If you’re living in an area where seasonal transitions can be somewhat unpredictable, such as bone-chilling mornings and warm, t-shirt weather afternoons, figuring out just how to dress your kids for the day can be tricky. As if moms don’t have enough to juggle in the morning without scratching their heads and predicting the weather, right?

Choosing the right clothes for your children to wear for the day is an important first step in the morning, especially when they’re still young enough to enjoy going outside for recess during the day. You don’t want them to be shivering or sweating through their play times, so somehow you’ve got to be able to find some sort of balance.

The first thing I do in the morning is grab a cup of java and sit down at my computer. Along with checking my emails, I always visit Weather.com to see what sort of weather we can expect. It may not be 100% accurate, because it is scientifically based guessing after all, but it is usually pretty close, at least temperature-wise, to how the day will play out. It also gives me the heads up if I should toss a raincoat or umbrella in my son’s book bag in case of an afternoon drizzle.

Often in the fall, the mornings are crisp and damp and the afternoons can range from the 50s to the 70s depending on the day. So, when the munchkins are headed to school, it’s jacket weather, and by the time they arrive home, they could be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts.

Since teachers can’t accommodate full-on wardrobe changes during the school day, the best a mom can do is practice the ancient art of layering. Layering is just as it sounds, carefully preparing your child for varying temperatures by dressing them in layers of clothing that can be added or subtracted as the thermometer does its crazy autumn dance.

If the temperature isn’t going to rise above 72 degrees at any part of the day, don’t even waste your time on shorts. It’s probably about time they found their ways to the attic anyway. Stick with comfortable track, khaki or knit pants or the ever popular denim jeans. Even if it warms up in the afternoon, they won’t get too hot, providing they can ditch the long sleeves and finish the day off in a t-shirt.

Speaking of shirts, there are a few routes you can go. A basic or printed t-shirt is usually a good first layer. Then a long-sleeved rugby, tee or button-down over it will provide style and warmth in the early morning. Depending on just how co0l it is outside, you can select a warm hoodie or go all the way with a moderate to heavy jacket. As the day goes on and the weather warms up or if a chilly afternoon thunderstorm strikes, your child can adjust his temperature by losing or adding layers.

Picking the right clothing combination for these bizarre and unpredictable temperature fluctuations can be tricky. If you start the morning by checking out your favorite weather station and layer your children’s clothes, they’ll be able to easily adjust what they’re wearing throughout the day to stay happy and comfortable.

No related posts.

No related posts.

They are light, comfortable, inexpensive, and serve a great purpose when you buy a pair. And if you are wondering what that means, it basically means that for every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. On top of that, they are also very appealing to the eye.

Visit Toms.com now and shop for a large variety of styles that will go with any outfit for any type of occasion. Choose from their popular styles including the classics, botas, cordones, wedges, stitchouts and more!

We’ll even help you get $5 off any order. Use our TOMSShoes coupon and the discount will be redeemed when you check out. This offer is good through June 5, 2011.

They are the perfect summer shoe and great for the entire family!

No related posts.

Included in the line are items with the FEED logo. If you purchase a Disney FEED item, a portion of the sales will go to UNICEF, who will use the money to help bring nourishment to hungry families around the world. Cute clothes and helping families in need, everybody wins in a wonderful way.

The clothing line is split up into four seasons representing beautiful cultures around the world: Japanese Spring (marked down now), Indian Summer (currently available), Scottish Fall and Russian Holiday (both available later this year). While the styles and prints of the limited-edition collection are influenced by the countries they’re showcasing, the familiar artwork of the children around the world is inspired by the timeless “It’s a Small World” art of Mary Blair which was used in the original ride.

No related posts.

The 77kids line will include graphic tees, a denim collection, hoodies, and boys’ and girls’  fashions. The collection for American Eagle’s newborn customers will feature unisex, girls’ and boys’ essentials.

In addition to their exciting baby collection, they’re also opening seven 77kids retail shops, beginning in July. Currently, the 77kids line (sizes 2T-14) has only been available for purchase online.

But these won’t be just any children’s clothing stores…

American Eagle’s 77kids shops will provide cutting-edge, interactive entertainment for your children while you shop.

Check out these cool features:

• Projectors will shoot games onto the store floor to keep your little ones amused
• A “denim canyon” will display a large denim collection
• Touch-screen monitors will play music, take photos, turn your child into a virtual “paper doll”, and much, much more
• A “Pick Yer Prize” Goodie Bar will be in each store. Loyalty program members and birthday celebrants can choose from candy and small prizes

The confirmed store locations, opening in July, will be in Pittsburgh, PA, Danbury, CT, Bloomington, MN, Cherry Hill, NJ, Syracuse, NY, and Raleigh, NC. The seventh store has yet to be announced.

If you’re not fortunate enough to live near one of these locations, you can continue to find everything you need online.

Buying clothing for children is always easier when you know that you’re purchasing a brand you can trust. I’m a mother of three boys, so it’s important that when I buy clothes, it will wear well. As a personal fan of high-quality, durable American Eagle Outfitters brand clothing, I’m excited to see what they have in store for babies and kids.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/3149065092

No related posts.

Not that that teeny tush could get any cuter, but Huggies is trying with their jean diapers. Perfect with summer arriving, these diapers pair perfectly with just a t-shirt for keeping cool.

If you want something that does not have the standard cartoon print and you want to post photos that will get all the comments, get these diapers on with some boots and load up a new memory card!

One of the greatest mommy-ventions to satisfy both precious and practical is the bitty-sized legwarmers. Babylegs Notsox are a great way to keep little legs hip with a nod to ’80s style revived. At the same time, diaper-changing and potty-training are made a million times easier without having to remove an extra layer to get to the source.

