You don't want to surrender your prepster knits, but the summa-time heat's not giving you a choice. Solution? A trompe l'oeil sweater-dress with the lightest possible feel.

Fresh off the cruise ship is this Jean-Paul Gaultier cardigan-print dress, long with sheer sleeves, at Opening Ceremony (US$675). But we like a local alternative, and dressmaker Breeyn McCarney's cable-print number sells for (way) less at all-Canadian e-boutique Ukamaku. She stitches and ruches each one from eco-conscious bamboo jersey, and does it to fit your precise measurements.

Hence, when you order online, allow seven days for exquisite production. —SNP

$150 at Ukamaku.com

If it's "early to bed, early to rise" for most people, then it's "never to bed, always to rise" for new moms.

You may not have the little one sleeping through the night quite yet, but Canadian-made sleep sacks by Big Fat Hen will at least keep them comfy while they learn to doze for more than two hours at a time. Made with eco-friendly fabrics, these sleeveless sacks unzip easily for diaper changes and are soft inside and out. Made for babie 0-18 months, they come in three cute designs (yellow chicks, pink piggies and green owls) and hold up well in the wash.

And one day soon, the sun will rise before you. We promise. —MT

$79.90 at www.bigfathen.ca

It's an easy, breezy, seventies-y summer. For the maxi to match, swing over to primo vintage e-boutique Shrimpton Couture.

Cherie, the beauty and brains behind Shrimpton, loves all things '70s best—and the best is all she stocks. There are Christian Dior caftans and op-art Lanvins and signature-printed Puccis. To spend less, seek out-of-print cult labels: a rose-and-porcelain John Kloss dress (intended as a slip, but whatever) is $350, while a gorgeous geisha-print Paganne is $425.

Just add wooden platforms and an overblown silk flower in your hair. —SNP

www.shrimptoncouture.com

Designing a nursery is easy. There is a ton of choice, and let’s face it, babies don’t really notice their rooms.

Decor gets more complicated for children and teens. Kids need a space that reflects their personality and style, but without compromising the taste of their parents. Which is why it came as great news that PB Teen now ships internationally.

The PB stands for Pottery Barn, and the stock reflects that: stylish and reasonably priced. The site sells great bedding and bathroom accessories but the study spaces are probably our favourite.

Now you won’t feel bad for sending them to their room. —ASI

www.pbteen.com

Picking toys up off the living room floor is inevitable, but aesthetically pleasing toys make the job much more enjoyable.

P’Kolino started as a project between two dads who wanted to improve play at home. Their design philosophy is “playfully smart,” which means all of their children’s toys are fun and engaging—and look good, too.

Our favourite is the multi-solution shape puzzle ($20, pictured), which is both challenging and entertaining because there are a multitude of solutions, unlike a standard puzzle. Even smarter is that each piece is non-toxic and durable.

Just don't try to pronounce the name. —ASI

From $12 at Crocodile Baby, www.crocodilebaby.com and www.qhousekids.com

Our childhood discomfort in the dental chair has been replaced by slick offices with personal TVs and spa-like facilities—but it all starts with the daily brush.

Just in time for Earth Day we tested a sustainable, compostable, biodegradable dental line, Clean Idea. Designed in Vancouver and made from veggies like potatoes, corn, tapioca and wheat, the children's toothbrush ($3.99) has soft bristles and a handle designed especially for small hands, while the kid's ecoflosser is topped with a Mr. Molar cartoon.

We'll get over our headgear one day.

For national retailers, click here.

Who recalls Prada’s jewel toned turbans of a few seasons back? Well, thanks to Issa, Vena Cava and Milly, to name a few, the turban is back for spring.

Here in Toronto, Leilanni Todd’s half turbans ($6) are a happy medium for the girl not quite ready for her close-up. Made from velvet and available in a bunch of colours, the headbands are practical, chic and perform an instant facelift.

Of course, if you’re blessed with natural chutzpah and can pull off a turban with aplomb (cue Elizabeth Taylor) check out Todd’s full turbans too. —AT

http://leilanni.com

Imagine a family of Italian craftsman gathered around a wood stove carving toys in the mid 1800s.

That was the beginning of the Sevi toy brand, now known for their beautiful wooden toys, puzzles and games. Our favourites are the little helicopter (so cute and only $5!), the rattle butterfly (an infant toy that actually looks interesting, $10) and the incredible village train set ($84).

And yes, the paints are non-toxic and saliva resistant. What else would you expect from one of Europe’s oldest toy companies? —ASI

At www.goopandgoob.com

If your kids are taking an early liking to designer labels (they take after their mom, of course), then you’ll be as happy as we are that Stella McCartney’s childrenswear is now available online.

The mother of four has kept her staunch commitment to fair trade labour and eco fabrics for this collection, but it is of course a lot more playful than what she puts on the catwalk. Expect pretty prints, fun motifs, and very fashionable pieces for babies to pre-teens. The first of the spring/summer stock is available, and we loved the casual boy's checked waterproof parka (€85, pictured) and the precious three quarter sleeve bird print dress for girls (€80, pictured).

But let's hope they don't acquire your taste for shoes, too, or you may need a second mortgage.

www.stellamccartneykids.net

Just when we thought it was getting a little crowded in online sample sale world, Stylehopper came to compete with the best of them.

A Canadian version of Rue La La, ideeli, Gilt Groupe et. al., Stylehopper offers up to 70 per cent off coveted brands from Ernest Sewn to Stella McCartney. Look out for up-and-coming designers too.

Once a member, you can shop your heart out with no international shipping and duty costs.

It’s the prefect sample sale—sans sub-zero lineups.

www.stylehopper.com