baby chic

Alejandra Kearl Photo Contest

2012-01-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

I'm having a photo contest! I've worked with many photographers in the past few years doing family photo shoots and collection shoots. With my 3 little boys growing, pictures are precious to me and I'm thankful for the talented photographers that have helped me capture these sweet years.

Here are the Rules:

Pre-Contest:
-I will be accepting submissions starting tonight through January 22nd.
-Send one photo no more than 2MB to my email at babychic@mac.com (any picture that represents your best work)
-Include your name, business name and where you do business in the subject line.

Contest
-If you are selected, I will need your address and the size of dress (12-18 months up to 6/7 years only) This will be the dress your model will wear in your entry photograph. This also means you will be on our photographer list link.
-Please send one photo of a model wearing the dress by February 12th. This is where you get to show your creative genius.
-From your blog or website, you will need to link to Alejandra Kearl (blog/website or facebook page)
-Your photo will be posted on my fan page https://www.facebook.com/alejandrakearldesigns
-The winner will be chosen by the public, voting will begin February 12th ending February 26th, the picture that receives the most "likes" will be the winner.

Prices
The winner will receive a * $300 gift card to AlejandraKearl.com, a featured spot on AlejandraKearl.com and a $50 gift card to TinyPrints.com.

Good Luck!!

* Gift card can't be combined with any other offer, full retail prices will apply.

Halloween Baby Costumes

2011-09-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

Halloween is so fun: costumes, parties, candy, fun fun fun!!
Even though I sew, I usually buy my kids costumes. I'm not a big fan of sewing masks and things alike.
I did make William's costume last year, he was Elvis.
Tonight I was looking on etsy for baby costume ideas and found the cutest baby crochet hats. The pictures are so sweet, there is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby, don't you think?

If you want to buy these sweet hats, you can visit Nita Maes Garden Shop on Etsy.

Clippies Winner!

2011-08-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

The winner is Stevens Family!!

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1 Max: 4
Result: 2

Email me with your mailing address and I'll send these cuties your way. Thanks!

Owls and Treats - Clippies Giveaway

2011-08-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've been selling these little felt Clippies on my website and decided to do a giveaway today.
During the last few weeks I started designing and making a few boys' items, so to enter this giveaway please comment on this post by letting me know what kind of clothing for boys you wish there was more of out there and/or what styles you could do without. Thanks!

I also wanted to let you know I'm having a "Back to School Sale" - 40% off all items and Free shipping, from August 3rd to August 10th only, checkout code is: back. Don't forget to visit www.alejandrakearl.com for this great Sale.

The lucky winner will be randomly selected. You will win one set of the owl clippies and one set of the treats clippies (picture above). Deadline to enter is Thursday August 4th at midnight.
We will announce the winner of this give-away on the morning of Friday August 5th. So don't forget to come back and check! Free Continental US shipping only.

Good Luck!

Costume Designer Julie Weiss

2011-07-30T10:15:00.001-07:00

I just saw the movie Secretariat, it is a great story about the journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Diane Lane plays Housewife and mother Penny Chenery, who has taken over her sick father's Virginia based Meadow Stables. Against all odds, Chenery with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) succeeds in a male dominated business.
I really enjoyed the film, but I was just fascinated by the clothes that Diane Lane wore throughout the movie. I had a hard time finding good pictures of her wardrobe to share with you. I specially love the navy blue and white dress (2nd picture), you'll just have to watch the movie to get a better look.

I learned that designer Julie Weiss designed all of Diane's wardrobe, in my opinion she did an amazing job. Julie is truly talented, she is worked in countless films and has an extensive and diverse body of work. I love her approach to designing, below you can see a short video of Julie and her design process.

Pom Poms Flor Dress and Pettitights Winner!!

2011-06-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry I'm late posting this, it seems like I've been catching up lately, actually is more like I've been playing catch up for the last 5 years... It seems specially busy at the end of the school year, you know what I mean? Class parties, birthday parties, etc. But, although I'm tired and very busy, I wouldn't have it any other way :)

Thanks for all the entries, advice and continued support of my little business. Since you each had multiple entries, here are the numbers assigned to each entry.

1-Carrie
2-Evelyn
3-Evelyn
4-Evelyn
5-Mari
6-Mari
7-Mari
8-Stevens
9-Stevens
10-Carrie
11-Carrie
12-Toni
13-Toni

So to pick a number I used the Random Number Generator and here is the winner!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1 Max: 13

Result: 4

Evelyn! Thank you for your entries, please email me at babychic@mac.com with the size you would like and your mailing address.