Lalas Pequenos has created a way to swaddle up your newbie in the softest of materials. The Noonie has the trendiest patterns available. That new baby will get started with their best fashion-foot forward snuggled up in this modern swaddle. This also makes a great shower gift that is sure to be unique!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/justcharlaine

No related posts.

The Converse Rubber Shoe Company was created in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse. Within two years, their production was up to 4,000 shoes per day. Basketball player Charles “Chuck” Taylor showed up in 1921 and began working as a salesman and ambassador. Taylor promoted the shoes and  his signature  on the All-Star patch.  It is the Chuck Taylor All-Star shoe that has received nicknames including “Cons,” “Connies,” “Convics,” “Verses,” “Chuckers,” “Chucks,” “Converse,” “Chuckies,” “Chuckie T’s,” “Chucker Boots” and “Chuck Taylors.”

There have been “special editions” of Converse released throughout the years. Some of these models have had only 2,000 produced! The inspirations range from The Who, The Ramones, Sailor Jerry (proteges include Ed Hardy and Mike Malone). These shoes have inspired so many over the years…my husband even made me find and watch a Converse commercial on YouTube with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson from 1985. Then he proceeded to tell me all about all of the Converse shoes he himself has owned over the years. It seems that they have played a part in everyone’s lives, from the famous to the infamous.

Originally known for their popularity on the basketball court and their durability, Converse held the sports-shoe market captive for many decades. Their simple, unique design has always set them apart from the more high-tech shoes made by other manufacturers. This design has been carried over and can be recognized quickly on anything from low-cuts to knee-high fashion heels on the runway in Paris. Fans of Converse can go on their website and design their own. Materials range from “textile” (no longer the 2x ply cotton canvas) to clear plastic.

Whether it is their long-running history, reputation for athletic prowess, or unique appearance, these shoes have continued to win over the hearts and (pardon the pun) soles of so many over the years.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/15369938@N08/3538167049

No related posts.

When I read reports that some Chinese-made children’s jewelry is being removed from stores, it caught my attention for sure. China has begun an investigation into claims that some jewelry contains cadmium, a metal used in batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics. It is a highly toxic material that has been linked to lung cancer and has been known to deter brain development, particularly in young children. According to CNBC, “Children can be exposed by sucking or biting such jewelry. But without direct exposure, most people do not experience its worst effects: cancer, kidneys that leak vital protein and bones that spontaneously snap.” The jewelry pieces in question are primarily pendants and bracelets. ABC News did a compiled a comprehensive list of what has been found to contain high levels of cadmium.

Walmart was the first to pull the scrutinized product from it’s shelves, and Claire’s Accessories quickly followed. There are laws regulating the use of lead, which, when they went into effect, actually caused an increase in the use of cadmium. Most of the rules are applied specifically to toys and not to jewelry. These are good reasons to be conscientious of where cheap jewelry is coming from. One article even advised to be careful with costume jewelry from vending machines.

Fortunately for my little one, it is bracelets and pendants that are under scrutiny, not plastic beads. Also fortunate is the current habit that she has of wearing her beads instead of eating them. I will most definitely be more aware of where her girly-girl bling is coming from.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/2095382535

No related posts.

The cold weather does mean bundling up, but it doesn’t mean bulking up. Being pregnant carries it’s own heft and warm maternity clothes shouldn’t add more weight. Maternity sweaters are a great way to layer up. When the weather gets cold, button up without bulking up in these great sweaters and jackets.

So cute, it should be made for post-maternity wear as well. This cozy sweater by Motherhood Maternity is long enough to cover the tops of maternity pants. Less than $25 makes it a great deal while the tie in the front makes a fashion statement.

A great look to wear over a tee shirt or turtleneck depends on the temperature. If it’s warm inside, this cardigan is an easy layer to shed, but why would one want to with these fantastic bell sleeves and beautiful chunky knitting? This A Pea in the Pod sweater is only $79.98 and comes in Orchid (shown) or Charcoal.

This Liz Lange jacket is absolutely fantastic! Wear it with a dress or slacks and let the bold prints with it’s classic fit make a statement. It has large buttons with an oversized collar to compliment a simple wardrobe. For under $76, this jacket will get a lot of use.

No related posts.

I remember the ’80s were a lot of fun, but I also remember that they were a lot of work. There were so many accessories, so much makeup, and oodles plus of hairspray. Those were things I wanted very little to do with when I was pregnant. As much fun as it was to get dolled up in the cute maternity tops and dresses, sometimes the best outfits were the staples: maternity jeans and maternity tee shirts… and flip flops.

Maternity Jeans are generally sized based on pre-pregnancy sizes, meaning if I wore a size “S” pre-preggie, then I wore a size “S” maternity jean. Most of them had waist bands that didn’t roll down, but sometimes they would need to be tugged up a bit. A tie string or a good elastic at the top prevented this problem. After the baby arrived, I kept these pants available until my body got back into shape. I only wish I could have justified breaking them out again last Thanksgiving!

Maternity Tee Shirts just keep getting more entertaining! Stars like Kendra Wilkinson (who recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy, have been having a blast with their pregnancies stepping out with some fantastic tees. Finding a tee that was long enough to cover my whole belly and the waistband on my maternity jeans, without looking slouchy, was key. It was good to have very stretchy material that would grow with my belly. Soft material was also a must as there was enough discomfort without itchy materials adding to it. If funny slogans are your thing, this is a perfect excuse to wear a tee that says “Say Hello to my Little Friend” or “Pregnant – Not Fat!”

I’m sure even our fantastic fashion blogger would agree that you can’t go wrong with a great set of jeans and a tee. If you have a penchant toward trendiness, go ahead and top it off with a side ponytail.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/helga/3448935105

No related posts.