I have been a big fan of Little Bird by Jools Oliver since I saw the debut collection at the Mothercare press A/W show back in July 2012. I think one, because I was pregnant at the time (Miss M arrived in that September) and two, because it seemed to sum up everything I loved about babies and
children clothing.
In fact the little 1970’s winceyette fawn motif nightdress that inspired Jools (it was from Mothercare and had been worn by all her sisters and her four kids) was very similar to one I had myself as a baby – and my mum had – yes, you guessed it saved it for me. Which of course Miss Marnie has worn now too.
I’m not sure if I was a little hormonal or what but I was overjoyed to see the beautiful vintage prints from bluebirds, toadstools and rainbows – it was exactly how I wanted my new baby to dress – and I guess that’s why even now Little Bird holds a special place in my heart (and Miss Marines’ wardrobe.)
The collection continues to stick to its roots with its retro yet modern design, playful and above all childlike vibe. I don’t think any other collection has me so obsessed every season. The pieces ensure
children look like… well, children.
I also believe the range has been successful because you can tell Jools puts her heart and soul into it. I love that she hasn’t ‘sold out to the big bucks’ and started doing pushchairs; furniture and the
like just for the sake of extending the range. I think her love of her designs are evident – and as a child of the seventies too – I know exactly where she’s coming from.
I’m not a fan (as you may have already read) of slogans, motifs or cartoon characters all over kid’s clothes. So, the mix of vintage prints, whimsical designs and classic stripes mean Little Bird is always my first choice for Miss Marnie.
I think each year it just gets better and the fact that many items are unisex makes it a top choice for mums (hand me downs that still look great, anyone?) this year the best news it that is has extended the range from age 5 upto age 8 – meaning older sibling don’t miss out. This of course means Miss M will be wearing Little Bird for as long as it continues until 2020!
So, here’s a peak at the new season – and my fave pieces:
For the Girls:
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| Dress £14-£16 || Jumper £12-£14 || T-shirt £6-£8 || Bag £6 || Cardigan £12-£14 || Skirt £12-£14 |
For the Boys:
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| Track jacket £13-£15 || Trousers £11-£13 || T-shirt £6-£8 || Shirt £10-£12 || Top £7-£9 || Trainers £12 |
And, my fave unisex pieces:
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| Top £7-£9 || T-shirt £6-£8 || Belt £3 || Wellingtons £12 || Jeans £11-£13 || Shoes £15 |
One of my fave items every season is the unisex PJ’s. Still to this day the debut rainbow print ones remain my favourite – I brought them for Miss Marnie when she was born and she was still wearing them six months later!
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| The 2014 PJ’s… and yes, I have my eye on them! (£12-£14) |
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| At 1 month and 6 months – still gong strong! |
My Little Bird wish-list of what I would like to see next!
* More nursery items…
The debut nursery collection was beautiful – and besides the toadstool doorstop – my fave piece(s) is the printed cot sheets. We still use them in Miss Marnie’s cot – and as my mum would say have ‘washed up a treat’. There has been so many amazing prints from rainbows, ducks, lambs and the super logo – that I would love to see then on some more bedroom items too.
* Grown-up pieces…
Ok, I do know the range is for kids but why not make a few special pieces for adults? Jool’s had the yellow sandal custom made to fit her (and why wouldn’t you if it was your range?) but, it was the Instagram pict of Jools with Jamie and the kids in their grown up rainbow PJ’s that got me. My sister even sent me the pict saying “I bet you so want these…” err, yes I do actually!
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| PICT: Daily Mail |
* Extra accessories…
This season sees the first little bag for girls and the accessories collection has expanded but I would be so pleased to see more – wouldn’t you? Hairbands, charm necklaces and maybe some winter hat and scarf sets. And, what about a set of knickers for the girls too? Next season look out for these ‘I want them now’ bottle green Mary-Jane shoes and the little navy cloche hat.
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| Some underwear for girl too, please? (Brief set 39.50-£10) |
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| Coming later this year… |
* Gift Sets…
The little suitcase from the first collection filled with clothes and toys were such great presents for new babies – as Miss Marine would say ‘more please’.
* And, finally please please please sell a set of those beautiful wooden hangers!
*** My love doesn’t just stretch to the clothes either. The rainbow ribbon that holds the price tags to the labels get recycled in our house. It came in super handy to tie up the party bags at Miss Marnie’s rainbow 1st birthday and I even fashioned her a bow headband for the day with the wider ribbon from the paper shopping bags.
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| Miss M in her Little Bird DIY headband! |
What’s your favourite thing about the Little Bird Collection and what would you like to see more of?
I really think Jules Oliver has tapped into something very special with her Little Bird range. I love the nostalgia of the designs and the styling. I know it's based on her favourite childhood clothes and inspirations – and as another 30something, it also fits in with my own childhood memories. We've bought a fair few pieces from this range and always get comments when the girls wear them.
A big favourite was the harbour themed sun dress from last summer. My oldest has worn and worn that dress!
I absolutely love this range! My friend only told me about it the other day but I literally want to buy it all! x
Oh my gosh I love little bird collection too. Your DIY headband is absolutely brilliant x