Review: Crafta La Vista Colouring In T-Shirt

Creative, inspiring and Fun! 

I really really like Crafta La Vista. This company stands out to me amidst the sea of pastel hues and uninspired slogans that seem to dominate a lot of children's wear. 

I'm always looking out for interesting designs and unique clothing for my children and of course, I'm on my quest to steer clear of the High Street and buy from small businesses. So when I met Nicole, the creator of Crafta La Vista at an event last month, I was excited to see her range of kids clothing and knew instantly that I'd found something special. 

Nursery Rhyme T-shirt & Movement with Music card

After having a baby in 2015, Nicole was inspired to start Crafta La Vista and make children's clothing that was "more creative, more inspiring and just more FUN!" She's incredibly passionate about her designs, pouring lots of love into every one - each t-shirt and baby grow has been made with a vision of how whole families can enjoy the clothing, from customising baby grows together, to using baby massage techniques while reciting the nursery rhymes on the t-shirts.

There are three separate collections - Nursery Rhyme T-shirts, Colouring in Baby Grows and Colouring in T-shirts.

The designs are bold, mostly monochrome and all screen printed by Nicole onto 100% cotton t-shirts.

The Nursery Rhyme t-shirts are adorable. There are currently four to choose from - and not your basic nursery rhymes! I think my favourite from this collection is Sleeping Bunnies as that is a popular song in this house! "We have so many nursery rhymes that have originated from the UK (especially Scotland) which children adore singing." Nicole says. 

Wee Willie Winkie Nursery Rhyme T-shirt

Each Nursery Rhyme t-shirt comes with a guide of movements that Nicole devised with her daughter - simple massage-style techniques for each rhyme in the range. 

Click here for the fabulous Nursery Rhyme collection:

https://www.craftalavista.com/buy

The Colour In Baby Grows are such a great idea. "I wanted to design a piece of clothing that would make an older sibling excited for the new baby coming and would fill them with a sense of pride when they see their little brother or sister wearing it." Says Nicole. "This then developed into an idea that anyone in the family could colour in these items."

The Colour In Baby Grows come in either a jigsaw heart design (this would be perfect for a baby shower - each guest colouring in a piece of the heart) or a 'fill in the blanks' design to customise with your own words and colours. 

Colour In Baby Grow

Check them out here:https://www.craftalavista.com/buy

Now, onto the product that my little boy and I got to test drive! The Superhero Colour In T-shirt!

Cute packaging

Ooh exciting! Can't wait to customise this little super hero!

It arrived in a cute little box, perfectly letter-box sized (so no annoying trips to the depot!) with six chunky fabric pens and a card with clear, easy-to-read instructiuons.

"I wanted to make a fun range for older children as well as babies." Says Nicole.

We certainly had fun - as you can see! 

My son is three and a half and very into arts and crafts at the moment, so this project was right up his street. 

The bold design was very appealing as there was nothing 'fiddly' or difficult to colour and he chatted about the superhero's hands ("They're not mittens, Mummy! Superheroes don't wear mittens!") and what kind of super powers he might possess - the scribble coming out of his head is not actually a scribble - he can shoot out fire! 

Because the design was bold, large and simple, it wasn't too time-consuming for my boy who can get bored and want to move onto the next project pretty quickly. 

He's very proud of the end result and told me that all his friends at nursery will say "Wow! I want that t-shirt!" 

The soft, soft cotton is very comfortable and we got the size 4-5 years to allow a bit of room (I prefer a baggier t-shirt to keep him cool now that the weather is getting warmer).

Nicole told me "I love seeing the photos come in of how different these t-shirts end up being, showing that kids all have their own personality and if you let them express it now, it will help them express themselves so much more in the future."

Colour In T-shirts here: https://www.craftalavista.com/buy

I would 100% recommend this fantastic little company to anyone who likes kids clothing with something a bit....extra. Extra arty. Extra experimental. Extra special.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftalavista/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftalavista/

Website:https://www.craftalavista.com/home

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Oh Baby London

Unique quirky baby and kids clothes - because Mama aint raisin' no fool

I remember walking down Brick Lane with the husband, back in our child-free twenties and coming across a really cool little kids clothing shop. There were rompers with guitars on and tiny t-shirts emblazoned with 'I Rock'.
"When we have kids," I told the husband, "We're buying their clothes from this place!"
That shop was Oh Baby London.

Rock and Roll playsuit

I never forgot that quirky, cool little shop in Brick Lane and although the shop has now closed, when I had my son (and then my daughter) I went straight to their website and I did indeed buy their clothes from Oh Baby London. And lots of them.

Smocked leopard print playsuit - on sale now at £15!

Oh Baby London's creator started the brand when she was pregnant with her first child and found the baby clothes in the shops "dull" and "pastel." She wanted to create "A range of clothing full of life affirming anarchy."

Tartan leggings - soooo comfy for playing in!

