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The Latest Fashion Trends for Infants and Toddlers

July 19, 2011 by
A baby wearing many items of winter clothing: ...

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Are you ready to dress up your baby? If you are like many parents, you love the many ways you can dress your child up and you love doing it. It does not have to be a special occasion to do it, either. For those parents that want to follow the trends, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Trends Infants and Toddlers Love

What are the latest trends for young ones in clothing? You can find many things you can do to dress them up with great colors and styles, including many name brands. You do not have to spend a lot, either.

  • Do think green clothing. Environmentally friendly is important. The only thing more important is ensuring your child’s clothing is safe for his or her skin.
  • Going over the top is not hard either. With many bright colors and patterns being a big trend this year, many children are looking glamorous and stylish. Make color trends a part of your baby’s wardrobe.
  • Make those special occasions really special. Find baby costumes that bring out the thrill of being a child, including fun themes, cartoons and even animal costumes. Be creative.
  • On the other hand, keeping it simple is also an important style trend for babies and toddlers. Functional clothing for kids is better than clothing that’s not comfortable.
  • Do accessorize. Even young ones need great shoes and hats.

The latest fashion trends for your toddler and infants are all too easy to enjoy as an adult. Who doesn’t love dressing up their baby in something that is sure to get the attention of others?

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Great Clothes for Kids Don’t Have to be Expensive

July 18, 2011 by

 

 

Image representing eBay as depicted in CrunchBase 

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From age infant to toddler it seems there is instant pressure to have kids start their lives in great outfits. Friends will then fashion your toddler with name brand clothes and you inevitably feel a responsibility to keep her wardrobe up to code with the best. Rather than forking over a fortune to buy the best and latest name brand clothes, try these simple solutions to sharper clothes buying.

First of all, don’t be shy about buying used clothes. Often times, kids have so many clothes received from friends and family eager to buy something for your child that they hardly wear the outfits. Instead of picturing a worn down pair of pants your child wanted to wear all the time, think of the clothes your child barely wears and are in almost new condition. You can find clothes just like this that fit your child at Goodwill or other outlet stores. Another great source for used clothing is eBay. The site allows you to buy clothes only from people with a large number of transactions and high approval rate. This ensures you will be receiving clothes in the condition advertised.

A great place to go for new clothes that are name brand is mall department stores. This doesn’t sound like the greatest play to go at first, but if you shop only at the clearance rack, you would be amazed at the deals found on name brand clothing. In order to make room for new inventory, old outfits are often discounted 70 or 80% in order move out quickly. This translates to exception savings for those who venture to the clearance racks.

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Tips for Hosting a Great Teen Fashion Runway Show

May 5, 2011 by

Teens love clothes and the best way that they can show off their unique styles and looks is through a runway fashion show. There are some things that you should remember if you want to have a fashion show. The tips that are listed below are going to help you make the best runway fashion show possible.

  • Find a Place – The first thing that you will need to do is find a place to have the show. It needs to be large enough so that there is room for the runway and the seats.
  • Set the Stage – The second thing that you have to do is set the stage. You can either rent a stage to use or you can build one. If you don’t want to go to that expense, you can use wooden boards that are nailed into the floor or the ground to create a runway that’s invisible.  You want to make sure your stage matches the looks like styling women’s or mens shirts.
  • Pick the Music – The third thing that you want to do is choose the right kind of music. It should be upbeat and exciting, but not so loud that the announcements can’t be heard over the music. Remember to have a microphone for the master of ceremonies.

Runway fashion shows are a great way to show off the new looks for teens including junior fashions, dresses, and even men’s shirts. You can find more tips on hosting a teen fashion show on the Internet. No matter what time of the year it is, a fashion show is a great idea for getting teens excited about the new clothes and looks that are coming out.

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Toddler Fashion Faux Paux: How NOT to Dress Up Your Little One

February 23, 2011 by
Prince Albert Edward in a sailor suit, by Wint...

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Remember the days when your parents dressed you and your siblings up in those horrible outfits for that special occasion? You may even remember the itchy feel of the fabric, or the terrible colors. Even though you may think a certain outfit makes your baby look like the cutest pea in the pod, you might be committing a toddler fashion faux paux. Follow these simple guidelines for toddler fashion, and your toddler’s fashion wardrobe will probably be just fine.

Sailor Outfits

Sailor outfits are perhaps the number one most embarrassing things for a child to wear. If you are dressing up your little captain in a sailor outfit, make sure it is comfortable, fits well, and is worn on only very special occasions. Perhaps ask another mom or friend for their opinion. Does he fuss more than normal when he wears it? Is the outfit too outlandish? Will he be embarrassed to see pictures of the outfit years from now? There are several sailor-inspired outfits available at baby clothing stores, so perhaps only a few items that are sailor-inspired would be better than a complete sailor get-up.

Homemade Floral Dresses

If you are not an expert seamstress, or if the kids have grown since the last time they wore the outfit, it may be uncomfortable for them. Make sure to ask them if there are any tight seams or itchy parts to the dress. And if you are going to make floral dresses, have the kids help out the print.

