Only One Like Truly Counts

The other day I was looking at my personal Instagram profile when Addie (8) snuggled next to me.  Since she has always been an inquisitive soul, I prepared myself for the barrage of questions I was about to be asked: "Who's that?", "What are they doing?", "Do I know that girl?" and so on.  As I scrolled through the pictures of the people I follow, Addie asked me to pause, go back, and "like" a photo.  When a picture of a middle school girl surrounded by her girlfriends appeared, Addie grabbed my phone and began studying the picture.  Since she is an extrovert, anything that portrays a poplar social situation grabs her attention.  "Wow mom, she has 174 likes on her picture," Addie remarked and then launched into her usual flood of questions.  After feeling satisfied, she scrolled down further until she came to my most recent post.  My picture only had three "likes".  And Addie noticed.  In fact, she acted horrified.  Why didn't more people "like" my picture?  I truly dread the day she becomes part of the social media world.  Before that is every allowed to happen, I am going to sit her down and explain the superficiality of it all.  Instagram and facebook is just as good at reporting real life as are celebrity trash magazines and entertainment "news" shows.  In fact, I am going to type up a bullet point list and post it in her room.  A code of conduct of sorts, but more like a code to always stand tall and love yourself no matter how many "likes" your post gets.  Self esteem barely has a chance to stand up and grow in today's world.  With all the perfectly airbrushed models on magazines, picture perfect times on facebook, tallies of Instagram likes, along with all the other social media outlets, girls need us in their corner more than ever.  I made a promise to Addie to never assume she has a handle on it all.  And I made a promise to her to always make sure that the only "like" that truly counts is the love for herself.  

Our Inspiration

It can be alarming just how quickly young girls grow up and today’s marketing doesn’t help. Hearing constant chatter from frustrated moms trying to find appropriate clothing for their young girls, we became inspired. We listened to the desperation of moms trying to find the balance between age appropriate and affordable fashion, while appealing to both adults and girls. Addie & Ella was born with all of this in mind. Our designs are young and sweet but offer enough of an edge to make the most opinionated little fashionista excited! The clothes are whimsical and refreshing, adding variety to a world filled with the classic smocked dress. Many of our designs are somewhat fashion-forward while others offer a vintage twist. And since we all live an on-the-go lifestyle, we created clothes with comfort and practicality in mind. Addie & Ella lets girls be comfortable at school or play, yet ready for an impromptu play-date or party. Time and time again, we hear stories of compliments that little girls hear while wearing Addie & Ella. So, we can say with certainty, the Addie & Ella line makes them feel special.

Our design inspiration comes from real world moms and their daughters. Addie and Ella are not just the names used for the brand. They are our girls. When we started the line, our daughters, Addie and Ella, were toddlers. Now they are eight and six with real thoughts and opinions about each design. We have inadvertently created little fashion divas who nix designs and have very stated preferences about colors and prints. As a result, Addie & Ella is truly a kid-tested, mom-approved line. Hey, even the fashionable Suri Cruise approved, who was seen wearing Addie & Ella around NYC last year.

When we created the Addie & Ella brand, we wanted to partner with a cause or charity. After Meghan’s tragic loss of one twin and the miracle of another, we knew we wanted to give back to our very own community. We hold a special place in our hearts for the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit at Levine Children’s Hospital. Almost four years ago, we founded the committee (along with Fran Russ, Lindsay Howard, and Cheryl Rosenberg) “In the Nic of Time”. In the Nic of Time holds a benefit each year for the Levine NICU and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center. For anyone who has had a baby in the NICU or has known someone, they will understand the significance of the benefit event each year. This year’s event will be at the Fillmore on May 30th. Please visit www.IntheNicofTime.org and www.facebook.com/cottieandcake to learn more and offer support.

Addie & Ella has kicked off 2014 with a new sales model. After receiving many emails from moms trying to buy our line, we are now offering the line at wholesale prices but directly to our fans. You can shop for Addie & Ella directly from our facebook page, www.facebook.com/addieandella or on our website www.AddieandElla.com. Be sure to “like” Addie & Ella on facebook, as we have many giveaways scheduled for the year.

Soldsie Store Opening on Facebook!

Exciting news! You asked and we listened! We will begin selling Addie & Ella on our facebook page starting Tuesday the 21st at 7 PM Eastern. You can pre-connect to the sale by liking our page and registering now using this link: https://www.soldsie.com/shop/addieandella

On Tuesday, simply visit our page and comment "sold" on any and every piece you want to buy, and we will send you an invoice instantly. Prices will be revealed during the sale. It's that simple. 

