Le Cirque des Enfants

Top Holiday Gifts

2011-12-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Need a great gift for a little boy or girls this year? Here are some of our top favorites..happy holiday shopping!

Come find whimsy in matchbox mice and other Maileg toys which are unique and full of character!

This is Rome, London, and New York among other cities are a magical trip abroad during bed time!

Monte the Moose by JellyCat is a favorite cuddly friend for cold winter nights!

Uncle Goose wooden ABCs and 1, 2, 3 Blocks are not only fun but educational!

Beatrix Backpacks, Lunch Boxes and Suitcase are perfect for the tiny traveler in your life!

Buddha Boards are a parents dream: mess free coloring for the home and on the go!

Chewbeads

2011-11-01T16:43:00.001-07:00

We all have moments when we look at something so simple but smart and think…“Why didn’t I think of that?!” Chewbeads is that latest item. Cute jewelry that is bright and fun but your child is able to chew on and play with while not ruining your “good stuff”.

Here are a few reasons why chewbeads are great:

Beads are made with 100% silicone (similar to pacifiers & nipples)

Soft on babies gums and emerging teeth

Easily cleaned with dish soap & water, also dishwasher safe!

No BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Cadmium, or Lead

Necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety

Necklaces are a great sensory tool to help your baby focus while nursing

Bracelets are a colorful reminder of which side you've just nursed

Come in and grab your chewbeads today!

Soft Printed Elegance

2011-10-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Do you love print? What about color? Finding a balance between both can be tough but this nursery married both in such a lovely way. Although the room is a small space it does not feel packed, having pops of both bright and soft color is key as well as layering the heights of the furniture in the room creates visual interest. Small accents with the accessories create a soft elegant feel. Check out more photos from Eulalia's nursery at http://www.oneclaireday.blogspot.com/2011/09/room-tour-eulalies-nursery.html

Sophisticated Baby

2011-09-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Project Nursery always has great bedroom inspiration, you don't have to forgo your style for your baby. This black and white baby's room exudes classic, clean sophistication and works well as your child continues to grow. Check out their blog for more inspiration...we do everyday!

http://projectnursery.com/blog/

Room for Children by Susanna Salk

2011-01-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

Hands down the best book for childrens' decor! Get yours here.

Hip Hip Hooray!

2011-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

I have been asked so many times for suggestions on children's party themes and decor. I finally found a blog that will be my go-to answer next time I am asked. Hip Hip Hooray! has great ideas for kids' celebrations...with themes like alphabet party, stripes party, modern farm, nautical, modern princess, and lots more...even pink gumball party :) And they have a great gallery of images of each of the parties to help get you inspired. Also...lists of party supplies, food, paper goods, and activities.

10 Best iPhone apps for Pre-readers

2011-01-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

For a full list of the best iPhone apps for pre-readers click here.

9 by Design's Novogratz home

2010-04-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Their new book, Downtown Chic. Get it here

Indoor basketball court and exercise room

The kitchen

Twin girls, Tallulah & Bellamy's room

Twin boys, Five & Holleder's room

Baby Major's room

Images {New York Social Diary}

One of my new favorite shows is Bravo's 9 by Design. Robert and Cortney Novogratz, began their design career by remolding their own home-- and quickly realized that people loved their style and wanted them to do it for them as well. And before they knew it they were in business, Sixx Design was born in 1995 (they only had 6 kids then!).

Their speciality: finding funky spaces (one project was formerly a gun shop) and transforming them into beautiful family homes. Neither of them is trained as a designer, Robert was a stockbroker and Cortney, an actress, but their unorthodox approach is fresh. The guiding philosophy is that "there are no rules," so therefore no mistakes. Their style is eclectic and casual, and definitely kid-friendly. They mix modern art with bouncy seats, Ikea rugs with iconic mid-century pieces, and rare flea market finds.

And on top of that...they have 7 kids under the age of 13!

This just made my day!

2010-04-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

I was just about to shut everything down and call it a night, when I decided to take a quick peek at one of my very favorite blogs... The Neo-Traditionalist. And leave it to her to have found the coolest iPhone app around. POST by Gadabout allows you to design and send notes/invitations and send them via SMS or email. Genius! I just wrote myself a To-Do list for tomorrow...on my very own monogrammed notepad and emailed it to myself! The whimsical illustrations and and punchy color combinations make the list a little less daunting...

