Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ...

1. Sweet little plush fiddle. Maile has been pretending to play the violin a lot; she'd love this! | 2. Essie's Fashion Playground. For both of us, of course. | 3. Perfect spring sandals! | 4. A fun DIY project to do together. | 5. A new watch. | 6. This printed dress for girls, that caught M's eye, is darling. | 7. An alternative to the plain white sheets on our little girl's bed. So cute. | 8. I'm an AG convert! These jeans look like they would be amazingly comfortable, post-baby. | 9. A 'diaper bag' for Mama. Awkward shoulder straps be gone -- backpacks are my new love.

More Maile & Mama posts here.

Maile & Mama

A few things that I'm currently loving, from around the web ...

1. A Barbour-esque coat, in mini size! | 2. The most darling slipper shoes. | 3. A simple wooden nativity. | 4. Bright copper kettle. | 5. Maile is really into "ballerina"/"princess" dresses now! | 6. A pair of heels I can actually see myself wearing. Two-tone! Yes, please. | 7. Itty bitty floral leather sneakers. 

More Maile & Mama posts here. 

Bizzy B Crafts

About two months ago, when I first started accepting sponsors of See You There, I had the pleasure of starting to get to know Brittany, of Bizzy B Crafts. Brittany quickly became one of my favorite people. I'm all about pieces for mamas and littles that you can wear all year 'round, which is the case with everything in Brittany's shop. I was really excited when Brittany, designer and businesswoman behind Bizzy B Crafts, decided to sponsor See You There, and asked Maile to be a part of her shop!

I've featured a few of the photos we've done for Bizzy B Crafts ... see more of her lovely work here. 

*And use code fall2013 for $5 off your Bizzy B Crafts order of $25 or more. Happy Weekend!

What We Wore: The Wishing Elephant Edition

On Maile: Sleeveless Tank Top: Target | Cardigan: c/o The Wishing Elephant | Shorts: Joe's Jeans | Socks: Gymboree (similar here) | Shoes: Converse (thrifted)

During our San Jose visit, the family decided to take Maile to a local park and zoo for a day of toddler-style fun. Even in the late spring months, Bay Area mornings are notoriously cool, so I wanted to make sure Maile would be comfortable in the AM hours, but not hot when the temperatures reached into the 80s that afternoon.

Enter this perfect monogrammed cardigan sweater, from The Wishing Elephant. Carolyn was so generous to send Maile a personalized letter jacket, which we absolutely love! She still has a little room to grow into it, but it looks sweet slightly oversized, and it truly is an all-season piece. Before we took off to the zoo, we went on a little stroll around my brother-in-law's neighborhood, so I could snap a few pictures. I can't tell you how many people asked where we got it at the zoo, too! (And as a parent, who doesn't love it when everyone loves the way your little one is dressed?!) 

This sweater is available in sizes 2T-6, but Carolyn also makes awesome baby onesies, full of personality -- and costumes for both toddlers and babies, too (both she and the sushi costume she created were even on The Martha Stewart Show). 

It's almost the weekend, y'all! What are your plans?

This is not a sponsored post.

What We Wore: OAK Edition

Paige, of OAK, sent Maile one of her beautiful, handmade little girl rompers, and a complementing headband -- and I'm in love! Amazing quality, gorgeous fabric, and OAK even takes custom orders. 

Maile also loves this outfit. She calls the romper her "princess rom-puh," and even wanted to wear the headband to bed! I know we're going to get a ton of use out of this little ensemble. Add a sweet pair of Salt-Waters and we're ready to take on the zoo, or a little shopping on Pearl Street ...

On Maile: Mint Knot Headband (similar here) | Rainbows & Feathers Romper

OAK creates designs for the entire family. This Nautical Infinity Scarf is a personal favorite of mine, and I can just see the softness of OAK's Men's Henley. For your wee man, the eco-friendly Turtle Graphic Tee is darling. Oh yes, little unisex leggings galore, too! 

You may have noticed that OAK is my very first sponsor here on Standpipe and Sprinkles. This is super special to me, because I've gone back and forth about offering paid sponsorship, but when Paige contacted me about sponsoring my blog, it didn't take me long to say "Yes!" I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful woman to be my first sponsor. A fellow mama, with a passion for creativity, and a heart for her adorable family. Perfect.

