Inside the Princess Boudoir - beautiful artwork by Casey O'Connell

Inspired by some exceptional artwork I have been introduced to this week, I am creating a new section of my blog. Titled "Inside the Princess Boudoir", I will be featuring all sorts of lovely items for your little princesses' bedroom or nursery.

Now, as for that exceptional artwork I was talking about, every now and then I come across an artist who just blows me away with work that has such beautiful use of colour and, what I call, a picture that talks to me. I am no art expert but I judge art by how it makes me feel to look at and whether or not it tells me a different story each time I look at it. Casey O'Connell's stunning works do just that for me. When Casey contacted me, I immediately went to look at her website and I found myself checking out painting after painting. Each one so brilliantly unique and with such a lovely blend of colours. I was particularly drawn to My Sugar, especially as a nursery gift for a baby girl, as well as All In, both from Casey's current collection. I strongly urge you to browse through her website - I am sure you will enjoy and appreciate her wonderful talent as much as I did. Thank you Casey for introducing me to what you call your "autobiographical dialogues" - keep up the great work! x x x

Lester Lampert Absolutely Precious Collection

Last January I referenced another blog and identified the gorgeous hand carved baby shoe charm bracelet that Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt gave to Brad's mother with their children's names sculptured (and not engraved) into the soles as being from Aaron Basha. Though the Aaron Basha charm bracelet is simply stunning, one of my readers (thanks Monica!) has advised me that the actual bracelet given to Mrs Pitt was from Chicago jewellery designer Lester Lampert's Absolutely Precious collection. The difference being that the names are carved in the sole and not simply engraved. You can see the Lester Lampert designs at his website here. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Recycled Style - Leni rocks her Lipstik Girls Sequin Jacket for the second time in 2009

Looking every bit New York baby chic, gorgeous little Leni, daughter of supermodel/television host Heidi Klum and singing superstar hubby Seal, once again stepped out in her Lipstik Girls Sequin Jacket, first seen back in February. If she is anything like Gigi, when she gets a new item of clothing that becomes her new favourite item of clothing, she wears it over and over again. Be quick - Ginger Snap Kids online store has one left in stock.
We also love Leni's accessories - the cute little hat, pink wellies (or gum boots as we call them down under) and a Disney Princess umbrella. With great genes we predict a beautiful fashionista in the making : )

Online Boutique Critique - The Baby Gardner - Vintage Inspired Originals for Little Ones

Could this hand-made baby rattle BE any cuter? I am always on the lookout for new online boutiques from which to find lovely fashions and accessories for little princesses and every once in a while I come across an absolute gem and this is one of them - The Baby Gardner - Vintage Inspired Originals for Little Ones. The Petit Bebe Soft Baby Rattle is definitely inspired in it's engineering (loving that they stuff a soft baby sock and then sew in a couple of little jingly bells for a sweet ringing sound ) and those embroidered eyelashes are so cute. A perfect and unique gift for a newborn princess - this online boutique is a definite 5 stars from me. I strongly recommend you check out their other items - I plan on featuring some more of their gift wear in future posts. Happy vintage shopping!
Source: Photo courtesy of the Baby Gardner Website

Stella McDermott puts her best baby foot forward in Stride Rite Mary Janes

Out doing some shoe shopping with mummy Tori Spelling, Stella McDermott looks gorgeous in the Stride Rite Nicolette Mary Jane Shoes that we saw on Salma Hayek's little princess, Valentina, in February. We also love her pretty pink headband - it is almost as cute as the Chasing Fireflies headband we saw on Jessica Alba's daughter, Honor Marie Warren, also in February. For more beautiful hair accessories, why not check out Hair Fairy Clips - their vintage styles are divine!

For Violet Affleck, nothing says cuter than an Apple Print Raincoat

Given that we have recently seen her bringing home lovely artworks from pre-school for mummy, actress Jennifer Garner & daddy, actor Ben Affleck, gorgeous little Violet Affleck looked very much like a little Picasso in her Juicy Couture Apple Print Raincoat. It could pass as a pretty painting smock, don't you think? Wonder if they bought a matching one for baby sister Seraphina?

