It only dawned on me very recently that there is a vast designer industry - clothes, bags, furniture, decor etc - for babies. Anything nice I'd like to buy for my person, my house, my car, I also buy in a mini version for Maya.
See, I had just vaguely assumed 'designer' stuff was what movie stars bought for their children. And other pretentious people with too much money.
Burberry booties $80
Armani pacifier $45
Please no one ever buy me these things. I find them both hideous and tacky. Clearly I'm no fashionista.
When did style lose its class and become all about money? Or has it always been that way? I don't think so...
Children's clothes in the 1950s - cute, classic
But, only now am I realising the magnitude of the designer baby industry. And its clientele isn't rich people in magazines but everyday people, like me. Recently, I subscribed to a children's style website which is how the world of designer baby clothes unravelled before my bemused eyes.
It's full of pictures of sweet things I'd love to have. Because, of course, the designer baby movement appeals. Everyone wants to have "the best" for their little sprog. And, the stuff is, usually, so damn cute.
It's full of pictures of sweet things I'd love to have. Because, of course, the designer baby movement appeals. Everyone wants to have "the best" for their little sprog. And, the stuff is, usually, so damn cute.
So, with the greatest of ease, I could spend $150 on a little dress for Maya, $60 for a cotton top, $35 for a singlet, or $40 for a pair of Mary Janes (shoes).
'Vintage' baby dress $169
Matinee skirt (to wear to matinees?) $119
Then, after Maya's nap in her designer cot, I'd pick up my designer nappy bag, and Maya her designer teddy bear, and off we'd go to the matinee.
Nappy bag $199
Teddy bears $93
Cot $1000
Craziness! Who has the money to buy these things? And these are regular prices. Good quality and nice fabrics yes, but everything's still mostly made in China or another developing country (Vietnam, Mexico, Bosnia...), and said child will outgrow the clothes in a few short months.
I have to wonder if mothers who buy this stuff also spend a lot on clothes and shoes and make up for themselves? I wonder because I'm the type of mother who doesn't. I try to look presentable of course, next to my beautifully presented child, but invariably discover stains on my jeans half an hour after I've left home.
I have to wonder if mothers who buy this stuff also spend a lot on clothes and shoes and make up for themselves? I wonder because I'm the type of mother who doesn't. I try to look presentable of course, next to my beautifully presented child, but invariably discover stains on my jeans half an hour after I've left home.
Like most parents, I can't resist buying clothes for Maya, and she has some beautiful things. But I didn't pay full price for any of them. I just can't justify spending that kind of money on baby clothes. And I think lots of the cheaper things are just as cute as the expensive stuff.
Some of Maya's clothes were gifts, which is always lovely, some I found on sale, but mostly, I buy from ebay. More on my ebay addiction can be found here and here.
Ebay is the answer for busy mums and wannabe fashionistas. There are some real bargains on great quality children's clothes.
Gorgeous blue and white striped dress my mum bought in France
Ah, it's fun playing dress ups, isn't it?
Some of Maya's clothes were gifts, which is always lovely, some I found on sale, but mostly, I buy from ebay. More on my ebay addiction can be found here and here.
Ebay is the answer for busy mums and wannabe fashionistas. There are some real bargains on great quality children's clothes.
[Australian designer] Fred Bare dress, RRP $55, bought brand new for $2.50
OshKosh dress, bought second-hand for $1
Gorgeous blue and white striped dress my mum bought in France
Ah, it's fun playing dress ups, isn't it?
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