Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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!



Saturday, October 23, 2010

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!!



Monday, October 11, 2010

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: