Reviews | The Shopping Mama

Olive Juice: Classic Fall Clothes for Kids

2 Comments 02 September 2010

Olive Juice Kids Back to School Collection is “inspired by a bold Fall color palette found on the streets of Paris.” The collection is really timeless and classic and a touch on the preppy side. The more I explore the Olive Juice website, the more I add to my Wish List.

Defining Olive Juice

olive juice {ol*iv joos} - lifestyle
1. capturing the wonderment of childhood 2. journey into a world of possibility and magic 3. sophisticated and refined 4. as memorable and unique as childhood 5. playful and enduring 6. made with love
synonym – I love you

Classic Back to School Clothes

As any mom to boys will tell you, it can be a challenge to find “good” clothes for little dudes. And by good I mean clothes with no cartoon characters, no animals, trains or dogs. Olive Juice has good, classic clothes that would make any mama proud. The color palette is pleasantly simple with lots of navy and red and perfect for fall with oranges and deep tans. The cut and style together with the use of stripes and plaid gives the pieces a modern feel, and buttons adds some detail to certain styles, like the Liam Topper.

We received a Liam Topper in a very fall-friendly orange color called Carrot. The style is so simple that it’s gender-neutral and can easily be worn by boys and girls. My son is wearing it this year, but I have no doubt my daughter will wear it in a year or two. The machine washable sweater is made of 100% cotton knit. It is intended to reach the hip and has a higher neck but certainly isn’t a turtleneck. There are four buttons from the armpit to the top of the neckline that add a nice detail and make the sweater easier to get on and off. The fit makes it easy to layer on top of button down shirts or polos. It looks adorable with jeans but is equally appropriate more dressed up with nice pants.

Gibson Shirt ($46.50), Christopher Polo ($29.50), Oliver Pant ($46.50)

I absolutely love the girls collection at Olive Juice, too. Everything looks feminine without being overly-girly.

Bailey Top ($34.50), Charleston Sweater Dress ($54.50), Straight Leg Jean ($56)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Liam Topper is a great staple piece for a fall and winter wardrobe. It’s easy to wear and comfortable for your child and also machine washable so it’s easy to maintain for mom. The entire Back to School Collection is versatile and wearable so I think it’s worth considering a piece or two for your tot’s closet.

Or Not to Buy… There’s no reason not to buy the Liam Topper sweater. The price tag is slightly higher than I usually like to spend on my kid’s clothes, but I know both kids will wear it so that makes it a great “investment” piece.

Shop! The entire Back to School collection is available at OliveJuiceKids.com. The Liam Topper Sweater is $48.50. Make sure you check out the Summer Clearance Sale to save up to 60%. (Love the Audrey Top for $16.95 and Classic Polo for $12.95).

Olive Juice provided a sample to facilitate this post.

Carriers, Gear, Reviews

The ERGO Performance and The Original ERGObaby Carrier: A Side-by-side Comparison

2 Comments 02 September 2010

I bought my Original Ergo about a month before the Ergo Performance made it’s debut. All of a sudden the Performance was the “it” new thing and I was wondering if I’d missed out. I loved my Ergo, but would I be happier with the Performance? When Kate offered to lend me the Performance so I could compare the two, I jumped at the opportunity.

ERGObaby Carriers are:

Products to make babywearing safe, easy and comfortable – a HandsFree System with an all-in-one baby carrier that can be used in the front, back and hip position, infant to toddler.

For more info see Kate’s Review of the ERGO Performance or my blog about The Original ERGObaby Carrier.

Side-by-side Comparison

Size, Shape and Weight

Size and Shape: The Performance has a slimmer fit with contoured shoulder straps and a curved waistband. The Performance feels slimmer and closer fitting and I like how the shoulder straps curve along my shoulder blades when using the front carry. However, I prefer the waistband on the Original. I like wearing the waistband low on my hips, possibly lower than recommended, I’m not sure. When I do this with the Performance, the curve of the waistband hits the top of my thighs when I walk, which I find uncomfortable.

The Performance can be extended to 5 inches longer in the waist (to 48″) and the shoulder straps are longer, fitting heights to 6’5″.

Weight: The Performance is a third lighter than the Original and I can feel this when I hold one in each hand, but not when wearing them. Both carriers are a comfortable, essentially unnoticeable, weight.

Padding

The shoulder straps on the Performance have a thinner foam to “provide cushion without the bulk.” The straps are less bulky, but I find them less comfortable too. If I could make one suggestion to the makers of the Ergo it would be to make the Performance shoulder straps more like the Original.

Breathablity

The Performance is undoubtedly cooler than the Original. We walk along the beach in humid Florida and it gets hot. I could feel a significant difference with the Performance. I was still chest to chest (or back) with my little thermonuclear reactor, so it wasn’t completely cool, but it is a noticeable difference.

