Over the past 12 months I’ve strived to be more minimal when it comes to our home and our ‘things’. One of the areas I sought to simplify was the children’s wardrobes. I’d reached the point where drawers were bursting and the simple task of choosing an outfit each day was proving tricky.
Part of the problem was my reluctance to accept each ‘growing out of’ stage. I’d keep onesies whose poppers would no longer stay popped shut and dresses with arm holes designed for a child 6 months younger than my roly poly pudding. I longed to hang on a little while longer to the age and stage that had inhabited these garments, and cling to the memories they were connected to.
In the end I decided to take control and slowly but surely I stripped away anything that could no longer be worn. I stored away clothes that were not suitable for the season we were in at the time, and gifted any clothes that hadn’t been used enough – often due to practical reasons like they made nappy changes awkward. Outgrown pieces were divided into piles – ones that deserved a new home and ones my heart was too attached to.
By the end of my sorting we were left with a modest but perfectly formed collection of clothes for each child that, importantly, could be reached with one hand whilst the other held a toddler on my hip. Pieces that were versatile, practical and beautiful seemed to reign over anything else.
Over the months that followed as each pair of of legs got longer and as holes started forming in the knees of trousers, I replenished their wardrobes with considered pieces that had the potential to be worn over and over. I looked for pieces that would work with other things in their wardrobe, ones that would provide comfort as much as look darling and ones that would withstand the wear and tear of my two lively children.
I recently added a couple of pairs of Coco And Wolf dungaree rompers to Elsie’s wardrobe after getting to know founder, Amy through instagram. A life long love of Liberty prints sparked her inspiration for the brand and she started to source vintage fabrics to help build her first collection after struggling to find pretty, fuss free clothes for her daughter.
Her range is simple, playful and nothing short of genius to me. Dungarees, bloomers, bodysuits and rompers made from beautiful cotton, linen or liberty prints are designed by a mum who gets it. They’re made to be worn, well loved and played in. She’s struck the perfect balance of vintage with a modern cut, meaning the clothes are practical and contemporary as well as beautiful and nostalgic.
Elsie has their bloomer dungarees, in grey and stripes, both of which go with everything in her wardrobe. They have sweet little details – decorative stitching, charming buttons and clever touches like elasticated seams in the sides to provide maximum comfort and space to grow with the child. I love that they will see her through spring and summer with bare legs and sandals and then well into autumn with ankle socks through to winter layered over woollen tights. The ethos of the brand is to create beautiful, contemporary, well made pieces that can be handed down through generations, I think Amy’s nailed it.
As well as her eye for children’s clothing, Amy and her friend Laura put their heads together to design a range of Children’s homewares, including bedding and nursery accessories. Their liberty print quilts are perfect for picnics and playing in the garden as much as they are for keeping babies cosy at night. They make beautiful heirloom pieces or thoughtful gifts for a friend expecting.
It’s good to be more disciplined about what we buy and bring into our home. I really value quality and versatility now as much as I do design and charm, all of which I think Coco & Wolf delivers in spades.
//FEATURED//
Elsie wears Bloomer Dungarees
Betsy pillow cases with pink linen
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