Jump Kids World

These days Twitter has been an invaluable source of information.

My newest online discovery? The good folks at Joe Fresh have just recently a children's home decor line called Jump Kids World.

When I read the tweet I literally jumped for joy.

Two reasons:

1. I love Joe Fresh - for myself, Hannah and Alex

2. Montreal is totally lacking cute, modern kids' decor at reasonable prices.

And then I got in touch with the Joe PR rep. I was thrilled to see a slew of photos featuring amazing products like these.

Available at Maxi store throughout Quebec, I was told that the Jean Talon store had the largest assortment for the collection. So, I headed out, hoping to find a new play mat for our basement.

After previewing the super cute spring fashions in-store I sought out the decor items. After a bit of hunting, I found all 3 shelves of them. Yep, big time disappointment.

The items on hand were cute but (as I should have suspected) were not merchandised anything like I had imagined from the PR photos. And the assortment can only be called slim pickings. Here is what they had on hand.

Maybe more is coming in. I hope. Because knowing what Joe Fresh has done for fashion I can't wait to see how they start to revolutionize our homes.

Price Tag Wars

Last night I visited a new kids clothing store in Westmount for an article for Sweetmama. I won't give away the name or address yet...you'll have to wait until my article runs to find that out.

I've reviewed many kids' stores in my day but this one was special. Aside from having beautiful fashions for kids of all ages, the store had another distinguishing feature. It's price tags. $100, $200, even $300! I had to scour the shelves for the lowest priced clothing item at $70.

Now don't get me wrong, these shelves were lined with designer labels from Sonia Rykiel to Moschino. But why does a 2, 6 or 12 year old need to wear such expensive clothing? I don't think I even own one piece of clothing that cost more than $300 (ok, maybe the powder pink dress I wore as a maid of honor was more). So why would a kid, like Hannah, who is prone to tomato sauce stains and dirty knees, need such fine fashions?

I love to dress Hannah in cool clothes. At least twice a week at daycare her teachers compliment her on her outfits but I don't think I have ever spent more than $30 on a single item for her (shoes and outerwear excluded). In fact, if I'm not at Old Navy, H&M or Joe Fresh, I won't buy anything that's not on sale. Call me cheap. Call me frugal. I just don't see the point.

I already step into our locker and see her 6+ boxes of clothing since she was a newborn and secretly hope that my next child is a girl so all this stuff gets a second life.

What do you think? Are you a $100+ kids' clothing shopper or do you adhere to a style budget?

Joe Fresh Studio Store

On Wednesday night I attended the media opening of the first Montreal freestanding Joe Fresh Style Studio.

I won't give away too many details...you'll have to wait for my article on Sweetspot.

But here are a few photos from the adorable kids' collection.

Check it out for yourself this weekend.

On Sunday August 28th from 12pm-4pm the store is hosting a block party with a bbq, games, animation and a performance from 17 year old Quebec star Pamela.

Grab Bag

Time for another giveaway!

Over the past few months I have been to a number of events, with gift bags brimming full of goodies. But there are only so many body products a girl can use...

So I have put together a collection of some of my loot for you to win. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win. You have until Monday morning (August 30) at 9am to leave your two cents.

So what's inside the Joe Fresh reusable tote?

Here is a peak at the goodies:

• Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge portfolio, pen and passport case
• Treehouse 99.5% natural bath products for kids including bubble bath, body wash, leave-in-detangler and a 2-in-1 shampoo
• Dans un Jardin Pois de Senteur Maman leg gel and firming cream
• Ecoseeds Queen Cleome and Ballerina Poppies flower seeds
• Joe Fresh Style body wash, lip glass, glycerin soap, eye shadow and cosmetic bag

Good luck!

Slim Pickings

In preparation for my first day at the office I decided it was time to refresh my wardrobe. With limited shopping excursions during mat leave (for myself, Hannah's closet is fully stocked) I felt like I was wearing the same thing every day.

So with a pre-determined budget I set out downtown to stock up for spring.

H&M, Forever 21, Banana Republic, The Gap...I visited them all. And ended up with one measly t-shirt. As cute as the sequin anchor tee is, I was rather disappointed about having money burning a hole in my pocket.

I don't know if it was the anticipation of finding great fashion that I had been missing out on for so many months or just bad timing with tank tops and dresses abound. While temperatures might be seasonably warm, I'm not quite ready to bare all just yet. And the few things I had on my list (brown leggings, a tunic, a floral shirt) couldn't be found. Maybe I had waited too long and they are now passe?

Feeling just a tad blue I tried to think of other stores that might make the trip successful. BCBG (not so budget friendly), Old Navy, Simons...nada! I wanted to hit up Zara but the downtown location is closed for construction.

So, what's a girl to do? How about getting lucky just next to the produce aisle? Yes, Joe lifted my spirits and certainly made me feel fresh. The local Maxi made me smile with prices that are right and basics (like cardigans, tees and henleys) that will brighten my mood and my wardrobe. And while I did go just a tad over budget, I figured it best to stock up while I could find things I actually like.

While my wardrobe is far from revamped, it's a step in the right direction. Lesson learned. A mistake I have been making since I was a teenager. Buy it when you see it or it will be gone.

Who knew shopping could be so stressful?