Mr. & Mrs. Cardigan Empire aspire to expand their family. While we don't know exactly how they will come to us, what they will look like, or when they will arrive, we do have a pretty good idea what they will wear. And I share these recommendations with you.
My first petite fashion recommendation: Lola Et Moi
Warning - this week's recommendations may or may not be practical. For, I dress only imaginary children. Imaginary children tend not to grow very fast or soil their personal effects. So before you leave me a comment about the absurdity of these suggestions, remember you may hurt my imaginary children's feelings.
Now back to Lola Et Moi, their pretties get back to the "colorful, sparkling, world of childhood." The details on each item is exquisite, most do not require dry cleaning, the collections are delightfully easy to mix and match, and each item may be the most unique item in your entire toddler's closet.
Today's way* to enter to win the Lia Molly sweater, post a comment responding to this question:
"Are children the ultimate accessory? Do you prefer carrying your toddler to your handbag?"
Speaking of: Suri Cruise, wearing your sweater:
*You'll have two additional opportunities to enter to win the giveaway, meaning enter each of three times for the greatest chance of winning.
I find my toddler is often my only accessory. Its so fun to pick out her cute little outfits, but I shamefully, usually look like a mess. It doesn't matter though. Everyone's eyes are on my sweet little miss.
ReplyDeleteNothing is cuter than a little baby nestled in your arms, and no accessory could capture a stranger's attention better. However, the same could be said for a screaming toddler as far as the attention goes! My favorite is holding hands with my preschoolers as we walk. Nothing better than a little hand to squeeze!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I prefer carrying children to carrying a handbag (I never carry a purse!), I tend to not think of them as accessories. : )
ReplyDeleteReachel - any child will be lucky to call you their Mother!
ReplyDeleteMy girls are 6 and 9 so I prefer carrying my silk handbag instead of my children. They are a little big for me to carry but I too love to hold their little hands still.
Since living in Switzerland my two new favorite brands are Catimini and Cakewalk. I cannot pass these labels up for my girls! Usually 2nd hand which rocks!
Children ARE the ultimate accessory - but only until about age 8. Then you are lucky if they agree to be seen within a city block of you. But until that sad day, I adore being with and showing off my children (ages 5 and 1). The Lola et Moi clothes are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI definitely would prefer a purse to my 6 month old daughter...the purse won't throw up on me and pull my hair!
ReplyDeleteMy kids are adorable but I kind of think of them as "the main event" rather than an accessory.
ReplyDeleteChildren, particularly infants, are always so eager to add additional accessories to you: spit up on the shoulder, grubby oatmeal on the sleeve...it's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI generally buy one fabulous outfit per season for the kiddos. They are photographed and at church and birthday parties it is generally a huge disaster, but such fun while it lasts.
Handbag? More like diaper bag, that comes with the toddler!
ReplyDeleteOh, my kiddo is almost always my only accessory! She's one and still deep into the necklace-yanking stage, so I haven't worn one in a long, long time. Earrings, too, are always yanked whenever she's in my arms. Lucky for her she's super cute!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, and have only imaginary children for now. I may be naive, but I want to carry both! :)
ReplyDeleteI, too, only dress imaginary children and they do look fabulous and make me look great. Presumably when real children arrive I'll still need to carry a couple things around and for that I do want a gorgeous bag that doesn't scream, "Diapers inside!". We shall see I suppose.
ReplyDeleteChildren are absolutely the best accessory! It is so much fun picking out adroable outfits for little tots. Now, if only said outfits would remain adorable and not covered in grass stains and lord knows what else ;)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I would rather carry my children than anything else in the world.
ReplyDeleteI love carrying around Ellie and would choose her over a handbag any day.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing my kids are so cute! Often they are the ultimate and only accessories. I tend to carry them longer than I should, maybe I've clung to them staying small! I have two now...three wouldn't be over accessorizing would it?
ReplyDeleteMy 14-month old boy Dutch is heavy and wiggly, so a purse is preferable to him. But I can't make a purse giggle or sing nonsense words, so Dutch wins hands-down!
ReplyDeleteMy baby is my accessory. First of all she is always dressed so cute. I just can;t help but buy her clothese! And she is going through stranger anxiety so if we are out in public she is on my hip. I love her more than any other accessory I own and when she is not with me I miss her like the dickens!!!
ReplyDeleteIf my toddler is an accessory it doesn't say much for me since he chooses his own clothes which are usually lightening mcqueen jammies. However he does like to carry my bag, so there's that...
ReplyDeleteHi Reachel! To answer your question: Yes. My children are my accessory. I do have a nice Vera Bradley diaper bag, but usually my almost 12 year old boy is holding that. He is very confident in his masculinity. Or he is holding the almost 2 year old and my very fashionable 9 year old girl will hold the bag. I am always holding the baby (almost 1), but he is getting quite heavy. I also have a 5 and 3 year old thrown in there, too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteUmmm...Morris is pulling ME around half the time. But a handbag wouldn't be nearly as fun. I don't have arms enough to carry both.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick with fun.
