The best baby hat of all time.

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you don't ask for. This is certainly true in the case of Coco's adorable Earhart hat from Jojoco Hatmakers in Chicago. It was a baby shower gift from J's best friend from high-school and his wife. And wow. Those two clearly knew what they were doing when it came to buying baby gifts. In the beginning, it was way too big for Coco, but as soon as it fit, it became our go-to hat. I honestly cannot believe how much we've used it. She wears it for walks with daddy in the Baby Bjorn on crisp days, or for playing inside on a chilly day, and it layers really well under a wool hat. I love that hat so much. The way it fits on her downy little head just makes my heart swell with happiness. And now that it's getting too small, it kind of breaks my heart. But I am so overly sentimental as a mom. Every time she hits another milestone or I have to put away a set of too-small clothes, I reflect and marvel on how fast it's all going. And then I remind myself that it's more goodness that lies ahead. With that in mind, we are going to go to Sun People Dry Goods while we're in Spokane next month to get Coco a couple more Jojoco Earhart hats in the next size up. We could never go wrong having the natural color cotton one again, and maybe a second in polar fleece. That will keep her warm and toasty all winter long. Do you (or did you) have a hard time watching your baby grow up so quickly? 

The sweetest baby clothes: Tea Collection

I'm so behind in making Coco's 1st birthday wish list! But right at the top is a selection of adorable baby clothes from Tea Collection. Coco already has a romper from their spring line and it's luxuriously soft and easy for her to maneuver in. Over the next few months, as she starts to walk, I'd love to dress her in (clockwise from top left) the Nordic Layer Dress - with vermillion leggings! It's cute and girly, but won't get in her way crawling around or climbing stairs. The cute-as-can-be Night Owl Pajamas. Wouldn't they just be the sweetest on her chubby little thighs? The soft and feminine Winter Blooms Romper. It's ideal for cuddles and books by the fire. That is, if she ever takes a break from pulling up on the bookshelf and tossing all the books on the floor! And, last but certainly not least, the Swedish Lark 2-piece Set. Those gypsy pants are kind of amazing. I like to imagine her walking in them, toddling to and fro with her darling diapered baby bum. That makes me smile.

Comfort and mobility and soft, high-quality fabric are the most important things for me in baby clothes. What do you look for in clothes for your baby? Is there anything better than dressing a baby girl?! (I'm thinking the answer to that last one is no. ;) xo

New Reading Glasses

I've been thinking I need reading glasses for a couple of years now. My vision is fine, it's just sometimes when I read or use the computer for a long time, I begin to squint or see double a bit. It turns out to be a completely normal problem. Phew! So earlier this week, I went to have an eye test and see about getting a pair of glasses. My vision is at 120% (whatever that means!) and for reading, I need a very light prescription. Oh. My. It is so awesome! I should have gotten reading glasses long ago. Everything is extra clear and sharp and easy to read. No squinting or straining! I can't wait to try knitting with them on. Really, why didn't I go sooner? :)

As for the frames, I really wanted something a bit classic yet original. I love that they're light enough that they're not burdensome and big enough that they're not always crowding my field of vision. Getting glasses was super easy and my supplementary insurance will cover 200 francs of it. Rad. Do you wear glasses? I'm curious, did you have a hard time settling on frames? To me it seemed like a big decision. ;)

Fall Fashion: New Watch

Isn't this this Marc by Marc Jacobs watch gorgeous? I knew immediately when I saw it featured on Making it Lovely that I had to have it as my fall and winter watch. It almost makes me excited for shorter days, falling leaves and big chunky sweaters. Almost, but not quite.

Last summer, after living in Switzerland for a year, I realized it was time to buy a watch. In this place being two minutes late is a grievous offense! I still offend grievously, but at least I know exactly how late I am! ;) After five years of not wearing a watch, it's exciting that I'll have two. I was thrilled to find my Skagen watch last summer. The only problem is, it's white and ceramic and so summery. I honestly felt a little weird wearing it during the winter. This watch is just what I need. Rose gold is everywhere in the fall collections and I absolutely love it. True gold is just too bling for me, but this rose gold watch will add some subtle glamour to my look everyday. I can't wait to have it! What trends are you loving this fall? Would you wear rose gold? 

