A friend of mine is going to Mijami (which is what we Cubans call it: My-Ja-Mee), with her two beautiful daughters. She has asked me for some clothing ideas (she’s a green mum too) for the trip. These are they – ruffles and bows – all perfect for the tropical salsa spirit of my “home”.

Though it’s January, Miami nights can be at bit cooler – for which this ruffled cardi would come in handy.

And we Cubans love a bow (actually – as with ruffles, the more the better), on a child. This sweet little shirt will look great at News Cafe for breakfast.

The above looks are all from Bloume Baby – a great little shop for organic togs, with tropical sensibilities.

And, in the tradition of ruffles….

Stella never gets it wrong.

And from Arte Bebe (you’ll love this site)…pink!

Sweet, feminine, cool and simple. You don’t need to dress your hija like like Carmen Miranda to fit in. (But that would work too.)

Besos!

There are loads of sales right now for green mums with bumps or wee ones.

Every verdant mama loves Kate Quinn Organics. Luckily for you, the queen of basics has a sale going on at the ‘mo that is perfect for stocking up.

For up to 65% off of colourful basics (shoutout to my Florida friends), Sckoon Organics has a sale on adorable – BRIGHT – basics.

Sage Creek Organics has a sale for 30% on togs that are perfect for running about the beach, garden or park.

Pure & Honest Kids has a $10.99 sale that is also perf for a basics stock up.

Pure and Little  has a 50% sale on lovely basics for those of us who aren’t massive fans of color. Unless Navy Blue is “color”.

And of course – there are always quite a few good deals on Zulily.

For my local Chicago mamas, Odiles summer sale begins July 18th – which is a perfect opportunity to buy juniors “visiting/party” togs. They don’t do basics. Bless them.

Happy Shopping!

Needless to say, our country is the only in the developed world that doesn’t regulate formaldehyde in clothing. Even for infants. Look. This is my shocked face.

But I am frequently asked how much of the stuff is allowed in clothes from Europe – so I thought that I’d post this for you: GLOBAL FORMALDEHYDE LIMITS

Quick aside: I once had a mother tell me not to worry about formaldehyde in clothing as I could just put the outfit in the wash. True story. (You can wash away the smell and “finishing”, but not remove the compound from the fibers.)

Formaldehyde, as you may know, is what we use to embalm people with.

Here is more from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

• Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature that is slightly heavier than air. It has a pungent, highly irritating odor that is detectable at low concentrations, but may not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations for sensitized persons.
• It is used most often in an aqueous solution stabilized with methanol (formalin).
• Most formaldehyde exposures occur by inhalation or by skin or eye contact. Formaldehyde is absorbed well by the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and, to a lesser extent, skin.

Skin/Eye Contact

Ocular exposure to formaldehyde vapors produces irritation and lacrimation. Depending on the concentration, formaldehyde solutions may cause transient discomfort and irritation or more severe effects, including corneal opacification and loss of vision. Formaldehyde is absorbed through intact skin and may cause irritation or allergic dermatitis; rapid metabolism makes systemic effects unlikely following dermal exposure.

Children are more vulnerable to toxicants absorbed through the skin because of their relatively larger surface area:body weight ratio.

Ingestion

Ingestion of as little as 30 mL (1 oz.) of a solution containing 37% formaldehyde has been reported to cause death in an adult. Ingestion may cause corrosive injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa, with nausea, vomiting, pain, bleeding, and perforation. Corrosive injuries are usually most pronounced in the pharyngeal mucosa, epiglottis and esophagus. Systemic effects include metabolic acidosis, CNS depression and coma, respiratory distress, and renal failure.

Basically – this is smelly bad stuff that you don’t want anywhere NEAR your infant (which is why all infant clothes should be organic).

I am now even slightly concerned that the legal infant exposure limits in most EU countries – 20ppm – is too high for a newborn after I read this on the CDC site:

Human data: It has been reported that exposure to 10 to 20 ppm produces almost immediate eye irritation and a sharp burning sensation of the nose and throat which may be associated with sneezing, difficulty in taking a deep breath, and coughing; recovery is prompt from these transient effects [Kodak 1936-1960]. It has been estimated that exposure for 5 to 10 minutes to 50 to 100 ppm might cause serious injury to the lower respiratory passages [Kodak 1936-1960]. The following exposure-effect data has also been reported: most subjects experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat at 1 to 3 ppm; many subjects cannot tolerate prolonged exposures to 4 to 5 ppm; and difficulty in breathing was experienced at 10 to 20 ppm [IARC 1982]. In a summary of health effects data, upper airway irritation and increased nasal airway resistance were reported at 0.1 to 25 ppm and lower airway and chronic pulmonary obstruction at 5 to 30 ppm [NRC 1981].

Which means that the French cashmere layette I had picked out is now a no go. (Sometimes I wish that I had never been taught to read.)

Basically. Organic is best, European is better than American – and American is rubbish. Unless Organic.

NOTE: Zia & Tia makes beautiful organic layettes, which is what the top foto is of.

