Handmade kids leather shoes - What's new with Belle & The Bear

When Felix was a baby I got heavily into handmade leather moccasins.  I loved finding new small brands mostly run by WAHMs who were putting their hearts and souls into these gorgeous little shoes. There's something about baby shoes, isn't there.  I especially loved buying ones that I wouldn't mind saving.

As Felix got older, he continued to wear leather moccasins, often as his main shoes. Even out and about.  Whilst they don't have a hard sole they are very heard wearing shoes and research has shown it's good for developing feet to be as free from constraints as possible.  It's better for their development.  Obviously I wouldn't let him walk around in them if there was any danger on the pavement from glass or similar, but for most situations, they were perfect for him! I found them invaluable at playgroup. They were perfect for running around the hall but were soft enough I didn't have to worry about him crushing a baby's arm as he absentmindedly played with the toy cars.

Felix is three now and most people who make these beautiful shoes don't go up to his size.  This is quite a source of upset for me.  I loved those shoes.  And I think even though they wouldn't be right for him to wear outside of the house nowadays, they would make the perfect slippers.  I have all of his old pairs and I treasure them.

I am aware though that all these lovely shoe makers are still out there and there are still heaps of you who would love to buy their wears.  As such, I thought today I would feature one of my favorite online stores, Belle & The Bear,  Belle & The Bear are US based but their moccasins still come in at around the same price as UK ones, postage included.  I do try to buy from the UK where I can but I'm not apposed to not doing so.  It's still, in this case, supporting a small parent run business!

Belle & The Bear have a few new styles so I thought I'd feature them today.  First up is the retro & reminiscent of our own childhood days T Bar Strap shoes:

I love them in the gunmetal, makes them a little more modern.  I know Felix would love these if they came in his size because he's got a pair of what he calls "school shoes" which are T-Bar and he chooses them more than any others at the moment! These are available in other colours too including a gorgeous yellow.  These shoes are $44.

Second up are these beautiful boots:

I don't think even I could quite get away with these on Felix.  And to be honest, I don't think he's much of a bow fan.  But I do think they are beautiful.  They look soft, easy to pull on but look like they'd have good staying power on little feet,  Always a plus!  These come in at $55.

It's fair to say that these shoes aren't cheap.  But having bought from Belle & The Bear in the past I can confirm they are fantastic quality,  The leather is great quality.  The attention to detail and quality of the work is without fault.  They last.  They would last more than one child too.  I love them.

Linking up today with lovely Hannah for Funky Kid Friday.

Trendy Thursday - The Mini Classy

If you are a regular reader and someone who joins in with Trendy Thursday, I'm sure you know just how many fantastic children's clothing brands I discover via Instagram.  You start following one, they share a picture from another, you follow them, they link to another brand.  On and on it goes.  There are so many amazing independent and small businesses out there and Instagram is their playground!

What I tend to do when choosing clothes for my boys now is buy a few gorgeous pieces from these smaller companies and them compliment them with cheaper pieces from places like H&M.  There is no denying that handmade children's clothes or limited edition clothing are more expensive than the mass made items, but they are special.  A lot of hard work has gone into designing and making them.  I like the fact that by buying these clothes you are supporting someone trying to make their mark in a massive industry.  What's in it for you?  Well, if that alone isn't enough for you, it's a simple fact that your child will be wearing something much more unique than most of the other children in your town! I think it teaches them a good lesson too.  Buy clothes that are good quality and well made.  Know where your clothes are made.  Support small companies.  Be individual.

One company I have recently discovered is the American based The Mini Classy who, in their own words, have been "swagging out babies since 2013".  Still a relatively new company they have made a big splash, they have been stocked by Zulily in the US this year;  that's pretty impressive I think.  Their designs are very individual with an emphasis on comfort for children.  Something so important I think.  It's all well and good making your tot the trendiest in town, but you want them to be able to get comfortably around the playground still, not stand around like a trendy shop dummy!  They buy they fabric in small qualities so designs are limited edition which means you bag something really different and unlikely to be seen on many others.  It's also a great marketing idea, let's be honest!!  The clothes are handmade in the US.

I bought a few items for the boys recently after The Mini Classy announced a flash sale via Instagram (a great reason to follow them!).  All in all I spent about $50 including postage for two pairs of harem trousers and a vest top.  That's a bit less than £25 I think so really not bad including the postage.  Their harems are usually $25-30 each so that was a great bargain.

It didn't take long for our items to arrive at all and when they did, I couldn't wait to get them on the boys.  Personally, I think they look amazing.