Pockets and Features

Sleeping Hood: both Ergos have attached hoods. The Performance hood is a soft, fuzzy material and has a zip-close pocket. The Original hood is the same soft cotton as the lining of the carrier and stuffs in a pocket (no zipper).

Storage: both Ergos have a vertical zip pocket on the front that is the perfect size for a cell phone, keys, or a small wallet.

Overall Look

The Performance has a sleeker, sportier look and comes in grey and the spring green pictured. I can see it fitting in well with REI attire and hiking boots and the sport materials may stand up better to the elements. The Original has a nice look too and several color options. I think it looks sporty enough for any outdoorsy family and comfy enough for anyone.

Conclusion

Both the Ergo Performance and the Original Ergo are outstanding carriers and I would be happy with either one. I just put both on again to take photos and I can’t decide which one Kate is getting back. (Just kidding Kate.)

Shop! Both styles of Ergo can be purchased at www.ergobaby.com or Amazonfor $105 to $120.

Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews

Eleven Collection: Great Kids Shoes for Fall Review + Giveaway

104 Comments 01 September 2010

No back to school fashion round-up would be complete without featuring some great shoes for kids. And, if your little ones are anything like mine, they are tough on shoes and require some styles that wear well, provide support and look great all at the same time. Eleven Collection shoes are just that – functional, kid-appropriate and uber-stylish.

About Eleven Collection

Our mission is to create wonderful shoes for little travelers who make each step an adventure. Based in the Northwest, Eleven combines quality footwear with independent style and modern accents. Made with attention and care for the journey that happens every day, our shoes don’t have a break-in period. All of our shoes feature artisan craftsmanship and city-chic style, making them perfect and functional for every occasion.

Boys Shoes for Fall

Eleven Collection’s new styles for fall feature many classic styles with a twist. For example, we received the Eamon in Brown for my 3.5 year old son. The shoe is a simple brown “trainer”-style shoe with with swanky sand-colored suede accents. To be honest, the photos of the shoe don’t do them justice. When they arrived, I literally squealed because they look so great. I love the Eamon, in particular, because it has the classic look of a lace up shoe with the ease of velcro. In other words, they look super cool (a little retro, even) and my son can put them on himself.

The shoes do more than look good. They are made of premium materials, including leather uppers and a flexible leather sole. Just holding them you can tell they are well padded around the collar and insole – and my son reports they are comfortable. He’s worn them with no argument, so that must mean they feel good because he would let me know otherwise!

In addition to the Eamon, there are some other great shoes for boys this fall.

Asher ($50), Miles boot ($56) and Josef in Brown ($50)

Girls Shoes for Fall

The Eleven Collection girls shoes are so adorable that I seriously considered buying the ruffled Mary Jane Alessia shoe for my daughter. To wear years from now when she grows into them. Like the boys collection, the girls shoes are classic styles with a twist, like the dots on the brown Layne boot and the pink leather stripe on the black and gray Zoe shoe. Does the Zoe shoe come in my size?

Alessia in Cranberry ($50), Layne ($56), Zoe ($50)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Eamon shoes will be a staple in my son’s wardrobe for as long as they fit. They are very well-constructed, suitable for an active preschooler and they look awesome. The

Or Not to Buy… The only thing I can think of is that I want MORE. I’d love a great variety in shoes and perhaps some more “dressy” loafer kind of style for boys.

Shop! Eleven Collection shoes, including the new fall shoe styles are available now for purchase online. Eleven’s shoes are available in whole sizes 9-3 and are priced around $50. Shop now and get FREE SHIPPING on all orders!

Win! A Pair of Eleven Shoes!

How to Enter: Visit Eleven Collection and check out all the great shoes. Leave a comment with a style that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Follow Eleven Shoes on Twitter
“Like” Eleven on Facebook
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Win a pair of Eleven shoes, perfect for back to (pre)school @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9LP753
Like The Shopping Mama on Facebook. Leave another comment if you Share the post on your Facebook wall.

Giveaway ends September 15. Open to US residents only.

I received a sample product and giveaway prize from Eleven Collection.

Zoolu! Zing! Enter ZING0901 at checkout to receive 35% OFF all aden + anais swaddle blankets, towel sets and lovies at Zoolu! New styles just added last week! Hurry — this deal will only be good until 6pm PST!

For Mama, Giveaways, Reviews

Be Colorful with Vera Bradley: Get Carried Away Tote Review & Giveaway

379 Comments 31 August 2010

I can easily admit that I’ve been eying Vera Bradley bags for, literally, years. I’ve admired friends’ bags, carried them around the store trying to decide if I wanted to purchase one and played around on the Vera Bradley website checking out the hundreds of style and color combinations. Now that I have a Vera Bradley of my very own, I have to say I’m a convert.