Embracing our differences

I often say to my kids, "If we were all the same, the world would stand still and be quite boring!"  Growing up I always felt this to be true, even though I would hear others berate someone for doing something a different way or have a different way of thinking.  I would think, "It's okay that they have their way and I have mine."  We can all be right.  And it's not even a question of being right or wrong.  It's all about embracing ourselves and one another for who we are.  We all are born into this life with differences that are more than skin deep.  Our desires, ambitions, thinking, emotions, intellect, ability, tastes, down to our favorite color are all meant to be different (read first sentence again).  Our differences allow us to grow and learn from one another, encouraging new thoughts and considerations.  Our differences allow some of us to be leaders and others to be artists.  The most important thing is to really love ourselves.

Jewel Tones

Lucky Magazine wrote an editorial on jewel tones in their September edition.  We couldn’t help but notice how the color of the featured plum coat matched that of our plum Sunday Rose Coat (as seen on Suri Cruise).  It looks like we were once again on trend.  And speaking of jewel tones, we couldn’t agree more that they add a brilliant pop of color during the colder months.  Be sure to check out how we have once again incorporated jewel tones into our Fall 2013 collection.  

November Special

An Addie & Ella special is here! Get our Tiered Ruffle Dress for only $29, shipping included! Take a look at our Fall album on facebook to see additional images. If you would like to order, message us or email us at pdtcouture@gmail.com. Quantities are limited.

About our Tiered Ruffle Dress:

This dress will guarantee fun, whimsical times.  With it's layers of Fall's trendiest colors, she will feel cheerfully inspired.  The dress is constructed of 95% Peruvian cotton and 5% stretch, making it the perfect dress for any on-th-go day!  For colder fall days, pair with any of our coordinating leggings.

Fall 2013: A look at what's right around the corner!

Style 1333

Addie & Ella is jumping into a gorgeous palette of color this fall!  Staying in line with women's color trends, we bring to you a deep rich grey that coordinates with every color in her wardrobe.  It is rightfully called turbulence, as the color brings sudden depths to its surrounding colors.  Turbulence gray can be found causing some commotion along side our soothing, peaceful Linden Green.  The ever timeless and elegant Acai has been brought into our fall collection via our signature print of the season, Lattice.  Expect to find our trendy, yet timeless Lattice Acai print incorporated throughout the collection.  As always, Addie & Ella continues to define collections as timeless with just enough trend.     Addie & Ella fans will be feeling bold and inspired by the line.  Bright pink, emerald green, and a bold blue round out the rest of our color palette this fall.  The entire collection is 100% cotton knit, making the line easy to wear.  As always, Addie & Ella lets girls be comfortable at school or play yet ready for an impromptu play-date, party, or event.  

Forming Great Habits

Some of you stopping by may be wondering what Addie & Ella have been up to!  Why so quiet on the blog?  Well, really there are no good excuses.  With a working computer, keyboard, internet, electricity and good health, there are no glowing reasons.  The blog has simply been sitting in the backseat.  You find yourself getting into that habit of, "I will get to that tomorrow".  So you adjust your rearview mirror until the task is out of sight and tell yourself you will remember to look back there tomorrow.  But tomorrow keeps happening, over and over.  This is especially true of tasks that can take the backseat, the unfinished tasks that don't show up on our daily report cards (unlike dishes, paying bills, working, being a mother).  It takes a daily effort of getting rid of excuses to complete those "backseat" tasks, to pull them into the front seat with you.

It doesn't take 21 days to form a good habit.  It takes discipline EVERYDAY to form great habits.   During Addie's first piano lesson, her teacher interviewed her.  Ms. Molly asked Addie, "Are you going to practice everyday for at least thirty minutes?  What will you say to friends who want to play but you have not yet practiced?  What is your level of commitment?"  Addie accepted the challenge without considering it a challenge.  It was something she wanted to do (in that moment).  But will the challenge (or lack of) be accepted with such ease once a few weeks rolls by?  As her mother, I will be standing by to remind her of what she committed to.  But what we so often ask of our children, we don't do ourselves.  If Addie knew I had not blogged (or insert another forgotten task) for this length of time, what kind of example would I be setting?  As parents leading by example, we need to show dedication and discipline, despite all the derailments that take us off course.

During talks with myself (yes I really do this) and talks with my children about why it is important to stay on task, I first ask them to recognize what they need to do.  I then ask them to think about how they feel afterwards, when the task is complete (for the time being).  Lastly, I ask them to think about their future selves and how thankful they will be when they can look back and see their hard, purposeful, productive work behind them.  One of our household mottos is, "The harder you work now, the easier it will be later".  Learning piano right now might seem difficult, boring at times, and tedious, but in five years when you can sit down at a piano bench and play, how rewarding will that feel!  And I always say, "If someone else can do it, then why can't I"?  The common denominator that usually separates the good from the great, is hard work and a willingness to form great habits despite the chaos that's going on around us.

