• The Accessorized Walnut Archive

    It’s just been a week since the Boston Marathon bombings, but it feels so much longer. We’re all still spiraling from the aftermath of Sandy Hook, Hurricane Sandy…and now this. My next-door neighbor was one of the marathon runners who bravely set out that day, looking forward to attaining a personal goal, and not realizing that reuniting with her loved ones, safe and unharmed, would be a far more meaningful gift. She showed us the medal she was given for participating, one that I’m sure she will treasure and that will forever serve as a reminder of that fateful day. If your family is looking for a way to show its support for the people of Boston, consider the latest fashion staple from kids’ clothing [&hellip

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    My 4-year-old just got invited to another Hello Kitty party. This is one cat that gets around–and I’m not talking about my daughter! Last week, we told you about a Hello Kitty rain gear line that definitely put a much-needed spring in our step, especially after a long, cold winter. We knew that little girls would be all over that line…but now we’re finding that Hello Kitty has new mom appeal, too. One of our favorite lux baby brands, aden + anais, is introducing a limited-edition collection of Hello Kitty soft goods no baby girl should be without. The 100-percent cotton muslin line consists of a swaddle 3-pack, dream blanket, snap bib 3-pack and hooded towel/wash cloth set–all adorned with the famous cat motif. Whether [&hellip

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    My daughter’s preschool sent home summer camp registration this week, and so I am reminded that bathing suit season is upon us yet again. (Lucky for me, I can work out my own swimwear neuroses by happily buying for two young girls.) If your kids are still young enough to enjoy their favorite characters on their clothing, then let their summer wardrobe include two Disney friends that can accompany them to the beach, lake or pool. The Ariel Swim Collection for Girls includes a wet-and-wonderful swimsuit, cover-up, flip flops, beach towel, sunglasses and swim bag. We especially love the endless waves of ruffles that adorn the swimsuit’s neckline. And for the boys comes the Jake and the Never Land Pirates Swim Collection, a swash-buckling array [&hellip

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    Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for rain, the first time during the month known best for helping cultivate May flowers. If you have yet to put away those winter boots and unearth your kid’s rain coat, may we suggest an alternative to the standard yellow slicker? Western Chief Kids’ Hello Kitty line of rain gear is absolutely adorable, and especially fitting for fans of this beloved feline. From what we’ve been seeing, HK is everywhere these days, from baby blankets to ice pops; we’re not surprised she’s earned herself an entire ensemble of springtime outerwear, including rain coat, boots and an umbrella. This collection is especially sweet on details, from the ruffle on the rain coat’s rear, to the bow on the hood. Sizes run from [&hellip

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    My 8-year-old has been taking swimming lessons this winter, and we’re hoping she’ll be able to doggy paddle by summer. One of the things about learning to swim that troubles her is going underwater. I too remember being a bit scared of that unknown (would a fish try to bite me?), but once I got past it, it was one of my favorite parts of being in the water. Well, even if your kid isn’t fearful of diving right in, but just wants to look cool when she’s 20,000 leagues under the sea, you’ll want to check out this summer’s coolest fashion accessory. Bling2O are not your average swimming goggles; these babies are spiced up with a little bit o’ bling to make your favorite [&hellip

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    Like me, my girls are developing a love for all things Japanese (food, culture, and of course, everyone’s favorite Hello Kitty). Unlike me, my girls do not–and I repeat, do not–play with dolls. Never had, and looking like they never will. (It breaks my own mother’s heart, but that’s a whole other story…) Because there never was a “Barbie stage” in our house, I don’t have to worry about “de-pinking” my house anytime soon. But just because my daughters are not into dressing up their playthings and sending them off to the spa in a sporty coupe, it doesn’t mean they can’t experience living in another place and all the excitement that comes along with that fantasy. For the anti-fashion-doll audience comes Kimmidoll Junior, a [&hellip

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    Where did the sun go? These gray, winter days make me long for warmer weather and now that it’s finally March, there’s thankfully an end in sight. To help get you into the spirit, Babiators, makers of kids’ sunglasses, and Masala Baby, a kids’ clothing designer, are teaming up to offer a Spring Break Giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a pair of Babiators sunglasses and a $50 gift certificate good towards the purchase of Masala clothing. To enter, just like Babiators and Masala Baby’s Facebook pages and post a comment on Babiators’ Spring Break Giveaway some time between today and March 15. Good luck!   Tags: Babiators, boys’ clothing, girls’ clothing, infant/toddler clothing, kids’ clothing, kids’ sunglasses, Masala Baby

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    I admit that I’m not much of a  personal shopper, but when it comes to kids’ clothes, I can’t resist. This time of year, our mailbox has been stuffed with catalogs ranging from Growing Up Garnet Hill , to crewcuts. I love every minute of paging through the glossy spreads and perusing the frilly frocks, sweet sundresses and tons of stylish warm weather items. Maybe all these clothes remind me of my own teen years, as I lay sprawled across my canopy bed with magazines like Sassy, Seventeen and YM checking out all the back-to-school possibilities. Or maybe it’s because checking out kid stuff is so much more satisfying than all those women’s swimsuit catalogs that quickly find their way into the recycling bin (thanks, [&hellip

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    So, what do you do when a blizzard bares down over the weekend and you’re stuck indoors? Shop online, of course. But not just for any old thing; you’ve got to make that precious time on the Web count for something (especially if we lose power again–bite my tongue!) If you happen to be looking for that special gift , be it for Valentine’s Day, a friend’s new baby or maybe something that points to signs of spring (wishful thinking), we’ve stumbled upon the coolest site teeming with unique selections. Bespoke Custom Gifts is all about presents with personality. From monogrammed kids’ sneakers, to a storybook-inspired birdhouse, each item is as different as the person you’re sending it to. Not only is this site ideal [&hellip

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    Around this ho-hum time of year, I admittedly get bitten by the redecorating bug. Be it new throw pillows for the couch, some fresh flowers on the kitchen table or a cheerful mat to wipe off those muddy boots…any small improvement helps slough off winter’s dullness and perk up our living space. And that includes the kids’ rooms. Of course, if you can’t afford to rack up any more post-holiday bills, it doesn’t mean you can’t invest in some room-enhancing extras. Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes WallCandy Arts Whoo Loves U, a charming decals sets of owls and hearts to make any kids’ bedroom go from boring to beautiful. Like the other WallCandy Arts collection, we love how easily these peel-and-stick decals instantly [&hellip

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