Fun for travel

If you still try to pack stuff for your fashionista with your stuff when you travel, you may have realized that your child has more clothes than you!!  When I travel with Olivia, I know we will be seeing family and friends and she has to look her best so I travel with almost every pair of shoes she owns and 3 times the amount of clothes she will need.  Since I don't travel that much in the air, I usually just take my LeSportsac Weekender bags and throw them in the trunk.  For those of you that know me well, you know that I have a weird obsession with luggage...always have.  I personally have a thing for Tumi but even I have limits.  My 2 and a half year old does NOT need a Tumi suitcase.  But I have found a great option that is functional and shows off her style.

Pottery Barn Teen is not really geared towards the little ones but why not??  I needed a bag for Liv to bring her stuff to dance class so I ordered Dark Coffee Berkeley Jet-Set Tote (pictured below) from PB Teen.  It arrived today and while it is bigger than I envisioned, it is so cute and now I want a matching suitcase!

It might be cutting it close to order for the holidays but your fashionista will not grow out of this purchase in 6 months.  They can use their trendy suitcase or duffle for years to come!!

Check out the whole collection at PBTeen.

They also have funky headphones, bean bag chairs, sleeping bags, and so many more cool ideas in fun prints.  The prints for boys are camo, plaid, and sports and for girls they have peace signs, flowers, and polka dots (to name a few).

Travel in style.  Pottery Barn is always known for their quality but who knew they were so trendy??

Buy a Pair and Give a Pair

I saw these shoes at Nordstrom a few months back and it took me a minute or two to process.  They are simple, canvas, and otherwise nondescript.  But since then, I have become more and more obsessed.  When I read a little bit about the company and the man behind these shoes, I was sold (and so were some shoes for Liv).

The brand is called TOMS and for every pair sold, a pair is donated to underprivileged adults and kids who cannot afford shoes.  If you read about their movement on their website, you can get a better idea of what they are about.

www.toms.com

They are available in a lot of different colors and designs and can be found in kids and adults' sizes.  The Classic style (pictured below for women), comes in a few different fabrics and range from the $40s to the $60s (they even have gold metallic ones).

For Olivia, I thought about doing a simple style but of course, I took a very simple shoe, and had to get the funkiest version of it.  So I found these at NeimanMarcus.com ($40 and free shipping until 12/6):

If you google TOMS, you will find a lot of different websites that carry them but they definitely can be found at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and of course, the TOMS website (www.toms.com).

So, this holiday season, you can get a little fashion for your little one and give a little holiday cheer to someone a lot less fortunate!!

I love coupon codes - Lil' Swanky!!

I am very decisive.  Either I like it or I don't.  The same holds true when shopping for Liv.  I don't like to settle for something that is just ok.  There are so many cute trends for kids these days and I have found one website that has them all.  I spend more time than I care to admit browsing for the next cute item and I almost always go back to the same website...Lil' Swanky.  I have spoken about it before and with the holidays coming up, I have gotten a coupon code for my readers (scroll down)!!

So what is hot right now?  Pretty much everything Lil' Swanky carries but here are a few items to take a look at (click on the item to see it on the Lil' Swanky website).


First, let's look at outerwear.  Appaman has a great puffy coat that comes in a variety of colors for $96 -$98 (short and long).

For boys, this Appaman Denim Hoodie Jacket is the best way to make a great first impression.  At $60, it is a great price for great style.

A variety of Lola & James items like this dress ($114) that would be great for a New Year's Party.

Or this Lola & James shirt for boys that will show their inner rock star ($89).

Some of my favorite brands are represented well like this Luna Luna 2-piece set ($72) that would be great for a party or a play date.

And this adorable combo from Scotch & Soda Shrunk ($150) that will make your little man be the center of attention from all the little girls.

I LOVE this set by Little Ella for $58 for your little one.

And Splendid Littles will NEVER disappoint with comfortable materials and great color combinations like in this hoodie ($56) for boys.

Another great brand that is worth your time is Cotton Caboodle.  They make items for both boys and girls and are great staples in your little one's wardrobe.  These three items would work for any little boy and would be great for preschool or just lounging around ($28-$46).

Let your little one represent your team in this tee by Red Jacket (other teams available - $38).

There is so much more (check out the stuff on sale...you don't want to miss out) but to get the picture, you gotta just see for yourself.  And if you love the style but the prices are out of your price range, today (well Monday) is your lucky day...starting on Cyber Monday, November 29, 2010 thru Sunday, December 12, 2010, my lucky readers get 20% off.  Just enter the code cybermonday and start your holiday shopping right.

Don't be scared of these Crocs

Every summer, I get Liv a pair of basic Crocs.  They are great for the beach, easy to put on and take off, and great for a kid that can't figure out flip flops.  After a toe injury last year, Crocs were the only thing I could wear without limping and while my Manolos started shriveling up from the loneliness, my feet were happy so I did't care.