Thanks for all the entries and keep on following, I will have another giveaway in a week or so.

Have a great weekend and enjoy your summer!

Pom Poms Flor Dress and Pettitights Giveaway

2011-06-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm having another giveaway this week! You can win the beautiful outfit below:
One Pom Pom Flor Dress and a pair of our adorable pettitights in white with hot pink ruffles (sizes 12-18months to 8/10 years), retail value is $78!

Pom Poms Flor Dress

Here is a picture of the pettitighs with the Zebra Dress

To play:

All you have to do is follow this blog and leave a comment on this post telling what style of clothes you would like to see more of for your little ones.

To increase your chance of winning,
-please help me spread the word by writing a post about this give away on your blog.
-Like us on facebook.
-Follow us on twitter.

If you do any of these things, let me know on a separate comment and I will put your name in for each one.

The lucky winner will be randomly selected. You will win one Pom Pom Flor Dress (you choose the size from 18-24months to 8/10) and a pair of our white Pettitights with hot pink ruffles.
We will announce the winner of this give-away on the morning of Friday June 24th. So don't forget to come back and check! Free Continental US shipping only.

Good Luck!

Introducing the new: www.AlejandraKearl.com!

2011-06-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so exited to re-launch my website www.AlejandraKearl.com!
I use to have 2 sites; www.thebabychicboutique.com and www.alejandrakearl.com.
I use to retail on one site and wholesale on the other, I combined them both and now have one great new site.
From now on I will only be selling my products, it was too hard to sell other brands, keep stock and compete with big sites. I can now focus much better on my designs and website. I created a site that is easy to use, has better images, it will be regularly updated and will always have lots of great deals available to my loyal customers.

Please take a look and let me know if you have any suggestions on how I can improve the site, I can always use your help :)!
I'm offering a 20% discount coupon, it's good until June 17th. Simply type 20%off upon checkout and you will get the discount even on Sale items!

Shipping is a flat $6 on all orders under $100 and it goes up just a few dollars on bigger purchases.

Thanks!

www.AlejandraKearl.com

Loving Harvey Faircloth

2011-05-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

I found the Harvey Faircloth Spring collection and I'm in love with almost every piece. I'm pretty sure I can't afford to buy them, but they are great inspiration for Spring shopping. The cuts are different, modern and classic at the same time and the colors are so fun. Here are my favorites:

Was that a pointed remark? Oh. Well, then, thank you.

Could it be? Could it be?

She has never enjoyed line dances but is a good sport about it.

She finds that some people cannot be reasoned with.

She recounts the total success of her one hitchhiking experience: no abduction, no stains.

Most of the thrill of the event was lost in the retelling.

She knows how quickly the hunter becomes the hunted.

She demonstrates the technique of her great-grandmother Trixie,
a former trick-riding rodeo queen.

Which is your favorite? (1 to 8 from top to bottom)

Great Vintage Inspired Dresses

2011-05-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

I found HeartmyCloset on Etsy, she makes vintage inspired dresses, they are all so pretty, feminine, sexy, affordable and so stylish.

prices range from $62 to $120

What do you think? Would you wear these?

Baby Carriers - The less expensive alternative to the Ergo

2011-05-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

Since I became a mom I've tried many types of baby carriers. I used the Baby Bjorn with my first, I mainly used a sling with my second baby and now with my 3rd baby I bought and Ergo that I love. Most of my friends had the Ergo and they highly recommended it, they told me it was super easy to use, comfortable and durable, they were all right. Unfortunately, on my last trip to Chile I left my Ergo at my mom's house. I didn't want to fork out another $100 to replace it, so I thought I would just wait until my mom came to visit and she would just bring it, but I found myself really missing and needing my handy/helpful carrier.
Last month I was at Target when I saw this carrier that looked so much like the Ergo carrier, it was only $39 so I decided to buy it as an "interim" carrier until I got my other one back. It turns out this carrier is great! I love it and I wish I had tried it before.
It's called the Infantino Union carrier, it works just like the Ergo and it's super comfortable. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to the Ergo, try the Infantino. The only thing that I miss from the Ergo is the little head cover attachment, but a small blanket does the job just fine.