About Very Bradley

Young, mature, sophisticated, playful… women of all ages love Vera Bradley! And our phenomenal growth rate for the past five years shows this!
Our Mission: To design, manufacture and internationally market a distinctive line of superior quality handbags, travel items, stationery, eyewear and accessories that convey the Vera Bradley image and unique lifestyle. Currently, we release new colors and styles each season.

Get Carried Away Tote

The ultimate in travel, our Get Carried Away Tote is designed to function as a travel companion. Unique, breakaway zipper gives the option of securely closing the bag (like a duffel or luggage item) or leaving it wide open! Tons of pockets (some plastic-lined!) and positionable shoulder pads make traveling comfortable and easy. Go ahead, Get Carried Away!

Tote Features

Breakaway zipper feature allows for wide, tote-like opening or snug and secure closure for travel
Softly quilted, positionable shoulder pads located on handles
Six interior slip pockets plus two plastic-lined pockets
Four outer pockets
Airline carry-on compliant

The Get Carried Away Tote is huge, like so big I can fit my 21 month old child inside. See:

Generous Sized Tote Bag

Technically, the Tote is 18¼ inches wide by 15½ inches tall and 7½ inches across with a 12½ inch strap. In mama’s terms, that means it’s plenty big enough to function as a diaper bag, more than enough room for a gym bag and perfect for a weekend getaway. I am already daydreaming about what I’m going to pack when I escape for a girls’ resort and spa night away in a few weeks, and it will literally be the only bag I bring. While it’s very roomy, the Tote isn’t overwhelming. Don’t you hate when you find a great bag, but the bag itself weighs a million pounds before you even put anything in it? Well, this isn’t like that. It’s made of 100% cotton so the material is lightweight (and machine washable!). And, if you pack heavy and fill this sucker up, there are padded shoulder straps to make it more comfortable to carry.

Great Organization

The pockets and storage on the Get Carried Away Tote are awesome. There are four outside pockets – one on every side. There are eight inside pockets. Two of the inside pockets are elasticized and plastic-lined, making them perfect for sippy cups or water bottles that may leak or sweat. The six interior slip pockets are about 7 inches deep, two are longer (about 7.5 inches) and four are about 4 inches wide. The bag can be zippered closed, which is a great benefit for traveling (and nosy kids).

Be Colorful

The only concern I’ve ever had about buying a Vera Bradley bag is what makes a Vera a Vera – the fabrics. I tend to go with more neutral, safe colors and patterns in my clothes and accessories. But, the funny thing is I always admire and like Vera Bradley bags when I see others carrying them. Now that I have one of my own, it’s totally grown on me and I love the blend of roses and pinks and purples in the Very Berry Paisley pattern. The paisley pattern that covers the majority of the bag is accented with a round flower pattern that also lines the inside of the bag.

Now, for those of you that shy away from the patterns, the Vera Vera Collection is made of solid black or brown microfiber. The collection has the same function and usefulness of all Vera Bradley bags, and a very different look.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I think the conversion is official – I’m now a Vera Bradley Mama. (Next on my list? The Jewelry Box is perfect for travel.) I love how roomy the Tote is and really appreciate the pockets and storage options.

Or Not to Buy… I do wish there was an internal zipped pocket or an attached key fob or key hook. I tend to, um, misplace keys and that kind of helps me out a bit.

Shop! The Vera Bradley Get Carried Away Tote is $88 and the complete color collection is on VeraBradley.com. You can also find many Vera Bradley bags and accessories on Vera Bradley.

Win! A Vera Bradley Get Carried Away Tote in Very Berry Paisley!

How to Enter: Browse around Vera Bradley and leave a comment here with another bag or pattern that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Follow Vera Bradley on Twitter
“Like” Vera Bradley on Facebook
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Win a Vera Bradley Get Carried Away Tote ($88) and #becolorful @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9YWWcG
Like The Shopping Mama on Facebook. Leave another comment if you Share the post on your Facebook wall.
Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or RSS

Giveaway ends September 15. Open to US residents only.

I received a sample product and giveaway prize from Vera Bradley.

Baby, Carriers, Gear, Reviews

Infantino Balance Ergonomic Carrier Review

5 Comments 30 August 2010

The theme of the second phase of the Infantino Test Drive program is carriers! If you are a mom, you know it is so important to find a carrier that both you and your baby like and are comfortable using. Infantino has come up with some great new options to keep your little one close and happy while out and about. We decided to give the Balance Ergonomic Carrier a try!