Where to Buy a Silver Baby Rattle

I was so surprised to learn, after writing this post, that Michael Olaf is no longer carrying the silver baby rattle I linked to because of the price of silver! Apparently, silver has skyrocketed to the point of impracticality. It turns out that finding a silver baby rattle is not so easy anymore! It is such a disappointment. It also makes me treasure Coco's baby rattle all the more.

After a little research, I've found several good silver baby rattle options (including one I'm particularly partial to ;) if you're interested in purchasing one. 

If you're looking for a sweet sounding rattle...

The Areaware Barbell Rattle, pictured above, has 16 hand-tuned tones, which sounds delightful! While it doesn't have the flat ends that Coco's has, and which she enjoys teething on so much, I think the spherical end could still fit into a baby's mouth and provide lots of gnawing pleasure. Note that this rattle is made of German silver, or nickel silver, and not sterling.

If you want to monogram...

The Beaded Dumbbell Rattle from Empire Silver Company has space dedicated to an initial on either end. The beaded detail looks perfect for tender teething baby gums and will probably provide hours of relief - for both mommy and baby! ;) Sterling silver.

If you want a vintage rattle...

Etsy shop "Found Under the Eaves" has one for sale at a serious bargain price! It's definitely been through at least one round of teething with a baby, but that's the beauty of an heirloom piece. It has more love to give! Sterling silver.

If you want one like Coco's...!

Navajo Sterling Silver Barbell Baby Rattles are exactly what Coco has! The heart stamping on the end is no longer available, but there are several sweet geometric designs to choose from. Each of these rattles is handmade by one of two women and is stamped on the bar by whom. Coco's was made by Katherine. Isn't that so lovely to know who made it? I absolutely adore these rattles and I think I'll order two or three more just to be safe. That way, if we achieve our dream of having four children, each of them will have one as a baby to then pass on to their baby someday. 

If you still haven't seen the rattle for you, there's always eBay! Tiffany's used to make silver baby rattles and there are tons of them on eBay now. They are gorgeous of course, but I can't help but love the Navajo rattles more. They are truly perfect. 

In Switzerland or the EU, there are some lovely silver rattle choices here and here. Happy rattling! xo

Trial & Error: My Favorite Foundations

It doesn't work for me to have just one foundation. I find that depending on how dry or oily my skin is during a particular season, I have different needs. No one foundation can fit the bill every time. Through lots of trial and error, here are my favorite picks to feel glamorous everyday!

For dewy radiance try...

Aveda's Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, pictured above. This product is absolutely incredible. It delivers a lot of moisture which is perfect during the fall and winter when my skin tends to be a bit drier and the SPF 15 means I'm protected from the sun's damaging rays that still cause wrinkles through clouds and fog. The best thing about this tinted moisturizer is the natural, radiant finish. It truly makes my skin fresh and dewy!

For oily days try...

Lancôme's Ageless Minérale with White Sapphire Complex. It works best on oilier skin because the powder needs something to blend into. On non-oily days, I absolutely never use it because I feel like it actually accentuates my fine lines! Make sure you don't skip the brush. It's a must have for getting good coverage and even application. The powder leaves a soft matte finish and has SPF 21. A little pot lasts positively forever! 

For anti-aging try...

29 Cosmetics Varietals Grape Seed Age Protecting Hydrating Foundation SPF 15. I wore this foundation on our wedding day and my skin looks perfect in the photos. It feels completely natural, like second skin. The grape seed extracts really do seem to reverse the aging process on the skin. It's a little more coverage than I need or want on a daily basis, but for a special occasion or a night out, it's ideal.

For summer time try...

Clinique's Super City Blog Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40. This easy to apply formula has full spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection perfect for hot summer days. It stays on all day long without being sticky or heavy on the skin. I love the moderate coverage, and powder blush blends into it really nicely. What's most amazing is that it seems to go on almost transparent and then flawlessly blends to your skin tone. It's like magic!

Do you wear foundation daily? What is most important to you? Coverage? Sun protection? Moisture? What are your favorite picks? 

