Sergeant Stubby, T-shirt Style

I'll admit, I've a bit of a weakness for Boston Terriers. They are the only small dog that I truly adore -- Pugs snuffle a bit too much; Poodles can be a touch yappy; but the Bostons seem just about right. Having said that, I've never owned a Boston, only admired them at the dog park as my own giant Shepherds romp. But those wonky eyes, the darling underbite, that attitude! And now, all those features come to rest on what may be the most adorable children's shirt I've ever seen. Designed by artists at Areaware, a New York design collective, this pup is hand-screened onto an organic cotton tee. The shirt is available in short and long-sleeved but not, sadly, in adult sizes.

The Great Grape Ape

Ferdinand is a charming little shop that's made its home in Portland, Maine for the past five years. Fortunately for those of us who live outside of Maine, they have an online presence as well -- though the selection isn't as complete as what is stocked in-store. However, they do offer up one of my favorites in the Fashioned by Ferdinand line: their gorilla onesie (scroll a little over halfway down the page to find it). Screenprinted in a gloriously grapey ink, the onesie features no less than six of the hominoids, all baring their teeth, vampire-style. And, there is a banner proclaiming "I Love You!" -- because what else would such a banner say?

Stylish Silks for Worldly Babes

Thanks to Devi Baby, now even the littlest world traveler can look the part. Their silk kaftans for kids are perfect for a late spring evening -- don't you remember the feeling of cool fabric on your skin contrasting with the heat of the air? That was by far one of my favorite sensations as a child. The shirt has an adorable mirror detail along the placket and cuffs, calling to mind Indian saris and embroidered tea-room pillows. And, if you aren't partial to the bright sunburst color way, there is a cool-toned pink and blue version, with the same fabulous attention to detail. Because they are pure silk, the kaftans are hand-wash only -- so they might be more of a special occasion shift than an everyday romping outfit. Still though, that imported silk is mighty fetching...

Add a Little Lilt to Your Home

Lilting tunes, tinkling chimes, children's laughter -- music to anyone's ears!  Musical Furnishings completely agrees. Each of their furniture pieces has a fabulous children's instrument (or instruments, as in the case of their drum table) embedded in it. My favorite piece is the Duet table, fitted with two xylophone keyboards that allow two people to play -- they even include a songbook and Marimba mallets! The tables are made of a gorgous Red Alder, and are available in three different finishes, making them easily customized to match the rest of your home. I firmly believe that music should be a daily inclusion in our lives -- and especially that of our children. What an innovative way to incorporate music into everyday life.

Something Odd, Something New

Odd Label is one of my favorite sources for kids' clothes. Started by two graphic designers who had been purchasing baby gifts for years, the company was born after Maya and Sarah realized the market needed a little "odd" thinking. Although I've long been a fan of their broccoli tee, I've been momentarily overtaken by Odd's Thirsty Giraffe sundress. The giraffe design is also available on a hot pink tee, but I'm partial to the A-line of this mod sundress. And, I've been on a bit of a brown kick lately, so I'm loving the use of the chocolatey color, especially in contrast with the bright amber giraffe. As with all Odd clothes, there are no itchy labels on the neck band to cut out, and the material is a super-soft, super-stretchy cotton. According to the site, you shouldn't iron the outfit, and you must turn it inside out before laundering -- I think I could manage that minimum of care in exchange for something so cute!

Ollie the Octopus

Our seating as children was often relegated to a patched-up, hand-me-down bean bag chair. Don't get me wrong -- I did love that bean bag chair. It went through many a bedroom redesign, first with me, and then my sister. Even with all that love in my heart, I have been questing for a stylish re-interpretation of that throwback to the days of lava lamps. Finally, I believe I have found it -- a perfectly plush place for kids to plant their tushies. Ollie the Octopus is a plentiful 34 inches across, so there is an abundance of room for either sitting in his lap, chair-style, or curling up in his cozy tentacles. (Did you ever think you'd hear "cozy" and "tentacles" in the same sentence? Me either.) With his embroidered face and oversized head, I'm sure any tot would be as enamored of Ollie as I am.

Posh Papoose

Baby carriers are fab, and not just for those parents who ascribe to the attachment parenting school of thought. Unfortunately, so many carriers are built solely with function in mind -- they haven't all caught up yet with the amazing design advances we've seen in other areas of children's gear. The Bill Amberg Papoose is an exception to that rule. Long known for his luxurious leather goods, Amberg turned his attention inwards in 1998, when he designed the Papoose, which was originally meant for his own children. Lucky for us, he decided to manufacture the carrier and make it available to other parents. The Papoose is made out of soft sheepskin and bridle leather and is available in your standard black and brown colors, but pink and blue as well. The only drawback I can see, in purely practical terms, is that you have to dryclean it -- which might not be the best thing when your babe is drooling and spitting all over the gorgeous shearling! I think I could manage to overlook that, though, in exchange for such a primo papoose.

Melamine Be Mine

Snack time poses so many challenges, from timing to sneaking in healthy treats, and in a Poppins-perfect world, you wouldn't need a spoonful of sugar to help the carrot sticks go down. This snack set is just the type of sugar I can live with. Brightly colored melamine means these dishes are virtually indestructible, not to mention wildly fun. In fact, this set might finally be the spark that lights up your tot's inner Emeril. Now that's worthy of a Bam!