When I bring Liv to dance class, I thought it would be a good idea to get a pair of Crocs so I could just throw them on over her tights and put on her ballet slippers when we got to class.  I looked on the Crocs website a few weeks ago and was going to go for the basic style and was deciding between lined (Blitzen) and not lined.

Functional, matches a lot, no brainer...until I got sucked into Denny's with their Fall/Winter sale on Thursday...I walked into the store and immediately grabbed these Crocs for fear that they would not be there after I checked out the toddler section.

The picture from the Crocs website does NOT do them justice.  They have a silver glitter band along the bottom and a jeweled bow accessory attached on one shoe.  I tried to get a shot with my Blackberry and while the quality isn't great, you can kind of see the sparkles a little bit more.  I brought them home and let's just say Olivia wanted to wear them to sleep!!

I got a pair for my niece for Chanukah and if you want something functional for your fashionista this holiday season, check these out!!  They come with (CrocBling Mammoth) and without (CrocBling) the lining and in three colors (black, white, and pink).  This style is $35 and the ones with the lining are $40.  Sign up to receive emails from the Crocs website and you may get an online coupon or something.  Or, head over to Denny's and snatch them up before they sell out.  I just bought them yesterday and when I went back today to pick up the pair for my niece, they already sold a bunch!!

And for those of you who are sick of reading about all of the cute stuff for girls, check out these adorable ones for boys.

This style, Crocband Sneak, comes in a bunch of colors and still have that ridiculously comfy Croc fit.  At $35, they can be worn all winter and into spring and are so easy to keep clean!!

If you are trying to avoid the fact that the holidays are weeks away, snap out of it and start shopping!  Check back soon for some other fabulous holiday ideas.

Fun Fall Fashion Continued...

I like to look at a lot of different websites and in a lot of different stores to find cute items to report back to you.  There is always a point in a season when Liv's closet is fully stocked but I find something that I want to get for her.  The rational side of me knows I have to have a limit!!  So the next best outlet is to tell you about it!!

Flowers by Zoe is always a front runner for girls' fashion.  Their fabrics are soft, colors are rich, and they have a great sense of style.  I came across these two dresses and just fell in love.  The first one (Zebra Print Ombre Dress - $100 at Nordstrom) is probably not an every day item but would be great for holiday parties at friends' houses.

For a fancier option, check out this sparkly number (FBZ Sequin Tank Dress - $164 at Nordstrom)

You can also find a great selection of Flowers By Zoe at Neiman Marcus, Denny's, and many other retailers.

J Crew just keeps it coming...their fall/winter line for Crewcuts lives up to the expectations.  For boys and girls, you can find a huge selection of everyday play wear, special occasion outfits, shoes, outerwear, etc.  I think this combo is adorable for a toddler or little girl:

They have a huge selection of shoes.  They are not all J Crew brand.  They sell Sperry, Converse, Superga, and a lot more.  I saw these shoes a couple of months ago in my size but a 6 year old would rock them a lot better than I would (Sperry Metallic Leather Boat Shoes - $78):

And these sneakers would be great for any toddler (Spring Court Metallic Sneaker - $110):

Another item that I am in LOVE with is this plaid Burberry Tunic.  Paired with a pair of leggings/tights and some cute boots and your little one could be walking down the runway!!  Again, this is probably a special occasion item but when you are sending out those holiday cards, it will be worth the money.  (shown below in Elderberry and Gold Ochre - Nordstrom $155)

The last item for today's post are a pair of boots for boys (probably for 6 months to around 24 months although not good for walking outside) - they are a masculine trendy take on the classic "Boo" style.  (Can be found on the Ugg website, Zappos, Neiman Marcus - $50)

As I continue to "research" the trends, I will report back to you and keep your kids looking their best.  If you ever want to find something specific, just email me at mommyofafashionista@gmail.com and I would be happy to try and help!

With the holidays coming up, it is a great excuse to pick up that item you have been eyeing.  Remember that we take a lot of pics during the holidays and want our kids to be framed looking their best!

If I am swaddled and sleeping, am I still stylish?

As my fashion focus gets split between toddler trends and layette, I can't help but check both the 2T to 4T and 0-3 month sections of every store and website.  Not knowing if this next one will luckily inherit Olivia's wardrobe (if its a girl) or send my research for trendy clothes into overdrive (if it is a boy), I will definitely have fun dressing another little one.

I did not do a layette for Olivia.  I did not know if I was having a boy or a girl and not having too many other friends with kids, I was completely in the dark when it came to cute kids' clothes.  I thought Carter's and Baby Gap were it!!  I shake my head in disbelief when I think of all of those lost fashion moments.  One might argue that they grow so fast so why waste the money...Olivia was wearing size 24 months by age 1 so I get that.  So here is my approach to baby #2.  Get a few key pieces for play dates, mommy and me classes, and trips to the store and wear the pj's with ducks all over them at home.

