mini mioche

Spring 2012 Sneak Peek

2012-01-26T15:52:00.013-05:00

Ok, first off I want to say sorry for being such a brutal blogger of late. With the holidays, the new baby, a short vacay and then getting back into work mode in January, I've been a little spun or should I say 'more spun,' than usual. I am going to try and get my act together (but I'm not making any promises).

So I thought I'd start the new year off with a post about what's coming in just a few short weeks. Here are a few of my favourite styles from the new mm spring collection. I will keep you posted on when this will be in store and online (it will likely be around the middle of February).

the hoody robe (the perfect cover up post pool or lake come summer)!

the twirly tiered skirt

the dandy henley tunic

the airy a-line dress

the beloved bloomie short

the heavenly hoody dress

the fresh dress

the snappy romper

the rockin' romper

the darling ruffle dress

the ball tee and buck short

mini mioche - holiday gift picks for guaranteed merriment!

2011-11-28T22:43:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that it's December and the holiday season is right around the corner. As usual, I'll be leaving everything until the last minute and then will be racing around in a panic trying to think of and find gifts for all the peeps in my life.

In an effort to try to help all of you avoid this stress inducing situation, I have put together my top holiday gift picks for the little ones in your life - all available at the mini mioche store of course! :-)

1 . The coolest hats from Barts and Kangol

2 . Non toxic fun from Piggy Paints and Clementine Art.

3 . Ridiculously cute shoes from Toms, Frye, Native, Keep, Bloch, Sorel, Minnetonka and more

4 . Rock a bye baby discs- lullabye versions of Coldplay, U2, Bob Marley, The Cure, Radiohead, Floyd, Sabbath and more.

5 . mini mioche signature super stretch denim - hipster cool and comfy.

6 . The coziest slippers from Kina and Collegien (and they stay on)!

7 . Backpacks from Beatrix NY and Herschel

8 . Handmade stuffed animals and toys from Needlings, Cate and Levi, Arks and Angels and Tiny Warbler.

9 . The bundler/beanie/bib gift set - the perfect newborn gift.

10 . The mini mioche Happy Romper and other super cozy fleece fashion.

Bella Child Magazine

2011-11-27T20:31:00.002-05:00

We were recently contacted by Bella Child Magazine, a fabulous new online magazine that is published quarterly focusing on great children's fashion. They asked if we would do a little video story on great layering pieces for the fall/winter season and they came into the store a few weeks ago to shoot it. The kids were super cute and I think the piece turned out really well (although I have to say that my boobs look HUGE - I think Weston was about a week old at this point and I hadn't fed him in a few hours).

Layering with Mini Mioche from Stephanie Andrews on Vimeo.

Cool new brand: Native

2011-11-21T09:07:00.001-05:00

I recently discovered the Canadian shoe brand, Native. To me, these shoes are like a much, much cooler version of a Croc. We have these boots from the fall collection in store now. They are super light, waterproof and neoprene lined for added warmth.

mini mioche autumn window

2011-11-14T08:59:00.004-05:00

Here's a few pics of the lovely autumn window at the mini mioche store, created as always by the talented Renee Elliott of eat.live.shop. I also hired Renee to design and create Weston's baby room (as I was feeling a little too overwhelmed and uninspired to do it myself) and I will post some photos of the completed room in the very near future.

New and exciting brand: Bart's

2011-10-25T16:25:00.000-04:00

I love kids hats and yet I often have a hard time finding cool ones, which was why I was so excited to discover the Barts collection of infant and kids winter accessories. This Amsterdam based company makes such amazing hats, mitts and scarves that I literally could not pick what to buy for the mm store. Here are 2 of my favourite styles that we have in for fall - the Kamikaze Bomber for kids and the Loggy Bomber for infants. Super styling and super warm - can't beat that.

The latest mini mioche model

2011-10-02T10:52:00.008-04:00

I am incredibly excited to have a new little model for mini mioche arrive on the scene this week. Weston King was born on Wednesday, September 28th weighing 6 lbs 3 ounces. I have to admit, I am psyched to get to dress a boy even though I know it won't be that exciting. I could also use some boy inspiration for future mm collections. He is of course rocking mm for his first trip out in the real world - although given his small stature the only thing that would fit him was our preemie line from our very first collection 3 years ago (and it's still a little big on him). I am absolutely in love with the slippers which are from New Zealand brand, Kina (we sell them at the mini mioche store) - they are super cozy and a perfect fit and most importantly they stay on!

mini mioche on Dragon's Den

2011-09-28T07:28:00.006-04:00

So back in April, I took a bit of risk and decided to go on the well known Canadian show, Dragon's Den to pitch the mini mioche retail concept. I guess you can say, I'm not exactly 'risk adverse'. The pitch ended up airing online only (they feature one 'web pitch' on the Dragon's Den web site each week and this is our week). Although it went down somewhat differently than the final edited version (to be expected when edited from 30 minutes down to 5), overall it was a really good experience. I'm disappointed that Kevin didn't get much air time in the final version - he and I actually got on pretty well.

