Everywhere* I love shopping for childrenswear

From 'I-want-that-in-my-size' pjs, novelty vintage knits, and, actually, can everything just come in adult sizes please?

*that I can remember. I have absolutely most definitely forgotten places here because a) my memory is a sieve and b) I follow an embarrassing amount of brands and people on Instagram so rarely see all the gems I’m trying to remember! If I have forgotten you, but shopped from you previously I am so sorry! I promise I’ve tried going through all of my internal memory archives to the best of my ability.

As much as I love shopping for myself and the absolute rush of stumbling across a Kate Moss for Topshop piece lost to my poor loft storage, or a SEA New York dress for a snip of the price on Vinted- I can confirm there’s nothing more joyful than buying clothes for my little boy. Whether that’s a dinosaur costume, Cath Kidston cowboy print bodysuit or second hand Little Bird jacket- the joy of building a wardrobe of fun, colour and beautiful pieces is one of my favourite things (especially whilst I still have the role of Primary Stylist/Little A’s very own Harry Lambert which is *not* something I take lightly).

I truly thought the novelty might wear off when the clothes gradually got bigger and had to be more nursery/soft play/general mud/PVA/paint/ultimate stickiness friendly, but generally, I welcome the challenge. I know there will come a day when the flares and novelty knits may be met with push back and refusal (I’m banking on him not watching About A Boy too early), but, I’m trying to convince myself that if I do a good enough job in my starting role as mum first, stylist second, maybe he’ll keep me on for a few more years.

Anyway- today I thought I’d share pretty much every brand in my small people shopping arsenal- all 65 of them to be exact. From incredible hand made knits, personalised pieces (which also make for amazing newborn gifts), vintage you’ll end up trying to hunt down in your own size, pyjamas that look like they’re fresh from a Dicken’s novel (or, y’know, just the latest John Lewis advert) and the wonderful independent shops that stock all of those and everything in between for last minute gifts and birthday ideas a plenty- now, if you’d please please get your shoes on, we can get going…

The Knits

From top left: Astro Angels, As Small As You Are, Bokkie & Rilla and The Little Worne Store

When I was pregnant, aside from the slightly greater concerns of ‘shit… do I actually know how to change a nappy?’, not being able to attend an NCT class in person (cheers, panny d!!) and the enormous journey I was about to embark on; this girl had baby knitwear ON THE BRAIN. A birth plan sounded necessary and I knew it was important to have my hospital bag packed before it was deadline day but have you actually seen a miniature aran knit with embroidered calligraphy on the back??? I’m sorry!! But! Can you blame me?! Some of my favourite brands are below- whether you’re after something personalised or hand knitted with your little ones favourite dinosaur, there’s nothing that hasn’t been thought of…

Astro Angels: The sweetest colourful hand knitted name jumpers (their feed alone also offers *excellent* baby name inspiration too, who’d have thought)!

As Small As You Are: Hand embroidered and sewn natural clothing for children, made for wear and play (and also so, so beautiful).

Bokkie & Rilla: Some of *the* most joyful and fun hand knits and embroidered pieces out there. Their smiley jumper is one of my absolute favourites.

Conkers Handknits: The most gorgeous selection of hand knitted jumpers with truly gorgeous designs, I love that these also come in various sizes per design too (which due to some one-off editions with others you aren’t always able to find).

Mimi Odette: The original Liberty London fabric initial cardigans (and bows and banners) which are just so precious.

The Little Worne Store: I think The Little Worne Store were actually one of the first brands I discovered when I was pregnant and I was obsessed with their little embroidered cardigans (and send in service, which is so good too).

The Mini Vintage