Introducing the debut collection from bebe babble

Introducing the debut collection by bébébabble, a children’s apparel line
appealing to the discerning parent with a modern aesthetic.
Inspired by her global travels as Trend & Product Development Design Manager with
Target Corporation, Kendra Lewis opened the bricks+mortar location of bébé babble in
the historic Morningside neighborhood of Edina, MN in 2005. Lewis blends her affinity for
all things kid-related, design + retail within her airy boutique, offering an eclectic
assortment of merchandise she handpicks from around the world. bébé babble is a
children's lifestyle+design boutique, appealing to the discerning parent with a modern
sensibility.

Lewis attributes part of her success toher mom-friendly shop. Moms trust Lewis’
sensibility+tastes. It became time to provide even more for her ‘babblemommies’ - so
the bébé babble debut collection was born. Cheerful wrapdresses + bright prints,
immersed in bold textile patterns, velveteens+100% cottons, the collection is full of sunny,
modish designs. While traversing the globe to seek merchandise for the shop, Lewis heard
the calls of her ‘babble’ mommies back home: soft fabrics, long skirts, wrap dresses, color!
She began to see a clear niche for pretty yet practical childrenswear.

Seen here, the Keiko Kimono Dress with
bell sleeves is already selling out in the shop.
The line is simultaneously sweet, sturdy+
washable, as all moms want their kids’
clothes to be. Lewis is a thoughtful
proprietress + it is reflected in her collection.

Lewis is committed to local seamstresses for all manufacturing. Apparel is produced in the
great state of Minnesota; even the woven labels are USA-made. Reducing her carbon
footprint, engaging local business + giving back is crucial to the bébé babble philosophy.
You can find Lewis digging in her son Gabriel’s garden, taking long walks along the Mississippi to
clear her mind for inspiration, + decorating her home or cheerful Edina shop front. Collecting
Danish furniture, pottery from local artisans and interior design are her passions. Born into a
maternal side of seam stresses and quilters, Lewis fondly recalls of hours of fabric shopping with
her mom, + learning the art of sewing. She prefers classic silhouettes with a modern play on
fabrics.
“I always choose what is different, no same- same. I trust my intuition. This is what I teach
Gabriel:‘do what you like, who cares what everyone else thinks!’” -Kendra Lewis

What Inspires Me

I love traveling and am always inspired when I travel. Lately, I have been influenced by everything that is global. I see global influences everywhere. Magazine editors, I am taking a leap to say, GLOBAL is the new MODERN! What looks fresh to me are global textiles, handcrafted in South America, India and Japan. Here are a few of my favorite things right now.

Fall nesting

I know Fall is just around the corner when I start nesting and focusing my attention on the inside of my house. Lately, I have been cutting fresh stems from my neighbors hyndrangea and putting them in my house as arrangements. She said that they need a pruning. Truth be told, those hydrangea bushes that a lot of folks have in their yards can be a bit unruly and often look better in arrangements. I prefer a more manicured look in my landscaping. But here is my arrangement.

I have been scouring the home stores around town and came across a few interesting ones in Bryn Mawr-- Nola Home and Cockadoodledoo (don't let the latter name scare you away. . I found quite a few great pieces and great accessories. . it's not all COUNTRY. . . . there is a good mix of vintage and new, you just have to hunt a bit.) From the photos, my hubbie thought it was just another gift store with candles and knick knacks, but I came home with a few Swedish pieces of luggage for him and he was thrilled. I also found a vintage lunchbox for Gabriel, just in time for pre-K in the Fall.

Small Talk

We took it to the streets of Minneapolis for this photo shoot with 4 year old, Zoë. If you've experienced a 4 year old, you know that one moment they can be "sweet" and the next "tough" to please. Zoë was perfect for the role and she pulled it off with flying colors.

When she's sweet, you'll find her dreaming about her wardrobe change for her daily activities. She enjoys playing violin, dancing and singing a cappella to her favorite Whitney Houston song, "I'm Your Baby Tonight!"

When she's tough, she's kicking it with her older brother Kameron and swimming laps at Foss Swim School on Saturday mornings. Zoë also enjoys baking with her mom and dad as well as reading books galore until falling asleep after long days of fun.

Zoë's favorite restaurant is Punch Pizza! Her favorite hangout is the bookstore where she peruses the aisles looking for a great read and a good friend. Zoë loves bubble gum and Baubles!

Megan Park Dress
We love this Megan Park dress that Zoe is wearing, featured in Cookie Magazine. Pair it with the Nest navy ruffle pant and the Live Savvy kids headband. All available at bebebabble.com
Megan Park Dress: $155
Navy leggies: $36
Live Savvy headband $14

Renee Larson Jewelry Party

I had a sneak peek today at some of the pieces Renee has been working on for the ladies. . . This Thursday, July 9th join us at bébé babble we are having an amazing jewelry artist and fine artist, Renee Larson. Bring a girlfriend and have a little fun.

Garage Sale BLISS!

I go to my happy place when I am hunting for Danish beauties, that is, Danish vintage pieces to fill my home. I enjoy the hunt! I love garage sales, vintage shopping, flea markets and antiquing. . . but I have little time anymore. When I heard about the 7th Annual SENA (Standish, Ericcson, Corcoran neighborhood) Garage Sale today, I knew I needed a strategy. It started at 9:00am and there were 175 houses participating. So, I arose this morning (Gabriel stayed overnight with the grandparents) determined to spend 1 hour and the goal was to find a few more Danish pieces to add to my collection. When I go vintage shopping, I tell myself that I am going to look for a certain thing. Today the mission: "tabletop Danish pieces".

8:30am Left the house, headed to ACE Hardware to get a map of the sale.
8:45am Studied the map and descriptions of each garage sale, highlighted my top 5 homes.
9:00am Stopped at the first house, he was still unpacking. . . . scanned the items, left empty handed.
9:15am Stopped at the second house. . . . nice antiques, lots of furniture, but not Danish. . .left empty handed.
9:30am Stopped at the third house. . . .the sterling silver drew me in and in the midst of the shiny, sterling silver, I saw my Danish beauties circa 1950s. .. 2 beautiful pitchers -- one yellow the other green to compliment my other robin egg blue pitcher. I snatched these up paid for them and headed to my next house.
9:45am Stopped at the 4th house. .. . only a few items, left
10:00am Stopped at the 5th house. .. found 3 porcelain pieces by a potter from North Carolina, absolutely gorgeous to add to my pottery collection. Added bonus!

Mission Accomplished

10:15am Left for my parents to pick up my little cutie, Gabriel

Summer Small Talk

SMALL TALK by Kendra @ bébé babble


We may have been kicked out of the St. Paul Hotel, but not before capturing these breathtaking photos!

Our little summer explorers, Nevin and Sephina know how to drum up fun while looking good. They can be found romping around in the garden seeking adventure and a little mischief.

Nevin, our 4 year old Wonderboy model, loves scorpions and John Deere trackers and hanging at the beach. Nevin can be spotted hanging at the beach in the Breakers or enjoying the light show at Times Square. He may be a thrill seeker and thrive on a little danger, but he is cleaning up his act this Fall and will be attending Breck pre-K. His “prepster” look will be perfect for a day at the beach with casual flip-flops or button up the shirt , tuck it in , put on a belt and he’ll be ready for school.

Sephina, age: 2 is sugar and spice and everything nice. She loves her vegetables and grilled cheese. Her flower of choice is the dandelion. You can find her riding the elevators at her favorite vacation spot, the Trump Tower- Chicago.