Cecil Beaton Fabric

2010-03-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

The late Sir Cecil Beaton, two-time Academy Award winning costumer designer (for Gigi and My Fair Lady), prolific photographer, and diarist...now has a line of fabrics to add to his expansive repertoire. His haute couture renderings and whimsical drawings have been translated into fabrics, silks and wallpapers. The sketches date from as early as 1929, but are strikingly modern. I especially love the ladies fashion illustration print, Beaton's Beauties, drawings of 1950s Dior and Balenciaga runway looks. How adorable in a little girl's room?! www.cecilbeatonfabrics.com

Designer Spotlight: Robyn Karp Interiors

2010-03-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Images {Robyn Karp}

While Sunday blog reading, I found NYC designer Robyn Karp on Elements of Style. After flipping through her portfolio, I was delighted to see that she has done quite a few children's rooms...so I thought I would share.

Tripp Trapps in action...

2010-03-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Images {via the boo and the boy}

I just re-discovered The Boo and the Boy blog and found this great collection of photos of the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair in some pretty fantastic kitchens. Get one here.

Mr. X goes to Hollywood!

2010-03-14T00:39:00.001-08:00

Follow his journey on Bla Bla's blog... here.

Sweetiepie Restaurant NYC

2010-03-13T23:44:00.000-08:00

Images {Sweetiepie Restaurant}

While reading the latest T&C mag, I stumbled across a feature on a new restaurant in Greenwich Village, Sweetiepie. It is, as owner Julie Daniels Janklow describes "cocktails in a candy store." Reminiscent of diners from her youth, Janklow wanted to create an eatery that had "little enchantment" where she could eat with her son, August. The menu offers comfort food favs like Mac & Cheese, PB&J sandwiches, tater tots and sliders. And amazing sounding salads and signature cocktails for mom. Um yea...did I mention there is a FULL bar!! Or you can order from their wine list...Krug Rose, anyone? Mocktails are available for kiddies (so cute)...like my fav the "Pinkalicious"... muddled strawberries/raspberries/strawberries with lemon, cranberry juice and a splash of soda.

You can have your birthday party there or just arrange for an impromptu tea party. I cannot wait to experience this first hand on my next trip to New York!

Gwyneth Paltrow loves it too! Check out her review on her lifestyle blog, GOOP.

Elle Decor March Issue

2010-02-12T23:11:00.000-08:00

I was pleasantly surprised by how many wonderful kids rooms were featured in the March issue of Elle Decor.

Amazing D. Porthault euro shams on this lucky little girl's bed.

A cork wall, vintage desk, & collection of sports memorabilia.

Hermes blanket, Madeline Weinrib pillow and monogrammed sheets...very handsome.

A NYC playroom...love the nautical windows.

Cool moroccan inspired room.

A chalkboard wall with a sophisticated French armchair.

Seeing Red

2010-02-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

Images {1&2 Jonathan Adler; House Beautiful; Bholu; unknown}

I love touches of red, especially in little boys rooms. My first inclination is to always paint a room grey, but I really admire the way that Jonathan Adler is so unafraid of color. I would never think to make an entire room red, but it looks great! But if you are hesitant to make such a commitment, like me, a red chair or roman shade make quite a statement.

In love with LOVE

2010-02-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Images {Made By Girl; Domino 2-4; via Absolutely Beautiful Things}

Love love love Made by Girl Love posters! They are cute in every color. We sell a lot at Le Cirque for baby rooms...but here are some pics of them in other rooms in the house. Simple and graphic, they are a cheery addition to any wall.

Before & After: Closet to library transformation

2010-02-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

One of our super creative readers sent me link to her blog to show me that she too was so inspired after seeing the issue of Cookie mag, highlighting Kelly Wearstler's children's library... that she made one in her own home!! The result is amazing! Nice work. Check out her photography site as well Thompson and Spring.

Art For Kids Flagship Store

2010-02-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

Art For Kids recently opened a Beverly Hills flagship store and it is stunning. Known for their traditional style, AFK can be found in the nurseries of many Hollywood celebs, including Angelina Jolie and J.Lo...to name a few. Owner, Gail Sedigh's vision is fully realized within this unique space. I can't wait to check it out next time I am in BH!

more Kelly Wearstler for you...

2010-02-03T21:53:00.001-08:00

Image {KWID)

I have noticed that a lot of you have found my little blog by searching for Kelly Wearstler (for obvious reasons...she's amazing!). So here is another one of her children's rooms. I absolutely love this room!! It is one of my favorite children's rooms--ever. I love the simple sophistication. I personally hate when kids' rooms are designed to be overly juvenile, and this room is bright and fun... but luxurious enough for any adult. Also, love the original artwork. You're never too young to enjoy an oil painting of sunny palm trees and snuggle under an Hermes blanket!

