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!

Beer Anyone? Tailgate for Toddlers!

It is officially football season and being married to a guy who went to a Big Ten school, I have been schooled on the importance of team spirit.  I swear to you that Liv could say "Go Blue" by 14 months.  Liv has gotten some great Michigan gear so she can support the Wolverines on game day but the choices for kids are very limited and kind of boring.

Last spring, when I was browsing the racks at Denny's, I came across a pink v-neck shirt by Tailgate Clothing with a huge Michigan "M" in bright metallic pink on the front...I had to pinch myself.  Liv had to have this shirt - it combined her parents' favorite things...Michigan football for Dad and fashion for Mom!

A couple weeks later I thought that while I wasn't so into Penn football, Liv should represent both of our schools.  I went online and found a Penn shirt by Tailgate Clothing and ordered it immediately.

What I love best about Tailgate Clothing t-shirts is that they represent your Alma Mater but have a slight vintage look to them.  I met the reps from the company a few weeks back and I saw a lot of other great items for babies and kids.  They have onesies, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and a lot of t-shirts.  You may not be able to find your school online but I would call around to the retailers listed on their website and see if you can find it (call a store in your school's state and you will probably have better luck!).

www.tailgateclothing.com

The prices range from $20's and $30's for t-shirts to as much as $60's for sweatshirts (but they are worth it - so adorable!).  I bought both shirts for Liv from Denny's (Marlboro) but you can find some products online.  One of my favorite websites, www.lilswanky.com carries a few styles.

If you have any school spirit left, let your little one represent this fall!

Gaga over Superga and On Top with Top-Siders

Last time I was at Lester's I was looking for a dress with poofy sleeves and matching EG's socks.  It was bat mitzvah time and while Lester's was all the way in Brooklyn, Marlboro didn't have any stores that matched the selection of a store like Lester's so we made the trip.  Almost 20 years later I entered a VERY different store.

I walked into the Greenvale (Long Island) store and was immediately greeted by an incredibly nice associate who stayed with me and helped me pick out some great stuff for Liv.  They probably have close to 40 different pairs of leggings over half of which are "jeggings".  The prices range from around $20 to $40 (toddler and little girls).  Almost every pair of leggings has a coordinating top within reach with prices ranging from the $20's to higher $40's.  They have the requisite selection of Flowers by Zoe, Splendid Littles, etc but what I was very impressed with was the shoe selection.

I literally stopped in my tracks on the way to pay for my spree and locked my eyes on a pair of gold sneakers.  Those of you that read my blog know by now that I shop a lot and don't impress too easily but these little sneakers had to be a part of her back to school wardrobe.

After an hour + of shopping, Liv was about to lose it but the wonderful sales people at Lester's distracted Liv with some stickers, got her measured, and put the sneakers on her feet.  They are by a company called Superga (made in Italy) and just look simply adorable (~$50).  They didn't have her size in stock in gold (they come in other colors - silver was also cute) but they ordered them and shipped them to me the next day.  When we got them, Liv didn't want to take them off!

Liv has a slightly wide foot but these sneakers (European sizes) fit her well.  She wore gold sandals all summer and I have come to realize that gold can match almost anything.

Now for the boys...I would like to start this part of the post by saying my obsession started when I was with my friend in Nordstrom and got sucked into buying a pair of grey suede Top-Siders for myself.  They feel like wearing slippers, but they have some funky style to them.  If you dress your little guy like a mini man, he must have a pair of these shoes. You don't have to be a boater to wear them - you just have to have some style.They are around $50 and with a quick Google search, you will find a ton of places that carry them.

At this point, school has started but that does not mean back to school shopping is done!  I am always finding cute ideas and will keep you updated.  Take some time while the little ones are in school, grab a latte, and hit the stores!