Our Party Of Three

We love children's fashion. As retailers we love keeping in touch with the fashion world, we love turning to the experts and finding out what's new and interesting. We've mainly been keeping track of all the cool brands in Sweden and the UK, but Our Party of Three is giving us a great insight to the trends in Miami and in the US. We love this fresh clean blog, and advise everyone to have a look, we know we'll be keeping ourselves updated thanks to it!

http://www.ourpartyof3.com/

Euphoric Sweden

I've always watched the Eurovision song contest, and I've always watched Melodifestivalen, the big and extravagant show where Sweden's spokesperson is chosen. We sat there, and we judged, and we were critical. This would be one of the most important decisions for Sweden, and it's future. It got increaisngly difficult to keep up with the competitinon when I moved to London. I went to Harcourt arms in Marylebone aka Little Sweden once to watch Melodifestivalen. It's like it didn't exist outside Swedish realms. I was convined there wasn't much Europe in Eurovision song contest at all.  It's like it didn't exist out there. This year I came to Sweden after Loreen had won Melodifestivalen. In every car I sat in, and every room where the radio was on, Loreen was on. Euphoria was playing every 15 minutes. I realised this was for brainwashing purposes but did the radio peeps not know we don't get to vote? Or did they in fact just want us to feel Euphoric, and get us ready for when Sweden was announced winners of the Eurovision contest?

The truth is, we've been waiting for this. We've been preparing for this, and secular Sweden has even been praying for this. Ever since Charlotte Perrelli (then Nilsson) won with the song "Take me to your heaven", we've assumed a hosting gig was around the corner.

Here it is, Euphoria by Loreen, winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2012. Did we win because we had a great song? Because we were making a multicultural statement with a morocco rooted singer? Or do we just have impeccable skills in marketing in PR. Whatever the reason is, I can't put my finger on it.  Good, or bad, I can't decide because I've listened to the song on average 6 times a day for the past 3 months. I may not like it, but I know it. I'm very happy that Sweden won, I'm excited, proud and exhilerated. I am even hoping to get tickets for the show next year.

Thanks to Loreen for the song, to the Swedish people for wanting her to represent us and to everyone else who voted. Sweden is feeling euphoric, and so am I.

Monday Mama: MrsChicFantastique

Monday Mama

 Kids, Fashion and Blogging with some of the Nets most famous Latte Mama's

Monday Mama is back with an all new crowd of wonderful Mum's from across Britain and Europe, giving us an exclusive look into the latest in kids fashion and blogging straight from those that matter.  

This week we have the pleasure of MrsChic Fantastique, event designer, freelance fashion and lifestyle journalist and blogger with a passion for social media.

Name – Mrs ChicFantastique AKA Michaela Deasy-Smith

Location – London and the South of France

Blog – ChicFantastique.Wordpress.com

Website – in the design stage

Michaela and her lovely daughter

There's so much passion for fashion on your blog, and it really shows through, when and how did this passion start? 

I studied journalism, art history and business at university, taking an internship with ABC radio in Australia. But every week I was writing to Vogue, Cosmo, and every teen fashion mag I could. While I was doing that a friend asked me to help organise a new salon store opening for Toni & Guy. It went really well, for a first time event organiser. I loved the buzz, and so steered my career into events, and boy, I’ve had fun. From Royalty, to celebs, the rich and the not so famous, I’ve had an absolute ball, and it’s been a lot of hard work. Ask Mr ChicFantastique who’s had to ring me at 4am to find out when I would be coming home, and that’s been in the weeks leading up to an event.  

At 7 months pregnant I was asked to travel to the Emirates to start work on another event project, and it was so huge, and such a fabulous opportunity, and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to keep up the work commitment, so I bowed out, and that’s when the blogging really took off. I am truly passionate about breathing life in the UK high street, giving a voice to independent fashion designers, retailers and creatives. If someone had told me 15 years ago that I could be using the internet to create a voice and easily get my work published, I could have been a millionaire over and over by now.

How has your style changed since becoming a mother? 

I definitely put more effort into making sure everything I wear is flattering to my shape (and I sometimes take a photo of what I look like before I go out – isn’t that just super vain?). I tend to put my jewellery on after I leave Chic Mini otherwise she will pull at it. I’m also more obsessed than ever about anti-ageing products. I do so much research into food, creams, and of course Botox, which Mr CF will not allow. If you would like to know more about my anti-ageing crusade, tune into Twitter on the 7^th of June for my Twitter party exploring the world of natural vs surgery.

Tell us more about your blog and how it complements your profession.  

My blog has to be newsworthy, interesting, inspirational and as independent as possible with a luxury edge. I suppose I am a ‘blogger’, but I make sure that my journalism skills shine through with accuracy, spelling and grammar, and attention to detail. People seem to like what I do and actual paid writing and events work is slowly coming through via ChicFantastique.

You're from Australia, live in London and visit France often, what can you tell us about how fashion varies in the different countries? 

THE biggest fashion difference is that UGGS are Australian and something we all had as kids - they were our slippers. So different looking to what they are now. But in Australia we would never have worn them out – they are for the house only. In the UK I have been at a cocktail party and girls have arrived wearing a fabulous dress and UGGS  – oh my god!!! NO.

You will not find anyone in France, no matter how cold it is wearing UGGS unless it’s a tourist. French women wear the most flattering leather mid-calf and knee high boots, and I love the look.

The UK is a hot-pot of independent fashion talent who design clothes, shoes and handbags, and I get goose-pimples each time I discover a new one.

I spend a lot of time in the South of France where fashion is all about luxury labels.