Some good boys' rooms...

2010-01-31T21:05:00.000-08:00

Images {Phoebe Howard 1-2; Palmer Weiss; 1st Option; unknown source Tory Burch's sons' room ; Katie Ridder}

These are some of my favorite boys' rooms... They are a little bit nautical, all have tailored window coverings and use a classic mixture of navy and white. So cute, but sophisticated too.

It's my potty...

2010-01-27T00:28:00.000-08:00

It seems like all of the kiddies I know are potty training right now. How great would it be if you had a mini toilet just for them at home? No more cheesy plastic, primary-colored (ewww) contraptions! So why not hire a plumber to switch out one of your toilets for the Baby Devoro by American Standard. It is only 10 1/4" in height, but is otherwise the same...just smaller.

Palette: Navy & Orange

2010-01-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

navy/orange nursery by shoplecirque

Items in this set:
Toys Tote Canvas Shopper, Anya Hindmarch,
Baby Essentials
Moderne Dresser
Moderne Crib
Luca Glider-orange

Pink

2010-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

pink nursery by shoplecirque on Polyvore.com

Finishing Touch: Flag Banners

2010-01-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

Images {Chick Shack; 1st Option}

Love these flag banners! Check out Francie's big girl room complete with flag banner, from Le Cirque (of course)!!

Palette: Pink & Green

2010-01-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

Images {Pheobe Howard; 2&3 Mary MacDonald; unknown; James Michael Howard; Jonathan Adler}

eminiscent of Palm Beach and Lilly Pulizter--pink & green is a classic color combination. Preppy, but fresh. Here are some rooms designed by interior design greats...my favorite is the Mary MacDonald room. Her use of stripes and caning only strengthen the whole Beverly Hills Hotel vibe. So get out your pearls, and embrace your inner prepster.

Boho Baby

2010-01-13T18:00:00.001-08:00

Images {Annita Berhendt; Domino; Anitta Berhendt; unknown; 1st Option}

ove these eclectic rooms. Proving you don't always have to be so match-y match-y! Bright colors and bold patterns give these rooms character and unique personality. A great idea for rooms shared among brothers and sisters. The use of liberal use of color keeps the room gender neutral, but still fun and expressive.

Handmade Menagerie

2010-01-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Tamar Mogendorff's fish bowls and birdcages/houses. These upcycled creations are truly works of art. Each one is hand-stitched in her Brooklyn studio. Constructed by using different vintage fabrics...dots, metallics, sequins, Liberty prints --no two are alike. They are a whimsical addition to any room, nursery or otherwise.

Bring one home...get yours here.

Hue Kelly Wearstler: The Children's Library

2010-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Images {Cookie; Hue}

he children's library, in Kelly Wearstler's home, is the most insane thing I have ever seen! ...and by insane, I mean, Ahhmazing.

In the Cookie magazine article, Wearstler says, "If you were to count them all up, my two boys probably own 500 books. They used to be all piled up on one another--making it hard for the boys to find one they wanted before bed. So I transformed a room off our kitchen into their own little library by placing books face-out on shelves with a one inch lip. Now they can actually see them all, and the room feels so magical and festive."

LOVE it.

Sharon Montrose

2010-01-06T01:01:00.000-08:00

Images {Sharon Montrose}

I have admired the work of dog photographer, Sharon Montrose for many years...and have been given her book Carry Ons by a few people (since I have 2 Chihuahuas). I had planned on doing a post on her work at some point. But tonight seems like the perfect time, since I have been caring for my very sick 13 year-old golden retriever (instead of blogging)...

So in honor of Duke her are some of my favorites from her portfolio.

It's off to work we go...

2010-01-04T00:25:00.000-08:00

Images {1-3 We Heart It; 4/5 Swish & Swanky; 1st Option; David Netto; We Heart It; Amanda Nesbitt}

t's the first Monday of 2010. So desks seemed to be the most appropriate subject. I spent most of Saturday cleaning out my office and it is still a disaster area...But I wish it looked more like one of these! Happy Monday.

Farewell 2009

2009-12-31T23:18:00.000-08:00

Image {Martha Stewart}

Red Wagon Redux

2009-12-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

Zen Wagon

Pushpull

Strollkart

ed wagons have been a childhood staple for the last 30 years, with their design primarily unchanged-- until now. Northern California dad, Scot Herbst, HP Touchsmart designer, and his wife Amy decided to improve on the classic. Inspired by their 2 children and their love of modern, sustainable design, Kaiku was born. The Zen Wagon is made from molded formaldehyde-free, Baltic birch, safe non-toxic finishes, natural rubber tires, and weather/corrosion resistant hardware. Our favorite part...the Lightship basket accessory! Be the envy of everyone at the farmers' market...get one here.