Pimp your ride with a Juicy Couture Maclaren Stroller - a favourite of Valentina Paloma Pinault

For a chic baby about town, you can't go past the Juicy Couture Maclaren Stroller, complete with signature Juicy Couture logo and gorgeous quilted pink seat and choc/pink striped hood. A favourite of the celebrity set, Salma Hayek was spotted strolling through the airport in NYC last week with 17 month old daughter Valentina Paloma
Source: Photo courtesy Pacific Coast News

Pretty little Princess headbands from Chasing Fireflies

Loving the Chasing Fireflies Flower Headband as worn by little Honor Marie Warren, daughter of actress Jessica Alba & producer Cash Warren. The little dress looks similar to the Splendid Littles Cherry Dot Dress that Suri wore for Thanksgiving last November:

Kaiya Eve Pettiskirts - add to my Gigi & Lulu favourites!

I have posted before about Gigi's love of dancing & tutus and when I came across the Kaiya Eve Pettiskirt in Baby Pink or Rainbow and matching Kaiya Eve Ruffle Fluff Top in Baby Pink I had to tell you all about it. Although the top reminds me of a dress my Nonna made for her toilet roll dolly, it is gorgeous none the less. The pettiskirts are so full and fun that I can't help but think if I bought two of these, I would never get them off Gigi & Lulu. If you are stuck for a birthday gift, a pettiskirt is a great idea for a present for any little girl. After all who doesn't like dressing up and looking like a fairy princess..

Stockings & stockings of fun with Alice & Emma

I love anything original that is handmade (I am particularly a fan of personalised baby stuff) and when I came across UK online retailer Alice & Emma, I found the cutest personalised Christmas stockings & blankets with delightful buttons and blanket stitched edges. Worth stocking up now for next Christmas - no pun intended ; )

Fresh Daisies Collection from Janie & Jack

Introducing the Fresh Daisies collection by online boutique Janie & Jack, which along with Gigi & Lulu is one of Suri's favourite children's labels. In green, white & lemon hues (perfect for my little redheads), this is a beautiful collection of dresses, skirts, shirts, shoes & accessories. My favourites are the lemon Smocked Daisy Floral Dress and Embroidered Pleated Skirt, which looks lovely matched with the white Eyelet Ruffle Top. Teamed with the Daisy Sunglasses and Crochet Daisy Hair Clips, along with the Scalloped Leather Sandals, your little princess will look summery sweet ; )

Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt looking snug in her Baby Bjorn with mummy, Angelina Jolie

Here she is! Half of the power Jolie-Pitt twins, and every bit the Shiloh look-a-like, gorgeous little Vivienne Marcheline, snuggled up to mummy, actress Angelina Jolie coming through the airport in Japan yesterday. The preferred carrier of the celebrity couple is the Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Original Spirit. Ange has the Black Diamond colourway, Brad has the Chocolate Brown. How cute is little Knox Leon in a hat matching his handsome daddy?

So excited to finally see the little cherubs - we haven't seen them since they were born in July. And how fast are the other kids growing up? Look how long Shiloh's hair is. We can't wait to see alot more of the Brangelina kids..

Cute Toys by Les Deglingos at FAO Schwarz Las Vegas

Looking for something unique for Lulu for her 2nd birthday next month, my husband and I came across this gorgeous range of soft toys in the HUGE FAO Schwarz toy store in the Forum Shopping Centre at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas. Meet Pikos the Hedgehog by Deglingos. Deglingos is loosely translated to be a unique species of contagiously quirky animals. Check out the entire range available at FAO Schwarz. It was a no brainer for me - when I walked past the entire range, it was Pikos and his pink button nose that jumped out at me as if to say "pick me, pick me!". So cute : )

Matilda Ledger - one year on from the passing of her father, Australian actor Heath Ledger

