Our Best-Ever Summer Dress Sale: 30% off selected styles through Sunday.

If there is one item of clothing that defines Papo d’Anjo, it is the dress. My first design was a Peter Pan collar dress for my daughter, Camilla. Today, dresses are the building blocks of each and every Papo d’Anjo collection.

This week Papo d’Anjo is offering a 30% discount on selected styles, including the Tiered Searsucker Hippie Dress featured in the adorable photo above. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase a special dress for graduation parties, weddings, special summer events or just everyday fun.

Other personal favorites of mine include the Simple A-Line Dress in this season’s gorgeous batik print (above) and the Polka Dot Dress (below).

The sale ends this Sunday, June 5, at midnight. Order now while colors and sizes are still available.

Lambing Season

Lambs are being born all across the United Kingdom. Because my family and I live in the rural Cotswold region of England, we get to witness this annual rite of spring firsthand. It’s an incredibly busy time for farmers, and our village bustles with activity.

Cotswold wool has been considered the gold standard since the Roman times. Throughout history, the church owned vast land holdings in the area. The wool trade made it very rich, which explains why there is a church and at least one “big house” in every village in the Cotswolds.  The huge  Bathhurst Estate was built with a fortune made from wool.

Much of the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection was inspired by this special time of year in England when you know that summer will eventually arrive but the chilly air and abundant rain have you reaching for your sweater. I particularly love the green and gray color story in the top photo as it reminds me of the countryside and skies outside my front door.

I always use the highest quality wool for my cold weather collections. I believe strongly in supporting local businesses as a way to help communities thrive–an idea that is vigorously supported by Prince Charles, not to mention every noted environmentalist. Papo d’Anjo is the only children’s clothing company to still buy our wool tartans from actual Scottish mills.

Tartans, tweeds, wool sweaters and dresses are all on display at our Autumn/Winter 2011 trunk shows. If you are interested in attending a trunk show, contact Sybil Heine at sheine@comcast.net to find the one nearest you.

Share Your Spring Break Photos

Luisa, the daughter of my childhood friend Elizabeth, on Hawaii's Big Island.

Growing up in a winter climate, I always looked forward to my family’s Spring Break holidays in southern Florida. Swimming in the ocean, tennis lessons, the smell of suntan lotion–all are such powerful and lasting memories.

Whatever you do, I hope you and your family enjoy the break from the busy routine of the school year. Please post your Papo Spring Break photos and any travel tips or favorite destinations on our Facebook page. We’d love to learn about your adventures large and small.

Spring Break Packing for Boys

Last week I created a packing list for girls. This week, it’s time to get your sons ready for your upcoming family holiday. Here’s what I’d suggest from the orange, magenta, and turquoise color story:

• One Button Down Collar Shirt or Little Boy’s Shirt. Choose between the Orange Checked or Orange Striped for your older son. Little boys will look adorable in either Orange Plaid or White.
• Three Boy’s Pique Polo shirts, in White, Turquoise, and Khaki.
• One Papo d’Anjo Striped Polo in Turquoise and Orange Striped.
• One Heathered Pique Polo in Coral.
• One pair Boy’s Casual Shorts in Turquoise Seersucker.
• One pair Boys Twill Cargo Shorts in Khaki Twill.
• One pair Boy’s Twill Shorts in Beige Light Weight Twill.
• One pair Classic Plain Front Trousers in White or White Jeans.
• A Cashmere V-Neck Pullover in French Blue.
• If you are doing something dressy, add a Boy’s Blazer in Khaki.
• Two Boy’s Surfer Style Swim Suits, in Turquoise and Orange and White Flowers.
• Boy’s Sun Hat in Beige Light Weight Twill.
• Leather Braided Belt.
• Leather Tassel Mocassins in Brown.
• Boy’s Boxer Shorts.
• Sneakers, flip flops.
• LeapPad, Game Boy or iTouch for the plane rides.

Spring Break Packing List for Girls

Spring Break is still weeks away for most of us, but it’s never too early to get ready. I’ve packed and unpacked my children’s clothing so many times that I’ve gotten the process down to a science.

My first tip is to pick colors that coordinate with each other and stick with them for every child. The Spring 2011 collection is divided into three main color stories: pale pastels; hot pink, orange, turquoise; and red, white and blue. Each offers a number of options for both boys and girls of all ages.

For a warm weather holiday, I’d suggest these options for a girl.

• One fancier dress, either the Girls Pinafore or V-Back Sundress.
• Two play dresses, including our new Jersey Dress (perfect for plane rides) and  either the Striped Beach Dress or Cotton Tunic Dress.
• One Girl’s Cashmere Cardigan.
• Two pairs of shorts, including the Girl’s Twill Shorts and Short Shorts.
• One pair of Girl’s Twill Jeans.
• Three wrinkle-proof knit tops. Choose among the Sleeveless Ribbed Tee, Girl’s Polo, Ruffle Knit Top, and Sleeveless Smocked Top.
• Two bathing suits, either the Girl’s One Piece Bathing Suit or our new Girl’s Bikini.
• One Beach Cover-up.
• Flip flops, sneakers, a pair of Leather Sabrinas and a pair of Leather Tie Mocassins (perfect for traveling).
• Two nightgowns or pairs of pajamas.
• Underwear.
• Headbands.

