I've been bad.  I've taken a brief hiatus from posting to House of Jelly and I hope you will forgive me!  Work has been non-stop and the honest truth is I can't deny those clients that help pay the electricity bills.

Don't fret, I haven't given up on HOJ and I hope you haven't either.  I still have so much to share with you and I hope you will be patient and wait for me to to catch my breath.  I'll be back soon. Promise.

bonpoint

bonpoint is the very chic kids clothing line from france, and one of my absolute all time favorite lines. year after year they continue to design beautiful clothes with the best fabrics, the sweetest patterns and the attention to detail that surpass all the rest.  so, when they have a sale, hurry up and stock up because their items go fast!  currently they are offering up to 50% off, everything from babies to bigger kids via their website.  http://www.bonpoint-boutique-us.com/en/selections/sale/

camp list: swim

it's not too late to get boys and girls durable, fade resistant and adorable swim for camp or the family vacation at the beach, and sometimes being late to the buying game can pay off. if you hurry many of the featured swimsuits below are on sale and will ship fast and furious to your door.


1. 77 kids halter stripe tank in blue and pink stripe.  select sizes on sale for $19.95
2. mini boden retro gingham 2 piece
3. 60's inspired emile et ida 2 piece in coral
4. crewcuts halter 1 piece with a baby chick pattern drawstring waist
5. old navy hello kitty 1 piece. select sizes on sale for $12.00
6. the adorable marysia ruffled striped 1 piece
7. bollicine hawaiian print 2 piece
8. wovenplay seersucker retro 1 piece
9. mini rodini striped 1 piece. select sizes on sale for $28.20
10. high waisted polka dot 2 piece from crewcuts

1. vilebrequin, the classic french swimsuit in graphic hawaiian flowers

2. quicksilver polka dot board shorts

3. children's place faded striped shorts. select styles on sale for $7.99

4. turtle inspired houndstooth trunk by vilebrequin

5. petit bateau checked swim trunks

6. two tone trunks with pockets from petit bateau

7. long floral board shorts from crewcuts

8. scotch and soda anchor swim trunks. select styles on sale for $48.30

9. dip dyed swim trunk from janie and jack. select styles on sale for $13.99

camp list: water shoes

school's out for summer!  camp is weeks away and if you haven't already purchased all the necessary camp items, fear not; i am hear to break it down for you.  the next several posts are dedicated to the best of the best on your camp list.  this week: the water shoe.   a tough post indeed but it need to be done! the theory that everything is cuter when it's smaller does not apply to this category, why does it have to be so hard to find cute water shoes, must i start designing shoes for this category?!  thankfully i did some digging and found the best options currently available for boys and boys and girls. below is the breakdown.

1. this water sneaker from swim outlet is perfect for the little one that may be too young for the flip-flop.  the traction on the bottom provides stability when walking through rocky surfaces.  available in navy, lime green, pink and aqua.

2. froggs water shoe available at target is an easy and breathable slip on shoe that is perfect for swimming.  available in blue, red, yellow, green and pink.

3. this ballet style water shoe uses an antimicrobial material that claims to prevent odors. available from land's end in various colors.

4. sensi has been manufacturing water shoes in italy since 1972 and crewcuts is the first to bring kids sizes to the states.  unfortunately only available in the pink, however these simple shoes withstand any water that may come it's way.

5. with what started out as a spa shoe, crocs have come along way.  these water shoes in a classic ballet style security in the water, be confident these won't slip off an float away. various styles also available on their website

6. land's end gets functionality.  this athletic style water shoe comes in pink blue and navy and will keep your little one's feet protected from the hot sand or spiky shells.

7. the sun smartie sock from one step ahead is a great alterntaive to a water shoe. sensible for youngsters not old enough to explore the rocky beaches or lakes.  however they provide protection against sunburns, blisters or falls around a pool with it's textured bottom.  available in various sizes and colors.

8. this breathable water sneaker available thru campmor allows for your kid to participate in anything from hiking to canoeing without having any problems. available in colors for both boys and girls.

9. a classic water shoe from one step ahead is an easy shoe for baby and toddler and the price can't be beat. available in blue, green, pink and teal.

