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CIFF Kids winter edition 2017 {newcomers}

nicoqo

CIFF Kids is approaching. The trade season is officially open and everyone in the business is busy watching collections, making orders and trend spotting. We introduced you to some ‘must have’ international brands.
We showed you great lifestyle lines.

And today it is about the newcomers that will attend CIFF Kids in February.

Personally I have them all my ‘must see’ list and I am curious to find out more about them. It is always exciting to see a fresh brand joining the kids world!

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{CIFF Kids 1-3. February at Forum Copenhagen}
 
And before I forget – I will be there too. You can read a little interview as well as my part at the fair right here. Hope to see you around!

 

septembers

Septembers
A completely new Danish Knitwear brand. The doors will open soon but we can already see some yummy colours, soft Alpaca {knitted in Bolivia} and other beautiful things for children.  Cannot wait to see more at their booth.

 

baby wallaby

Baby Wallaby
Baby Wallaby is a Finnish family-owned company. Launched in summer 2016 with timeless, luxurious and stylish products for babies and young children. All Baby Wallaby products are designed in Finland. 100% organic with lots of neutral shades.

 

hector+havana

Hector+Havana

Another brand-new line. Based in Copenhagen and very ‘low key’ about what’s to come. We see cashmere, a little liberty and timeless elegance. Definitely a brand we will need to discover at the show!

 

Pequeno-Tocon
Pequeño Tocón

One of my all time favourite baby brands and new to CIFF kids. Pequeno Tocon, meaning “the smallest ones in the house” in Spanish, offers gorgeous baby clothing, from birth to 12 months.

Beautiful fabrics and lots of attention to detail.  Born in Barcelona in 2007!

 

nicoqo

Nicoqo
A children’s clothing label for babies and kids aged zero to eight. Started in early 2016.

“NICOQO is the result of a creative process inspired by the places where we live, our own kids, our never-enough travels and respect for people. Our vision is simply to make what we would like our kids to wear. We make quality pieces to dress unique minds and make them feel special and comfy.”

The last two brands will be represented by LACACI agency.

 

 

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The first in 2017 {Friday list}

confetti feet

The first Friday list in 2017! Wooohoooo…

How did your year start? I hope with lots of laughter, fun and happiness… so much that it keeps on rolling for the rest of the year.

We celebrated New Year’s in Athens this year and soon Iwill share some great tips and things to do with kids in this wonderful city.

The trade show season started as well and I will be at Pitti Bimbo, Playtime Paris and CIFF Copenhagen this year. It would be lovely to see you there if you are around. I am very much looking forward to it. With the baby and our summer trip I skipped quite a few the last months.

And is this ‘confetti feet’ picture not the best for our first list? I love it so much.By Geraldine Aresteanu.
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win a tripp trapp

We are running a truly awesome “Happy New Year’ give away on Instagram. In partnership with Stokke you can win a Tripp Trapp. You choose the colour AND they will engrave it for you too. All details are right here.

A little house tour of our home is here.

comete paris

Organic super soft pyjamas with delicate prints and lovely colours. Comète Paris.

We are one cool kids fashion blog.

heart wall art

It is Valentines Day soon. Here is a tutorial on how to make this gorgeous wall hanging!

These prints are too adorable.

 

millk

millk.

New collections starting to arrive in stores. Soon we will update our must haves

 

koko's nest

Made from 100% Supersoft Egyptian cotton. In the best colour combos. Koko’s nest.

I am sure this post speaks to all of us mums.

 

petit bec

Cute little clothes. Petit Bec.

You want to make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter. AS of NOW there will be exclusive interview in every newsletter. Inspiring words from female entrepreneurs. {And I can tell you I am having so much fun to read their answers}

 

Happy week end everyone xoxo
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The best of Paul & Paula 2016

family breakfast

Two more days and 2016 is over. Already!

During our flight to Athens (where we arrived this Wednesday) I was thinking that it could be really fun to do a little round up here on the blog.

Feature the best/ most read posts for example. I mean, I was really curious to investigate as well. Which topics do you guys love? What are you interested in etc…

And it is a lovely way to finish the year and take a little break from the blog and social media. Refreshing actually.
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Let’s start:

 

The TOP FIVE posts on Paul & Paula in 2016, in order:

1. Willieandmillie. These fun kids room accessories from Sweden!

2. The Animals Observatory. In January I introduced you to this new brand and their very first collection.

Briar Handmade

3. Briar. The cutest baby&toddler bonnets around.

4. The 2016 round up of Advent Calendars. You probably do not need one right now, but maybe want to bookmark this post for future references.

