The Underground Review: Bijou Wear Roxy Alexandrite By Night

Wrap: Bijou Wear Roxy Alexandrite By Night (Alex), exclusive for Koala Bear Square
Size: 6
Wrappee: 10 months old

There are some wraps you buy for aesthetics, wraps you may not love for their wrapping qualities but need to own for their looks. Then there are some wraps that are blanket soft, like your favorite old sweatshirt, whose looks you could care less about because it feels so comfortable. Rarest of all is the wrap that somehow encompasses the best of both worlds: comfort and design, looks and feel. Roxy Alexandrite By Night is that wrap.

Roxy Alexandrite, or Alex for short, is a deep plum hue with black diamond accents. Many women find themselves looking for a wrap that works for any occasion, and Alex does not disappoint. The design is modern and gorgeous, adding an exciting look to a t-shirt and jeans or jazzing up your little black dress for an evening out. Whether you plans for the weekend include a wedding, hike, or shopping the boutiques, Alex shines in a contemporary style.

However, its eye-catching appeal still does not compare to its unbelievably comfortable feel. My first time wrapping with Alex was on a cold rainy day, one of those days you don't even want to change out of your flannel pj's or leave the house. In fact, I didn't even wait to get dressed before wrapping my little one close in the softness of this wrap. While many people speak of various wraps as being blanket or sweatshirt soft, the truth is that kind of true comfort is difficult to find in the wrap world. So, believe me when I say I found a wrap that snuggles you and your baby whether you're babywearing out and about or snuggling together on the couch.

You'll find this wrap to be very supportive with a good amount of cush. There is not a lot of texture with this design, which lends to a nice glide when you wrap. There is no horizontal or vertical stretch, but there's just enough diagonal stretch to make sure this wrap hugs you and your baby nicely in a carry. It's a thinner wrap but not too airy, and it's not so dense that you'll feel heavy when you wear.

One thing to note: this wrap came to me well washed and worn. I immediately noticed a light layer of fuzziness, almost pilling. After talking to both Koala Bear Square and Bijou Wear, it has been stated that although this is a cotton and tencel wrap, it is best to hang dry this beauty if you wish to avoid that fuzzy look. It in no way affects the safety of the wrap, but is the best way to help your wrap stay in excellent condition.

The Underground Review: Bijou Wear Royal Blast

Wrap: Bijou Wear Royal Blast
Size: 3
Wrappee: 6 month old, 22 month old, 3 year old, & 4.5 year old!

Our first uppies in Royal Blast were by accident. I had checked the mail to find it had arrived just before arriving at the pediatrician to realize I had forgotten a wrap! So, I quickly thanked my lucky stars for good timing and pulled the mystery wrap from its packaging. Immediately realizing it was a shortie, I tied a quick rebozo and plopped by six month old in it for her check up. I was instantly amazed by how comfortable this carry was, how content my daughter felt (despite her shots that day), and how unwavering the slipknot was throughout the visit. If you've tried slipknots before, then you know how often wraps can fail at holding a solid slipknot, despite re-tightening and re-tightening. This was a whole new level of wrap. Solid from the start, it stood strong throughout the 2 hour event. This was the beginning of getting to know the Slipknot Tester.

I nicknamed Royal Blast as such because it has the perfect amount of grip to hold a solid slip knot. In fact, I loved it so much, rebozo become my favorite carry! (You know a wrap is good when it causes you to rethink your favorite carries.) The strength of this wrap makes it a true workhorse. Comfortable for your baby, as it feels lighter than its density would suggest, but solid enough to handle any test you give it. If you are in need of a wrap that can handle a slip knot like a boss, then this is a must have. It has the grip you need with some of the glide that forgives. But alas, I am getting ahead of myself. Because I haven't begun to discuss my favorite part of any wrap: the design.

Royal Blast is named for the gorgeous icy blue coloring and the design that mimics blasting fireworks. If you are like me, and desire wraps that are unique and beautiful, this is definitely a wrap to add to your stash. In darker lights, it boasts of a true royal blue. It sunlight, it shines like a winter ice. And the design allows for beautiful right or wrong side wearing (which is my favorite part of any wrap!). My daughters loved this design so much that even my 37 lb, 4 year old begged to be carried before I sent it away.

So, what do I think? Is this a wrap everyone should have in their stash? If you are like me and have an older baby or toddler in your wrappee group, then YES! Snatch this wrap up! I am already missing my tester greatly, and might have to snatch this up myself when it goes on sale this morning. So don't miss it! Grab your Royal Blast today!