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!

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!