Beatrix Potter Collection For Baby Gap

This is kind of a weird post for me to do, as I have never done a post on baby related products. I kind of thought that when I became pregnant that I would not post about maternity fashion or baby clothes, as Belle of the Ball is an outlet for me to talk about my love of fashion and beauty, and I didn't want to make it a pregnancy related blog.

HOWEVER, occasionally, I have thought it would be appropriate to discuss preggo fashion and maternity collections, so I have done the odd one or two. Thus far I haven't done a baby fashion post, but I have just become obsessed with a collection and I had to tell you guys about it, as it is so cute.

I am a huge fan of Beatrix Potter - I've been in love with her books and characters ever since I was a baby girl myself - particular favourites being Mrs. Tiggwinkle (that cute hedgehog in an apron and cap), Jemima Puddleduck and of course Peter Rabbit. I've spotted lots of adorable Beatrix Potter goodies to put in Titch's room, so when I was informed that Baby Gap were doing a Beatrix Potter limited edition collection, I started jumping around in excitement.

My lovely friend Jo quickly got me this adorable grey knitted baby-grow, complete with a little Peter Rabbit face on the front, before I had even seen the full collection.

Thank you Jo

Yesterday, Darren and I went to meet some friends in Hampstead and I was determined to go to the Baby Gap on the high street and see the full collection...and maybe buy one or two bits (with two weeks to go, I think I'm entitled to finally start buying some clothes for Titch!).

Me (and Titch) at 38 weeks

We went into the shop and spotted the collection immediately. Laid out with gorgeous cut outs of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddleduck and more, the collection was split into baby girl's, baby boy's and unisex newborn pieces. Darren was so taken aback by the baby boy stuff, that he wished they did it in grown up sizes. From sweet baby-grows with character faces, to rabbit motifs on dresses and adorable pieces of knitwear to packs of bodysuits and knitted Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck hats.

I really love this collection, and whether we have a girl or boy, I will definitely be investing in a few more pieces (or a lot more!). In the meantime, we picked up this cute sleepsuit and the Peter Rabbit knitted hat, as we thought it would work for a girl or boy.

Titch's new bits :)

Here are a few pics of the collection and the layout - what do you think? Enjoy x

The Sales Are Calling!!

Hello my lovely readers, I'm sorry I have been out of touch for so long - but now the majority of the xmas hubbub is over, and we have a couple of days to prepare ourselves for new year's eve - I thought it was time to return to blog land.

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas, and that you got everything you wanted. I had a lovely few days with family and loved ones, as well as more food than I needed to eat and more xmas movies that I've seen a million times each! But it was all in the name of xmas fun.

Obviously my parents read my blog, as they scoured previous posts and bought me things that I have gushed over - a very effective way of writing a wish list I have discovered - including knits from Zara, great pieces from Gap and some gorgeous faux fur lined boots from River Island. My favourite gift though was from my lovely boy - an Amazon Kindle - an amazing present as I am a huge bookworm, and have a habit of lugging heavy books around in my handbag. If you are like me, you'll love this little baby!

Now, enough about my presents - and onto what usually comes next after Christmas - THE SALES!

I am usually not a big fan of the sales, some shops (cough - River Island - cough) seem to only drag out the dregs that never even made it onto the shop floor over the season. People get manic, head to the stores the night before to get in a queue to get their hands on some toot that they really don't need, and knock other people out at the same time. All the festive cheer, and goodwill to all mankind goes out of the window when those sale signs are produced.

I don't usually go to the sales, but this year, I thought I should check them out, as there were several things I saw (well, about a hundred) over the past few months, and I wanted to see if any of them had made the cut. We got up stupidly early and headed to the Brent Cross. Happily for me, I was able to find a bunch of items which I have wanted and they were all half price! I didn't go crazy - the sequin skirt from Gap and a couple of dresses from Zara - just enough of a shopping fix to give me that satisfied feeling!

Now, for the rest of you, if you haven't braved the sales, but want to, please make sure you follow the sales rules:

The January sales are a game of skill, a challenge that requires both self discipline and physical endurance, so make sure you head out early so you can be back early with your feet up watching whatever DVD you got for xmas this year (Eclipse...mmm...thanks mum!).

Make a list! If you have seen things over the months that you really loved but could not afford, make sure you head to the stores to find just that. Do not get sucked into the vortex of cheap crap that you really don't need, don't want or don't even like that much, just because it's 50% off.

Read the fashion mags - the fashion folk are there for a reason, they know what will be in season and on trend in the new season, so use the sales as a reason to invest. I bought two dresses from Zara - long sleeve, knee length styles which are a light weight fabric, perfect with woolly tights, boots and cardigans now and then for Spring, knee high socks and brogues - great transitional pieces!

Buy investment pieces. It's unlikely that a shearling bomber jacket will be on trend next autumn winter, it was a bit of a passing trend, so bypass the Burberry version or cheaper Topshop version, and instead, opt for something with a bit of longevity. A tailored coat with a faux fur collar, or a camel coat - items which are timeless and classic.

Be prepared! It might sound stupid, but you need to be armed and ready for the sales. Wear comfy flat shoes, an outfit that you can whip on and off quickly (if fitting rooms are open) and make sure they are lightweight so you don't get too overheated! Take a small bag which you can sling over your shoulder and a bottle of water.

I'm going to be posting a blog of the best sales shortly, but from what I have seen, avoid River Island and Topshop - rails of unwanted and unloved mismatched items, and head to Zara, Mango, John Lewis, Fenwicks and Warehouse. Of course, you could be even more savvy and just do some Internet shopping - lines are added daily and you don't have to worry about the nasty crowds!

Be safe, buy wisely and enjoy! x

Fall into the GAP

I have to admit, I haven't always been the biggest Gap fan - i usually find their collections a wee bit bland. They occasionally hit a winner with a fab designer collaboration or some great knitwear, but this season, I am in love!

It's still the signature Gap simplistic style, but there are a few hero pieces that are absolutely fab - touches of pixel designs, a smattering of sequins and a heap of gorgeous knitwear. Top those off with some cute socks, cosy scarves and faux fur and pom pom adorned hats, and you have a selection of goodies that make up a pretty perfect present list.

I've chosen some of my favourite pieces and popped them below - the majority of them are now on sale on the website so you better hurry if you want to snag them! Oh and mum and dad, yes, they are on my present list...better start shopping! Enjoy x