Our Colourful Christmas Gift Guide

It's all about colour this week! There is less than 6 weeks until the big day so if you haven't already, get those fingers tapping because before you know it the turkey will be on the table. 

Looking for ideas......

Acorn Reversible Yellow Hat, Rock Your Baby Camera Bag in Yellow, 3 Sprouts Giraffe Hanging Wall Organizer, Walnut Melbourne Ruby Sandals in Yellow, Three Times Blessed 4pk Hair Clips, OUCH Clothing Citrus Ruffle Skirt

Ouch Clothing Ready to Rock Tee, Oishi-m River Racket Tee, Acorn Arki Bucket Hat, Oishi-m Waffle Shorts, Ouch Clothing Blue & White Stripe Board Shorts, Oishi-m Capture Shrug, Skeanie All-Terrain Sandals in Blue

 Rock Your Baby Pom Pom Tee, Ouch Clothing Fairy Floss Cardigan, Acorn Reversible Hat in Candy, Skeanie Pink Loafers, Nini La Duchese Pink Cloud Musical Mobile, Rock Your Baby Pink Camera Bag, Rock Your Baby Pink Pavlova Skirt, BLAFRE Deer Thermos

Ouch Clothing Ready To Rock Tee in Green, Daju 2pk Chalk Placemats in Chevron, Oishi-m Grasshopper Tee, Skeanie Green Canvas Gym Boots, Oishi-m BBQ Happiness Shorts, Ouch Clothing Green & White Stripe Board Shorts

Ouch Clothing Slub Dress in Watermelon, MOGO Orange Sunglasses, Oishi-m Racey Macey Tee, All About Eve Shorts in Hot Coral, Ouch Clothing Cardigan in Guava, Ouch Clothing Tulle Layered Skirt in Blush, Minifin Balloon Girl Singlet, Minifin Coral & Peach Stripe Tee

Don't forget free shipping for all orders over $50 and make sure you 'Like' our Facebook page to hear all about our up-coming 12 gifts of Christmas! Ho, ho, ho..... 

New Digs - A look at the new shop!

Our new store has been open for almost a month and I can't believe it's taken me this long to pop up some pictures! 

Moving into City Walk in the heart of the shopping precinct in Albury has been wonderful. So many new customers and all the regulars have made my risky move worthwhile. I can't tell you how nerve racking the decision to move was!

We have put a lot of work into the new locations look, keeping the colour pallet very neutral so the clothing and products really stand out. There are still so many things I want to do and need to do, such as extra signage, some colour and photo's on the back wall, plus a few new racks and stands. But for the most part I'm happy with how it turned out. 

If you live in Albury Wodonga or you're passing through,pop in and say hello. We'd love to see you! 

Meanwhile here's a look at our new digs.... 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on our new location and look. We still have so many plans for the future of Petit Armoir and this is just the beginning so stay tuned! 

Nursery Ideas

When I fell pregnant I couldn't wait to get stuck into the nursery (do people still use that word?). I love decorating, maybe just because it's an excuse to shop, but mostly it's putting my own personal touch on something and at the end I can look back and see what I've accomplished. It's even better when I'm given a strict budget as that has it's own challenges.

When I found out I was having a girl I was thrilled. There are so many options for girls! But what about the boys? Opening Petit Armoir also opened my eyes to just how many great options for boys nursery's there are. Parents told me they wanted fun, classic, different, easily transitioned to toddler and kids, adaptable and list goes on and on.

Here are some of my ideas that hopefully you'll like and can use in your own designer nursery.

I'm always on the look out for great baby room decor and interesting pieces to add that individual touch to a room. If you know a brand or there's something you'd like to see Petit Armoir stock, let us know via email. 

Winter 2013 - Part III

Oishi-m's [Oy-shee-em] limited edition garments splash kimono, vintage and retro fabrics together with denim and cotton to create funky unique garments for newborn babies to busy little people (5-6 years old) 

Oishi-m's coming Autumn 13 collection is shaping up to be their biggest ever yet. Though being limited in nature, they don't last long before being sold out. Here's a sneak peak from their coming collection which will be in store at PetitArmoir in late February. 

This collection sees bright rainbow stripes in bold colours mixed with beautifully textured fabrics in lime green, blues, reds and yellows. Hoodies and Track Pants are also released this collection in amazing purple Japanese fabrics, vibrant reds and deep blues. 