Unless we're on a date with you and Mr. Cardigan Empire. Then I'll bring one of the purses you gave me.
HA! As a teacher I have seen far too many folks out there that regard their child as a fashion statement, and some who care for the child less then the expensive handbag.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think my handbag weighs less, so it is easier to carry.
This was in NO way directed at the lovely readers here! I just want to make that clear.
ReplyDeleteMy boys are far from my accessories, they are a part of me. Not to say it isn't fun to dress them up and style them just so. But beneath all that, I would be completely lost without them. Plus handbags are easier to keep clean and quiet and they don't throw fits, ha!
ReplyDeleteMy kids are definitly my only accessory. That being said, I usually let them dress themselves. I have a little say in what they wear, because I shop for their clothes, but it's always fun to see what combination they pick.
ReplyDeleteYes, my baby has taken the place of my handbag. She is far cuter then any bag anyway :)
ReplyDeleteI have no children, nor opportunity to obtain any, but I had to share this with you and your imaginary children:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5tmnBeNv18
OF COURSE. IGGY AND GIGI MAKE ME LOOK EVEN MORE HIP THEN I ALREADY AM!!! NO TOP OF THE LINE HAND BAG CAN SEND ME FASTER TO THE HEAVENS THAN MY 2 LIL BAMBINAS.
ReplyDeleteMY GIRLS ARE SO EXCEPTIONALLY AMAZING LOOKING THAT PEOPLE LOOK AT THEIR MOTHER TO SEE WHERE THEY GOT THEIR MAGNIFICENT GENES- THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVE NOT MET MY BABY DADDY!!!
Your imaginary children are little angels, and perfect little accessories!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I do enjoy toting my two little girls, but I'm probably more like the accessory in this metaphor than they are. They garner the attention, and I'm just there to emphasize the details.
However, I do love toting their necessities around in my (very non-diaper bag looking) hand bag!
I much prefer carrying my child to my handbag. A handbag will never smile back at you and give you wet kisses.
ReplyDeleteI have never had an accessory as cute as my little babes- so that makes them (among a few other reasons) my favorites. And I am assuming that before too much longer at least one of them will be telling ME how to accessorize. :)
ReplyDeletealthough I would love to consider them my own petite accents - my lovlies are far to independent in both manner and dress! so unless we are cozy on the couch with a good read, my arms are full of their goodies more than their sweet little bodies. in this case I suppose the handbag?
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love shopping for purses, it's got nothing on shopping for Eleanor. And I get way more comments on my daughter than I ever did for a bag.
ReplyDeleteBut I've never matched her to my shoes. Yet.
Dressing my toddler is one of my greatest joys in life, so of course she is one gorgeous accessory, but she is so much more than that to me!
ReplyDeleteI can continue carrying my babe and my handbag for another month. Our first is due so soon. LOVE this sweater and your blog!
ReplyDeleteMy "baby" is 14... I do however have two exquisite granddaughters. While raising 5 children could not afford my own sweet girls sweaters such as this luscious one, I'm confident it would increase my ability to spoil my newest little ones.
ReplyDeleteAnd when we go to the park...I always snuggle them. Their moms can use the strollers if they want to.
ALRIGHT miss thing- you want me to enter 3 times or more so I shall-
ReplyDeleteGIGI and IGGY will be in NYC this fall- prefect for them to show off this magnificent sweater. what could be sweeter then giggi strolling through lincoln center or central park with this lil goodie on? I wil lbe sporting my hot diaper bag also. COME ON LADY
Iggy might like to wear it to I suspect- it may not fit her but by golly- WE WILL ATTEMPT
ReplyDeleteNever in my life have I had as many compliments on my ultimate accessory as I have had this past year, carrying our little bundle boy on my hip. For me personally, I would say most definitely, yes. Even though it seems to be more relaxing and luxurious to carry around a darling little handbag...
ReplyDeleteI would prefer a handbag...although it's usually a diaper bag. Because of this, I use a stylish bag as my diaper bag. I have never thought of children as accessories.
ReplyDeleteMy toddler is very easily the better dresser!
ReplyDeletemeh - Lola et moi is very cute - FOR GIRLS. Where are the adorable outfits for BOYS?? I cannot find anything since he turned 2 that isn't ugly or boring.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that I think my little lady and gent are much MUCH cuter than any handbag... but there are days when I wish I was only carting a hand bag into the store with me, knowing the trip would be much faster. I do recognize that I quite frequently spend twice as much time debating my little ladies outfit for the day than I do my own. People are nicer to kids that look cute, even if they're behaving badly. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness yes! I get sooo many oohs and Ahhs over my darling kids, but never over my cute purses! Obviously because there is nothing cuter than a baby/kid!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a good thing too, because often when I have to run to the store, I am not looking too great - but no one is ever looking at me anyway, they only have eyes for my little loves!;)
My toddler and newborn are definitely my main accessory--but the don't necessarily make me feel stylish. I absolutely LOVE accessories and dressing up for a night out sans kids. :)
ReplyDeleteMy new little Mae has changed my life and my wardrobe. She is the best accessory there is!