I lived in Florida for much of my life. This means that I have been to Disney more times than anyone I know who isn’t also from Florida. Its a Florida thang. Like catching lizards or having a manatee stuffed animal. Like having a relative that has a shell art collection or thinking nothing of going to the grocery store barefoot. Yup. Barefoot. You just do if you are from the sunshine state. Just ’cause.

So. When I explained to my family, when pregs with my first, that I would not be dressing the little one in ANY Disney regalia, it was akin to telling them that I hated the Florida Gators, the American Flag and Ropa Vieja. In short: sacrilege. When I tried to explain that inexpensive, Made in China Disney clothes were soaked in evil chemicals – as evil as the the wicked Queen in Snow White – I know they just, simply, did not believe me. How could The Mouse be responsible for anything but bunnies and rainbows and happy endings?!

But. They honoured my wishes, and not a Dumbo or Donald is to be found in my son’s closet.

So. You can imagine my interest when I read over at the oecotextiles blog, that Greenpeace actually bought and had Disney clothes tested for the following:

1.      Phthalates

2.      Alkylphenol ethoxylates

3.      Organotins

4.      Lead

5.      Cadmium

6.      Formaldehyde

Here’s what they found (via oecotextiles):

1.      Phthalates:  Found in all the garments tested, from 1.4 mg/kg to 200,000 mg/kg – or more than 20% of the weight of the sample.

2.      Alkylphenol ethoxylates: Found in all the garments tested, in levels ranging from 34.1 mg/kg to 1,700 mg/kg

3.      Organotins:  found in 9 of the 16 products tested; the Donald Duck T shirt from The Netherlands had 474 micrograms/kg

4.      Lead:  Found in all the products tested, ranging from 0.14 mg/kg to 2,600 mg/kg for a Princess T shirt from Canada.  With Denmark’s new laws on the use, marketing and manufacture of lead   and products containing lead, the Princess T shirt from Canada would be illegal on the Danish market.  Canada has set a limit of 600 mg/kg for children’s jewelry containing lead – why not Disney T shirts?

5.     Cadmiun:  Identified in 14 of the 18 products tested, ranging from 0.0069 mg/kg in the Finding Nemo T shirt bought in the UK to 38 mg/kg in the Belgian Mickey Mouse T shirt.

6.     Formaldehyde:  Found in 8 of the 15 products tested for this chemical in levels ranging from 23 mg/kg to 1,100 mg/kg.

One sample stands out: a German Winnie the Pooh PVC raincoat.  This contained an astounding 320,000 mg/kg of total phthalates, or 32% by weight of the raincoat! This raincoat also contained 1,129 micrograms/kg organotins.

You just can’t make this stuff up. It’s deplorable, revolting, unconscionable and – quite frankly – immoral. Well meaning parents, many in my own family, buy what they simply believe are cute outfits – never, ever suspecting that they are covering their children in neurotoxins, fertility disruptors and carcinogens…among other things. I mean – it just DOESN’T seem possible! But. It is.

I don’t mean to unfairly judge The Mouse – as Dora, Nickelodeon and thousands of other licensed character products are likewise poisoned (just as the witches red apple). But, as a Floridian – I do feel somehow far more saddened and betrayed that Disney is not, in fact, the bringer of magic to children – but rather – the bringer of toxins and poisons that contribute to the overall body burden that determines that childs lifetime health and risk for cancer and other diseases and conditions.

They don’t make a mouse trap big enough for that.

Remember kids: Tinkerbell will most likely end up with breast cancer, if her clothes are made by Disney.

And you thought Bambi was sad….

I want to hate Mrs Darcy for being married to dishy, dreamy, looks best in tight trousers and boots astride a large steed Colin Firth. But I can’t. The woman, Livia, is a green mum that not only runs a green shop in London, but the woman wore an ethical silk, naturally dyed gown to the most recent Golden Globes, managing to look a vision. Designed by Prophetic, the green/blue gown was simple and worthy of a running across the moors scene from any Austen novel.

Livia pens a blog for Vogue UK, and in it you’ll see many of her other gorgeous green duds.

(Why can’t she just be an insipid selfish stars wife who wears mean leather and fur?!)

So. As you toil away at being a green mum, just remember – that’s JUST the sort of girl that Mr Darcy ended up with in the end. Clever boy.

I am fairly sure that Kate Quinns’ baby bomber jacket is JUST about the cutest damn thing I have ever seen in green clothing. Honestly. Sew a few badges on this bad boy and the Red Baron had better run!

Though I wish she had a blue blazer, this adorable professorial jacket, complete with intellectual elbow patches, is also too sweet for words …

And for a little brother, how yummy is this bunting…

Too delicious.

And as not to leave out the wee lasses, this velvet coat is perfect for High Tea…

Kate Quinn was one of the first organic clothing companies I was aware of – and she has come a long way, baby.

These beautiful organic clothes look as beautiful as any from Bonpoint and at perfectly non-Euro prices.

Kate Quinn has wonderful sales, so you may want to sign up for alerts. Remember, you can always buy on sale for next years size, so that you can save green while dressing bebe green.

Oh. If only she had a wee blue blazer….

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!