10. crocs takes on a classic french sandal, but now for the water.  a croc i can stand seeing featured outside of the beach.

being cranky ain't so bad

i learned about this new clothing line for kids called cranky kids.  simple and adorable items that are sweatshop free and made by hand by the owner, designer and mom, yolanda.  her stock list is currently focused on sweatshirts, cardigans and tees, all fairly priced and bearing her hysterical and often true brand name "cranky kids." she was kind enough to let some local kids near me try her clothes on for size.  they were far from cranky, but "fly" nevertheless. check her website to purchase, as i always like supporting  american made and owned brands. www.crankykidsclothing.com

**photos taken by megan nyhan

london calling

this m.i.a. blogger is back. i've been busy traveling, hard at work in london and i apologize for my cyber absence. so, for my return to hoj this post is dedicated to london style. even at a young age, london fashion is rooted in well tailored and classic clothing. from the brogues to liberty prints to the burberry check, most london kids are well versed in these fashion basics. nowadays, iconic british brands like stella mccartney, burberry and paul smith offer adorable items for kids.   however, head to toe preppy style may be the go to for little tykes in the UK, but it doesn't have to be for those outside of the union jack. below are my favorites from various UK stores that ship globally to easily mix into his or hers wardrobe, timeless pieces that work with all silhouettes of denim and basic tees. they'll be the smartest looking lads and lassies this spring into summer either on the playground or during high tea.  cheers!

1. pure english alpaca sweater; 2. burberry cotton check dress; 3. suede broques; 4. trotter's pocket trousers; 5. stella mccartney flower rain jacket; 6. leather t-strap buckle shoe; 7. caramel shop scalloped shorts; 8. v&a dress; 9.patrizia wigan peter pan blouse; 10. the white company organic cotton dress; 11. the white company broderie dress; 12. caramel shop banana split trousers; 13. rachel riley tie neck top; 14. livie and luca red shoes; 15. ellias and grace turnip skirt

1. barbour quilted jacket; 2. children's salon leather brogues; 3. unisex elias and grace play t-shirt; 4. trotter's braces; 5. stella mccartney striped printed sweatshirt. 6. paul smith zebra printed shirt; 7. hitch hiker striped cardigan; 8. rachel riley classic lace up shoes; 9. burberry packaway nylon trench; 10. stella mccartney organic cotton striped top; 11. paul smith multi striped swim trunks; 12. the white company striped slipper's; 13. burberry s/s flannel shirt; 14. rachel riley classic pajama; 15. the white company beach patrol sweatshirt

it's coming...

spring is in the air. yes, believe it or not it is around the corner. in honor of putting away those now trashed winter boots and heavy coats, here is a small, small taste (more to come) of spring outfits for your little girl. i'm giving you permission to pair that special item in her closet with something basic.  not everything has to be so precious, soon enough it won't fit and it will find itself in your give away pile. i love the jacquard jacket with a tee, sweatpants and a yellow shoe, which will work with the most basic of outfits to the most colorful. graphic adult like prints with sophisticated colors can work for kids as well.  paired again with a yellow shoe and the outfit looks less serious, or try it with a graphic tee or even a hooded sweatshirt.

on willa above: kico kids jacquard jacket from eggy or chice kids; dyed animal tee from makie; all saints sweat pant; crazy 8 patent boat shoe; kico kids two tone sweater; olivia circle skirt from eggy

*photos by megan nyhan

stay the night

i loved sleepovers as a kid. watching movies, eating too much popcorn and candy and the non-stop giggling that you forget how it began in the first place. here is a roundup of my favorite sleeping bags and overnight bags that are both durable (you can throw them all in the wash) and great looking so they won't be embarrassed to borrow the sleeping bag from you "camping days" or your old gym bag.  