The Disney Princess

Some little ones may insist on only dressing as Cinderella, or whoever the latest animated character is. While magic wands and pink tutus may be all the rage for a two year old, just hope that it is a phase and try to tone it down when out in public. Give her choices of a few outfits with more subtle prints and fabrics, and try to keep the glitter and glitz to a minimum. She will thank you later.

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Zippers or Buttons? The Toddler Fashion Dilemma

February 16, 2011 by
Example of a coil zipper.

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The dilemma between zippers and buttons for toddler fashion is an important one. It shows that parents really do care about their children’s wardrobe, not only for fashion reasons, but for safety, comfort, ease, and a host of other reasons – right down to the last button. Most infant and toddler fashion today favors buttons over zippers, but that does not mean that zippers are completely out of the question. The question really comes down to how selective a parent wants to be when choosing toddler fashion.

Buttons have the advantage of being the safer of the two clothing fasteners. There are actually several different types of buttons besides the classic sewn button that slips through a hole in the fabric and holds it in place. There are buttons that snap into place, and fasteners like those on overalls. All of these fasteners pose little to no threat to a child’s safety. A metal zipper, however, can get stuck on a number of things.

It is also easier to repair or replace buttons than it is to repair or replace zippers. Even if you cannot locate the original buttons or ones that look similar, you can mix and match buttons with great effect. Children’s clothing can be eclectic and unusual, and sometimes mismatching buttons would turn that otherwise bland little cardigan into something really fun and distinctive.

One tip for button-friendly seamstresses is to keep all the buttons that come with new clothes in a “button jar” or box. Whenever you buy a new item, often it will come with an extra button or two on the tag or attached to the inside of the clothing itself. Take these off and store them in a safe place, so that whenever a button is needed, you know right where to find one. You can also search for buttons online, at garage sales, antique malls, sewing and crafts shops. Or, you can take a boring old button and add a charm, sticker, or small knickknack to it with a hot glue gun. Get creative!

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The Toddler Fashion Checklist

February 10, 2011 by

A toddler is adorable by default, but a little fashion never hurt. Have fun showing off your little tyke with some of these essential baby fashion items. The best part about toddler fashion is that it does not have to be expensive. If you stock your child’s wardrobe with just a few quality clothing items, you can build several adorable outfits that will win you and your little one lots of compliments, oohs, and ahhhs.

Boys Toddler Fashion

He will be sure to charm the ladies with a pair of overalls, whether in classic denim or cuddly corduroy. You cannot go wrong with overalls, which are easy to put on and take off, comfortable, and easy for the little one to run around in. Try a long-sleeve thermal or Henley underneath for a grown-up look.

Run with the denim theme and make sure your fashionable baby boy has a denim jacket. They’re durable and can be worn with just about anything. Add a microfiber or fleece vest underneath to keep him nice and warm. Try a pair of cowboy boots or rain boots to complete the look.

For the basics, stick with solids, stripes, and plaids. They are easier to mix and match, and never go out of style. Brighten up his wardrobe with a sprinkling of fun graphics, cartoon characters, animal prints, or bright colors.

Girls Toddler Fashion

For the little girl who only wants clothing that sparkles, glitters, shimmers, or shines with fairy dust, there are plenty of cute and stylish outfits that don’t necessarily scream Disney Princess. Start with solids, floral prints, and subtle patterns. Mix and match solid colored leggings with floral or print skirts and dresses. Add on a solid or polka dot cardigan for extra flair.

The little girl who loves to accessorize should have a few choices for how to complete her look. Consider different types of shoes, hats, hair pins, mittens, and scarves. For shoes, try canvas slip-ons: they are fashionable, are shoelace-less, and are easy to get on and off.

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The Cost-Effective Baby: How to Dress Your Child on a Budget

February 8, 2011 by

One of the challenges for the cost-conscious parent is resisting the desire to splurge on her little one. The good news is that buying cute and fashionable baby clothes does not have to break the bank. Thanks to online shopping and consignment stores, parents can dress their little ones in style for an affordable amount. Check out these insider’s tips for dressing up baby on a shoestring.

Ebay for Baby

Ebay has just about everything – from vintage vinyl records to car parts to baby clothes. The popular online auction site has been a staple in many online shoppers’ lifestyles for many years. But there are still many people who have not used the site, or the many similar sites online. Although online shopping is growing exponentially, it is still a small percentage of the total retail volume in the US. Part of the reason is that many people do not think to go online and shop for hard-to-find items. They prefer to go to the stores they’ve always gone to. But online shopping at sites like Ebay can help you sniff out great deals on used items.

Sign Up for Consignment Stores

Check local online listings or ask around to see where there are consignment stores in your area, or children’s clothing stores. In major cities, there are often stores geared just towards families on a budget. Check Craigslist for garage sales or baby items. Just make sure to use all the precautions.