{photos from aveda, lancôme, 29 cosmetics and clinique}

Five Sweet Notebooks

As much as I love my iPhone and all of its handy Reminder, To-Do and Shopping List Apps, nothing replaces the feel of real pen or pencil on paper. I like to keep a little notebook in my purse (or these days, diaper bag :) to jot down ideas and inspiration whenever they come to me. As a new mom, this is essential because I find that I rarely remember my ideas later if I don't write them down! Lately I've been toting around a rather boring little notebook from Migros. It's terribly utilitarian. I'd much rather have one of these gorgeous notebook finds. Blending form and function is always better than boring!

See more after the jump. Just click on "read more" below.

If you like florals...

The Botanical Notebook Collection by Rifle Paper Co. (pictured above) is available from Chronicle Books. I love the vintage feel and bright colors. They're perfect for Spring and Summer!

If understated is more your style...

You'll adore Field Notes made custom for J.Crew. The colors are clean, modern and calm. Just the thing for incognito note jotting on the go.

For a flip-style notebook...

Postalco notebooks are refined and stately with the smoothest satiny paper you'll ever sail a pencil across. They're available from Canoe, and while you're there, don't miss the Cedar Pointe pencils. They make a great pair! 

If you want something fancy...

These Safari Suite Pocket Journals by kate spade are just ornate and frilly enough to be fancy without being too much. I love the giraffes!

For something unique...

Sparrow Nest Script, an Etsy shop whose stuff I love, has a lovely hand-calligraphed notebook made with a brown kraft Moleskine. Her calligraphy is so beautiful and simple!

Do you like to take notes with your smartphone or old fashioned pen and paper? Which notebook would you choose? 

Crazy for Neon

As Mugatu would say, neon is so hot right now! I'm hitting the neon craze pretty hard. Most recently, I got the most outrageous pair of neon jeans from J.Crew and today I wore them for the first time. Jeans are a big step to take as a lover of neon. For me it started small - neon argyle socks, a neon flower hair accessory. That turned into a neon stripe sweater and then I decided to go for it and get the jeans. I'm so glad I did. They're definitely going to be awesome with a tan this summer!

What spring and summer trends are you loving this year? Would you wear neon jeans?! 

Scotch Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Having painted nails is something I have come to absolutely adore. It makes me feel pretty, feminine and a little bit fancy, regardless of what I'm doing, when my nails are painted. But it does bother me that nail polish and nail polish remover are so stinky and toxic. Did you know that there is actual formaldehyde in nail polish? Eeew! Because of that, I try to go polish-free for at least one week each month so that my nails have a chance to breathe. But I miss the polish during those weeks.

Now I might not have to!

Scotch Naturals makes non-toxic nail polish in a wide array of stylish and current hues. They even have non-toxic base coat and top coat AND soy polish remover. I'm really dying to try it! The colors are so vibrant and the bottles are classic and preppy.

Aren't they lovely? Scotch even has a kids line called Hopscotch. Cute! Oh my. When I was a little girl, I would have been over the moon! 

Would you try it, or do you use non-toxic nail polish? Are natural or non-toxic beauty products a priority for you? Ever since having a baby, I've been more concerned with making sure the things we put on on and inside our bodies are safe. I'd love to hear your tips and favorites! 

PS - Rainbow Nails and Chanel Manicure

{photos from Scotch Naturals}

Rainbow Brights!

Today I got a wild idea during a routine nail session with Noel. I realized as I looked through and tried to decide on a color, that she has every necessary OPI hue to do rainbow nails! It's a little crazy, to be sure. But I'm loving my bright, cheerful manicure. 

I wasn't feeling quite nutso enough to wear a pair of my bright skinnies with these out-there nails just yet, but maybe later this week. Instead I went for a pair of distressed grey washed J.Crew skinnies, a black t-shirt and a deep purple cardi from Nordstrom. (Had to bring in the purple somehow - with only five fingers, it had to be left out! ;) Here in Zürich, we have lots of rain in the forecast this week, which is good for my allergies, but a bummer nonetheless. Having rainbow fingernails will be sure to keep life feeling springy for me this week. Yay!

I've already decided that my next nail color choice will be three different shades of pink with two of those shades randomly repeating on the other two fingers of each hand. Stay tuned. It's going to be rad. :)

What nail colors are you loving this spring? Are you ever experimental with nail color?