Ads will be offered on a limited basis, and will focus on supporting handmade, local, and small blogs and businesses. Arrangements for highlight posts or giveaways will be made on a case-by-case basis. I'll have a sponsor page up soon, but in the meantime, feel free to send me a quick email at mrskittymitch(at)gmail(dot)com!

Now, be sure to visit KindredOAK.com to see all the vintage-classic pieces Paige and her team have to offer. Paige has been kind enough to offer a 10% off discount code for Standpipe and Sprinkles readers -- just use code mitch10 through the end of April.

Happy shopping!

What We Wore - Date Night Edition

This time of year, evenings in Colorado are notoriously fickle. Of course, most evenings, I can't be bothered to do much more than dash outside to cover our succulents, and tomato plant, but last Thursday was date night with Mr. M. We ventured out to one of our favorite restaurants, where I noshed on their signature bison meatloaf, and indulged in a rare glass of white wine. Tucked in the same area, is our regular movie theater. Have any of you seen "Looper"? I'm curious to know what you thought of it (so different)!

I wore a wear-anywhere shirt ... selected by Mr. M. I'm still not sure how I feel about myself in this particular borrowed-from-the-boys look, but the husband has always liked me in this style, and I gotta say, the comfort level means I'm very tempted to keep on wearing it.

On Mama: Shirt: J.Crew | Necklace: Family heirloom, given to me by Mr. M's mom-mom (similar) | Bracelet: House of Harlow | Denim: Rock Revival (similar) | Pumps: Nine West 

And, just to show you that I'm in no danger of becoming a fashion blogger, here's what was cropped from my first photo. She may not like TV much, but Maile is ridiculously good with technology. I had to set a password on my iPhone something like 3 or 4 months ago -- Don't believe for a second that's stopped her from trying to break into it. This pajama-clad iPhone bandit still plays music, takes self portraits, attempts "emergency" phone calls, and locks me out of my phone for oh ... 12 minutes at a time. 

What We Wore - California Edition II

On Maile: Flower Clip: Handmade (similar here) | Top: Carter's | Shorts: Joe's Jeans (similar here) | Sandals: Gymboree (similar here)

On Mama: Tank: J.Crew | Bracelets: J.Crew (similar here), House of Harlow | Sunglasses: American Eagle (similar here) | Shorts: J.Crew | Sandals: Rainbow

When the temperature is well into triple digits, there are few options: namely, shorts, tanks, and nothing that requires socks! We successfully fit the entire family's California wardrobe into one suitcase, so with the aforementioned temperatures, and such a limited wardrobe, I decided that a trendy print was the best way to spice up Little Miss' look. I love Maile in orangey-reds ... or any shade of orange, for that matter. Citrus hues look amazing against her olive-toned skin, and gorgeous brunette locks. She is too much -- and I don't think I'm saying that just because she's mine! ;)

Have a happy Monday, everyone!

What We Wore - California Edition

Our first day in NorCal, the forecasted high was 110 degrees. At one point in the day, our rental SUV read 117, and I'm positive it was right. It's hard to be fashionable in that kind of heat, but we tried.

Here's what we wore!

On Maile: Bow: Handmade | Tee: Gymboree | Skirt: Gymboree | Sandals: Gymboree

On Mama: Tank: J.Crew | Shorts: American Eagle (similar here) | Sandals: LuLu*s | Sunglasses: American Eagle | Earrings: Gorjana (similar here)

In our family, the fact that I am a stay-at-home / work-at-home (during the school year) mama, and wife to a roughneck, means we are on a strict budget. We typically shop for clothing once or twice a year, so I tend to stick to quality basics, and mix them up with more trendy accessories.

I used to have a huge problem with lusting after designer clothing (okay, sometimes I still do), but the fact of the matter is, the great majority of it just doesn't fit our lifestyle. I find that if I am able to incorporate one piece here or there from time to time -- here, my earrings -- it keeps me feeling like I am meeting that acutely girly need of mine.

We also strive to be a cash-only family ... something we are fairly successful with. This does limit where we shop, but I also feel that all of these things will make this feature more accessible. In sum, be kind. :) I'm 4'10", and I ain't no Gisele, but I know I'm going to enjoy these posts, and I hope you will too!