Coquette Maman

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.

Winner of Rosie Flo Coloring Fashion Show

Congratulations to Elisabeth from Carrolton, GA for winning the Rosie Flo Coloring Fashion Show from Chronicle Books in my recent giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered! Stay tuned more giveaways will be coming soon!

Gilt City SF Event: Kiki & Coco in Paris Afternoon Tea + Book Signing 12/9

If your little girl has a special friend and loves tea parties you won't want to miss this special afternoon tea & book signing at Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon in SF. This event is being run by Gilt City SF where you can purchase tickets for this exclusive event. (Sign up to be a member of Gilt City if you aren't a member yet!) Photographed by Stephanie Rausser, the book Kiki & Coco in Paris chronicles her daughter Kiki’s trip to Paris with her beloved doll Coco. Stephanie will be there for the signing, Nina Gruener (who wrote the book) will do a reading, and Jess Brown, owner of the children’s shop Maude in Petaluma and who designed the doll will also be on hand selling dolls. Tea, champagne, crumpets, scones, tea sandwiches and sweet treats will be served and little girls will be able to have their faces painted.

Tickets for the exclusive Gilt City SF event are available now and will be limited 60 people. Tickets are $48 for adults (which includes a copy of the book and gift bag), $10 for children. Each ticket includes a selection of tea sandwiches, sweet treats and hot pots of tea—plus clotted cream and jam to spread on housemade scones.

Kiki & Coco in Paris Afternoon Tea and Book Signing
Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon
207 Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point
San Francisco, CA 94109
Friday, December 9, 2011
4pm-6pm

See more photos from this adorable book, Kiki & Coco in Paris.

Tea Collection for Kids - Fall 2011 Preview

I visited the Tea Collection studios in San Francisco recently and got a first glimpse into their new fall 2011 collection for kids. (You can see my women's fall 2011 preview post on Coquette here.) If you don't know already, Tea is one of my favorite kids clothing brands because their clothes are not only stylish but they are actually clothes that kids can live their life in everyday from the playground to school.

This season's theme (they have a new locale each season) is "Modern Mexico". From shirred tops and dresses for girls to Lucha Libre/Dia de los Muertos themed clothing for boys, I love how the designers infused touches of Mexico with a fresh look for today's kid. Tea clothing can also grow with your kid. Take it from my who has a 2.5 year old who wears 4 year old clothing! All pants have adjustable waistbands and some have reinforce knee areas.

Don't even get me started on the prints. Aren't they cute? They are by far my favorite and I can't wait to dress up Chloe in these pieces as part of her Back to School wardrobe when she starts preschool this September. Here is is wearing the Bird of Paradise Dress ($39) and the Secret Garden Top ($35). One of my favorite things about their clothing is the way you can layer them and mix and match the pieces. For me, in SF this is essential as the weather here can be sunny one minute, then windy and cold the next. Chloe already loves her new outfits that work perfectly for us when we are out and about or just cuddling little Lulu. For the red flower embroidered tee, I love that Chloe chose to accessorize it with her little bead necklaces and bracelet.

Check out the new arrivals for girls and boys on the Tea Collection web site. Get a head start on some Back to School shopping!

More photos from the Tea studio visit and photos from their fall photoshoot are after the jump!

Note: Chloe's Bird of Pardise Dress and Secret Garden Top in 3rd photo were gifted by Tea Collection.

Calypso St. Barth for Target: Great Summer Picks for Babies and Girls

The Calypso St. Barth for Target collection is a great way to stock up on some summer essentials for your baby girl/todder, or girl. See more of my women's picks on Coquette. I actually got the Toddler Girls' Printed Dress in Aqua ($16.99) so we could match. Why not? The price was right. The dress also comes in infant sizes ($14.99).

Here are some of my favorites:

Tie Dye Print 2pc Short Set - Toddler ($18.99)

Toddler Girls' 1-Piece Swimsuit in Lime ($12.99)

Toddler Girls' Cover-Up Tunic ($12.99)

Infant Girls' Romper ($12.99)

Tory Burch Kids

I'm finding it's hard to resist clothing for little girls, especially when they are so cute and stylish like these mini me versions from Tory Burch. Even though kids grow up fast, I find it nice for photos or special events to buy at least 1 or 2 super stylish clothes each season that will give you a break from the usual Old Navy or Gymboree staples. That little leopard printed sweater is just too chic!

Pictured above are my favorites: Kids Lydia Polo ($45), Kids Tory Tunic ($95), Kids Long Sleeve Heart Tee ($65), and Kids Printed Simone ($110)

Mini Boden Stripy Long Top with Bow

I'm a huge fan of the nautical stripes but this Mini Boden Stripy Long Top with Bow ($28) is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen that I wish they had it in an adult version. Pick it up these cute colors above!

Carter's New Online Shop!

Carter's is the best brand for baby or toddler staples such as PJ's, onesies, tees, and pants. Their clothes have weathered the storm of many a barf fest or diaper explosion. Now you can shop online and get free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Pick up this Monkey 4-Piece Gown Set ($15) for boys or this Blue Tutu Dress-Up Glitter PJ's ($13) for girls.

Stella McCartney's New Spring GapKids Collection

The new Stella McCartney for GapKids collection for spring is available in stores and online. The collection features nautical inspired looks, bold prints, as well as my favorite, the soft crochet-trimed pieces for girls. Take a peek with the Lookbook or check out some of my favorites below.
The collection comes in sizes for babies, toddlers and boys/girls. I've linked to the toddler sizes below.

Toddler Girl:

Beckett Summer Jacket ($68)

Crochet Dress ($68)

Mercy Crochet Butterfly Sweater ($58)

Bailey Sun Dress ($58)

Pleated Sailor Shorts ($42)

Toddler Boy:

Anchor Intarsia Sweater ($68)

Fitz Superhero T ($28)

Raglan Superhero Graphic T ($28)

Colorblock Hi-Top Sneakers ($48)

Five Pocket Jeans ($58)

AppleSauce Designs Kids' Fashion

AppleSauce Designs creates one of a kind vintage-inspired clothing for kids by sisters, Elizabeth and Monica Buenrostro. I love The Simone Dress ($50 at AppleSauce's Etsy Shop) for it's beautiful shade of lavender but you could get this dress shape made in a custom order! The same goes for The Siouxie Dress ($52 at AppleSauce's Etsy Shop) pictured below. Just let her know what color scheme you'd like and there's only a two week turn around time.