They also offer a the Pushpull, a smaller toy wagon and the Strollkart, great for early walking assistance, with a cotton basket to take friends along for a spin. We are really excited to be one of the first stores to offer this amazing new line.

2010 Pantone Color of the Year: Turquoise

2009-12-30T00:16:00.000-08:00

antone announced 2010's color of the year...a very Le Cirque-esque shade of turquoise!! Described on Pantone's website as "combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green...envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively...In many cultures turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion" Turquoise is a great color for a neutral baby room, a not-too-girly bedroom, or a bright boys' room.

Loving Lavender

2009-12-28T23:44:00.000-08:00

John Robshaw pillows & Oly lamp available at Le Cirque!

Gwyneth Paltrow's bedroom in the Hamptons. Love all the white mixed with soft purple. Get a lamp like hers here.

ach of these rooms incorporates lavender- a color that is often overlooked and under-used. Purple is the color of royalty and is also a great neutral. I absolutely fell in L-O-V-E with lavender last summer on a trip to Italy. The Four Seasons Hotel Florence has the most amazing lavender and grey dining room (worthy of it's own blog post!!).

Lavender is also a great alternative to a pink girls room. This past year I used it in a 12 year-old girl's room, who couldn't stand the sight of pink...way too baby-ish!! So we painted her walls a pale lavender and used Serena & Lily's Delphine collection for bedding. It turned out really well and inspired us to pull purple accents throughout the rest of the house. Stay tuned for a post on that project.

Images {3&4 Amanda Nesbitt; 5 Elle Decor}

This just in... Holiday card update.

2009-12-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

have just come across Pinhole Press and Minted...the far superior alternatives to Tiny Prints. Pinhole Press is a new web stationery boutique featuring clean, contemporary design templates for custom photo greeting cards. They also specialize in environmentally responsible design. Their paper, envelopes, & printing use 100% post-consumer recycled, certified by Smartwood for FSC standards, and is made using Green-E certified wind-generated electricity. The finished product arrives at your door, in a matter of days, wrapped in recycled tissue, inside of a 100% recycled kraft box filled with Geami, an eco alternative to bubble wrap.

So, if you ran out of time and didn't get a holiday card out this year, there is still time to send a new years card!! But if you have already sent one, bookmark them for next year. Your friends will thank you.

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

A Pastel Christmas

2009-12-23T23:17:00.001-08:00

Images {Flickr: toriejayne; hello naomi}

t Le Cirque, we love pastel, muted colors...so these Christmas cookies and decorations are right up our alley. They are also a cute idea for a December birthday party or baby shower.

Chalkboard Paint

2009-12-23T01:19:00.000-08:00

Children's furniture designer, Jennifer Delonge's home...and her chalkboard wainscoting.

Images {1,2, 4 Randi Brookman Harris; 3 InStyle}

y mom loves chalkboard paint, and is always trying to get me to incorporate it into design projects. It has taken me a while to warm to the idea, but it is especially great for children's spaces. I had one client who wanted to let her son paint all over the walls in his room (luckily I was able to talk her out of this idea)...but this may be the happy medium.

Another friend, and client, has the entire powder room of her very modern/very adult house, painted with chalkboard paint! There is a chair rail ledge running around the entire bathroom holding chalk....and when she entertains she writes a message to her guests and invites them to scribble little notes all over the walls. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a baby shower at her home and got a chance to participate in the bathroom graffiti of well wishes. Maybe next time she will let me take a photo...it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen!

And on my last trip to the paint store, I discovered glow-in-the-dark paint...another great idea for children's bedrooms.

Clementine Art

2009-12-22T00:17:00.000-08:00

e are so excited to be offering Clementine Art products in our store!! Clementine Art makes high quality art supplies that are all natural, certified non-toxic and environmentally friendly. All of the ingredients are listed right on the side of the box, which is made from 80% post consumer recycled and reusable materials.

Started by an art teacher in Boulder, CO who wondered if non-toxic art supplies, which usually wound up all over her tiny students, were as harmless as they claimed to be...with their chemicals, dyes and additives. So, she took to her kitchen and began to whip up natural paint and play dough from simple ingredients, like flour, earth colorings and water...And Clementine Art was born! "Clementine Art introduces a new way of doing art with children. Our inviting, open-ended materials encourage children to create real art. Our fresh and natural art supplies support the healthy development of your child." Now that's art you can feel good about!