About the Balance Carrier

Our Balance carrier is ergonomically designed to lighten your load and keep you comfortably cruising all day long. The Balance is also a cozy place for baby, with a natural sitting position, front carry or backpack options and adjustable straps that grow with baby.

Our Experience

I was really excited to try out this carrier. I have never used a backpack style with either of my kids, and was looking forward to giving it a try. When I opened the box I was immediately impressed with the quality and thickness of the padding on the shoulder straps. I could tell they would certainly be comfortable, and I was right. I didn’t feel as if there was any strain put on my shoulders or my back when carrying baby in the front or back position, which is a huge deal for me, as many other carriers I have tried eventually start to hurt my back.

My little girl seemed to like the front position better, but I really think as she gets older, she will like the backpack position. My two and a half year old falls within the weigh limits (8-35 lbs!), and I did try it with him, and thought it was the coolest thing to be on my back. I thought it was cool because he wasn’t straining my back! The lumbar support that goes around your waist is really great support. Infantino certainly got the “ergonomic” part of the Balance Carrier right!

Watch a great video demonstration of how to use the Balance Carrier here.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… I would certainly buy this carrier if you are looking for something versatile to use in many different situations, and for such a long period of time, 8-35 pounds!

Or Not to Buy… If you are planning on using this as a backpack, make sure you are able to have help putting it on. You will not be able to safely put baby in the backpack without the help of another adult.

Shop! The suggested retail price of the Balance Carrier is $59.99, and it can be purchased at Babies R Us and Amazon(currently on sale for $49.99). For More Information on Infantino Products, you can find them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

LAST FEW DAYS TO WIN! If you haven’t yet entered, check out the Infantino Facebook page and blog to enter for your chance to win one of five bouncers. The giveaway will be live through 9/1/10.

Disclosure: “I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

All Things Birthday, For Mama, Giveaways, Party Planning, Reviews

Celebrate with Style: SanLori Review + Giveaway

130 Comments 30 August 2010

While it’s grown increasingly popular to send electronic invitations and communicate by email, I remain attached to the idea of sending invitation cards in the mail, I love getting a notecard stationery in my mailbox and really it’s the only way to send an appropriate thank you card. SanLori shares the love of paper goods and invitations and has a wide selection to help you celebrate in style.

About SanLori

Staying connected. That is a central theme of how SanLori began and what they value Sandra Marbaise (San) and Lorraine Maxwell (Lori), friends from their college years, began with the premise that they could build a creative, thriving business and also have an active family life. (Have their Tiramisu and eat it too!) Beginning with twenty eight designs and whole lot of enthusiasm they ventured down this new path and haven’t looked back. What could be better than knowing our “art from the heart” has been around to celebrate some of the happiest moments in life? So stay connected!

Childrens Party Invitations

SanLori has a huge – HUGE! – selection of Childrens Party Invitations. In fact, I had a hard time picking my favorites to feature. If you have a theme in mind, chances are you’ll find a great invitation to go set the tone for your party right. And, better yet, if you don’t have a theme in mind you can browse until something catches your eye. Here are some of my favorite Kids Party Invitations.

You can also keep it simple with some Fill In Invitations.

SanLori also has very kid-appropriate notecards and stationery. I love having cards personalized with my kids names. It makes sending a thank you note more special and it motivates my son to “help” with his thank you cards. We received the Clubhouse Note for my son and the Lil’ Critters Note for my daughter. The quality is great – the colors are vivid and the paper is matte finish making it easy to write on.

Great Gifts & Stationery

The kids don’t have all the fun at SanLori. As you can see from the photo to the right, there are some great gifts and stationery for mamas, too. The new Hot Chicks! candles are the perfect little just because gift for a girlfriend. The packaging looks as good as the candle smells. And the notepads and the Notepads and Paper Cubes are great great for teacher gifts or inexpensive birthday gifts for a friend.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Everything we received is a winner, and the prices at SanLori can’t be beat. I’m not sure what I like best: the selection, affordability or quality. I will definitely shop there again and recommend the site to friends.

Or Not to Buy… I honestly can’t think of a negative thing or improvement for the products I received.

Shop! SanLori birthday party invitations range between $8 and $13 for a set of 10. Notecards and Thank YOu Notes are between $8 and $10.

Win! $100 SanLori Gift Certificate so you can Celebrate, Gift and Say Thank You in Style!

How to Enter: Browse SanLori and leave a comment with at least two items you’d buy if you win the generous giveaway.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Follow SanLori on Twitter
Like SanLori on Facebook
Sign up for the SanLori newsletter
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave the link when you do.
Celebrate in style! Win a $100 gift card to SanLori @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bHeLS0
Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook? If you Share on your Facebook, leave another comment.

Giveaway ends September 10. Open to US mailing addresses only.