I Choo-se This One!

Saks has their Mother's Day Gift Guide online right now, and I was browsing through it this morning -- purely for research purposes, mind you. No, really, I wasn't shopping for myself. Promise.

So, in the course of my "research" I came across this fabulous Jimmy Choo bag. And, for a split second, I was willing to trade my first born for it. Then I read the description a little more closely and saw that the bag itself is 13x19 inches. This, fellow mamas, makes it the perfect size for a sometime-diaper bag. Not too big and bulky, not too small, but as Goldilocks discovered, just right. The bag is made of a sumptuous Italian leather, accented with goldtone buckles, studs, and logo ring. Of course, there aren't any specialized pockets for condensation-covered bottles or wet nappies, but I'm sure if I dig deep, I can find a way around that.

Just Like Mom Used to Make...

I realize I'm probably dating myself here (in addition to painting my mother as a crafty-hippy type), but when I was a toddler, I had close to a full wardrobe of hand-smocked dresses. I cannot even begin to count the hours my mother must have spent creating her own brand of kiddie couture -- all I know is that I was quite happy in my empire-waist dresses, embroidered and smocked to within an inch of my life. And so, I think it is with a touch of nostalgia that I have completely fallen in love with the return of that step-away-from-shirring, smocking -- I've even seen it trickle down into stores like Old Navy! And now, the enceinte among us can partake, thanks to companies like Juliet Dream. (True confession: I'm not even pregnant, and I'd wear this!) This lightweight cotton number is features chocolate brown embroidery and straps that are thoughtfully wide enough to cover your bra straps -- yes, even the not-so-sexy maternity straps. And, I can see this working with jeans, or even under a semi-casual blazer for work. Multitasking is always en vogue, you know.

Product Sneak Peak: Bugaboo Bee

Watch out folks, there's a new Bugaboo in town. Well, almost. Time.com has a sneak peek at the new Bugaboo Bee -- a much more compact version of the oft-coveted original line. It collapses with just the push of a button and is the first foldable stroller from Bugaboo. (Me, I just like that it's yellow.) I went to the Bugaboo site to try and scrounge up a bit more information, but to no avail -- they are focused on promoting the super-hip Denim special collection. However, Bugaboo is attending the JPMA trade show later this month, so hopefully we'll get to see what all the buzz is about.

Little Pink Corvette

I guess I shoulda known, by the way you parked your car sideways that it wouldn't last.... Surely Prince (is he back to that, or is he still the Artist Formerly Known As...?) wasn't referring to our kids' waning love for their most recent set of matchbox cars, but if the lyric fits... There's a new toy on the market, however, and I've a feeling this one is going to be a more permanent fixture than the Hot Wheels were. Automoblox are not just model cars, but modular as well -- each car is comprised of multiple pieces which can be rearranged to create entirely new vehicles. With just a few switcheroos, you have a pickup truck with a sportscar hood, or a sportscar with a truck bed. The possibilities are nearly endless -- it all comes down to whatever your child can dream up.

Bookends for Your Bookworm

I've been searching for the perfect pair of bookends for a while now, and finally found exactly what I was looking for over at Cocoa Crayon. Owner Lisa Moss has pulled together a collection of the most amazing leather animals to be used as bookends -- or, as she states, doorstops! I can even see these little works of art being companions at story time or on any number of imaginary adventures. There are also lions, elephants, giraffes -- what a companion piece a set of those would make to the mobiles I posted about yesterday. Now you'll have to excuse me, because these dragons are inspiring a wave of nostalgia -- time to pull out the Peter, Paul and Mary records!

Welcome to the Jungle

Can I just tell you all how smitten I am with Nova 68? They sell an amazing array of modern design pieces -- and as any all my favorite retailers do, they remembered to include kids in their offerings. In their words, they hope to create a "futuristic utopia, the ultimate Space Age dream". I'm not sure if modern design can get us all the way there, but bringing a little Space Age utopia into our lives can't hurt, right?

One of my favorite features at Nova is their collection of mobiles.  Soothing motion and bright colors to alternately stimulate the senses and lull the little imps to sleep? A parent can't lose. Kinderkram, well known in Europe for ages, makes this bright rainforest mobile. Each of the wooden pieces is hand cut and the mobile is constructed in such a way that every piece is in constant motion -- which means your child will be enthralled without the use of a motorized box or tinny-sounding chimes.

This time I can't pick just one -- Nova also offers a jungle-themed mobile by artist Florence Wetterwald. She designs the pieces, which are then hand-knitted by Peruvian artisans.  Her Happy Big Jungle Mobile is sure to produce shiny happy babies (and if that's not utopian, I don't know what is!). The fibers are all natural, which is a comfort to those of us who worry about chemical residue. The mobile includes imaginatively colored animals, a green monkey and a red lion among them. The animals each swing from a personal trapeze, creating lots of movement to catch the eye of your little chickadee. I'd love to see this one in person -- though I think it's nearly perfect, I wonder if a couple of little bells might be a nice addition?