1. anorak stags sleeping bag; 2. crewcuts neon canvas overnight bag; 3. navy stars sleeping bag; 4. wm j. mills overnight bag in various colors; 5. camo sleeping bag; 6. s.t.a.r. academy duffle bag; 7. color block sleeping bag; 8. spot duffle bag; 9. anorak rabbit sleeping bags

if you like me

i am humbled and honored to be one of the finalists for a cribsie award under the fashion category "best inside track on kids’ wear trends".  please vote for me here: cribsie awards, you have until march 18th.  thank you A-List Mom and Stroller Traffic for thinking of HOJ.

one benjamin

i love a good collection piece and there are appropriate moments to splurge on your kids clothes, like those one of kind items that you wish you could fit into or that classic jacket that no matter the weather still holds up.  however, there are many times you just don't want to break a sweat when you see your little one getting dirty on the playground; so it's nice to know that you can be practical, frugal and chic all at the same time.  i made it easy for you and shopped some of the mass retailers and picked through the piles of what not to wear and put together 5 everyday outfits for the spring (yes i'm told it is around the corner) of what she should wear. the best part, each outfit is head-to-toe under $100, some well below (some pieces are shown several times making the total cost for the day even less), and for free each outfit has been pre-approved by the stylish and honest christina, modeling below. i haven't forgotten about the boys, their outfits are to come...

day one 

$88

on christina: old navy striped sweater jacket; gap ruffle dress shown as top; dance supply shiny leggings; payless shoe source sneakers

day two 

$63

on christina: crazy 8 plaid shirt dress; aeropostale boys belt; we love color nylon socks; payless shoe source boat shoes 

day three 

$45

on christina: the children's place striped dress; robot necklace; we love color nylon socks; payless shoe source boat shoes 

day four 

$79

on christina: the children's place utility jacket; gymboree boy's anchor polo; jcpenny's denim skirt; old navy striped leggings; payless shoe source boat shoes 

day five 

$61

on christina: target cardigan; the children's place boy's striped tee; the children's place smocked striped skirt; american apparel skinny nylon web belt; payless shoe source sneakers

**photos taken by megan nyhan

love

valentine's day is around the corner and although i may look ridiculous in heart themed clothes, your little girl will look nothing short than adorable sporting a heart on the 14th. being that her youth also allows her to wear anything and get away with it she will continue to look adorable well into june. 

1. gymboree heart ballet flats; 2. roxy heart sweater; 3. atsuyo et akiko tee; 4. crazy 8 heart ballon tee; 5. atsuyo et akiko j'adore necklace; 5 hanna andersson heart striped tee; 6. vivienne westwood jelly flats; 7. flowers by zoe sequin dress

for sam

most posts i feature offer clothes too big for my 14 month old niece sam, although i am stashing away my favorites until she is older, i felt like her peers also deserved a little love and blog time now. thankfully, i found apricot culotte. the adorable family run online store based in canada (yes, they ship to the u.s) that offers a perfectly edited selection of sophisticated yet charming european clothing.  what makes them stand out from the rest is that they not only offer adorable new clothing for boys and girls but also selected "pre-loved" items from various french brands that i love like petit bateau and bonpoint. the second-hand items are carefully selected and cared for before they offer them to their customers, therefore offering chic wearable french garb without the sticker shock.  being that each second-hand item is one of kind i left those items for you to buy.  however, after a nap and some cheerios sam was the perfect model and let me snap some shots of her in my a.c. favorites featured in her selection of new "designer deals". good fashion habits start young.

 

 1. red cordury dress dress; 2. polka dot cardigan with gold stitching 3. chicken blouse paired with boys cuff jeans. 

 

 

new again

vintage clothing for kids is a great way to find quality (they've lasted this long), unique and affordable pieces that you won't find anywhere else. when using vintage pieces in your little one's wardrobe make sure you have a proper balance; mixing and matching old with new will prevent him from looking straight out of an episode of "leave it to beaver".  there are several sites now that feature vintage clothing for kids, for this post i only focused on my favorites from eBay.  to help you make thoughtful vintage purchases follow these few rules: always be sure to wash your vintage pieces once you receive; ask the seller the exact measurements as some garments were cut smaller back in the day; and finally if you like it buy it quick, because it most likely is a one of kind and it will go fast.

1. mickey mouse cardigan; 2. work boots; 3. vintage dress with belt; 4. vintage coveralls; 5. vintage gingham dress; 6. vintage mickey, minnie and goofy bracelet. 7. 1950's striped shirt; 8. 1950's cotton shorts; 9. 1970's nylon racing jacket; 10. vintage levi's jean jacket; 11. 1950's wool cowboy sweater; 12. vintage girl's shoes