Coquette Maman

KEEN Sandals for Active Toddlers and Kids

With the warm weather approaching, it's time to refresh kid's summer shoes. Pretty strappy sandals are so beautiful on little girls' feet but with school and active kids in playgrounds, I find it's more important to protect their feet more than anything. Chloe has had these KEEN Whisper Sandals ($44.95 on Amazon) for about a month now. They keep her feet cool and are so lightweight. It puts my mind at ease that she has the traction to run around and climb things on the playground or park. They are also perfect for the beach. I can't rave enough of how these shoes have kept up in terms of quality as Chloe has been wearing them a lot. They come in a variety of fun colors too. Just in time for summer break!

You can also get them in smaller toddler sizes 4-7 for only $34.95.

Book Review: Chloe, Instead

When I first received a preview copy of the new Chronicle Books title, Chloe, Instead ($15.99) by Micha Player, my daughter Chloe jumped for joy when she saw her name in the title. She wanted me to read it to her right away and since then this book has become a staple in our bedtime reading.

Chloe, Instead is about older sister Molly and her relationship with little sister Chloe. At first Molly's constantly annoyed and irritated by the childish things that Chloe does such as eat crayons or rip out pages from books. But later she realizes that Chloe is her little sister and you start to see the love shine through both. It's a great book to help prepare little ones for future siblings. For parents, you won't get sick of reading this book and you'll enjoy looking at Player's beautiful and colorful illustrations.

Watch the book trailer to see Chloe, Instead come to life!

Download this PDF activity kit for your kids which features fun games, coloring pictures, cut out bookmarks and more.

Note: Book was provided by Chronicle Books for review.

Isabella Oliver Style Panel for Maternity Fashion

If you're out of ideas on what to wear when you're growing pregnant belly isn't cooperating with anything in your closet, check out the Isabella Oliver Style Panel with lots of tips and fashion advice from myself and other fashionable moms. I was honored to be a part of this special panel!

Here's an excerpt from my interview:

My top maternity style tip is…

Invest in a pair of good jeans and at least a couple of nice maternity dresses. Being pregnant, you will still have to go to birthday parties, brunches, showers, and even a wedding or two. It’s important to have a stylish dress that you can also be comfortable in. The same goes for a pair of stylish maternity jeans. They’ll work for your everyday outfits and can be dressed up when needed.

Visit Isabella Oliver for more stylish maternity fashions.

Mom, Inc. Book Launch Party at West Elm in Emeryville on Wednesday Night

Are you a mom thinking about starting your own new biz? You won't want to miss the launch party for the new book, Mom, Inc: The Essential Guide to Running a Successful Business From Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Cat Seto. Meg is a friend of mine who has written countless number of books (Craft, Inc. + Creative, Inc.) and is also co-founder of the quarterly print design magazine, Anthology.

Head on over to West Elm in Emeryville Wednesday night for the festivities where you can meet the authors and also shop collections by local design moms.

Mom, Inc. Book Launch Party
Wednesday May 9th, 6-9pm
West Elm
5602 Bay Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
RSVP via Facebook