Australia does the best swimwear and underwear. My annual parcel is due to arrive from mum any day now.

How would you describe your little girl’s style? 

Chic Mini is Mariella. She has a fabulous head of dark hair, and massive bright, blue eyes, and eyelashes we would pay for.  And she wears colour so well. I’ve never had her in a lot of pink – she looks stunning in red, blue, deep purple. I’ve even had her in black. Mariella always has a trademark clip in her hair and wears hats beautifully. French baby and children’s clothing is always so full of colour, hardly any pink in sight, and I love it.

What are your favorite finds in the baby fashion world? 

We adore Sooki an Australian brand. The pieces have super cute designs such as Babushka Dolls; very functional with buttons and clips in all the right places, and they wash up well time and time again. We also have a stack of Bonds singlets…a bedtime must.

No Added Sugar is another gorgeous brand that design eye-catching pieces with zip and button detail and cute fabrics. I have my eye on the Trapeze Jump Suite on the Latte-Mama website, but waiting for a smaller Chic Mini size.

I don’t mind what brand we buy, but I have to have fab body suits for every day – long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless for the hot days.

Do you think runway fashion inspires children's fashion at all, or is it the other way around?

Oh absolutely. That is the beauty of runway fashion.  But becoming a parent is a very personal thing and gives you the most amazing confidence to get out of your comfort zone. Look at Victoria Beckham. But what I have noticed more in the last 5 years is that well known designers are becoming parents themselves. We are seeing their children in the front row at the catwalk, and the designers glowing with pride. Dona Karan famously created DKNY with her daughter in mind.

What is your favourite trend for SS 2012?

In 1996 I travelled Malaysia and Thailand and it was hot. I bought these really light-weight patterned trousers (we say pants), and not just one, but about a suitcase full. I’ve got no idea where they are – perhaps a charity shop or two. The printed trouser is back! And all I can think of are my travels. But I’ve relented and bought a pair from H&M and they are fab, fab, fab. This is what I’ve worn in my photoshoot for you. Make sure you wear with heels.

I also love the oversized clutch. I’ve invested in the Orange Lizard Oversized Clutch by New York designer Riki Rosetta available through BagServant.co.uk

What do you predict will be the most popular one for AW 2012?

I am seeing a lot of peacock jewel colours coming out of Australia at the moment. The very gorgeous Delta Goodrem (judge on The Voice, Australia) wore a stunning sequin blazer the other night at an outdoor appearance, and I want one.

Also, big bags. I’ve just discovered Jane Goodchild, handbag designer, and her lust-have big totes. You can try-on and buy at POP The Fashion Store in Olney. 

Mmmm, big bag love.

Mina Shoes £34-£40

What is your top wish list items from www.latte-mama.com? 

Each week I am measuring Chic Mini’s feet hoping she is ready for the gorgeous ballerina pumps by Mina Shoes. One day! One day!

#OutfitOfTheWeek: Surfs Up

#OutfitOfTheWeek

Barnum Shorts £33, Back to the Future Tee £19,
both No Added Sugar

It's official, we are in a heat wave!

This weeks its Beaches Galore,  and obviously we all want that uber-cool, and laid back LA feeling. 

No better way to get it for your trendy young man, than from a pair of surf shorts and a funky retro tee. 

20% Off for 7 Days

We <3 this outfit from No Added Sugar, it brings to mind skating, making sandpits, paddling and my favourite ice cream all round my mouth!

Surfs Up Everybody!

@lattemamauk

Latte Art

Latte Art 

 Art it seems has taken a twist into the world of caffeine. Everywhere you go there is usually atleast 5 coffee shops within metres of each other, usually all the same international company we know and love, But how does the little guy get ahead in these tough times. 


It seems that coffee shops and cafe's across the world have found yet another way to stand out in a crowd with a truly creative twist on the Latte. 


 Latte Art appears to be the latest craze and oh my are the designs truly worthy of a gallery exposé. From the heart I had stencilled onto my Chai Latte the other day to truly bizzare scenes and portraits, drinking a cup of coffee will never be the same again. 


 So a lattemama has to ask herself what will be next.... 

 #lattemamauk

Outfit of the Week: No Added Sugar

Outfit of the Week

Trapeze Jumpsuit £36.80

20% Off for 7 Days

The jump-suit is the craze which makes play time or jump time comfortable and practical.


This little floral number is that and more. A gorgeous green and white print, an easy on central zip, shearing waist and elastic to leg cuffs makes it beautifully straightforward allowing full attention to the adventure in hand. 


100% cotton, and 1% elastane, makes this soft and comfy for your child's skin.

‘See you at tea time!’

#lattemamauk

Ephraim & Pippi: Mina Shoes

Ephraim&Pippi

The style guru duo for stylish parents and their tots

Spring is slowly creeping in on us and our sheepskin boots and leather brogues are getting kicked to the back of our wardrobes in favour of spring/summer '12 most sought after summer flats. 

Nothing says comfort and spring like floral ballerina flats. Mina Shoes have out done them selves with these garden party inspired flats in the candy colours so popular this season.

Nico Ballerina £34

Lets not forget our wonderful Mommies and Daddies. Versatile comfort is what you need when running around a playground or walking through the park and we have found just the shoes to do it in. 

Boat shoes are a classic style and this great pair by Ralph Lauren is brought bang up to date with the summery plaid print. In line with the 90s revival Dr Martens have made a reappearance and they are better than ever. These practical and feminine pair of cut out brogues are definitely made for walking. 

Ralph Lauren Polo Plaid Lander Boat Shoes £80
Dr Martens Carrie Shoe £80