Stocking Stuffers

2009-12-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

How adorable is this little Advent calendar made from Trumpette baby socks?!

Images {Martha Stewart}

Our 5 favorite stocking stuffers...

Steiff teddy bears.
Holztiger wooden animals.
Jellycat plush animals, like this little elephant.
Sophie la Girafe, of course!
Clementine Art all natural art supplies, like these soy crayons.

Letterpress Holiday Cards

2009-12-19T01:13:00.000-08:00

Images {Elum, Page Stationary; Elum; Page; Mr. Boddington; Elum; Page}

There is nothing better than sending and receiving letterpress cards. Our favorite for baby announcements... they also make the BEST holiday cards. The weight of the paper and the tactile indentations make them such a beautiful way to commemorate the year, and wish everyone a happy holiday! Le Cirque offers Elum Designs, Page Stationery, Oblation Papers, Prentiss Douthit & Mr. Boddington (in the new year).

And...Paperless Post is our favorite in-a-pinch online stationer.

Easy to Make Christmas Decorations

2009-12-19T00:35:00.000-08:00

Cotton ball tree decorations

Felt animal decorations

Popcorn wreath

Cookie cutter ornaments

Candy ornaments

Homemade wrapping paper

No Bake Gingerbread Houses...

Yogurt covered pretzel fencing, Frosted mini-wheat roof, coconut snow, marshmallow snowmen.

Necco wafer roof, lollipop trees, gum drop shrubs, & lifesaver wreath.

Gum drop figurines in a glass cylinder with sugar snow

Images {Martha Stewart}

What we are listening to... Vol. 2: Christmas Edition

2009-12-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

Tired of listening to the same Burl Ives Christmas songs...over and over? Here is a playlist that we could listen to a thousand times and not be sick of. We promise you'll like it.

Download it on iTunes...or come visit us at the store (we'll have it on repeat until Christmas).

Beckett's Nursery

2009-12-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

Images (Domino)

he mastermind behind why you are loving J. Crew right now...creative director, Jenna Lyons. A peek into her son Beckett's nursery in her Brooklyn home. Set against a not-so-baby backdrop of black and white, she's mixed in punches of yellow and orange. Absolutely LOVE stripes... anywhere and everywhere, but having them on the ceiling is genius! Oeuf's Classic Crib is modern and looks great with mid-century pieces like the tall black dresser and the mini Panton chair. Hide rugs cover the floor and a collection of found letters spell out "Beckett" over his very own fireplace. One of the coolest boys' nurseries we've seen!

What we are listening to... Vol. 1

2009-11-28T19:08:00.001-08:00

ere are a few songs that have been on our store playlist for the past 5 years. The best songs about motherhood/fatherhood/sons/daughters/& babies we've come across so far....

You can download our playlist on iTunes.

Obsession: Built-in Beds!

2009-11-22T21:59:00.000-08:00

Images (Architectural Digest; Steven Gambrel; Elle Decor; House Beautiful; Haynes-Roberts Inc.)

aybe I was a sailor in a past life...but I just love these built-in sleeping quarters. Not only a great way to maximize sleeping & floor space in a children's room, these built-in beds are so cute and cozy! I especially love the little porthole windows that connect the double set of bunks in the room designed by on of my favorite decorators, Steven Gambrel.

Family Friendly Kitchens

2009-11-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

Images ( House Beautiful; Amanda Nesbitt; Elle Decor)

A cozy banquette, bright colors, kids' art and family photos... and of course, a lot of white brighten up these family kitchens.

Dream Party Planner: Amy Atlas Events

2009-11-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

My favorite!!

Birthday treat bar.

Amazing candy table!

Halloween treat table. Inspiration for next year's Witch Party!

One lucky 5 year-old's space themed birthday.

Love the lollipop trees.

vent planner extraordinaire Amy Atlas, of Amy Atlas Events, takes the time to get to know each of her clients to infuse each party with their unique personality. No detail too small, the result is visually stunning. Her dessert tables make an incredible centerpiece for any party. I would love to have her do my wedding...or at least my next birthday!

Celebrity Interior: Aerin Lauder

2009-11-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Images (Elle Decor)

erin Lauder's East Hampton Home. Her fabulous dressing room/office covered in Gracie wallpaper. But best of all her sons' techni-colored bedrooms...complete with Andy Warhol!

Maps

2009-11-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Images (Kerry Joyce; SR Gambrel; Elle Decor; SR Gambrel; Elle Decor)

Maps can be used as wallpaper or simply framed. Both aesthetic and educational, they add an adventurous feel to any boys' room or playroom.