If you want to check out the pitch, please click on the link below or visit www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/.

http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/episodes.html?ID=2145952169

New brand profile: Frye

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

We are so excited to have Frye for baby and kids arriving at the store for fall. I am a big fan of the brand - I have a bit of a Frye collection myself, both vintage and new and seriously, how ridiculously cute are the mini versions?

mini mioche back to school window

2011-09-07T16:36:00.006-04:00

I can't believe it's already September - where did the summer go? My daughter had her first day of junior kindergarten yesterday, so it really felt like 'back to school' this year at our house. In that spirit, I thought I would share a few photos of the new mini mioche window, courtesy as always by the lovely and talented Renee Elliott of eat.live.shop fame.

Best sellers: K-way

2011-08-30T15:17:00.001-04:00

So most people (over the age of 30 at least) remember K-way - the awesome, colourful, inexpensive, waterproof windbreakers that fold up into a little hip pouch. Well they are totally back and cooler than ever. We just got a brand new shipment in for fall - perfect timing for cooler temps! They are available in navy, magenta, kelly green and royal blue from size 12 months to 6 years.

P.S. We don't have K-way available on our online store but if you are interested, you can always call in an order to the mini mioche retail store and we can ship you your order.

Cool collaborations: mini mioche + Monocle

2011-08-23T13:42:00.003-04:00

One of my very favourite magazines is Monocle. If you are not familiar with this publication, you must check it out - it is a beautiful magazine filled with all sorts of interesting articles, cool places to check out, interesting products etc.

I am thrilled to be doing a little mini mioche+Monocle collaboration. They just received our bundler/beanie sets for their stores in the UK, New York and Hong Kong. This photo doesn't really do it justice but the little sets look really cute!

A few personal pics

2011-08-07T21:07:00.008-04:00

So I don't usually post personal photos on the mm blog but I was away this weekend with my family visiting my best friend and her family in Sudbury, Ontario and her father-in-law took these gorgeous photos of our 2 little girls together and since they are both sporting mini mioche, I figured I would share. I so wish I could take photos like these.

Rock-it Promotions Holiday Media Preview

2011-07-26T22:15:00.010-04:00

Today the lovely people at rock-it promotions held their annual Holiday media preview event which mini mioche was fortunate enough to be a part of. We set up a little booth (kind of like a miniature version of the mm store) and highlighted our fall 2011 collection as well as some of the great new products we'll be offering in the store and online throughout the fall/holiday season. The turn out was amazing and we really enjoyed meeting so many nice people throughout the day.

Sneak Peek at mm fall 2011

2011-07-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

It feels like gorgeous summer only just arrived and yet here we are preparing to start receiving the new fall 2011 mini mioche collection. I know I'm obviously just a tad biased but I think there are some seriously cute pieces in the new line up and I am very excited to finally introduce stripes into the collection (because I just love stripes)!

Here is a little sneak peek at some of the fall styles that will be hitting stores in August.

The happy romper with the love beanie

The hooded hanky dress and snug pant

The double trouble tee and baggie boogie cargo

The delightful dress with the snug pant and circle scarf

The lush hoody with the fleecy cargo

The friendly henley and mm slim fit denim

The twisted tunic with the snug pant

the circle scarf with the serenity short sleeve tee and mm slim fit denim

the hoody tee with the baggie boogie cargo

Best sellers: Saltwater Sandals

2011-06-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

We are loving Saltwater Sandals and so are our customers! These sandals are so great for so many reasons - they are made with genuine leather and yet are totally water proof. They are durable and comfortable and at under $50, they are also the right price.

New collection: Babiators

2011-06-12T15:47:00.000-04:00

Is there anything cuter than a little person rocking awesome shades? We just discovered Babiators (not only is the name fab but the glasses are too). This eyewear line for little ones blocks 100% of UVA and UBV rays and Babiators are made without BPA, without phthalates, and without heavy metals (they know because they tested them twice in two laboratories to make sure). So when you buy Babiators, you can rest assured that you are buying the safest sunglasses out there for your little ones!

Together Family Article

2011-06-06T16:05:00.006-04:00

A big thank you to Together Family Magazine for including me in their article on balancing business and babies (although I'm definitely no expert)! It can be found in the new summer 2011 issue.