{photo taken with Hipstamatic}

Yellow Skinny Jeans

You can't go five minutes without seeing colorful jeans this season. So let me warn you in advance. If you haven't bought a pair already, once you pop (a little color, that is), you just can't stop! I now have four (!) pairs of brightly colored skinny jeans: blue, pink, green and yellow. Yesterday, in honor of the gorgeous, sunny weather we're having here in Zurich, I busted out the yellow skinnies for the first time. Delightful!

Would you believe I got these yellow skinnies at Old Navy?! They were on sale for a mere $25. Hurrah! To get this laid-back nautical look, I paired them with a bold stripe Loft shirt, one of my favorite J.Crew cardigans from a few years back and Minnetonka moccasins. My sunglasses are kate spade. 

Would you wear yellow skinny jeans? What spring trends are you leaning toward this year?

Swimsuit Shopping Postpartum

What size swimsuit do you order when your bust measures a medium, your waist a LARGE (!) and your hips a small?!

I had no idea, either. So I called J.Crew and those folks are just so darn helpful. The guy I spoke with actually took down my measurements, put me on hold and went to discuss the swimsuits I wanted with a stylist to get the best fit. Amazing!

We are so lucky to live just five minutes from the nicest badi in the city. I can't wait to dive in and swim out the buoys. I hope to look slim and glam (despite the post-baby body) in these gorgeous retro picks.

(I'm getting the bottom suit in the color festival green :) 

Do you like to swim? Sunbathe? What do you look for in a swimsuit? UPDATE: I went with the navy with white polka-dots. :)

{photos from here}

Spring Fever

Every year, once Christmas and the New Year have passed, I am ready for spring. This is inconvenient for the obvious reason that winter has actually just begun! Dear me.

A recent pop over to jcrew.com didn't help my spring fever at all. Doesn't this bold, jaunty ensemble have you craving daffodils and Cadbury Creme Eggs? 

Aside from the leopard print bag, which is not my cup of tea, I love every piece of this outfit, head to toe. Swoon! Maybe when I find a new job and I'm preparing to go back to work, I'll make this my consolation prize for being away from my sweetie a few days a week. 

Do you get itchy and impatient for spring? How do you cope with spring fever?

{photo from here}

Babies Dressed Like Babies

Omgosh! Doesn't that sweet baby in cozy white woolens make you swoon? I am completely in love! Before Coco was born, my mother remarked that she doesn't like it when people dress babies like grown-ups in miniature jeans and collared shirts. "Babies should dress like babies," she said. Well, I'll admit I've had my fun dressing Coco in jeans and mini adult clothes. Then today when dressing her in something a little less bulky so she'd fit in her bunting for our walk, I got what my mom was saying. 

Just look at how sweet her little body is in those leggings. And the knee-high socks pulled up over the leggings! Oh it's so adorable. Mini adult clothes actually hide that irresistible baby shape, which is criminal to say the least! I vow to only dress Coco like a baby as long as she remains a baby. And that won't last forever. Then she'll be wearing jeans for the rest of her life.

Nøstebarn is a Norwegian company that has woolen baby clothes perfected. As Coco begins to grow out of her current stock (sniff!) and the temperature drops, I am devising a warm, woolly winter wardrobe for her that will be simple and include lots of leggings and knee-high socks. And white. Because don't babies look so beautiful in white? 

{top photo from here}

Fan Dreams

This sticky humid weather we've been having has me dreaming of fans. Forget air conditioning! Almost nowhere (and I really mean that) is air conditioned in Zurich. At the grocery store, there is a little bit of air conditioning, but when the temperature gauge hits 87 with 96% humidity, it's pretty much miserable and steamy everywhere you go: work, school, shops, train, tram. Not so fun. 

Even still, air conditioning is terribly overused. What the world needs now is fans. Lots of fans! Here are a few of my favorites.

Industrial and sleek from Restoration Hardware. I'd love to have this whirring overhead while I go to sleep at night. 

Don't discount the power of a paper fan. These little cuties are compact folded up in your handbag and incredibly effective at getting the air moving. You can choose solid colors, or one that's airbrushed with a Mt. Fuji-esque motif or this really cracked me up. 

As for the desk, I could just die over this gorgeous vintage Emerson fan from Vintage Fans. My goodness, talk about combining form and function. I'm definitely swooning over this one!