Ethan wore his vest and harems to a bouncy castle party at the weekend and they stood up to the two hour challenge very well.

Ethan rocking his Mini Classy threads.

Felix has been wearing his around the house, crawling around in them.  They still look great after the repeated rubbing of fabric against the carpet and floor.  No bobbling.  I've washed them and they've come up looking as good as new.  They also dry really quickly!  As they are harems, they have more space for a big nappy in them which is great news for us as cloth users.

So, The Mini Classy, a big thumbs up from the 'follower household.  We'll be back for more!

Does Instagram influence you the way it does me?  I can think of some of my blogging friends who would agree with me I think (Emma from They Grow So Quick I'd say!!).

If you've got some trendy children's outfits to share, link up below.  Don't forget to comment here and visit others who join in!

Trendy Tueday - knitwear love!

I'm not sure what it is exactly,  but I really love children in knitwear.  I love it even more if it's been handmade especially for them, by a family member, or friend.

My Mum has recently got back into knitting.  I'm not sure why.  It could be because it's something she can do when sitting down.  Mum was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago this year and had to give up work before she'd have wanted to.  She's always kept herself busy since having to retire, but in the last couple of years, her health has been more effected than before.  She struggles with being very tired so has had to take things a little more slowly.  I think that's where the knitting comes in - that's her relaxing!!  Anyway, the upshot is that I have a new jumper, Felix has a new v-neck and Ethan has one currently being made.  I am so happy!!

Felix has been rocking his new cosy number this week.  Mum chose the wool with my love of bright colours in mind, as I'm sure you can tell!

Hand knitted jumper - medicatedfollower.com

Stripy vest - Katvig

Jumper - Grandma!

Leggings - Handmade is Haute

What do you think? Do you love knitwear as well?  Do you knit?  I'm trying to learn to crochet, but I don't find it comes easily..

I want to share a photo of Felix today - check out his crazy bead hair!  Also, he's wearing some H&M leggings I've been wanting him to grow in to for ages.  Love them!

Felix - Medicated Follower of Fashion

Top - Katvig

Leggings - H&M

If you have any children's fashion posts you'd like to share, please link up below.  Don't forget to link back to me in your blog post and/or display the badge (available off to the right).  Please comment here and visit others who join in!

Changing the subject, if you would like 15% off at Grubbies and Little Titans, I have a code - use GRUBBYTITANS15 at the checkout!  To find out more, please see my previous blog post!

Trendy Thursday

Last week it was half term for us, so there wasn't a great deal of time for me to blog.  I didn't write a Trendy Thursday post, I wanted to enjoy my time with both of my boys at home.  It's lovely when they are both home together, it's great for them to have more bonding time and seeing them start to play together as Felix grows.  However, it does make me very busy!  Normally, I blog during the day when Felix naps and Ethan is at school.  I often blog late into the night as well, but I was extra tired in the evenings last week!

Well.. things are very much back to normal this week.  It's funny how quickly you slot back into the normal routine.  It's nice to get back to the blog after a "week off" as well.

One of the other lovely things about time off school is that Ethan isn't limited to his uniform.  Last week, both boys received a pair of gorgeous dungarees from Grubbies (review to follow soon).  Ethan loves his and asked to wear them almost every day!

www.medicatedfollower.com

Our order from Handmade is Haute also arrived just before half term, so there was a lot of funky legging action over the holidays as well!

www.medicatedfollower.com

I am SO happy with these leggings.  I really think they are fantastic value and it's so lovely knowing they were handmade by a WAHM.  It's worth following Handmade is Haute on Instagram because she posts when she gets new fabric in and things sell out very quickly!!

So, what about your little style stars?  Link up what they've been rocking below.  Don't forget to comment here and keep checking back to see who else joins in and visit them - share the love!

Boys in pink

Continuing from last weeks tirade on people calling my boys girls, I thought I'd feature Felix wearing pink and a whole load of rainbows today - go on, I dare you to call him a girl ;-D

Bib - eBay

Romper - Plastisock

Leg Warmers - Tiny Nippers

Moccasins - Moccis

I love this outfit.  It's comfy for him, but bright as well.  Apart from the leggings, these are all Ethan's old clothes.  The Plastisock romper is one of my favourites so it's lovely to see it being worn again.  I adore Plastisock prints.  Their clothes wash really well as well.  You'd never know this was on it's second child!

Have you got any cool outfits to show off this week?  Show off and share what your children have been wearing and link up below.  Don't forget to tweet me your link and comment here and on other posts.

Happy Thursday everyone!