amazing. So, I highly recommend you check out their website.

P.S. if you shop on Loja Dada, you are entered to win the super cute lemon tote, but hurry the offer won't last forever!