What's your weather been like these days? How do you beat the heat? 

{photos from here and here and here}

Leather Gift for J

I had the most difficult time not spilling the beans before the fact and completely gushing to J that I got him the Roberu iPhone case he's been dreaming of for our anniversary.

I'm glad I managed to contain myself, because watching him open it and seeing how much he loved it was a real treat!

Next up some photos from our anniversary train journey around Switzerland. 

Chic SPF

After reading this article, I decided to get (even more) serious about sun protection. Naturally, I already use a moisturizer with sunscreen, but a couple of months ago, I added a super sexy Stetson hat to my sun protection routine. I absolutely love it!

It's a men's hat and my head is so unbelievably gigantic, I have to wear a men's LARGE! Strange, but true. I love wearing a hat because I don't get a burn in my part line and it boosts my protection efforts on my face. 

If you're not wearing sunscreen on your face everyday, you really need to cultivate this anti-aging, anti-skin cancer habit. Here are a few suggestions for you.

For foundation-like coverage, use Clinique City Block. It packs a lot of SPF punch with a whopping broad-spectrum protection factor of 40, and it gives moderate to full coverage. 

To look positively luminescent and have flawless invisible coverage, use Lancôme Teint Miracle. It feels like silk on your skin, but it's best for winter use as it only has SPF 15.

For no-tint, anti-aging, use Arbonne RE9 Advanced Restorative Day Crème. It goes on smooth and matte, has an SPF of 20 and is suitable for drier skin types as it's very moisturizing. Added bonus, it will stop those pesky wrinkles in their tracks!

Enjoy your summer - and remember, sun protection and the pale skin that goes with it are ultra-chic!


{photos from here and here and here}

On the Fence

I'm really embarrassed to say this, but I'm on the fence as to whether or not I want to keep J's anniversary gift to me this year. It's not that I don't like it; I'm just not sure I can pull it off. It seems very fancy and impractical to me, which is hilarious because he chose it because he found it understated and practical. 

It's a very beautiful, very lovely key case from Burberry.

Inside there are four hooks to attach keys and on the exterior is a leather strap with a key ring at the end which can either be folded inside or left hanging out. It also has two inner pockets and one outer pocket which would be great places to stash 20 francs, or a little to-do list or a love note. 

It is a fact that I lose my keys at least once everyday, so it really is a very thoughtful gift on darling J's part. It's so pretty. It seems like something that dirty metal keys would ruin. And now since I haven't scratched it up by forcing my keys onto its perfect hooks and rings, J frowns and says I don't like it. Oh no! I should just go ahead and enjoy my beautiful gift. Honestly, I don't know what is holding me back.

Darling reader, what do you think? Understated yet practical luxury? Am I a fool not to put it to use tout de suite?

{photos from here}

Summer Shoes

These sweet little shoes are headed my way and I don't intend to take them off for the rest of the summer.

photo from www.birkenstockusa.com

What's your go to summer shoe? What matters more to you when it's hot - style or comfort?

Wish

It's that time of year again.  Here is what I have on my wish list this Christmas.

Essie nail polish quartet from J.Crew.  These colors are so feminine and bright.  Perfect for winter parties.

No Size.  Color: Ballerina Clam Bake
click on photo for more info

Merino wool leggings from Icebreaker, to stay warm out in the snow.  Brrr!

Size: XS  Color: Blizzard
click on photo for more info

Merino camisoles from Icebreaker.  Indispensable.  

Size: XS  Color: Snow
click on photo for more info

UGG house shoes to keep my toes toasty while working with the kiddos.  I especially like the rubber sole because slippers make the most annoying noise.  

Size: 6  Color: Tobacco
click on photo for more info

Serious winter boots from Sorel.  With the Thinsulate, fleece lining and waterproof toes these are sure to be cozy on even the coldest Zurich days.  

Size: 6  Color: Black
click on photo for more info

An elegant wool coat from J.Crew, because the puffy down jacket is not always appropriate to the occasion.  This one has Thinsulate and comes in a petite.  Perfect.

Size: Petite 0 with Thinsulate  Color: Black
click on photo for more info

Staying warm is definitely this year's theme!