My niece is set to turn 3 next month and my husband and I are trying to figure out what to get her. I remember when I was a kid I used to hate getting clothes as gifts. I always wanted a toy or something I could physically play with, not play in. As an adult though, I now understand why childrens clothes are such a big hit. Kids grow so fast that even if we were to buy her winter clothes in the middle of summer, she would probably outgrow them  after wearing them only once. I’m thinking we might get a couple of pastel colored tops and a few bottoms that are appropriate for the season. I just wish we could buy her clothes that she will be able to wear during next summer as well. Plus, my husband and I will be lucky to see her once in her new childrens clothes due to the number of visits we are able to have with her. I may still buy her a little toy to go with her clothes. I just can’t give only clothes for a gift, I would feel like the biggest hypocrite in the world. Surfing Barbie, here we come.

I was searching on Naartjie for some cute kids clothes for this summer and I *had* to click on the newborn attire. This sleeveless tunic with ribbed neck, bow trimmed front giraffe graphic, bow trimmed shoulders and pinstripe print woven hem strip is just too cute. I think I’m going to have to order one for my niece and it’s affordable at $12.95.

Do you shop exclusively at one store for your kids clothes, or do you shop around??

I guess I was a little taken aback that a friend told me that she shops only at one store and the sales that she gets equals her shopping trip to one at Target. Hmmm….I kinda find that hard to believe, but if that’s what works for her then so be it. Me, I’m all about scoring a deal. I don’t limit myself. I just look for what it cute & affordable.

We have several huge consignment sales coming to town in the next few months and I’ve been trying to get things sorted to make a few extra dollars. It’s crazy how much baby clothes and toys I found stuff in containers in the back of the closet. Wow, I really must try to get rid of stuff more often. Gotta get rid of the old to make room for new purchases

One of the great things about Naartjie’s childrens clothing is that you can find several items in both “little” and “big” sizes. You can match them to a tee! No more hunting for matching outfits when family picture time rolls around.

With celeb infants sporting latest trends in childrens clothing, it’s hard not to follow suit with our own children. But when I look at my youngers, especially at feeding time, I really have second thought about slapping a $100 shirt on my baby. I mean lets be reasonable here. Children are messy, I don’t care how you try to down play it. Even if you follow you kids around with wet wipes, you are going to miss a spot eventually. I have a hard time spending a ton on my own clothes, let alone putting my 18 month old in Gucci!

I’ve been thinking lately. How much clothing is too much? Do you save your baby clothes in case you have another child or do you purge them after they’ve outgrown them.  These are all things to think about.  I’ve met ladies who have rubbermaid tubs filled with baby clothes that are stuffed in the attic. I tend to lean more towards selling clothes that I have, either through consignment or online such as E-Bay. I also shop the same way if I find great deals. We have some awesome consignment stores here that don’t just accept anything. I’ve picked up a few pairs of denim shorts for $.50 a pair before!!

It’s not unusual for children to have more clothes than there parents and my home is no exception. I think my 11 yr old step-son has enough jeans to last 2 weeks if I didn’t do laundry. My hubby and I have 3 pairs each. Crazyness!

What works for the goose may not work for the gander. What I might put my son in, may not be the same thing that my sister or friends would choose. This is complicated by the fact that the selected for baby boy clothes is just not as great as for baby girls. Call me crazy, but I dislike shopping for boys. It’s just not as fun. Now I have friends that have all boys and they say that they wouldn’t trade them for the world and that the lack of choices in boy clothing is easier on the checkbook.

*sigh*

I’m a sucker for pink and brown anything, but throw cute little birds on it and I just have to have it, know what I mean?? There are some matching polka dot pants that match the fabric on the shoulders. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have a girly-girl to dress up. I know there is always a chance that she could morph into a tom-boy, but I think it’s highly unlikely.

I’ve noticed a ton of layered outfits hitting stores recently. I bought this tee for my nephew, I figured it was *cool* enough for him to actually wear out in public. This one comes in two different colors and I picked this one because I thought it would go better with his blonde hair. He’ll always be cute to me and one day he’ll realize that I’ve had style all along