Best sellers: Natural sun care creme from Matter Company

2011-06-04T14:52:00.005-04:00

We literally cannot keep the new natural sun care creme from Matter Company in stock at the mm store. What makes this sun block so amazing? Well not only is it chemical-free (i.e. safe for your little ones), it actually creates a physical barrier to protect against the elements (and it's not white/opaque, oily or messy when applied)!

Natural oils of shea butter, sesame seed oil and jojoba oil offer added protection, while moisturizing and soothing sensitive skin. The botanical blend of calendula, grapeseed and green tea extract cool and soothe over-exposed skin. The water resistent formula is safe for children of all ages.

Lemonade!!!

2011-05-28T13:16:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to share with you our new window at the mini mioche store, courtesy of the lovely Renee Elliott from eat.live.shop. On select days we actually serve fresh squeezed lemonade for only 5 cents a glass!

Me (Alyssa) in Canadian Family Magazine

2011-04-20T19:17:00.005-04:00

A little while ago the fashion editor from Canadian Family magazine emailed me about being included in an upcoming fashion article on denim for their upcoming mother's day issue. I was super flattered and also a little terrified (I'm usually the one directing the photo shoots, not the one being photographed).

Anyway, the May issue is now on news stands and here it is. I showed my dad the article and he said "is this even you?" (apparently it doesn't really look like me).

The new mm window

2011-04-01T12:18:00.013-04:00

I don't know about you guys but I am SO ready for some spring weather to be here! The lovely Renee Elliott of eat.live.shop fame put together this beautiful window design based on our spring 2011 colour palette and so thankfully it has at least felt like spring in the mini mioche store for the past couple of weeks (even if it's still freezing outside).

Featured Brand: Walnut Melbourne

2011-03-21T22:26:00.000-04:00

I have a thing for baby shoes - I always have, even before I had an actual baby. My daughter literally had about 25 pairs of shoes in her first year of life. Now that we have opened the mini mioche store and are bringing in select shoe brands, I can actually justify my obsession. I can not wait for our spring 2011 order from Walnut Melbourne to arrive (should be today)!!

Walnut is an Australian shoe company that I recently discovered, that makes the absolute cutest tennis and deck shoes for infants and kids. Check out some of the styles that will be available in store within the next week. I'll definitely be getting the knotted maryjane in biscuit, the denim maryjane and the grey jersey tennis shoe for my daughter Emerson (ok, who am I kidding, she'll probably be getting one of each).

mini mioche in WHERE magazine

2011-03-10T12:12:00.002-05:00

Yaa! mini mioche is featured in WHERE magazine this month

mini mioche denim

2011-02-06T18:10:00.007-05:00

I am a total jeans and tee girl so for quite a while now I've wanted to make mini mioche denim. I started working on this with the Montreal denim manufacturer behind well known jean brands Guido and Mary and Domino last spring. Together we developed a super cute slim fit, dark rinse infant and kids jean. The jeans are unisex, super stretchy and the perfect weight for year-round wear (they aren't organic but are made in Canada)! In March we will be introducing a new mid-blue, slightly worn wash. The jeans are available from 3-6 months - 6 years in store and online.

Featured Brand: Kooringal Australia

2011-02-01T21:08:00.010-05:00

Cool kids hats are a hard thing to find (although there seems to be an abundance of dorky ones out there). Luckily, I happened upon Kooringal, an Australian hat collection that features cute but not cutesy hats for babies and infants. I am particularly in love with their fedoras for boys and girls and at under $22, the price is definitely right!

Featured Brand: Easy Peasy

2011-02-01T20:57:00.009-05:00

We recently discovered Easy Peasy, one of our favourite new shoe brands from France. These gorgeous leather shoes and booties are eco-friendly and made ethically in the company's factory in Tunisia. Not only are they adorable and comfy - they come in the cutest re-usable packaging ever! Easy Peasy is available in store now and online soon.

Featured Brand: Stella Cove

2011-02-01T19:02:00.006-05:00

With the massive impending snowstorm, I am officially in denial mode, so figured what better time to profile Stella Cove, the Australian swimwear collection that will be arriving at the mini mioche store within the next week or so (perfect timing for those lucky peeps heading south for a little sun and fun). I want the black and white 2-piece for myself please and thanks.

mm feature in Now Magazine

2011-01-20T11:41:00.004-05:00

Great little article in Now Magazine this week (mm is featured as their 'store of the week'). Woo hoo!