5. Bloomingville Mini – the kids collection from one of our favourite interior brands.

 

The TOP FIVE Instagram pictures in 2016:

1. Camping! In our bedroom. I nearly did not post this. I nearly did not even take this picture. It was fun to see all the like and comments.

2. The world’s smallest restaurant.

3. Not the kids room. Not the playroom. But our kitchen received many likes.

4. Antoine portrayed by Romy.

5. Our Christmas tree on the way home.

family breakfast

Our weekly series of family breakfasts is very popular as well. Every Saturday.

And we started something new. Every Monday I will take a picture of all four (YES a challenge) kids. For fun and to see them grow and change… I am sure it will be cool to compare the first picture with the last of the year 2017. Please join – they grow up so quickly!

 

EMP museum

And our road trip of course. Oh man… the best thing ever and we still feel the energy and sunshine!

 

And personal in 2016?

*I quit sugar! (big step and good step, Christmas time saw some exceptions… but good ones)

*I started to run! (still not the biggest fan buuuuuut I feel that I need it. This is good and does good.)

*Both things make me proud. Proud that I am able to stay strong. And I feel great. Best base for a mum and business owner.

*I decided to go for it. To grow Paul & Paula. Something I wanted to do for a long time and always hesitated. During our big trip I decided to just go for it. (you see what such a break can do to you)

 

And what is in it for 2017?

I will share a few little things that will make you want more:

*Our newsletter will get an exciting and exclusive feature. As of 2017 every newsletter will come with an inspiring interview. Small business owners will share their best tips, tricks and some -new – private stuff.

*Make sure you are on the list because you do not want to miss out!

*To celebrate the New Year we will host a fantastic give away in partnership with STOKKE! Oh yes… you must, again, make sure to follow us on this one.

*I also mentioned that Paul & Paula will see some changes. And that is still true. I am working on it. For some time and things take different directions sometimes. Need a little more time. But: The consulting part that I already offer will grow. Will be more professional and will take more of my time. I love it. I love to work with brands, shops and other people from the kids industry and help them grow.

 

What was your most memorable moment in 2016?

 

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Kodomo Boston – Q&A with owner Jasmine Punzalan

Kodomo Boston

Our Boston based contributor Surabhi went to Kodomo Boston – a wonderful kids shop – for a great interview. Let’s see what Surabhi found out:

Kodomo Boston is a premier children’s clothing store that opened in Boston this past summer.

We had a little chat with the amazing owner Jasmine Punzalan about the store and what makes it so special and unique.

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1) Tell us about Kodomo Boston. What inspired the name Kodomo and what sets the store apart?
Kodomo – the Japanese word for “child” – is a thoughtful children’s boutique that carries brands focused not only on style but on ethical business practices. The store is located in the historic South End neighborhood of Boston. Our products are sustainably produced, inspired by the need to live a more mindful existence.

 

2) What has been your most positive and fulfilling experience since you opened the store this past August?
There have been a lot of wonderful experiences since the store officially opened. I have enjoyed getting to know the neighborhood and making friends with other small business owners in the South End. Interacting with a variety of customers is always fun, too. And of course building a solid team with Marina and Gretchen, our store managers, has lead us to becoming good friends.

 

Kodomo Boston Kodomo Boston

3) Is there anything you wish you knew before entering the retail world?
That social media can be a full time job! Ha!!

 

4) Besides their ethics and best practices, what is your criteria for selecting the brands you stock? Can you name some of the more popular brands at Kodomo?
We pride ourselves in working with independent designers who make stylish clothes. We select clothes that are not stereotypical and styles that I would appreciate wearing myself. Mini Rodini and Nununu are amongst some of the more popular brands at Kodomo.

 

5) Owning a business is obviously very demanding. How do you find the time to relax and in what ways do you integrate yoga into your daily routines?
Yoga is my priority, everyday. I keep my mats and props at the office and try my best to integrate yoga into my day. Whether it’s 5 minutes or 2 hours, whatever works. It really keeps me going and helps me focus. I am undertaking Iyengar yoga teacher training, which keeps me away for a weekend each month, but we plan everything around it so the store is not affected.

 

Kodomo Boston Kodomo Boston

6) As an entrepreneur and mom of two boys, what advice would you share with mothers who also wish to be mindful in their everyday lives while being an inspiration to their children?
Take one thing at a time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Being a small business owner means you work seven days a week. Some days you’re not able to put your kids to bed but then you’ll take time off when you can and be able to make the most of the moment in you’re in. It’s exhausting but also rewarding and exciting at the same time.