Playdates for Playmates

How many times have you fumbled for a pen and scrap of paper (in my case, it's usually a receipt of some sort) to scribble the name and number of a child you met in playgroup? You balance your toddler on a hip (or fend off shirt-hem tugging) while digging madly through your diaper-bag-cum-purse for those evasive implements. It's maddening! And that's precisely what makes these cards: not only are they gorgeous, but in one fell swoop you have your child's name, plus your name and phone number. Toss a few in your pocket for the next trip to the playground -- they are printed on a heavy cardstock so there won't be any crumpling, and the corners are rounded so even those won't get bent. Felix Doolittle goes so far as allow you to customize the cards according to font, lettering colors and image. It's a win all around as far as I'm concerned -- just as long as I can stop digging through the animal cracker crumbs in my Picklebottom!

A Feet Escape

Gwen Stefani has at long last expanded her L.A.M.B. line to include baby clothes -- no doubt (oh yes, that was an intentional pun) she felt inspired by little Kingston. Kitson is carrying the outrageously adorable Gold Love shoes, and I'm certain they are going to be snapped up in the blink of a mink-lashed eye. The rest of the shoes in the line are every bit as charming -- and yes, not all of them are gold, for those of you who have yet to embrace the return of the metallic (it's not all gold lame' Elvis suits out there!). Best of all? Your little one won't have succumb to baby Manolos in order to be fashionable!

Bing Bang Boom!

So, for the past week I've been sharing my favorites in the every-expanding world of Momcentric jewelry -- but I've saved my very most favorite for last, the way you save the very best bite of dessert for last.   Brooklyn-based Bing Bang Jewelry is as they say: "the best around" -- and Claudia, Cameron and Giselle all seem to agree (all three of these beauties are loyal customers).

With her latest collection, Amy Sheffield has achieved a charming mash-up of contemporary metals and the rarely seen corners of your grandmother's jewelry box. Her mixed-chain Boy Bracelet is a precocious combo of gold vermeil, sterling silver and gold fill -- curiously matched to the amalgam of our children's personalities, don't you think?

Birthstone Baby

Far from the stale birthstone necklaces we've been faced with in past years, Kim Shephard has created a fresh new take on the same ol', same ol'. After years of working as a fashion art director in metropoleis such as New York, L.A. and San Francisco, she turned her creative eye towards jewelry design, launching UrbanDencity in 2005. Her BabyBejeweled collection is stunning, featuring three briolettes -- one each for the birthstone of mother, father and baby -- which drop at varying lengths through a circular or teardrop-shaped pendant. The delicate chain and gorgeous pendants are perfect for the new mom, I think! (Or, in the event that you are like me, and just have a yen for a new piece of jewelry.)

A New Take on an Old I.D.ea

Tiffany did it best, but this sterling I.D. bracelet from Polkadots & Moonbeams is no slouch of a circlet. Three rectangular plates give you room for all the kids' names -- or special quotes if you don't have the brood to fill the blanks. Letters are hand stamped and (don't quote me on this) the chain appears to be handmade as well.  I may never be able to afford the multi-million dollar diamond-crusted baubles of the celebs -- but maybe that's a good thing, because pieces like this sit a little closer to my heart.

Appealing Adornments from Suzane Myers

Suzanne Myers can trace her love for lavaliere back to childhood, when she first uncovered a sprinkling of gems in a New Hampshire mine. Her style evolved from rock tumbler chic to clean and organic, with a little bit of edge.

This year, she introduced her take on the name charm necklace. I've seen several versions of this concept floating around, but hers is by far my favorite. The charms are hand cut, stamped and shaped, then strung on a sterling chain and embellished with semi-precious stones. There is room for 11 letters on each disc and three charms per necklace, and you have your choice of stones. Myers puts my oh-so-elegant macaroni-stringing skills to shame!

Modern Jewelry for Modern Moms

Mom jewelry is a hot trend right now -- over the next week or so I'll spotlight some of my current favorites out there -- from ultra-luxe all the way down to actually affordable (or, splurge to steal as some might say!).

Dogeared Jewelry has long been known for its wishbone-on-a-string necklaces -- you make a wish and when the necklace falls off, the wish comes true. But they've recently introduced a delectably dainty Past-Present-Future necklace, which is our first entry into the steal category. The timeline is represented by a trio of rose gold, sterling silver and 10kt gold hammered rings on a delicate sterling chain. It's understated enough that you would wear it every day, pairing it with other necklaces for a layered effect. The necklace is currently on backorder at Olive and Fig, but you can save yourself the wait and order directly from Dogeared.

Holy Hideaway, Batman!

When I was a child, I daydreamed about having a little hideaway back in the woods behind my house -– a floor of soft green moss, daylight trickling in through the canopy of leaves. Now, I’m trading that fantasy in for this piece by graphic designer Mariscal. What child wouldn’t be instantly enamored? The Nido is a perfect niche for your wee chickadees –- child-sized to prevent adult invasions, a green grass floor, mysterious scribblings on the ceiling –- it has all the components necessary to set their imaginations afire.