I hope to be blogging while listening to "Mary had a Little Lamb" for the fiftieth time each and every day.  And one last note, I will tell myself and Addie to not allow the desire for perfection to get in the way of practice.  Practice does not always make perfect, but it does form great habits.

Love,

Addie's mom, co-owner and designer, Mai-Lis

March Giveaway

"Like" our facebook post to be entered into our March coat giveaway! We will select a winner on March 18th! The winner will select the size and color of the coat (subject to availability) Good luck!

Some of our favorite Fall 2012 pictures!

THE FALL 2012 COLLECTION is NOW AVAILABLE

2T - 8 years

Be sure to "like" us on facebook

                 

Thank you for supporting us SouthPark Magazine and Charlotte!

A Picture Says It All

Cottie & Cake In the Nic of Time

In 2011, we set out to create something special, a unique event to bring awareness to the miracles that take place every day in our own community. We wanted to use our story to  bring the community together and raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH) and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center, both places where we, personally, witnessed miracles.

In June of 2011 “In the NIC of Time” came to life.  We prayed that the community would share our passion and give back to such a worthy cause.  We were overwhelmed with the response. Over 225 people attended the inaugural event which was held at the beautiful Duke Mansion and featured live music, delicious food, and a one-of-a-kind cake replica of Levine Children’s Hospital.  We all believed we were part of something much larger than just our story and our friends. 

We were right – this community is amazing! 

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and sponsors, we were able to present a check for over $52,000 to Levine Children’s Hospital and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center. We hope our story can continue to inspire others to join our cause. We know there are countless stories of hope emerging from Levine Children’s Hospital every day. We want “In the NIC of Time” to serve as a platform from which we can share those stories and provide the necessary funds for research and care in the future.

GET INVOLVED and JOIN US at this year’s Nic of Time benefit on June 1, 2012 at the Duke Mansion.  Tickets are limited so get involved today. 

There are many ways for you to get involved!    If you would like to be a host, for a $500 you receive two tickets to the event, as well as recognition on the invitation and signage at the event. You can also be a business or corporate sponsor with contributions starting at $1,000 and receive tickets, recognition, and more.  In-kind donors are also a great way to contribute.  In-kind donors are businesses who wish to donate their services, such as videographers, invitations, bands/music, giveaways etc.  If you would like more details, please contact Sheri Joseph sheri.joseph@carolinashealthcare.org.  All donations of any amount are tax deductible and greatly appreciated!  Please make checks payable to the “Cottie & Cake Fund” and mail to Carolina HealthCare Foundation, PO Box 32861 Charlotte, NC 28232.  

An article about one of our designers, Meghan

Meghan Hampton – the 2011 Jennifer Lisman Bunich Smarty Mom of the Year

The votes are in and we have a winner! A big Smarty congrats goes out to Meghan Hampton, our 2011 Jennifer Lisman Bunich Smarty Mom of the Year! Meghan beautifully represents what we look for in our Smarty Moms each week and we’re honored to feature her as our Smarty Mom of the Year!  via Charlotte Smarty Pants 

When You Look Good, You Feel Good

 When you look good, you feel good!  

Those words were lovingly said by Shirleen, an amazing nurse at the Levine Children's Hospital Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit.  Shirleen, baby Scottie, and all the other precious babies and their families who called the Levine NICU their home for a time, inspired us to help spread cheer where it was needed.  While trying to come up with a meaningful way to impact those babies and families, we realized how incredibly small we felt.  How could we possibly come up with something that would mean anything when the only wish was for a miracle.  From personal experience, we understood that no gesture is too small in a time of need.  We also understood that splashes of cheer were not always in sight in the NICU.  A NICU baby's closest neighbor is often the machine that is keeping her a live until she has grown enough strength to do it on her own.  A NICU baby's best outfit is often a sterile white blanket.  So we took nurse Shirleen's words to heart and decided to help the babies feel good.  Using fabrics from our collections, we created soft colorful blankets to brighten their beds and hopefully their days.  All babies visiting the Levine NICU will have their day brightened by one of the blankets pictured above.  It was a heartfelt day when we delivered over 1,000 of these blankets to the Levine NICU.  It is our wish that all babies everywhere feel enveloped in love and cheer.

Spring 2012 Collection: A Sneak Peek! 

We had the privilege of working with Heather Rasmussen during our photo shoot for the Spring 2012 collection.  Heather is an amazing photographer inspired by motherhood and her love for storytelling through the lens.  Addie and Ella had so much fun working playing with Heather, who kept the girls motivated to keep on going until the last outfit was shot.  We can't wait to share all the pictures with you via facebook.  Until then, check out how Heather captured the essence of our Spring 12 line at heathermarie-photography.com.