Spring 2011 Sneak Peek

2011-01-19T15:20:00.015-05:00

I don't know about you but I am over winter (and yes, I do realize it's only January). I swear I was meant to live in a climate that doesn't dip much below 20 degrees year round. So while spring might still be a little ways off, at least I can get excited about the new spring collections (for both myself and my daughter) which are starting to arrive every day. I am super pumped about the new mini mioche collection for spring which will be available online and in stores starting early February. Here are a few of my fave photo shoot pics - a little sneak peek for you lovely blog readers.

hanky tanky dress and snug pant

the bloomer

riding hood cardi with serenity short sleeve tee and snug pant

comfi cardi with the serenity short sleeve tee and buck short

skipper dress

breezy tank with the circle scarf and buck short

ball tee with the boogie pant

tulip tee with the snug pant

hip harem pant with the long sleeve tulip tee and circle scarf

paradise polo layered with the serenity short sleeve tee and buck short

breezy tank with snug pant (on Emi) and breezy tank with buck short (on Nick)

doe short with long sleeve tulip tee

Great Press for mini mioche

2011-01-19T13:49:00.008-05:00

It has been just over a month since we opened the mini mioche retail location in downtown Toronto and so far, it's been great. We have really enjoyed interacting with our customers and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. I have to say, after 2 years of doing this it's been very gratifying to hear how much people like and appreciate the brand (we have had customers tell us that they pretty much dress their little ones in mm exclusively)!

We have received some amazing press and there will be more to come!

Today's Parent - February 2010

Viva Magazine - January 2010

T.O. Night - November 29, 2011

Vitamin Daily - December 8th, 2010

And some great online hits:

Ta Daaa

2010-12-06T14:52:00.001-05:00

So after working non stop for the past several days, the mini mioche store is officially done and ready to open on Wednesday, December 8th. I had the most amazing crew help me put this together and could not have done any of it without their help. Steve Wallin from Salvage Interiors made all of the beautiful steel fixtures for the store and hung EVERYTHING in the entire place. Ted Power, along with Steve, created the fabulous basics shelving units and cash desk (what a team)! Alex Goth worked ridiculous hours helping set everything up, making sure all of our electronic and technical 'things' were functioning properly and just keeping me sane and laughing the whole time. And Renee Elliott from Salvage Interiors and Eat.Live.Shop was instrumental in the store design, put the entire window display together and just worked her little butt off for weeks to help pull everything together. I am so grateful for all of their help. Not only are they super smart, talented people but they made the whole experience fun, despite how totally exhausting it was.

Here are a few photos of the first mini mioche bricks and mortar store. If you are in the Toronto area, we hope you will come by and check it out.

mm first retail store opening in Toronto!

2010-11-24T20:12:00.002-05:00

You may or may not have heard already (more than likely not, since I haven't really made an official announcement until now) but I am very excited to let you all know that mini mioche will be opening its first bricks and mortar store in downtown Toronto in just over a week's time. The official opening day will be Wednesday, December 8th and the store will be located in the lovely Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood at 795 Queen Street West.

The store is still under construction currently (see photo below) but I am confident that in a little over a week's time I will have a very different 'after' photo to show you (and yes, I have a lot of work ahead of me).

The store will fully showcase the mini mioche brand, including a 'basics bar' and all of our seasonal fashion. We will offer select styles which will be exclusive to the store, as well as additional shoe, accessory and eco-friendly toy brands which have been hand selected by the mm team. The store will literally feature all of my favourite things (most of which are Canadian designed and/or made) and I cannot wait to see it all come together.

Please check back with the blog over the next two weeks as I will be featuring a few of my favourite products that will be available in the store (several of which are exclusive to mini mioche in Canada).

The mm store at 795 Queen Street West - still a ways to go but we'll get there!

mini mioche in 24 Hours!

2010-11-17T12:25:00.004-05:00

Check out the amazing hit mini mioche received in 24 Hours (front page no less)!

One of a Kind Show Toronto

2010-11-14T13:37:00.009-05:00

From November 25th until December 5th, the One of a Kind Show will be running at the Direct Energy Centre in downtown Toronto. I usually check out the show every year to pick up some holiday gifts (and inevitably a little something for myself too). I was browsing their web site yesterday for cool stuff for my daughter's new bedroom, which I'm in the process of re-doing. Here are a few of my favourite finds - not sure if I would put them all in her room but I love them and think they are super cute nonetheless!

Some people might be a little creeped out by these felt faux taxidermies by Felt factory but I think they are awesome.

I love unique, kitschy handmade 'stuffies'. These Beast-Tees by Katkaland are made from recycled tees. The 'nitts' group are made from recycled sweaters. I think they are adorable.