ReplyDeleteMy darling two year old daughter is definitely my accessory. She often out shines my ensemble with her cute dimples. I'd rather hold her than a heavy bag any day!
ReplyDeleteA cute toddler trumps any accessory. :-)
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ReplyDeleteNo, but their spit up on your clothes usually is! :)
ReplyDeleteOf course, my baby goes with everything! And I don't carry handbags anymore because not enough stuff fits into them. Diaper bags all the way!
ReplyDeleteFor me, seeing folks my age (early 30s) with kids, the kids do seem like accessories. but maybe that says more about how I view my life than parenting my generation.
ReplyDeleteMy toddler is often my accessory because she refuses to walk on her own and would much rather be carried...although I have never thought of her as an accessory before:)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to think of them as an accessory, but I will tell you that I loved collecting slings for carrying my little ones and always found them much more practical, intimate and stylish than a portable carseat!
ReplyDeletepearl insists on carrying the purse, and i carry pearl. so yes.
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ReplyDeleteoh nothing is more adorable than accessorizing your outfit with your toddler on your arm than your purse or anything else for that matter especially if your said toddler has a coordinating color pallet as yourself...not to mention you will get LOTS more attention with an adorable toddler or baby on your hip than you ever would with any frumpy ole' hand bag :)....oh I hope I win! that Lia Molly sweater/cardigan is too die for! and my new baby girl would look ADORABLE in it!
ReplyDeleteI'd rather carry my purse, but only because it's lighter!
ReplyDeleteI am an usually overdressed by carrying my toddler, my handbag, my 3 year old's hand, all while leading the train with my 5 year old linked as the caboose. Whew!
ReplyDeleteI pretty much forgo my own attire and focus on my child's. I once was a fashionista and am slowly coming back to my former glory, but my daughter is and will be the major fashion statement I choose to make.
ReplyDeleteI once discovered, at the end of a long day running errands with my son, that I had only put mascara on one eye. I caught my reflection in the mirror. With one naked eye and spit-up on my shirt, it was a sorry sight to behold. My son on my hip was the only thing saving what I had going on. Kids = the best accessory ever.
ReplyDeletei always love recieving compliments on my daughter's clothes..not because of THEM, but because they reflect her personality. She is also a mini me in so many way, and so i think "accessory" is actually quite appropriate!
ReplyDeletechildren are the best accessory to carry... or hold! nothing beats walking around with my kids enjoying whatever tasks are at hand! I love the special times I with each of them! I would love to see my daughter in this adorable sweater! :)
ReplyDeletethe stylish handbag went out the window (figuratively speaking) after the first child or so, but I still enjoy dressing up and accessorizing. Right now my favorite accessory is my adorable 8 month old, as I "wear" her most often while the older two (2 and 4) must trust their own two feet to get around.
ReplyDeleteWhat purse? I have a diaper bag which I don't carry around much because my toddler is part koala bear. She loves to be held kissed and cuddled and I oblige. This won't last forever.
ReplyDeleteMy kids favorite toy right now is the marble run. I love it too because it provides hours of entertainment and allows them to be creative and see gravity at work.
ReplyDeleteJackie thinks you should do a Fitting Room Friday with James. Love, Grandma Sue
ReplyDeleteI think I get my baby in a cute outfit and I'm just an after thought. I would say I do prefer carrying her over my purse.
ReplyDeleteI love,love my sweet little boys much more than my cute purse, but they are growing up so fast. My 2 year old is as big as my 4 year old. So I will go with my purse.
ReplyDeleteI just have 3 boys and that means as far as fashion goes, jeans and a t-shirt. I am lucky if I can convince them to at least wear a plain colored t-shirt instead of a goofy one with cartoon characters on it! I am however going to have my first girl in a few months and can't wait to dress and accessorize her. I am hoping that by dressing her will help me get out of my "mom of boys mode" and dress better myself!
ReplyDeleteAn older man at the store the other day said in my direction, "What a pretty little lady!" I of course had to thank him in jest, knowing well he was referring to my little girl. She is absolutely adorable and some how even if I don't look MY best everyone turns and says something about her. She gets so much attention and I love getting to witness everyone thinking they see just how adorable she is.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...even though I do have a new handbag I really love, I'd have to say my toddler is my better accessory. She has way more cute clothes than I do so it's really fun to dress her up. ;o)
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