Beautiful British Kiddie Fashion Brands (That Ship To Dubai!)

Kiddie fashion has come a long way since I was a little girl, but I adore the slightly old fashioned look for my kids (and I’d do anything to get my hands on that strawberry print blouse I wore aged 4 for my little girl). Is there anything cuter than a girl in liberty print and boys in fun knits? I love how retro style has made a come back – often with a quirky modern twist – and I LOVE trawling the net seeking out beautiful threads for my three. These are my go-to British brands for for your dapper chaps and little roses, all of which ship to Dubai if you can bear the wait of a few days and paying a few extra pounds/dirhams. (It’s worth it I promise!)

Cath Kidston
I’ve long been a huge fan of Cath Kinston’s vintage floral and retro prints – my boys sleep snuggled amongst her dinosaur bedlinen and our home is dotted with Cath touches (tea-towels, melamine breakfast bowls and wash bags). I feel like a kid in a sweet shop whenever I get the chance to step into one of her London stores. From seriously sweet all in ones covered in roses to boys onesie pjs covered in farm animals, pretty dresses to knitted tank tops – it’s all too cute to resist (the guards theme tank sold out in minutes after Prince George modelled it so beautifully).

Mini Boden
Every British kiddo will have at least 1 piece of Mini Boden in their wardrobe (and the sassiest mamas weave pieces of Boden into their outfits – the shoes are gorge). If you’re looking for swimwear that stands out then this is the place to go with ruffle swimsuits, towelling dresses and surf shoes in cute prints for the girls and awesome trunks, rash vests and surf suits for the boys. The clever bods at Boden have thought of everything from shoes to pj’s, party clothes to pencil cases – sign up for their sale alerts and you can pick up some seriously sassy bargains!

Olivier Baby & Kids
A browse through the Olivier Baby website is like stepping into a quintessentially English summer, with floaty liberty florals, whimsical pieces and light cashmere cardigans perfect for covering little shoulders when there’s a chill in the air. Think cap-sleeve dresses, playsuits, dungarees and cross-strap summer dresses plus sun hats, caps, bonnets and a hand-knitted range of accessories that make the most perfect newborn gifts. Started by 2 sisters who wanted to recreate some of their favourite items made for them by their grandmother when they were children, a knitting hobby took off at the school gates where other mamas formed a line for hats, snoods and mittens. To me, the Olivier Baby & Kids collection is just what childhood is about – beautiful, innocent fun.

Smart Alek London
Let’s hear it for the boys – especially when they’re dressed in Smart Alek’s collection for the quintessential mini gent. Your little chaps (aged 2-9) can be kitted out in the most adorable handmade pieces – teeny tailored shirts, beautiful blazers and immaculately cut classic bermudas. When the boys are dressed like gentlemen, they’re more likely to behave like one too (or at least that’s the plan and if they do insist on being complete hooligans then their clothes won’t let us mamas down!). Made using fabrics from the best mills, the Smart Alek range is designed to withstand the test of time (and boys). Oh and best of all, you don’t have to wait for shipping as you can buy right here in the desert city!

Tootsa Macginty
Beatiful unisex clothes that are bright, cheerful and ‘colourful as a paintbox’ – this is fun fashion which is exactly what kiddie clothes should be about (am not so much into dressing them like mini adults, there’s plenty of time to be grown-up later in life). I love the Fox Jacquard Knit in Kelly Green – a cashmere mix that’s guaranteed to be itch free for soft skin – perfect for Dubai’s cooler months and for our visit back to the UK this summer (there’s a teeny tiny ladybird embroidered on the sleeve for kids to discover – such a magical little touch). Oh and mamas, the range of tapestry cushions are completely divine and very much on my kiddie wish list!