Infantino Union Carrier. Target $39

What's your favorite carrier?

baby chic: Mother's Song

2011-05-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

I posted this poem/video from Disney Junior a while back, it's such a sweet video perfect for mother's day. I noticed nobody had the lyrics posted so I wrote them down and added them to the post. It's a very touching little mother's day poem and so many people stop by to see it I thought I should share it again.
Enjoy!

Mother's Song

William & Harry

2011-05-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

During the past week, everyone has been talking about the amazing Royal Wedding, specially the fashion part of the wedding.

I really enjoyed admiring the beautiful gowns, I love Catherine's wedding dress. She looked like a true Princess. I think the dress is delicate, feminine and timeless. In 50 years from now I feel we'll look at it and still feel like it's a beautiful gown.

Even thought I enjoyed looking at the women and their gowns/hats. My favorite part was admiring William and Harry, I believe they inherited their mother's more human and relaxed temperament. They still behaved "Royally", but it was so nice to see them being so kind and supportive of one another, I think their mother would be very proud. I also think they looked so handsome! It reminded me of Cinderella....Don't you think?

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

I love this picture, my sweet boys with their bunny ears.

I know I will be able to blackmail them with this picture in just a few years, too cute!

Beautiful Fun Photos

2011-04-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

I just received these beautiful pictures from Heather Telford, she is a wonderful photographer. She is also super nice, down to earth and great with children.
Heather took beautiful pictures of the Little Pearl and Black Dress from my Spring 2011 collection, she chose a great setting, I love the trees on the background, the colors are perfect and to top it off the little girl is adorable.

Enjoy!


Little Pearl and Black Dress Spring 2011 you can buy it here

The Huntigton Library

2011-04-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

The boys will be on Spring break this coming week and I'm trying to figure out some fun things to do with them. Today we went to Travel town and that's always fun, boys love trains! We will probably take one day and go the beach and maybe to the LA Zoo.
I have never taken them to The Huntington Library, I think they are old enough to enjoy the amazing art galleries, botanical gardens and library, plus they are having some very interesting exhibitions right now. I really want to see John Frame's sculpture showcase. His art is very unique, the video below shows some of his new works.

For hours and ticket information click here.

What are you doing? Any suggestions?

What little things are you thankful for?

2011-04-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

I was invited by my great friend to go to Time out for Women, I had never been and didn't know what it was. It's a conference for women, they have amazing speakers, singers and by the end of the conference you feel like you are ready to go home and be a better Woman. I was very inspired and uplifted. One of the things I was reminded of was to be grateful and appreciative of my blessings. So I decided I will try to regularly post about the "little things" I'm thankful for.
I'm of course very thankful for the "Big/Main things" in my life: Husband, children, family, friends, gospel, home, work.
But many times I forget to appreciate the little things in my life and writing these posts I hope will help me remember them. Also, I would love for you to tell me what "little things" you are thankful for.
The little things I'm thankful for today are:

1- Early bed time (I don't mean for me)
2- Clorox wipes (I have boys that don't have good aim if you know what I mean)
3- Sunny days (I think I'm part lizard and I get cold very easily)
4- Plum baby foods (the kind that comes in a pouch, so there's no clean up)
5- Pantene conditioner (I have lots of hair and Pantene tames it a little)

People always say that it's the little things in life that counts, do you agree? what little things in life are you thankful for?

Beautiful Cakes

2011-04-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

I love cake. It's not a secret.
I really enjoy watching all the different TV shows about cake, Cake Boss is my favorite.
I also like reading Cake blogs, I just found this great blog and I'm so impressed I had to share.
The blog is called I'm Baker and she is so creative, take a look at these cakes:

She has awesome tutorials for all her creations, you are going to love her blog.
Enjoy!

Courtyard and Fall 2011 Sneak Peek

2011-04-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

We finally did the Courtyard and Fall photo shoots. I had to wait longer than expected for my samples and then the weather was not cooperating. I'm so exited to finally have them done and specially about how they turned out, I can't wait to show you all the pictures!
Scott Pereira did the photo shoot, he was the best! He was super nice, professional and very good with all our little girls. His work is amazing and I'm certain we will work together again.
Here is a little sneak peak:

Courtyard 2011- available end of June 2011

Fall 2011 - available August 2011

Holiday 2011 - available September 2011

I can't wait to show you more!