Oh Baby London support Fashion Revolution's campaign Who Made My Clothes? and believe in sustainable, responsible fashion. "We support the campaign to make a change in fashion and agree with Lucy Siegle who says "Fast fashion isn't free, someone somewhere is paying for it."

The clothes last for AGES (Baby Number Two has had more wear out of the clothes than Baby Number One), they wash well and are hard-wearing, perfect for active toddlers who like to climb and get messy. And importantly they are made with soft cotton which makes them comfortable to wear and play in.

'I'm With Mummy' cotton playsuit

Although some of the older styles that I dressed my kids in are no longer available, there are some great alternatives, like this 'I Love You' Playsuit:
https://www.ohbabylondon.com/i-love-you-playsuit.html
and this amazing 'Colic Youth' Babygrow: https://www.ohbabylondon.com/colic-youth-babygrow-n-w-a.html

Tartan Biker Jacket - we also have it in black (link below)

Biker Jacket in black: https://www.ohbabylondon.com/biker-jacket.html

Oh Baby London is one of my favourite brands for babies and children - go check them out!
(They have a wicked sale on at the moment too!)

Website - https://www.ohbabylondon.com/shop.html?p=2

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ohbabylondon/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ohbabylondon162/

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Cribstar: Skulls Harem Leggings

100% cotton leggings for (very cool) kids

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm trying to steer clear of the high street and buy clothes for myself and my kids from smaller independent businesses. 

I've always favoured unique clothing for my children, sourcing little rock t-shirts and fun and funky designs online. My three-year-old son has a wardrobe full of cool wee tops and t-shirts as there's such a huge variety. But I'd mainly stuck to teaming them with boring jeans - until now.

Like most toddlers, my little boy is very active - he's constantly climbing, jumping, running around... and watching him do these activities in his restrictive jeans made me think:  'Not. Very. Comfy.'  So I decided to find alternatives. 

Which led me to these:

Cribstar skulls harem leggings

They are 100% cotton harem leggings by London-based independent clothing and accessories brand Cribstar. 

Cribstar have been around since 2015, creating unique clothing and accessories for kids up to the age of six years old. 

They use bold, edgy, minimalistic designs - lots of wonderful monochrome pieces, perfect for mixing and matching. 

In their 'About Us' section, they state that their clothes are 'good quality and comfortable' so they ticked all the boxes for me and my boy and I ordered our first pair.

My little man is rocking his skull harem leggings! 

 

The dropped crotch and soft cotton makes them so comfortable. They have the perfect amount of stretch and are a great length on him (I contacted Cribstar via their Instagram, as my son is either an age 2-3 years or 3-4 years depending on the brand. Cribstar got back to me right away with measurements, great customer service).

He's already worn them numerous times - they are a favourite for nursery - they wash well and they don't need to be ironed! Yay!

I am so pleased that I found Cribstar and these leggings in particular and I will definitely be buying more. 

Check out their Easter range!!! Bunny leggings! I need them! I mean, my son needs them. Obviously...

Website: https://www.cribstar.co.uk/collections/harem-leggings/products/skulls-harem-leggings?variant=27799485062

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cribstar_official/?hl=en

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Atomic Mollie Glitter Hoop Earrings

The most sparkly, spangly, glittery earrings I've found!

Dare I say it - I'm a bit bored of buying clothes! 

So I went on a little accessories splurge and found these absolute gems. 

As some of you know, I'm trying to 'shop small' and buy most of my clothes, accessories and my kid's clothes from small independent businesses. I love wearing unique handmade items, and hearing the stories of their designers and creators. And as I also run my own small business (it's called Dolly Cupcake Vintage Parties. Shameless Plug! Shameless Plug!) I want to support others in the same boat as me, being all creative and making things with care and love. 

I decided that I needed big, sparkly earrings to go with my more Rockabilly outfits (I do love a tea dress and pearls but I'm also a sucker for a wiggle skirt and a bit of bling). I'd bought a gorgeous pinup girl brooch from Atomic Mollie for my best friend's Christmas and I was really pleased with the quality and service, so I had a wee look. And found these bad boys.

Atomic Mollie started making beautiful hair flowers and jewellery in January last year.

The confidence that wearing clothes from the 50s gave her, she says "Was much more than any main high street store could give me." 

Struggling to find accessories to compliment her new vintage wardrobe, Mollie began making them herself, and with encouragement from her husband, she started selling her creations at vintage fairs and festivals - aloha Atomic Mollie!

I ordered the black pair first  (I had to pre-order them and they turned up really quickly, less than a fortnight) and then I went back a few days later and bought myself a red pair too.

They are absolutely gorgeous. The amount of glitter is perfect, they look amazing when they catch the light. 

They're so comfortable to wear too (I don't do danglies very often). They compliment so many outfits and really 'make' an outfit, they're a real statement piece. 

The service from Atomic Mollie was great too, I was kept up to date on my pre-order status and was sent a discount code for my next order. 

