Mon Dieu!  This week I walked into heaven. Otherwise known as Odile, here in Chicago, on Wabash. The angels sang. C’est vrai, I heard them.

As you know, I believe that “sneakers” belong on a court or field, I think Crocs belong in the Nile, and that cargo pants should only be worn by Indiana Jones or on safari.

And don’t get me started on horrible “Spider Man” or heavens knows what t-shirts. My son will never, ever, be thusly clad or shod – which means that most of his clothes have been shipped over, or brought over, from France or Italy (those that aren’t from lovely US based organic brands.)

Now. I know you probably don’t like the French – but let’s be honest. As dreadful as they are at fighting Germans, they make the most beautiful children’s clothing in the world. Followed closely by the Italians. (Who will fight anyone, once they decide which the winning team is.)

But, as Basil Fawlty advises: “Don’t mention the war” – as what IS important is that how you dress your child will help determine how he will dress as a gentleman, or lady, years from today. And when you LOOK elegantly, you act and feel likewise. (Admit it, your husband is always at his best in formal attire or a suit.)

So.

Walking into Odile (the bad swan, but the more formidable), made me almost swoon. The clothing is exquisite. Each piece is beautiful and stunning, and if had a girl, I would of left in great(er) debt. These are clothes fit for baby aristos – and Chicago babes that have mums that miss the years they lived in Paris or Florence….

And oui! They have ORGANIC lines by Victoria Christmas, Tane (US based, but looks European – images below) and Le Nouveau Ne.

How “bobo” are these Victoria Christmas pieces…

And this yummy thing that I bought for Alden…

Which is also available in a different style…

And from Tane…

and, the tres soft…

And for a jaunt to the farmers market…

Remember, EU clothing never contains formaldehyde – so even the non-organic pieces are safer than whatever you find at some other boring store.

Odile is for mums who believe that clothes are an investment, and have a big orange box in the closet where she stores her petit lapins clothes for the grandchildren.

If nothing else, this is the store where you should buy bebes “photo shoot” clothes.

You only live once…

And as Piaf sang…Non, je ne regrette rien….

Little boys, (and grown ones who still live with their mothers), like insects, reptiles, and anything else that can mortify mums.  Clearly, someone over at Positively Organic, has a sense of humour, or, lives with his mum. In the basement.

I suppose the ant romper would be slightly amusing for a picnic. And the frog onesie might be fun if you were going to a French restaurant.

The squirrel outfit would be perfect to send to a relative who lives near the Bayou.

It’s not quite what I would dress my little heir in – but Positively Organic does have an extensive collection of sweet and safe togs for parents who like fun, bold, graphics.

Happy Friday!

One of the first sets  that I bought after I found out that I was having a boy, was this darling organic bamboo/cotton set from Amber Hagen Organics.  The blanket and hooded jumper  are as soft as cashmere – but machine washable!

Biodegradable, hypoallergenic, pesticide and chemical free “hoodies” never looked so cool.

This is the set for the mom who would never suit Junior up in a leather jacket, but nor will she tog him up in sear sucker.  It’s a happy medium, and Molly gives it 4 paws up.

(Gift hint: It’s especially perfect for anyone with a Chocolate Lab!)

This journey back to organic and pure has, as you’ll find that it will, transcended the nursery and my son’s darling wardrobe, and begun to spill over into mine. Perhaps a few years ago, organic clothes meant hemp outfits more suitable to feeding a constipated horse than meeting friends at Fred’s for brunch, but that has changed.  For the more modern (rich) girl, there is Stella McCartney, but for a girl whose favourite store was always Anthropologie – the divine Hessnatur is heaven.  Mum can find GORGEOUS pieces that will last generations here, as well as buy daddy and baby equally beautiful things with which to be clad without chems.

Hessnatur makes the clothes that you save in tissue, not put into the give-away box.

And what shoes to wear with beautiful Hessnatur that don’t make you look as though you may not own a razor? Olsen Haus has vegan shoes that look as good and sharp as your Choos. (I know, I know, all of these companies sound like characters in an Ingmar Bergman film – what can I tell you….)

If you are a MOD Mum, you may like the very High Street looking Velvet Leaf or the tamer Juno & Jove, which will go nicely with your new vegan bag from Matt & Nat.

Either way, it’s nice to know that mum now has options to look wonderful without wrapping herself in formaldehyde and chemical drenched fashion -

And how to pay for you lovely organic and vegan wardrobe? Why, with your biodegradable credit card, of course!

Cha-ching!