Having immersed myself into kids' fashion, I have had a great opportunity to attend the best market show for kids' clothes in NYC.  I get to preview ALL of the best brands from Tea Collection to Flowers by Zoe. I have been paying extra attention to the brands that have the best layette and here is what I have come up with (click the logo for the company's website).

Splendid Littles - soft fabrics, functional pieces, great color combinations, priced from the high $30s to the $50s

Baby Steps - fun prints, matching blankets and hats available, cute tie-dye fabrics, functional pieces for newborns priced from the $30s to $50s

Coccoli - super soft fabric, stylish prints, matching hats and blankets, great "going home" outfits, hats around $15, rompers/sets from $30s to $50s

Petit Bateau - classic styles and prints, last a long time, wash well, priced $40+

Paige Lauren Baby - this brand is not as well known but well worth it - great fabrics, not "over designed", simple and classic, priced $13 for caps, $20s to $30s for rompers/separates, etc

Whether you are expecting a baby or trying to buy a fantastic baby gift, none of these brands will steer you wrong.  Get a matching cap or blanket with a gown or romper and the little ones in your life will look just as stylish as the bigger kids!!

Pish Posh!! Donate your diaper bag and pick this up...

I am sure some of you out there agree with me - if I could do it again, there is sooooo much I would do differently!!  A certain "bargains" book (you know which one) was my bible but in retrospect, I fell for good marketing.  As baby #2 is due in a few months, I am revisiting a lot of my baby gear and reevaluating what I want to toss and what I want to get.  I don't know how I came across this but what a FANTASTIC idea!!!

Now, for my pitch...do you still carry a diaper bag?  I stopped over a year ago and started just winging it with my large handbags.  Do you find yourself with diapers and snacks on the bottom of every purse you own (and probably the floor of your car)?  I have found the answer!!  Pish Posh has the solution.  It is a pouch that has all of the pockets and compartments you need, but can easily be switched between bags or ever thrown by itself into your stroller.  There are adorable prints and they are waterproof!!  You can even get a matching diaper clutch and changing pad.

Check out the video and their website:

Faux-bulous

October is here and before we know it we will be dreaming of warmer days - but hopefully your little fashionista will not only be warm and cozy, but also stylish.  While the days might be topping out in the seventies, most mornings are frigid!  If you have not busted out a fall coat, get to the stores this week and do not leave without a trendy piece of outerwear!

For the fall, a safe bet is always a denim jacket for boys or girls and you will always find the perfect denim coat at the Gap.  There is no need to spend more than $30 for one and with all of the sales at the Gap, you shouldn't have a problem.  Another option is a good fleece.  This will take you more into the late fall/early winter.  I suggest a stylish and functional North Face.  They may be a little pricier ($60 to $100) but will last a lot longer than a cheaper copy.  Have you ever washed fleece and it becomes rough and full of static?  I bought my North Face 11 years ago and it is still soft!!  You can find North Face in a lot of stores but I got a basic black one from Nordstrom and have seen them on sale at Denny's.

Another popular option is a vest.  I have always thought vests are silly...if it is cold enough that you need a vest, then wouldn't your arms be cold too?  But I have also always thought they looked great!  So I would definitely not rule them out.  Puffy vests are always popular but I have seen a lot faux fur vests for girls.  They may not be an every day type of outerwear garment but a vest can definitely dress up an outfit.  The one above is from the Gap ($39.50).

For those frigid January days, we have to go further - a classic bubble jacket will keep your little one warm and fashionable.  Gap and Old Navy always have a good option for this style but you can get a bubble jacket from any department store or your favorite kids' clothing store.  Make sure you get one that doesn't have to be dry cleaned.  I think a little girl in an ivory or white winter coat is so cute and I have been eyeing one at the Gap ($59.50).  You can find some fun colors and styles at Lil' Swanky by Appaman ($96).

For a real indulgence, go out and get a coat by Corky & Company.  They are a little over-the-top but definitely eye catching.  They are warm and fun and your little one will definitely stand out of the crowd.  I found that they run a little big so if you order one online, maybe try a size smaller than what you would normally order.  The sizes start around 12 months and go up.  They are usually over $100 but if you find a print from last year, you can save some $$.  Some of the styles even have matching hats!!  I have seen them at Nordstrom and Denny's but if you go to the Corky and Company website, you can get a list of their online retailers.

Lastly, through all of my "research", I have found that the shearling style is still around but you can find some really cute updates.  For boys and girls, going faux is a fun, warm way to be trendy.  Swing coats, pea coats, and even motorcycle coats are sporting faux fur and so should your little fashionista!!  Your favorite kids' clothing store should carry something in this style and from what I have seen, run from around $60 to over $100.

So don't let your little one go out this fall in a boring windbreaker.  Hit the stores before it gets too cold and keep your child warm and fabulous!