Oishi-m is proudly designed in Torquay and made in Melbourne.

Winter Wardrobe Sorted

I can't believe I'm even thinking about woolen coats and beanies considering it's so damn hot outside! But there is only 6 weeks of summer left and if your anything like me, this is the time I start assessing what I've got stashed away for my kids winter wardrobe, what we can still fit into from last year and what we need to purchase this year. 

I have a little check list I like to follow: 

5 "every day" long sleeve tee's
2 "good" tops
4 jumpers
2 pull-overs/hoodies
2 long sleeve shirts
2 "good" winter dresses for special occasions
3 "every day" dresses
3 pairs of "every day" jeans or pants
1 pair of "good" jeans
3 skirts
1 "good" coat
1 "everyday" parka
1 raincoat
3 pairs of tights
10 pairs of socks (because you'll loose at least 4 of them!)
2 pairs of gloves
2 beanies
2 scarves
1 pair of sneakers
1 pair of "good" shoes
1 pair of gumboots
10 pairs of undies
10 singlets/vests
5 spencers
5 pairs of winter PJ's
1 dressing gown
1 pair of slippers/Ugg boots

It looks like a lot when you list it like that doesn't it! But if you grab some sale items from last season, combine some hand-me-downs and clothes you've put away, you usually only have to buy 1/3 to half that amount. I also like to buy summer clothes that can double as winter fashion pieces. Layer a long sleeve tee under a t-shirt or smock dress and you'll get an extra season out of it. 

Here are a few of the Petit Armoir sale pieces that can be doubled as Winter wardrobe essentials:

Add a grey long sleeve tee under this gorgeous dusty pink palysuit by Baobab and you'll get a whole other season out of it!

This ChalknCheese Bella Special Occasion Dress can be work over a cream long sleeve tee and cream tight. Add some Chocolate boots from the new WALNUT Melbourne Winter collection and you've created a classic stunning outfit. 

Not just for the girls. Add a white or cream long sleeve tee under this Oishi-m Steal Tee and get 12 months instead of 6 months wear out of it. 

Layer this Freshbaked tee over a pair of jeans and a long sleeve tee in white, red or navy and not only will he be extra warm but you've just given him a funky new outfit!

My Favorite Things from 2012

There are so many things in 2012 that I have loved. Opening the new store meant lots of shopping and finding lots of wonderful labels and products. These are a few of my favourites...

Aden & Anais Serenity Star

This is the ultimate night light, feeding diary, clock, room temperature gauge and musical all rolled into one portable stylish star. I can't think of a nursery style that this wouldn't go with. 

Skeanie Sandals

When my daughter started walking a year ago I began looking for affordable, well made footwear that didn't inhibit her growing feet and looked after her soles whilst she explored new found freedom. Skeanie hit the mark immediately. Under $50 for their junior range of shoes, recommended by the Australian and American Podiatry Associations and stylish to boot! So many styles to choose from and keep your eye out for new ugg boots, sneakers and Mary-Jane's in the new year. 

The Letter M - for 6-14yo's

The Letter M is one of those labels you just fall in love with the minute you lay your eye's on her exquisite range. She designs exclusively for 6 to 14 year olds and her range is classic and age appropriate. She's a designer to watch out for in 2013!

Baobab

What I love about Baobab is that they design wearable, funky clothing for babies and kids and most of their range is Organic Cotton. Made under ethical working conditions, this label ticks all my boxes for cool design, functionality, environmentally friendly and ethically made.  

Toosh Coosh

I cannot tell you what a life saver this booster seat has been for our very tall 2.5yo. Too big for a high chair and not quite big enough to sit on a chair by herself, I started looking for something safe, durable and inexpensive for her to sit on so she could enjoy family meals without having to sit on phone books! Toosh Coosh came to the rescue. I love that they come with a carry bag so when we go to restaurants or my parents place we can bring it with us. It doesn't break the bank at only $49.95 either! 

Daju Balloon Ball

Daju are bringing back the fun with balloon balls and chalk mats. Perfect for holidays and travel, these fun toys will fit on your handbag and can be pulled out for play whenever the need arises. 

I'm always on the lookout for original  exciting and helpful products for Mum's and Dads. If you have some you'd like to share I'd love to hear about them. 

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and see you in 2013!