Fact: Motherhood stirs up all kinds of creativity. This playful clothing line (made especially for mini glamour girls) is proof of that. Mai-Lis Bahr and Meghan Hampton say their brand was born because their children were born, and when you see their whimsical designs, it’s obvious that their young daughters, named (you guessed it!) Addie and Ella, approved every one of them. We put these two moms in the hot seat, and here’s what they had to say.
How would you describe the style of the clothes?
Girls grow up so quickly, so we create designs that keep them appropriately dressed for their age. Our designs are sweet with enough of an edge to make them trendy (but not overly trendy). The clothes are whimsical, refreshing, and classic — some are fashion-forward while others offer a vintage twist.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
Simple! Our girls and all the little girls and their moms out there. Our designs are born from the desire to make little girls feel special. We all live an on-the-go lifestyle, so we create clothes with comfort and practicality in mind — Addie & Ella lets girls be comfortable at school or play yet ready for an impromptu play date, party, or event out.
Tell us about the popular kids’ trends for spring and summer.
Color! Florals! Ruffles! Light and airy fabrics for hot summer days. Hip looks that mom’s themselves would wear if they were little again.
What are your top three favorite looks from the Gilt sale and why?
Racer Back Dress, $47
“It can be worn as a dress alone or with capri leggings for afternoons on the playground. This is Addie’s go-to dress because it offers cool, comfortable style. It’s truly kid-tested and approved.”
Infant Dress, $48
“It’s the easiest way to let your little girl run around in style. The dress and bloomers are in a cheerful bright floral that allows for stylish, comfortable play.”
Ruffle Back Dress, $49
“This is a hands-down favorite of Ella’s. The dress has REAL pockets for treasured finds and ruffles down the back. Enough said.”
What should parents look for when they’re shopping for kids’ clothes?
First and foremost, quality. There’s nothing more disappointing than a single-wash garment. After that it’s all about the style: we’ve all had those dreaded clothing wars, but the Addie & Ella line is truly tested by the real Addie and Ella during the sampling process. If these two finicky girls love the line, we promise other little ones will too! Girls want to be comfortable and stylish, mostly in that order.
What’s the best parenting advice you ever got, and who was it from?
We were both fortunate to be raised by a mom and dad who taught us from an early age to think for ourselves, be confident, and be independent. Since there is so much that can work against young girls today, it’s important to raise a confident daughter who can think for herself and be her own leader. We attribute those qualities to much of our success in business and in family. And from a mother of 11: Just keep them alive! Thankfully we have managed to do that while keeping them dressed well too.
Anything else about the line we should know about?
We love giving back to our community. We hold a special place in our hearts for the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina — using cheerful and colorful fabrics, we have gifted more than 1,000 blankets to them. We’re also part of the founding committee for “In the NIC of Time,” an annual event benefiting Levine’s NICU and the Women’s Institute, and we support Baby Buggy, a New York-based charity founded by Jessica Seinfeld.