Chore Chart

2011-03-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've been having a little trouble keeping track of all the things I need to help my kids with. I'm pretty good about keeping track of all their activities; Piano, Art class, cub scouts, etc.
But when it comes to reminding them to do their chores; practicing piano, reading in Spanish, trash duty and so forth, I'm not doing so great. So I googled "chore chart template", I found several, this one is my favorite I found it at "The Project Girl".
I like it because I can hand write on it, customize it to what they need each week and it's cute. I can also use it for my own chores and organize myself too.

Here you go:

You can download the chart here

Let me know if you use it!

One

2011-03-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is already one. I know I say that about every birthday, but to me the first year always goes way too fast and I end up wishing I could do it all over again.
William is the smallest one year old I've had, he is so tiny it makes it impossible not to hold him all the time, he is a busy little guy, but he's always smiling and happy. Some people say that baby #3 is always like that, is that true in your family?

I wish I had ordered more!

2011-03-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

I'm packing Spring orders at the same time I'm finalizing my Fall 2011 collection and my sewing room looks like a complete mess. I'm having a hard time finding my tape measure and scissors! Oh well, just a few more days and then I'll organize it... maybe.
I'm always conservative when placing orders to my manufacturer, I always worry about how each collection will do. Last year when I placed my Spring 2011 orders, I was very conservative. With the way the economy is going and so many little boutiques closing shop I ordered just a little extra inventory in each style.
I should have ordered more! I'm very happy to tell you I picked up 2 new boutiques, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Alabama :), they will be carrying my line in a matter of weeks, now the little extra inventory I had ordered is going to them.
So this little number below is already sold out in most sizes, if you want this dress I have in sizes 18/24 months and 8/9 years only. Let me know quick, they are going fast!!

The dress is 100% silk, the print has little birds and flowers. $48.

Friday Finds: P'Kolino Playful Art Set

2011-03-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

I like to encourage my kids' interest in art, they love coloring, drawing, painting, you name it.
I don't like messes and even though I know we have at least 7 sets of crayons in their coloring drawer, half of them are broken and we can't find orange!
So, I bough these sets at Babyage.com:

P'kolino Playful Art Set

For $16 they each have a set now. Each set has 12 markers, 12 triangle crayons and 16 hexagon colored pencils. The pencils are 100% color, no wood, but it doesn't color their hands. The quality is amazing, I also noticed that their shape makes them easier to hold and my favorite: they all fit neatly in the little stand.

The boys loved them, they really like the cool shapes and that there's no wood. I like that now they have all their colors neatly in a little stand and there will be no more looking for orange!

I'm always looking for art supplies, do you have any art supplies you and/or your children love?

Easy Window Treatment

2011-03-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

I made a very easy, fast and affordable window treatment for the window above my sink. I love the view from there, so I wanted something simple that would not obstruct my view.

Here is what I came up with:

How to make it:
First, measure the width of the window, then decide how long you want it to hang. If your window is under 54 inches wide you are in luck, most decorator fabrics are 54" wide.
Let's say your window is 50" wide and you want the treatment to hang 16". You would need to cut 2 fabric rectangles, adding 1 inch seam allowance for each side. In this case you would need to cut 2 52" wide by 18" high rectangles. One of the rectangles should be your chosen print and the second should be a solid. Don't use the print for both sides, if you do, the print will not show well when the light comes through, plus you can save some money by using a less expensive solid for the back and splurge on the print.
Next, put right sides together, pin all around, sew all four sides with 1" seam allowance leaving 2 small openings on the top corners to feed the tension rod, make one of the openings bigger so you can turn it inside out.
Turn it inside out and hand sew the bigger opening leaving now 2 matching small openings for the rod. Steam press, feed the tension rod and hang, done!
If your window is like mine, meaning wider than 50" you might have to piece the fabric together (you will need twice the height of the treatment) you can see on the last picture that I added a panel in the middle of mine to make it wider.

Solid back

This tension rod was about $6 at Big Lots


Small opening for tension rod

Before


After

Now, if I could just finish the other 3 rooms that need window treatments, ahhhhh......

What do you think?

Friday Finds - Easter Dresses

2011-03-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

I watched Peggy Sue got Married last night, as you have seen before I love the styles worn during that time. I later started looking for pretty Easter outfits, here are some great ones:

Julianne More For Talbots

Found at River Island $80

Found at River Island $116

Etsy $258