Tuesday 16 February 2016

Vesper Galaxia Glow Review



Vesper Galaxia Glow
100% cotton / 260 GSM
1 year and 24 pounds

Of course the first thing I noticed about Galaxia Glow was the amazing hot pink color. The pattern is very geometric and adds an embossed feel though the wrap is still slightly flat feeling giving it a low to medium texture.

In hand I noted the dry feel, not terribly dry, but drier than what I usually wrap with. The combed cotton adds a softness, both "right" and "wrong" sides were very similar in feel. There is also almost no stretch. As I am stretch lover I know that this will likely make the wrap more of a challenge for me since I do rely on stretch when wrapping and tightening. The texture is certainly there, but in a subtle low texture way as the wrap is woven smooth and flat besides the pattern. This also makes me think Galaxia Glow will not be pull prone, the density is solidly medium and the wrap flat besides the texture of the pattern.

Galaxia Glows looks will appeal to you if you like your wraps to be attention getting because the hot pink is kind of "bam"! The geometric pattern gives a modern feel combined with sth a lil rock n roll. The wrap is girly because it's pink, but I really don't see it fitting in well if you have a very romantic or floral patterned wardrobe.


This tester wrapped like a 4, but Vesper has addressed shrinkage issues with this run of wraps, which have now been sorted out with their mill for future releases. Vesper is a newer wrap company and I appreciate their transparency on this. I used this wrap for FWCC tied under bum, kangaroo, and shepherd's. Again because this wrap is dry and has almost no stretch it was a different wrapping experience for me. Combined with the grip from the texture and the extremely low stretch it was more difficult for me to tighten this wrap and it did not mould easily to my baby and me, but my wrap jobs were rock solid. Once you get passes into place, they stay there, no give and no sagging.


This is the wrap for you if you don't enjoy stretch and you want a drier texture with some grip, so you will want to pass if you are a stretch lover like me. For those that will enjoy the solid wrapping qualities of Vesper Galaxia Glow I think it will shine in a shorty, a 3 or 4 for a older baby 15 pounds and up, rather than a newborn. Not that you can't use this wrap with a newborn, but the mouldability I like for wee babies isn't here.



Thank you to Ilse at Vesper Wraps for the opportunity to test this bright and bold beauty.

For more info on Vesper Wraps visit their Facebook page here and their chatter group here.

Tuesday 9 February 2016

Linuschka Bolero Feerie Review



Linuschka Bolero Feerie
48% Peruvian pima cotton / 52% Tussah silk
1 year and 24 pounds / 2 years and 38 pounds

Bolero Feerie is one of the most textured wraps I've had the pleasure of testing. The nubs and slubs on this silky beauty were the first thing I noticed and I am still in awe. The wrap was just slightly brighter and more pink toned than I was expecting from the pictures I had seen.



 

Medium thin in hand, Bolero Feerie is deliciously textured with all the nubs and slubs creating a woven wrap that is a tactile delight. Both sides have the same nubby texture which creates a look of perfect imperfection. The vintage feeling floral pattern also adds some texture and ups the grippy feel. This wrap does feel more dense, but holding it up to the light you can see there is an airiness along the lines of the pattern. There is also a low to medium amount of stretch.


The Bolero design will appeal to those lovers of boho style and vintage vibes. Bolero Feerie has a lot going on, in a good way, and can be a statement wrap, or fit in nicely if you have other standout pieces in your outfit that are detailed and textured. The different colors of tangerine, coral pink, and cream create a warm and pretty pink toned orange. The silk adds a warm sheen. The overall effect here of color, texture, and design is exquisitely luxe and beautiful.


I wore Bolero Feerie mostly with my 1 year old, but decided to test a simple ruck with my older toddler who is a formidable 38 pounds and was very pleased with the support and cush. He was by no means weightless feeling, but there was no digging and very good support for a single pass carry and a heavier fellow. With my 1 year old I put this wrap thru the paces with FWCC and double hammock many variations. We wore it a lot and for long periods of time, 2 plus hours. This beauty became our nap wrap, so silky soft and such gorgeous drape. I had anticipated the pattern and nubby texture would result in a wrap that is grippy and more of a challenge for those second passes and that was absolutely not the case here. The grip was just the right amount to aid maintaining tension with tightening, but glides over easily and tightens easily. I needed just slightly more work on my initial chest pass in double hammock, but pulling the second pass over my baby the wrap glides easily for all the texture. This wrap is also very forgiving with sloppier wrap jobs. The strong tussah silk fibres were evident here in long wears and how well the wrap moulds provided additional comfort for those long wear times. Some wrappers may find it to be more on the narrow side and more care is needed with creating a seat and adjusting the wrap high enough on your child's back, but I personally am used to slightly more narrow wraps such as Kokoro and it was not an issue for me. Wraps similarly to Sling Studio Falling Feathers Margot Storm.


Linuschka Bolero Feerie is one of those wraps where it's exceptional good looks match it's equally impressive wrapping qualities. I wholeheartedly recommend it for all ages and in all sizes. For toddlers though I think this would be stellar in base size for multi pass carries, unless you are only planning on wearing your toddler for short ups. This wrap is not for you if you don't like a lot of texture, or lines and "imperfections" bother you. Also if you prefer smooth wraps and a lot of slip, you may want to give this one a pass. Though you may also want to give it a chance as I tend to prefer smooth and dense wraps with low texture and a lot of stretch, but that is not this wrap and I still think the wrapping qualities are amazing.


Thank you so much to Oxana for the wonderful opportunity to test this special wrap!

Find out more about Linuschka here: http://www.linuschka.de/en/