Family of 'misfits' by Usus. Not only are these guys super cute and eco-friendly - they have a good little message:

"Each one represents a specific characteristic or trait of an undesirable nature. But with the attached storybook each doll explains why their trait is actually great and how you too can grow to love it. They are on a mission to solve a world of insecurities, one felt doll at a time."

One of my favourite local artists, Hilary Cosgrove does amazing little owl pillows, hand-made birds and beautiful (not too cutesy) kids art - I will definitely be stopping by her booth.

mini mioche in the National Post

2010-10-06T12:36:00.004-04:00

A big thanks to Kessa, the lovely designer from one of our favourite kids collections, Patouche, for featuring our toasty hooded dress as one of her favourite picks for the fall season in a recent edition of the National Post. Check it out here: National Post.

mini mioche x Estella NYC

2010-10-04T16:25:00.008-04:00

A little while ago, Estella approached mini mioche about using our lush hoody for their prints. We were so flattered that one of the cutest baby boutiques in Manhattan wanted to do a collaboration with us. Their graphics were created by the Puerto Rican designer Acido Domingo, and boy are they adorable! We agree with Estella - these prints are nothing short of genius!
Check out their online shop, or if you're in the area, stop by the store at 493 Sixth Ave, New York.

Cool Store: Green Genes, Chicago

2010-09-17T13:57:00.006-04:00

We are so excited that mini mioche has now found a home at the super cute Chicago store, Green Genes. Owned by Heather Muenstermann and Christina Isperduli, the store is located on the north side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Andersonville.

In addition to supplying awesome and unique organic and eco-friendly items, the owners have carried through their eco mission throughout the business. The interior space is filled with antiques and salvaged fixtures, bamboo floors and no VOC paints. Sweet!

new mini mioche web site

2010-08-17T21:43:00.002-04:00

After months of development, our new mini mioche web site has finally gone live. We hope you find it easy to navigate and shop. We will be adding more new fall styles over the next few weeks so please check in with us regularly. If you have any feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you so please feel free to email us at info@minimioche.com.

Happy surfing!

mini mioche fall 2010 now available!

2010-08-11T15:44:00.015-04:00

Hello everyone and sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been on vacation and then super busy receiving and shipping all of our fall orders and putting together the new spring 2011 line sheet. We are also going to be launching a brand new mini mioche web site, so please check back with us soon - hopefully it will be live before the end of this week. I thought in the meantime I'd give you a little sneak peek of some of our new fall styles - available in stores now and online through the new web site next week!

Baby Charlotte out and about in mini mioche!

2010-07-12T16:12:00.003-04:00

Check out Sarah Michelle Gellar out and about with her daughter Charlotte who is sporting her favourite mini mioche duds.

Babyelandaily.com

2010-06-14T13:02:00.005-04:00

Check out the great mini mioche review on the U.S. web site babyelandaily.com. Thanks for the love Babyelan!

mini mioche warehouse sale

2010-05-20T12:35:00.006-04:00

When: Friday, May 28 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. &
Saturday, May 29 - 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: Alyssa Agency - 2770 Dufferin Street at Wingold Avenue, Suite 206 (second floor)
Toronto, Ontario - 416-782-4169

What: Discounts of 50% (or more) on discontinued styles and colours
(sizes newborn - 6 years available)

A percentage of sales will be donated to the June Callwood Centre for Women and Families.

Out and about in mm

2010-05-11T16:53:00.012-04:00

Below are a some recent pics of a few cuties sporting their favourite mm duds. We love to see our fans decked out in mm, so please feel free to email me photos of your little one(s) at alyssa@minimioche.com. If you would prefer I not post the photo on the blog, just let me know.

Kate

Jordan

Madeline

Sasha

Madison

Amirah

Alexis

Celebrity following

2010-05-11T16:43:00.010-04:00

We have gotten quite the little celeb following for mini mioche over the past 2 years. Celebrity fans include Halle Barry, Amy Poehler and Isla Fisher to name a few. We recently received personal notes (below) from Minnie Driver and Sarah Michelle Geller, who are both big mm fans! Pretty cool. :-)

Fresh Press

2010-05-11T16:26:00.005-04:00

We just received the most recent issue of Earnshaw's Magazine (the biggest children's market trade magazine in the U.S.) and were absolutely thrilled to see mini mioche featured in the most adorable photo spread.

Earth Day Picks

2010-04-21T13:33:00.011-04:00

Earth Day, now in its 40th year, takes place on April 22nd. In a nut shell, it's a day used to promote awareness about all kinds of environmental issues. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share with you some of my favourite eco-friendly (and kid-friendly) finds!

