Etsy Featured Designer: Heather of Olive & Ollie plus a giveaway!

"inspired goods made by hand for your little one" 

We still recall the day we came across olive & ollie on Etsy - it was a dream come true! Handmade, quality clothing & uber-cute finds for our littles. We immediately fell in love even more when Heather, the owner, sent us some fabulous goodies. The attention to detail and quality is beyond perfection. olive & ollie is definitely a shop you will began a love affair with -- beautiful clothes for stylish littles. Lucky for us we sat down with Heather to chat and get to know everything about her sweet little shop. 

Tell us about Olive & Ollie. What inspired the name?

Olive and Ollie began very simply, and I never dreamt that it would turn into a real business. I started making bibs and appliquéd shirts for my son who was born in 2006, because I couldn’t find a lot of things on the market for him that I liked. Friends liked my work, and soon people started asking me to make things for them as well.

Olive and Ollie is named after two women in my family, my great-grandmother Olive, and my great-great-aunt Ollie. Both were strong, independent women who made all sorts of things by hand, and shared my belief that handmade is best. In fact, I still have the baby quilt my aunt Ollie made for me over 30 years ago, when she was in her 70s.

How long have you been sewing? What made you decide to start your adorable shop on Etsy?


I’ve been sewing on and off since junior high, which was way too long ago to admit! Honestly, I guess about 20 years or so, which makes me sound really old, doesn’t it?!


I signed up on etsy.com to open a shop in May 2007, but it wasn’t until April of the following year that I listed anything. By that time I now had a toddler and a newborn, and I knew I didn’t want to go back to my day job, so I went full steam ahead with my little endeavor. I would design and sew while my babies napped, but the vast majority of my work was done at night after they were in bed. And I’ve been working that way since then. It’s sometimes tough to work so many late nights, but it allows me to be home with my babies, and that is priceless and totally worth the lack of sleep.

Has this become a full time job or do you still consider it a hobby as so many do when they sew?

This has definitely become a full time job for me, and I’m really excited about the possible directions I could take this business in. I’m so lucky that I get to do what I love and make a living from it.

What's up next for O&O? We are ready for a sweet handmade boutique we can visit! We just can't get enough :)

Thank you so much! A handmade boutique would be great, and may happen some day when my kids are older. For now, I’m working on new designs and also trying my hand at some pattern making as well. I’m also introducing modern quilts for babies and toddlers in my shop, so keep an eye out for those as well!

All things Olive & Ollie

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Heather, as kind as she is has given YOU a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to her shop! Read on to see just how you can get started collecting for your Olive & Ollie collection! 

We adore this super cute unique tee for Halloween! 

Littles Current Obsession: Eleven Shoes plus a GIVEAWAY!

With Fall almost in full swing it is time to cover up those toes and put away the sandals. Don't worry you don't have to break out the snow boots just yet. But, our little ones (and mommas!) are just dying over the cute styles from Eleven Shoes. Each season we get so excited over the new styles! Check out some our favorites for boys and girls below! They come in size 9-3 and wear great, don't scuff easily and as long as your little ones feet don't grow too fast - you can wear them season after season. 

We love Eleven Shoes so much we want to give you a pair! Read on for all the details and how you can get a pair of your choice! 

Check out MOI on LaunchHER, cupcakeMAG editor - Casi!

As you know we are big fans of launchHER and the two fabulous ladies who run out! And I was even more thrilled when they asked me to do a exclusive guest post  for them and my latest ventures at New York Fashion Week. They are just so FABulous - along with the great site that supports women owned brand by giving them a boost! 

  LaunchHER EXCLUSIVE :: A Weekend in the Life of Casi Densmore-Koon, cupcakeMAG editor: New York Fashion Week EditionMake sure you check it out here!

just | like | mom

Those who have little girls know how many times they walk around in our stilettos, play in our make-up and put on loads of our costume jewelry. But now, with the latest fall styles - they really can look just like you! 

Get the "Chic City" look for your little

Crazy 8: Faux-Fur Vest & Metallic Gold Ballet Flats

Walmart: Faded Glory "Jeggings", $4

What was borrowed from Mom? The Elaine Turner Jackie Bag in Colbalt Suede. This is the perfect day-to-day bag to grab run. Silver hardware & beautifully structured - top trends we are seeing this season; any mommaista will long for it & stand-out in the crowd. Inspired by the iconic Jackie O the top-handle satchel is beyond sophisticated and classic. The contrast edge detail and braided leather and chair handle is just major. 

Sale Alert -- Gymboree Baby Sale -- plus another FAB giveaway!

Love. Adore. Addicted. 

That is our thoughts on Gymboree. Well, we could probably keep spitting adjectives but we won't bore you because there is a new sale in town! The Gymboree Baby Sale! 

Starting today, September 8th until September 19th from sizes newborn to 5T you can save up to 40% Gymboree's newest collections! Save on everything for baby! 

Check out the FABulous list of goodies on sale! 

$10

Fashion Bodysuits

Knit Tops

Knit Pants

Crib Shoes

reg. $12.75 - $19.75

$20

Denim

Woven Tops

Skirts

Shoes

reg. $24.75 - $39

$20

Sweaters

Dresses

Woven Pants

Overalls

reg. $22.75 - $39.75

$25

Baby Boy Outerwear

Baby Girl Outerwear

reg. $39 - $59

Excludes select outerwear, accessories, costumes and christening styles.

Sale prices valid in U.S. only. Styles shown above available by August 31st.

So what are you waiting for? Shop online at gymboree.com STAT! But first, enter to win a $50 gift certificate to get started! 

on our etsy radar -- Sweet & Sassy Accessories

By Lisa Hill, Contributing Writer

An outfit just isn't complete until you add the accessories!  And for your little girl, the accessories we refer to are stylish headbands, hair clips, bows and more! Sweet & Sassy Accessories is a one stop shop for all things adorable and affordable!

With so much to choose from it was hard to pick a favorite! 

But the Plum Daisy Fabric headband won out! 

I have such a love for frayed flowers!

And how cute is this turkey??

There is just too much cuteness to choose from!

Shop Sweet & Sassy Accessories for all things Sweet for your Sassy little girl! 

All U.S. orders over $25 ship for free! 

Olee Moley!! Plus a GIVEAWAY!

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer

I am a self-diagnosed personalizing addict.  Yes, that’s right, I would (if I could) personalize EVERYTHING around me.  I love seeing an initial or a name on things.  Am I marking my territory?  Maybe, but regardless I think it makes things a little more special – especially for the kiddos.

When I came across this company Olee Kids (@oleekids) I was thrilled to see that I could personalize my little O’s room walls, and his door, and his windows, and his…well you get the point.  And so easily, with these super rad removable wall stickers.  I sent this idea for the pennant to them and they whipped it right up!  It is exactly what I was picturing.

What I absolutely adore about Olee Kids, and sets it apart from any competitors, is that you can take a picture of your child (or heck, you) and they will make a full-sized replica wall sticker. How fun is that?  Capture your little darling’s diva moments and slap them up on the wall.  Or upload a picture of little Bobby making his first touchdown – and voila – instant art!  So many options to choose from, I guarantee no one else’s walls in your neighborhood will look the same - when your friends and family decide to copy your fabulous idea (you can thank me later). 

Installing it was a breeze too, seriously, they sent me instructions and the little plastic-doohicky to press it to the wall.  I’ve got all the “technical” wording down.  Look at how happy O is to have his name on his wall!

I hold in my hot little hands a gift certificate for $50 to Olee Kids!  What a treat!  Here’s what you need to do to WIN it…