 

7) Kodomo Boston is known for giving back to the community/specific foundations when they can. Are there any upcoming events or projects people should know about in relation to this?
We plan an event every month. In September we officially launched the brand AKID in Boston exclusively at Kodomo. This event was to celebrate an incredibly generous donation of 500 pairs of shoes, made by AKID, to Boston’s Home for Little Wanderers. They are a local non-profit providing services and programs for child and family development. In October, in honor of breast cancer awareness, we donated 10% of our total monthly sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

And more recently, we are still working out the details, but we are really excited about a Bobo Choses & Kodomo event in April!

 

Kodomo Boston

8) What are your favorite gift items/recommendations at the store for the upcoming holidays?
Our customers are loving the Mini Rodini reindeer collection, Mama Couture Dolls, and Tutu Du Monde tutus.

 

Thank you for this great and inspiring interview Surabhi!

 

Photo Credit: Katii Tornick

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CouCou – kids store

CouCou shop CouCou Store is a new and unique children’s store that recently opened in Boston’s South End neighborhood. They offer carefully selected clothing, toys, kitchenware, crafts, and home decor. Their beautiful Playroom hosts an array of classes that spark creativity and imagination in children and young-at-heart adults.

cOUCOU SHOP

We had a little chat with the wonderful owner Astrid Motsenigos about the store’s beginnings, plans, and their irresistible collection of kids’ products:
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1) What inspired you to open a new, one-of-a-kind, kids store in Boston?

I had enjoyed a long and very high paced career as a Creative Director for a global photography organisation, but by the time I had my daughter, I was quite burned out by the constant work and travel. Having my daughter also made me aware of the lack of children’s products in Boston. I would go to Europe for work and come back with a suitcase filled with everything from clothes to kitchenware, wooden toys, accessories and even bandaids. Everything was so beautiful and I could not find the same style here. I started to realise how great a children’s boutique with well curated products would do in Boston, and after a lot of meditating on the idea, one day I woke up and decided to open CouCou. I wanted something completely different from my past career.

 

coucou shop coucou shop

2) What inspired the name CouCou?

CouCou (pronounced koo-koo), means Peek-a-boo, in French. It is the same word in many other languages – Spanish, Greek, German – just different spellings. In French the word is also used to say hello and as a term of endearment – many will call their girlfriend CouCou for example, which I find so sweet. Designing the logo of the mouse playing peek-a-boo behind the leaf, was so much fun too and I’m so happy to see that kids react to the little mouse just as we’d hoped!

 

coucou shop coucou shop

3) What has been your most enjoyable experience at the store since you opened its doors about a month ago?

Bringing my daughter in to work with me.

 

4) What is your criteria for selecting the brands you stock? Can you name some of the popular European and American brands at CouCou?

I have a few – My main criteria is that they do not already sell in Boston. I want to bring unique and new items to Boston parents and children. Equally as important is attainable quality. Things need to be made well but I don’t want them to be unaffordable either. I especially love things that are hand-crafted, made where they are designed (although that is not always possible!), gentle on the environment, wooden toys and clothes that are easy to wear but made from lasting fabrics.

 

coucou shop

5) How do you strike the balance between stocking unique and highly curated products imported from around the globe while keeping in mind the preppy New England aesthetic?

To be honest, I pay no attention to that. CouCou has a certain style and it’s not for everyone. There are many other stores out there that will fill the gaps that CouCou does not.

 

6) What are your top three go-to brands (clothing and toys) for your 2.5-year-old daughter?

Clothing – Le Toit de la Lune, Louise Misha and Nanos are definitely her favorite.

Toys – My daughter is not very preoccupied with toys at the moment. She’s in love with ballet, drawing, yoga and pretend play. I’d say her favorite items from the store right now are her ‘The Little Yoga Mat” (made in California), her many shoes by Spanish shoe maker, Za-Patitos, her REX pencils (UK brand) and her new squirrel nightlight from RICE (Danish lifestyle brand).

 

coucou shop

 

7) Tell us about some of the fun classes and activities you have planned at CouCou’s Playroom?

We currently teach toddler and kids Yoga for ages 2 – 8 and creative story & learning based Art classes for 18+ months. We are adding Baby Music & Dance and Introduction to Dance for toddlers later this month. The playroom is also always open for kids and parents or caregivers to enjoy the many great toys, books, and art activities.

 

Thank you so much Surabhi for this great interview and the beautiful pictures!

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