I am always desperately in need of storage for the ridiculous number of toys we have and I'm loving this environmentally friendly modular storage unit from Way Basics.

One of my favourite eco-friendly Canadian companies is 3 Sprouts. I think their organic hooded towels and storage bins are adorable, useful and make a great gift.

Another amazing Canadian company is Matter Company, which makes amazing organic skincare products for mom and baby. Two of my favourites are the nappy rash ointment and the sun care for baby, which I'll be stocking up on now that the nice weather is here.

These adorable helmets from Nutcase aren't necessarily made of eco-friendly materials but what's more environmentally friendly than riding a bike?

mini mioche spring 2010 - shop online now

2010-03-22T14:50:00.007-04:00

The spring 2010 collection is now available through the mini mioche online store. And for the next two weeks, we are offering our online shoppers a 15% discount on the entire spring line. Simply enter the promo code 'spring' upon checkout and the discount will be applied automatically. This special offer will expire April 9th. Happy spring shopping!

Cool Store: Smoochie Baby, Brooklyn NY

2010-03-16T16:22:00.006-04:00

We were so sad when one of our favourite Toronto kids stores, Smoochie Baby closed its doors in the fall of 2008 after the owner, Penelope Stipanovich, moved back to NYC with her husband and little boy (can't blame her though as I would love to live and work in New York at some point in my life).

However, we were thrilled when we heard she had opened up south of the border. Smoochie Baby NYC, located in uber cool Brooklyn, opened last May and features the hippest stuff for little people. The fact that they offer free shipping to Canada on all online orders of $100 or more just makes it that much cooler.

People talking about mini mioche

2010-03-08T12:34:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the gorgeous spring-like weather we had over the weekend. It felt SO good to feel sun on my face again. A few bloggers were talking about mini mioche - click on the links below to check out their posts.

Life With The Babe

Squidoo

Spring Picks

2010-02-28T09:40:00.016-05:00

Even though this winter has been far from terrible (at least up until this point), I am so ready for spring to arrive. And despite the fact that it's probably still a month or more away, the idea of it makes me want to shop. Below are a few things I'll be picking up for spring (if I haven't already).

I was in New York City this past week and stopped by one of my favourite kids stores, Bonpoint on Bleeker Street. If you are ever in New York, it's definitely worth checking out. It's not for the budget conscious but their stuff is gorgeous. I just had to have these Bensimon shoes for Emi - too cute.

I had the privilege of meeting the Toronto based designer from So Young Mother - the coolest line of cooler and lunch bags. I want to get one for Emi and for myself (maybe that would actually motivate me to finally bring my own lunch to work) and when I eventually get around to having another baby, I am definitely going to get the Charlie diaper bag. This is exactly what I was looking for when I had Emi and couldn't find - simple, functional and plain, neutral colour options!

I recently discovered this Australian line of swimwear called Stella Cove. They have the most amazing array of prints and almost everything is available in a 1 or 2 piece option (they also have some super cute surfer style swim shorts for boys).

So it's not quite sandal wearing weather yet but everyone know's you have to buy early before they're all sold out. I love both of these for Emi and will have to make a trip to Gap to pick them up asap.

I always make a trip to FAO Schwarz when I am in New York and this trip I picked up yet another Corolle baby for my daughter who is completely obsessed with dolls. I was in Kol Kid yesterday and saw these mini dolls also from Corolle. They are so adorable and I love that they have boy and girl versions available.

Cool Store: Dandelion Kids,Vancouver B.C.

2010-02-16T19:10:00.007-05:00

One of our favourite new mini mioche retailers is Dandelion Kids. Located in downtown Vancouver (and recently opening a second location in Port Moody, B.C.), this amazing kids store is a definite must visit if you happen to be chilling at the Olympics in Vancouver right now.

Not only do they have a super cool mix of baby and kids products, they have the most creative window displays. Check out the pics below for just a few of their inspired window creations.

Spring 2010 mini mioche collection

2010-02-11T13:50:00.011-05:00

I know it might not feel like it but spring is here - at least in the land of mini mioche!

I'm sorry for the delay in getting to this blog post but I have a good excuse - I have been swamped receiving all of our gorgeous new spring 2010 production and have literally been wading through a sea of little people clothing trying to get all of our customers' orders packed up and shipped out.

I am extremely happy with how the spring line has come in and am loving all the yummy, bright spring colours - such a refreshing change from dark fall clothes.

Check out the photos below for a little peek at some of our new spring fashion and fun colours - hitting stores this week!