Mollie says "What I love most of all is seeing people wearing my products. To see an item that I've made and put a lot of thought into put a smile on someone's face makes all the late nights gluing bits together and finalising designs worth it!"

These earrings come in SEVEN different colours (and I won't stop until I have the lot!) 

They are truly beautiful.

Atomic Mollie's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/atomicmollie/

Website: http://atomicmollie.tictail.com/

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/atomicmollie/

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Blue Bubble 123

Cute, kitsch, festive and funky jewellery

Blue Bubble 123 is my favourite Ebay shop (in fact, just my favourite shop) for buying cute jewellery. 

I've bought gorgeous earrings from Blue Bubble a few times for myself and as gifts, so I was delighted to be sent a package of goodies to review.

My package of goodies from Blue Bubble 

Blue Bubble 123 is run in Lancashire UK by Sara, who makes all the jewellery herself. 

Sara loves unusual and funky jewellery and accessories and wants you to 'share bringing more funk into the world!' 

Perfect Tea Party earrings!

Blue Bubble is like a treasure trove - there are hundreds and hundreds of items in the Ebay shop - keyrings, badges, necklaces and (my favourite) earrings.

Many items start at 99p and there are offers too - buy one get one free and three for two. 

There are Autumnal themed pieces like the Forrest Buddies earrings and a fabulous Christmas collection with over 80 items including gingerbread earrings and diamante snowflake earrings (next on my wish list!)

There are some other lovely collections which make the shop really easy to navigate - there's a Lets Go Lego collection with ear studs and cuff links, a Boys Will Be Boys collection so the guys can join in the Blue Bubble fun too, featuring lots of single ear studs.

Lots of variety - reindeer, swallows and skulls!

My favourite collection is Sweet as Candy - I'm coveting the gumball machine necklaces and the M&M studs and jelly bean earrings are super cute!

Because of the very, very reasonable prices, offers and cheap P&P you don't have to spend a lot to receive a gorgeous package from Blue Bubble 123.

Rose necklace

I adore this colourful, pretty, funky shop - check it out and I'm sure you will too.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bluebubble123?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Follow on Instagram: BLUEBUBBLE_123

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

 

Review - Kitsch Stitch

Stitched and crocheted jewellery and accessories

I love a bit of kitsch and a sprinkle of quirky - especially if there is a spoonful of cute added into the mix. 

So when this package arrived from Kitsch Stitch I was delighted!

Erin Hyde is the creator of Kitsch Stitch and she aims to reinvent crochet with her bespoke jewellery and accessories inspired by her love of anything fun, cute and playful. Which is obvious when you see her delightful designs!

Love Letter Brooch

As well as brooches, Kitsch Stitch sells necklaces, rings and home wear. 

There are some fantastic necklaces in her Etsy shop, decorated with an eclectic mix of items from chilli peppers to skulls or flowers!

Not too early for Christmas, is it?!

Erin also welcomes customs and commissions and is happy to change a brooch into a hair slide or alter colours, etc. 

Each item is handcrafted with love, all designs are unique and the detail and care that has been put into making each piece of jewellery is obvious. 

Almost good enough to eat!

If you're looking for a really cute, unique brooch (or ring, or necklace....) check out Kitsch Stitch (just don't do it on an empty stomach as the biscuit brooches look good enough to eat!)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/KitschStitchKitsch?ref=ss_profile

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx

Review - Brooches by Dork Disco

Hand-drawn brooches inspired by the world of TV, music and film

First of all, I have to say how much I absolutely LOVE these amazing brooches. I squealed when I opened the package and found a Kurt Cobain and a Jarvis Cocker staring back at me.

I do love a brooch and I'd never seen anything like these ones before.

They are made in London by the wonderfully talented Lee Bamsey. Lee creates the brooches using printable shrink-plastic on her own unique hand-drawn celebrity-inspired designs.

Her Etsy shop is a treasure trove of familiar faces from the world of TV, music and film - there's quite an eclectic mix - Paul Weller, Amy Winehouse, Morrissey (with a cat on his head!)...there's even a Dot Cotton (Ooh, I say!) plus many, many others.

Lee also makes custom orders, so if there are any icons you'd particularly like to wear on your lapel - or even a mini you OR a brooch of your partner (Lee recently customized a brooch version of a customer's boyfriend!) send Lee a message and a picture, she only charges £15 for custom orders!

I honestly can't recommend Dork Disco enough - they're fantastic. As well as my Kurt and Jarvis, I also asked Lee to make a custom order for my friend's Christmas which is just as fabulous (I can't add a picture of it in case my friend reads this, but believe me, it's amazing!)

The prices are so reasonable starting at approx £8.00 - so if you're looking for a quirky, unique piece of jewellery please go and check out Dork Disco - you will not be disappointed (but be warned - they're addictive. Every time you think of another of your idols, you'll think "I wonder if Lee can make a brooch of him/her....?")

Follow Lee on Instagram: @leebamsey

Visit Dork Disco's Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DorkDisco?ref=shop_sugg

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx