Paul & Paula

Thoughtfully and responsible-produced children’s fashion

Today I am sharing a brand that is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A place where we lived before and two of my children were born. It feels such a long time ago but I would have loved to have this brand around back then.

Just short: I see more and more really lovely brands from The Netherlands. With less streetwear style, big logos and screaming colours. And I like it.

And next to the styles and colours I absolutely love the philosophy behind Longlivethequeen:

‘In a world where the ecological challenges we are facing seem almost insurmountable, we strive to create children’s clothes that leave a better mark on our planet.’

The Dutch brand crafts its collections using recycled materials, organic cotton and the softest threads. Reducing their ecological footprint and raising awareness of environmental causes among children.

Hetty van Driest creates cool collections full of easy to wear pieces in the most beautiful colours, made of upcycled fabrics, organic jerseys and soft knits.

It is really difficult to select favourites but that dress* is fantastic and that sweater* has a cool print and such a relaxed fit. I would wear it too if they would do my size.

I love that brands like this make it easy for us to be a mindful consumer but also be stylish. And child appropriate. Longlivethequeen’s shapes, styles and fabrics really talk to children and their need to feel free.

Another plus – sizes go up to 14 years. Yay! Because teens love this for sure…

Shop*!

Affiliate links marked with *.

The Gingham Edit

Did you know that gingham started out as a striped fabric in South East Asia? Over 500 years ago?

Once the production moved to Manchester, UK in the 18th century, it started to be woven into checked or plaid patterns and often in blue and white. And the fabric balance between coloured, and neutral yarns was seen as being perfect for striped shirts.

Once arrived in the Western world, the name stayed, but the stripes were gone.
So, the truth is that gingham does not mean check or checked as we may think, it actually means striped.

But enough with the story telling and hop for some gingham style for kids, because there is lots this season:

1. Thelma & Louise bikini*.

2. Such a lovely dress*. Love the yellow. And you need to check the back!

3. Super soft and light waffle cotton blouse*.

4. Jumpsuits* are big this season and not only for babies.

5. Gingham blouse* with frills.

6. Frilly shorts*.

7. Cute headband*.

8. Baby romper*.

9. I love kurtas* for boys. And this summer it has to be a gingham one.

10. Shorts* that I would classify as unisex.

11. Red gingham* – cute waistband.

Psssst… have a look at my happy kids wear edit too!

Affiliate links marked with *.

The charming Swedish family home to steal ideas from

I really hope you enjoyed your school years, otherwise you might be a little creeped out by the idea of living in an old school. Because this charming Swedish family home, with the best kitchen, is sitting in a converted old school in Västertorp, a southern suburb of Stockholm.

This lovely apartment opens into a large living room with a beautiful kitchen and plenty of room for both family life and guests. It is a very airy, bright and vibrant.

This successful transformation from school to residence is really inspiring, I especially love all the windows. For the light but also because I love to decorate window sills.

Remember my article about small children’s rooms?

Here is a great idea on how to include storage space. In style and in a natural way. Using the space under the bed is clever and the lovely colours plus cute leather handles make it really chic.

With the blush pink walls the petroleum colour really shows off!

The school was designed in the 1950s by architect Curt Laudon. A man who designed many school buildings, both in Stockholm and around the country. Västertorp’s school is a classic 1950s building that preserves much of its original appearance, but has been supplemented with balconies in connection with the renovation.

What do you think? Living in an old school building?

Via Historiska Hem

Rainbow fiber art for the kids room and beyond

So happy to start this week with art. I was waiting for some time to have Mandi Smethells re-opening her Etsy shop* and voila, here we go.

(because I know how frustrating it is to see something you want just to learn you cant have it, so I prefer to wait!)
I also know that there are quite a few rainbows around, lots of macrame and other fabric wall decorations. But this, this is another world and quality.

These rainbows* (and some other cute items) are whimsical, colourful in the best of ways because it is actually an art to combine and find the perfect colours. Happy items that will be the sunshine of any room and that will stay forever. By the way, the biggest rainbow is three feet / ±92cm wide! True rainbow fiber art.

Mandi makes all of her items by hand, which means that each is unique and special. Her inspiration comes from her two young daughters, and the experience of motherhood:

The work I create is near and dear to my heart. As a mother, I am inspired by my daughters who embrace joyful imagery that is brought to life with playful colour. I can’t help but feel that each piece I create is adding a little more positivity to the world, which has sometimes been in short supply lately! I hope that my work puts a smile on your face.

For more inspiration you should follow her Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by mandi smethells (@mandismoothhills) on Feb 15, 2019 at 1:33pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by mandi smethells (@mandismoothhills) on Feb 8, 2019 at 12:14pm PST

And good news: Mandi gladly accepts custom orders!

You love rainbows? How about these rainbow prints or this rainbow edition with a mix of fashion and accessories.

Affiliate links marked with *.

22 fun things for a sunny March!

Yes, Yes! Today is the 1st of March. Already! I really hope that you are located somewhere where you could enjoy some Spring-like days already as well. Here in London it was amazing and our batteries got such a good recharge.

We put our little garden together and even had lunch outside on some days. It is crazy right?

But I also kept track on everything that caught my eye over the last weeks and voila, a new Friday list is born. 22 things I have. Lots of interior (mainly from researches for my Interior Tuesday articles), some Etsy finds and, of course, a few things for mums too.

Enjoy:

Cool Paris home designed by Charlotte Fequet.

OMG. This shirt* has summer all over it.

Slow Fashion* from Minsk.

If you have a thing for textiles, you’ll love this!

Home Office Scandi Style. Via Jonas Ingerstedt.

One of my favourite Instagram accounts at the moment.

When I say sunny, I mean sunny. And this cute shop called Sunny Afternoon* has the best gauze cotton pieces for the little ones.

New talent. 9 photographers to check out.

Wild Honey Apparel. la la la love these T-shirts.

I get that we’re in a time where minimal-style kids clothing is having a real moment. You know the type I’m talking about – linen, rompers, muted colours, beige (So. Much. Beige!), kind of Amish – but I feel really conflicted about the whole thing. On the one hand, the colours and styles are undoubtedly gorgeous, but on the other hand, these colours and styles don’t do much to entice little people to get dressed and have fun. I strongly believe happy clothes – colour, easy-wear-silhouettes and unrestricted shapes – are better for children both mentally and physically.

Refreshing talk about kids clothes!

Cute ceramic mobiles.