Next week, I’ll put together a list for boys.

The response to Papo’s Spring 2011 Collection has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Thank you! As a result, a few styles are currently backordered in certain sizes.

Papo’s Lisbon seamstresses are working away to make sure these items are available as soon as possible and I apologize for any delays this situation may cause in completing your order. Rest assured that Papo d’Anjo does not charge a shipping fee for any backordered items.

 

Travel Insider: Comporta

Most of the photography for the Spring 2011 collection was shot in the magical beach resort of Comporta. Located just an hour south of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast, this summer holiday favorite of Portuguese families is set between sand dunes, pine trees, and rice fields and is mostly made up of a protected nature preserve .

My family adores Comporta and we make a point of spending time there every summer. Many families stay with friends or rent houses, but a beautiful hotel is the CasasNaAreia. The hotel melds the classic thatched fishermen’s cottages that the region is known for with cutting edge design.

Interested in seeing more? For a beautiful slide show, take a peek at the New York Times story on the region.

Winter into Spring

Photo courtesy of WireImage.

Last night Kiernan Shipka wore a dress that I designed specifically for her to the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Made from an incredibly soft navy velvet, the dress embodies my belief that a clean silhouette, impeccable tailoring, and the highest quality fabrics are the most important components to dressing a child for a special occassion. Children are so naturally beautiful that they don’t need a lot of embellishments.

Photo courtesy of WireImage.

While Kiernan is a TV star on a hit show, you don’t have to have a date with the red carpet for Papo d’Anjo to design a custom outfit for your son or daughter. Over the years our Made to Order department has created memorable pieces for weddings, first communions, baptisms, bat and bar mitzvahs and other special family events.

In other news, our Spring 2011 Collection is now online! I’ll be blogging about it more in the next few weeks, but for now I want to recommend the new Circle A-Line Top. I designed it in response to mothers’ requests for a more stylish cotton poplin shirt that can go with skirts or jeans and will hold up well even in the dog days of summer. It was a huge hit at our trunk shows. I hope you agree.

Papo d’Anjo Is Clearing the Shelves! Our Spring Collection Debuts January 31.

I know most of you are still deep in winter, but the Papo d’Anjo warehouses in St. Paul and Lisbon are brimming with floral prints, pastels, and cheery hot pink and orange bathing suits. Papo’s Spring 2011 collection debuts on Monday, January 31, in time for you to stock up for your winter family vacations.

This new season is one of my all-time favorites. It’s got a great mix of bright prints and stripes and new styles, including a casual striped dress that I love.  And, for the first time, Papo d’Anjo is selling leggings.

I had always resisted this trend, even after my own daughters started wearing them. But my friends and customers kept explaining that they are a staple of the American girl’s wardrobe and that they’d like to have some options that appealed to both them and their daughters.  Papo’s leggings come in beautiful Liberty prints and go beautifully with our Striped Beach Dresses as well as plain tops.

Because Papo d’Anjo is a European company, I also have to keep in mind the preferences of my Portuguese and Spanish customers, who prefer to dress their children in neutrals.  I custom-designed the colors for this Liberty print, which anchors an extensive pastel color story. It’s gorgeous and I’m certain will find a following on both sides of the Atlantic.

In other news, our Winter Sale is winding down.  Discounts are as high as 75% and new styles have been added, including our classic Duffel Coats. Sizes and colors are limited, but there are some terrific savings available.

Velvet Party Dresses and Tartan Taffeta

Photo courtesy of Wireimage.

This weekend, “Mad Men” actress Kiernan Shipka promoted her upcoming Hallmark movie “Smooch,” wearing Papo d’Anjo to two Los Angeles events. It was such a delight to see her talking to the press dressed in Papo’s Velvet Double Breasted Dress. It is currently on sale in very limited quantities. But if you are looking for a similarly fancy yet innocent option, I’d also suggest our extremely popular Velvet Party Dress (shown below).

Photo courtesy of Wireimage.

For the evening event, Kiernan dressed up in a a black watch plaid taffeta dress made especially for her by me. I’ve loved plaids forever, but in the past year have started experimenting with them in taffeta. I’m delighted with the results and have included a few very special plaid taffeta party dresses in our Spring 2011 collection.

If you have a special event, our Made to Order department offers a gorgeous variety of fabrics in a range of designs that can be custom tailored to perfectly fit your son or daughter.

I hope you are enjoying the coziness of these winter months and that you are keeping  up with our news and promotions on Facebook.

 

Spring 2011 Preview

Get ready for Spring 2011! This season, turquoise, bright orange and hot pink add a fresh zing to an already playful time of year. This collection is one of my all-time favorites. I hope you agree.

In other news, our Winter Sale continues, with discounts up to 60% on selected items. We add new stock every few days so be sure to check back often. And don’t forget to join us on Facebook for the latest news, as well as updates on sales and promotions worldwide.

 

Bright and Bold

 

 

 

Perfect Pastels

 

 

 

Red, White & Blue