The fresh dress in organic french terry

The surfer sleeveless hoody in organic french terry

The sunny skirt in organic french terry

The joy dress in organic lightweight jersey

The paradise polo in organic lightweight jersey

The hipster shorts in organic heavyweight jersey

i don't like mama - mini mioche blog feature

2010-02-01T18:09:00.002-05:00

Check out the great write up on mini mioche on the popular blog I don't like mama!

Cool Store: Wonderland, Los Angeles

2010-01-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

We were thrilled when we received an order from our lovely west coast U.S. agents at AB Spoon for the baby and children's store Wonderland, located in Brentwood California. This store was not only recently voted #1 baby store by Los Angeles Citysearch, it is also a favourite celeb haunt (we know for a fact that Sarah Michelle Geller picked up a whole bunch of mm duds for her new little girl, Charlotte there just recently).

We're growing again!

2009-12-08T13:57:00.012-05:00

mini mioche officially launched just over a year ago (August, 2008) and we have been growing steadily ever since. We initially set up shop within my other business' showroom, Alyssa Agency but quickly outgrew the space.

We have now taken over an adjacent showroom space in our Toronto building, which will now be used as official mini mioche headquarters. Part showroom, part warehouse space, we are very excited that the brand will now have a home of its very own.

Renee's boyfriend Steve who is exceptionally talented and creative came in a couple of weeks ago and built these amazing vintage inspired racks for the new showroom (in one day)! Stay tuned for more on the new showroom as we complete construction in the next few weeks.

Photo shoot: The out takes

2009-12-01T19:58:00.010-05:00

We usually hold mini mioche photo shoots twice a year - one for each seasonal collection. They are always great but totally crazy, chaotic and exhausting as well (we pretty much always break a sweat). We take a LOT of photos and only a select few make it into the look books and web site. Below are are few of my favourites that didn't make the cut.

Meet the mm team

2009-12-01T19:36:00.013-05:00

So I thought this would be a good time and venue to introduce you to the mini mioche team.

In the photo below on the right is Alex. Alex looks after well... pretty much everything mini mioche related. If Alex were to update her resume, the mini mioche section alone would be a full page (at least).

On the left is me (Alyssa). I really have no idea how I am to work with/for but Alex and Renee regularly refer to me as 'CL' (Crazy Lady), if that's any indication.

In the middle is Renee. Renee has been with me for five years and works primarily for Alyssa Agency (my fashion sales agency business) but is really the backbone of the Agency operation and also has to put up with Alex and I talking mini mioche in the office all day (very annoying).

Nursery Decor

2009-11-30T23:13:00.016-05:00

At some point in the future, I do hope to have a second child and I'm already thinking about how I will decorate the nursery. I am loving these great wall decals from the web site Etsy. Which one is your favourite?

Holiday Gift Guide

2009-11-30T20:24:00.015-05:00

I can't believe the holiday season is already upon us. I am notorious for putting off gift buying until the last minute but am really trying to be more organized this year (mostly due to serious lack of time and energy).

Here are a few of my favourite gifts for little ones - some from our mini mioche fall collection and some that are fabulous things that I have received and then given to others, that always seem to be a big hit. Happy shopping!

Lullaby renditions of Pink Floyd from Rockabye Baby. I'm not sure who likes it more - my daughter or my husband.

These shearling booties from Shoe Babou are super cozy and stylin'. They are the perfect toasty outdoor footwear for babies not yet walking and the cutest indoor slippers for walking kids (and because of the suede bottom they don't slip)! The fact that they are designed and made in Canada just makes them that much cooler.

I love these ultra cool, handmade blocks from Canadian company Fidoodle. They are totally fun to play with and also look great displayed on a shelf or bookcase in your little ones' room.

I bought this monkey from Jellycat before my daughter Emi was even born. It has become her absolute favourite thing in the world. We now have 3 of the exact same one (so we are never ever without it).

For fall 2009, we introduced this oversized 'sweatshirt' blanket made of super soft organic fleece. Double sided, with our nature inspired prints, it has become one of my favourite things - perfect for a picnic in the park, snuggling in the stroller or tummy time for a little one. I love it so much I am seriously contemplating doing a larger 'adult size' version for myself.

This super soft, vintage inspired hoody from our fall 2009 collection has been a big hit (we have sold out of it and had to re-order more 3 times this season). Plain or with our nature inspired prints on the back, it is a great layering piece to keep your little one warm all winter long.

Last but not least, our retro inspired sweatpant with our signature 'bum prints' from the fall 09' collection. I gave Jackson, one of our photo shoot 'models', a pair with the 'i compost' bum print and his mom told me that they recently went for a walk in a busy Toronto shopping area and that everyone commented on them. Gotta love that.

mini mioche in Mountain Life Magazine

2009-11-18T15:17:00.010-05:00

Check out our recent editorial feature in the Collingwood/Georgian Bay area magazine, Mountain Life.