The "Suri Cruise" Jacket

The reception to our Fall line has been incredible and we have you to thank!  We can't wait to see pictures of your girls wearing Addie & Ella this fall, so please be sure to tag us on facebook.  Typically, it is difficult for us to play favorites but we cannot deny that we do indeed have a favorite this Fall!  The "Suri Cruise" tweed jacket has been receiving a lot of attention, many orders, and so much love.  This coat was given this celebrity child's name by so many of you that we too have to call it just that.  We also think Suri Cruise would look fabulous in this jacket and would love it as much as we all do!  So, if any of you know Suri and her mom Katie, please let her know that we have the "Suri" jacket for her to wear this Fall!

Wardrobe Assistant

A sundress or shorts?  Ballet flats or sandals?  Lace tank or ruffle tunic?  Capris or skort?  Headband or bow?  These are just some of the decisions that go on each morning of a girl's life.  Breakfast has not even been put on the table yet, metaphorically and literally!  No matter how you prepare her the night before, somehow the menu changes in the morning.  If you have a daughter like Addie (and Ella), you know exactly what I am talking about.  Mornings are not easy!  And truth be told, I am guilty of creating this beast, as she has watched me carefully select her outfit each day of her life.  By the age of two, I was being pushed aside to the position of wardrobe assistant.  The privilege of styling Addie was taken away: Addie came out of diapers and I was handed my demotion.  My job has since been merely handing clothes upon hangers to her and opening drawers.  On an average morning, I show her at least five options which are hung and rehung again and again.  There is a debate about the day's weather, the activities, her mood.  The phrase "I am not in the mood to wear that" has been uttered countless times.  My efforts to slip in one of my favorites have all gone awry.  Addie spots the unsolicited shirt and quickly states her disapproval.  In my effort to win back my position as master styler, I tell Addie stories of how I always wanted a little girl to dress.  Addie's reply is always short but with a sweet smile, "Mom, you can pick out whatever you want in a few days".  The few days rarely come but it's okay, as we are spending precious time together each morning.  Since they do grow up entirely too quickly, I will cherish all the moments she still willingly allows me in her room (including when the final selection is something completely mismatched).

Mothering a Business

Having a business is a lot like having a child, so it's a good thing we have made them all interrelated!  We are both mothers and own a business in the children's market, so essentially we are in the business of children 24/7 and then some!  

We have all experienced the proverbial toddler who follows you around just to make her tantrum known. The minute you walk away, you hear screaming running in your direction only to throw herself under your next step.  How could so much noise come out of such a little body is what you find yourself asking.  The next question is how do I make it stop?  

A business screams just as a toddler might and even knocks you off your feet.  Just when you think all is calm and orderly, the screaming begins.  Unlike a toddler, walking away is not the cure.  With a business, it is important to pick it up, sooth it immediately and give it what it wants.

Children and business both challenge you to reroute yourself, to expect the unexpected, prepare for the worst, and embrace the best.  Milestones are reached when raising both and with each new milestone attained, new challenges arise.  

Motherhood has prepared us for the business world.  With both, we have shared many sleepless nights, joys, tears, and frustrations.  We have studied, networked, thrown out plans, made new plans, sacrificed, invested, listened to the screams, and come up with solutions.  Flexibility and determination to succeed are required in both business and in motherhood.  

And so we would like to thank our children, Addie, Ella, Carson, and Scottie for teaching us that we are capable of more than we ever thought possible.  Lastly, we would like to thank our fifth child, Addie & Ella, for making us stronger mothers, friends, and business owners.

It is hard to always live in the moment!

While most of us are juggling Summer 11, we are juggling this Summer, Fall AND Spring/Summer 2012 !  And while most of us think each season goes by entirely too quickly, we REALLY feel the rush!  In the midst of shipping out Spring/Summer merchandise, our minds are leaping ahead.  We have lived with the current season's designs for almost a year and quite frankly, we are ready to move onto the next collection.  Designing for the following Spring/Summer season begins during the current season.  With the rush of shipping out orders, comes the rush of transferring designs from thoughts to paper.  Our first Spring season did so incredibly well and we do not want to be a one-hit wonder.  We listened to customers and incorporated their feedback into the next season's designs.  Spring/Summer 2012 is as real to us now as it will be to you next year.  Our designs have been done, and redone, and done again and again.  And we are EXCITED!  Spring/Summer 2012 will bring some back some of our most loved designs, as well as introduce new pieces that are guaranteed to create a buzz.  Buyers for stores will soon see samples of our carefully designed collection, as the Spring/Summer 2012  markets begin in August.  As for the customer, you still have Fall 2011 to look forward to!!