Swap and Shop

If you are part of a mom’s brigade, or have a network of young mothers in your social circle, then chances are they would love to swap clothes. You can network online using Facebook, Twitter, or your favorite social site, to find like-minded mothers who would rather get hand-me-downs than fork over cash for designer clothing that your little tykes will grow out of soon enough.

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Popular Celebrity Costumes for Kids

February 7, 2011 by

Kids love to imitate their favorite child celebrity. This can be a real one, such as Justin Beiber, Miley Cyrus or a favorite celebrity character, such as Harry Potter or one of the Star Wars characters. Halloween is usually the time when kids get to live out their fantasies. And, the abundance of kids costumes that are available makes it easy for them to do that.

The fact that most kids costumes, even celebrity ones, are usually very simple also make them very attractive for parents. For example, a pair of blue jeans and a shirt with Miley Cyrus’s picture on it, accessorized with a long blond or brown wig (depending on if your child is going as Miley or her alter ego Hannah Montana) and some long necklaces are all that are required for a Miley/Hannah costume. For Justin, the neat jeans and shirts that he wears, and the hair brushed forward to resemble his famous ‘do (with some temporary blonde hair color added if necessary) will work.

For other celebrity characters, such as Harry Potter or Star Wars characters, online kids costumes stores can sell complete outfits, including glasses, brooms and wands for Harry Potter and light sabers for Star Wars characters. By using online resources for your costume purchases, you save time and money because you don’t have to visit store after store trying to find the right costume and all the accessories.

Online Halloween costume stores usually sell kids costumes at a cheaper price, too. This also helps you save money on both fuel and the outfit itself. Purchasing kids costumes at online costume stores can be a tremendous asset for the reasons listed above as well as others. These include making it easier for busy parents, and purchasing costumes that may be of higher quality than those sold in regular stores.

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Keeping Baby Warm

February 3, 2011 by

There is only so much you can do inside during the winter before the kids get cabin fever – or you do. Don’t be afraid of wintertime fun just because you are worried that your baby will catch cold. As long as you have baby bundled up, you can have a great time in snow, rain, or whatever inclement weather comes your way. Here are some fashion tips for keeping them warm, from new or used clothes to look for, to unique do-it-yourself fashion sewing ideas.

Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away!

If it’s rainy in your neck of the woods, make sure to outfit the little one with some sturdy rain boots. Most kids enjoy wearing rain boots, but it doesn’t hurt to buy a pair of brightly colored boots, or ones with polka dots or a fun print. There are also animal-themed rain boots available, such as yellow boots with a duck face printed on the bottom, or a dragon set with spikes on the back of the boots. Don’t be surprised if those rain boots are the only thing your child wants to wear – even when it’s sunny out!

Snow Angels

For your snow bunnies, make sure to bundle up with flannel-lined jeans, or snow pants with thermals underneath. Thick socks, mittens, and a hat are a must. Top off the outfit with a sweater and snow jacket. For infants and younger toddlers, fit them into a fleece coverall onesie as a first layer, then into a snowsuit; the little one will be warm even if you are out all day. A great gift might be to sew a matching set of mittens, scarf, and hat for your little one. Pick out your child’s favorite colors and a pattern, then head to the fabric store and get shopping. Go with microfiber, since it s easy to cut and sew, and it is thick and warm. You can stick with a solid color for all three fashion items, or try different color combinations. Make the scarf a little longer than is necessary; that way, your child can grow into it.

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Keeping Clean With the Right Baby Bib

February 1, 2011 by

Cheesy noodles, gooey strawberries, peanut butter, and ketchup. These words can strike fear into a parent’s heart. Children have the uncanny ability to get food all over their hands, face, clothes, high chair, and anything within arm’s reach. Many parents have learned the hard way why it’s a bad idea to give your toddler a peanut butter sandwich and then let the child run free around the house. If you want to avoid having a fresh coat of peanut butter all over your living room, consider sitting baby down into a secure high chair, and fitting him with a baby bib. Plus, you can take a store-bought baby bib and spice it up with a personalized monogram, or sew your own, so that you can have some baby bibs that are in fashion.

Most parents are well aware of the benefits of baby bibs. Bibs are great because they can be put on and taken off easily, so baby won’t have a chance to fuss. Another reason why bibs are great is that they can be washed easily – just toss a few dirty bibs into the washing machine with your load of towels, and you are set. A good bib will help baby keep his clothes clean while he’s eating, too. Whether you have a tiny newborn or a toddler in his terrible twos, a baby bib is the way to go at breakfast, lunch, and dinnertime.

But baby bibs don’t have to be boring. It’s easy to dress up baby’s fashion with bibs that you have bought from the store. Just pick out some bright material from the fabric shop, cut out baby’s name, and sew it on to the front of the bib. You don’t even need a sewing machine; you can use a needle and thread and make broad stitches. Another toddler fashion option would be to take a plain cotton bib and get it screenprinted. There may be a screen print shop or photo shop near you that will print a photo onto nearly any material.

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