Thanks very much to one of our favourite retailers, Ecoinhabit, located in Meaford, Ontario for listing us as one of their favourite things. If you are ever in the Collingwood area, be sure to check out this unbelievable store. It's a huge barn that the owners, Katie and Jeremy renovated themselves and transformed into an absolutely stunning space, with some of the best organic and eco-friendly products offered on the market (everything from bedding to home reno products to baby and kid stuff).

Our little mm fans

2009-11-09T20:04:00.007-05:00

Here are a few of my favourite pics that parents have sent me recently of their little ones out and about in their mm duds. If you would like your baby or toddler featured in a future blog post, please feel free to email me a photo at alyssa@minimioche.com.

Maya, Vancouver B.C.

Alexis, Sudbury Ontario

Gloria, Toronto Ontario

Addison, Mississauga Ontario

mini mioche sample sale event

2009-10-26T15:47:00.003-04:00

Just in time for the holiday season, we are holding our semi annual sample sale in conjunction with my other business (for those who don't know, I also own a fashion sales agency, Alyssa Agency where we represent brands like Fidelity Denim, Brave Belts, Odd Molly, Covet, S'Nob among several others).

We will have some great merchandise - various sizes available and even some one of a kind samples that never quite made it into the mini mioche collection (at least not yet). Pick up a gift or something for your little one and maybe a little something for yourself at the same time!

Our showroom is located at 2770 Dufferin Street (right at the northwest corner of Dufferin and Wingold Avenue). You can also enter at 10 Wingold Avenue. We are on the second floor in suite 206 under 'Alyssa'. Our phone number is 416-782-4169.

We hope to see you there (and feel free to bring your friends and family too)!

Retailer Profile: Baby on the Hip & Kids on the Hip

2009-10-26T13:26:00.011-04:00

The very first retailer to ever place a mini mioche order back in August 2008 was Baby on the Hip . Located on Queen Street East in the very trendy Leslieville area of Toronto, this eco-chic baby boutique is one of my absolute faves. I never leave the store without buying a couple of great items for Emi and Baby on the Hip is where I've discovered a few of my favourite brands: Tip Toey Joey (the coolest baby shoes), Auntie Gin handmade hats and Mimitens, the best baby mittens that actually stay on!

The owners of Baby on the Hip, Cheryl Tschupruk and Gini Bechard, recently expanded their amazing business and opened the doors to Kids on the Hip about a block down the street. Perfect timing for me since Emi is just outgrowing all her baby stuff and we're in the market for cool new kiddie gear!

my little muse

2009-10-21T12:44:00.003-04:00

My daughter Emerson, who is also the inspiration behind the mini mioche collection just turned 2 last weekend. I started working on mini mioche when she was 12 weeks old after having a really hard time finding great, soft basics and layering pieces for her - especially in neutral, 'cool' colours.

She is my pride and joy, my fit model and the 'staple' of all of the mini mioche photo shoots (although she has been exceptionally uncooperative during the last two). Here are a few 'outtakes' of Emi from the first photo shoot (bottom two photos) and the most recent one - as well as a little sneak peek at a couple of our new spring 2010 styles.

mini mioche blog - finally!!!

2009-10-21T12:34:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the mini mioche blog! I meant to start this blog back in August when we launched the new mini mioche web site but basically have been drowning in work for the past two months and just finally got around to launching it now.

This blog is going to be a mish-mash of fun stuff:

Behind the scenes of the mini mioche operation
Our photo shoot 'outakes'
Our favourite products (for ourselves and for our little ones)
Photos of our little 'fans' in their fave mini mioche duds
Retailer profiles
Event announcements
Recent press and editorial coverage for mm
Sneak peeks of our future collections

...among many, many other things!

Please feel free to comment - I would love to hear from you and send photos of your wee ones in mini mioche (if you are cool with me posting them). I hope you will visit often!

xoxo
Alyssa

More mm fans

2009-01-18T14:18:00.000-05:00

Periodically, I will post pics that parents have sent in to us of their little ones (or neices, nephews, friends' little ones - whatever)in their favourite mini mioche duds. Here's a few of my recent favourites. If you would like your little one included in a future blog post, please email photos to info@minimioche.com.

Julius ~ Toronto, Ontario

Maddy ~ Kingston, Ontario

Mado ~ Meaford, Ontario

Luke ~ Toronto, Ontario

Alexis ~ Sudbury, Ontario