On my recent trip to the US, I bought Lulu these cute little red flower sunglasses from Gymboree. They reminded me of the ones worn by Matilda Ledger in one of the last photos taken with her father, the late actor Heath Ledger, who coincidentally passed away one year ago today. Oscar nominations will be announced in about an hours time and Heath appears to be a certainty for a posthumous nomination for his wonderful performance in The Dark Knight. Over the past year we have watched Matilda out and about with her mummy, actress Michelle Williams and we have blogged about her style. We particularly love her hats and overcoats, perfect for the cold winter conditions in her home town of New York City (please take note TomKat!). Our thoughts and prayers are with Matilda and her family on this anniversary of Heath's untimely passing
UPDATE: This morning Heath was indeed nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in The Dark Knight. He is surely the sentimental favourite, despite the fact that without a doubt he gave an outstanding performance. We are keeping our fingers and toes crossed for his family, and particularly little Matilda Rose

Aaron Basha Baby Charm Bracelet - a favourite of Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

If you are looking for a decadent present for a new mum or new grandmother, why not go the way of the Jolie Pitt's with an Aaron Basha baby charm bracelet.

Recently, at a premiere of Brad's film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Brad's mum showed off her Aaron Basha grandma bracelet, given to her by Angelina & Brad, which was filled with an engraved charm for every grandchild. As you can see from the selection above, there are several designs for a little princess to choose from, and they are all so adorable. My personal fave is the pink ballet flat with diamond bow. They of course have boy charms as well so check out their website for the full range available

Gorgeous knits by La Folie - favoured by Courtney Cox Arquette & Gwyneth Paltrow

Whilst in the States last week I came across this gorgeous knitwear label called La Folie. Favoured by such celebrity mums as Courtney Cox Arquette & Gwyneth Paltrow, the label consists of funky woollen hats, scarves, jumpers (sorry, sweaters for our northern hemisphere friends) and gloves and mittens. Literally, La Folie translates to "madness" in English and these cute styles are certainly mad in a Cirque Du Soliel kinda way. I love them!

Violet Affleck is a cute BIG SIS

Congratulations to Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner, and of course, "Big Sister" Violet Anne, on the birth of baby Seraphina Rose Elizabeth on January 6th, 2009. Violet wanted everyone at pre-school to know she is now a big sister so she wore her feelings on her chest in this cute PlutoKids Tee, available in their Etsy store. On top she wears the Striped French Terry Hoodie from Splendid Littles. When Lulu was born, we received a gorgeous baby basket from BabyBoxes in which there was a little vest that read "Little Sis" which I thought was just adorable. Maybe if we decide to go for one more child, I will need two of these t-shirts that Violet is wearing for my little Gigi & Lulu...

Matilda Ledger snug as a bug in a rug in NYC in 7AM Enfant Blanket 212Evolution

On a chilly outing in New York City with actress mummy Michelle Williams, Matilda Ledger, the cute as a button daughter of the late Australian actor Heath Ledger, looked cozy comfortable in this pram warmer by 7AM Enfant, called the Blanket 212Evolution

All Season Gift Idea - Trumpette Ceramic Keepsake Mary Jane Shoe

Another gorgeous keepsake gift idea for a little girl is the Trumpette Ceramic Keepsake Shoe. I have in the past talked of the fantastic Trumpette Baby Sock range, the Trumpette Rosies & the groovy raincoat & gumboots (sorry, wellies for our non - Australian readers), but these little ceramic mary jane shoes are a delightful addition to the Trumpette range. When I first came across Trumpette baby socks when Gigi was a baby, I remember thinking what a great idea they were and the team at Trumpette continue to be innovative with these lovely keepsake shoes. After all, a girl can never have too many shoes..

Gorgeous Gift Idea for any Disney Tinkerbell Fan by the Bradford Group...Or for any Carrie Bradshaw out there who just loves a gorgeous high heel..

This is absolutely delightful - who would have thought Tinker Bell would be the Carrie Bradshaw of the Disney Princesses. The Bradford Group Disney Tinker Bell Rose Petal Pixie Collectible Shoe Figurine is a great gift idea for any shoe collector, Disney Tinker Bell Fan or just for a unique keepsake present for any little princess you have in your life