Accessories for Girls / April 10, 2013 by Kate Brightbill

1. Loveable Necklace. || 2. Purple Converse. || 3. Straw Hat. || 4. Patent Belt. || 5. Sunglasses || 6. Drawstring Bag. || 7. Picnic Backpack. || 8.Bow Clips. || 9. Gladiator Sandals. ||

I mean really... accessories are my favorite. There is no end to the cuteness out there for little girls. I have so many favorites that this is only half of them. I shared these little picks over at The Chirping Moms blog today, so you can get a double-dose and check out their adorable blog. They have SO many great giveaways to enter too! Head over there using the link right HERE.

xoxox,

Kate

Seventy + Sunshine / April 9, 2013 by Kate Brightbill

Ahhh yes, now I remember... THAT'S what 70 degrees looks like.

quick breather...

and repeat...

Photos by Silvana diFranco. Floral Hair Clip by SaraRae Shop.

Outfit: Tank. Sweater. Scarf. Jeans. Sandals.

Tips & Tricks for Stylish Kids (Budget-Conscious!) / April 3, 2013 by Kate Brightbill

To be honest, most of my girls' clothes are gifts. Brian and I have very generous family who love to spoil our children... BUT I'm fully aware of the cost of keeping kids dressed stylishly.

Rules & Tips for shopping for Kids:

Spend very little on the basics but be sure to stock up on them. This includes leggings in black & grey, and solid colored tank tops. Leggings I can usually find for $5 or less, and tanks for $2- $4. Peruse sale racks! Go to discount stores... go thrifty for basics! (Carters, Target, H&M & Zara sales)
Accessories make and break an outfit. They're not costly, but they provide the impact to take an outfit up a notch. Scarves and hats are a hit in our house, so we have a few in bright colors to liven up any look. Belts aren't practical for my girls' ages, so I skip them entirely. Headbands, barrettes, you name it. We love them in patterns and brights and avoid neutrals here. Stay tuned for a post on accessories coming soon.

When you buy jackets, buy them slightly big, and let your kids wear them until they're too small. Jackets tend to be more costly than other pieces, so be practical and keep the jacket's lives going and going. Sophie is still wearing a 2T denim jacket that looks cropped and adorable, and Maggie wears the same one with the sleeves cuffed. No shame in that game! ;)
Don't go too conservative for your kids. Let them make fashion calls for themselves when you're shopping for the fun stuff, so when you get home you have fewer wardrobe battles. Maybe tulle and sparkly isn't your thing, but paired with your neutral basics (above), it'll be a match. Clothing is a perfect way to let them express their creativity, and there is plenty of time down the road for them to wear serious adult-like clothing.

Shoes choices are key! You should love them and they should love them. They should also be comfortable. Sophie wants "princess shoes" or rain boots every day. Princess shoes for her include any type of ballet flat. She has a pair in blue and brown, so one or the other will go with nearly everything.
If your child puts up a fight every time you try to put them in something, ask yourself if it's worth it. We tried a pair of wide-legged jeans once and she was mortified whenever she had to wear them because "these jeans are so funny!" If they have an aversion to a style, for me it isn't worth it to force it.
Jeans are expensive! Buy one or two really good pair, then use leggings for park time and everyday activities. My girls have either a black or grey pair, but most of theirs are really bright and playful colors and patterns.
HAVE FUN!

XO,

Kate

Photography by Silvana di Franco. Sophie's outfit: H&M Vest. Old Navy Leggings. Gap Shoes.

Bits of Life / March 22, 2013 by Kate Brightbill

*(Because sometimes I need a shower in the morning and the crib is the safest place to watch curious George)*

Happy Weekend!

Kate

19-Months, How I Love You / March 20, 2013 by Kate Brightbill

Nineteen months is a good age.

I don't quite remember saying that with my first run-through (I think I was saying things more like "if this is pre-toddlerhood, I will never survive toddlerhood"), but the second time around, I am well aware that this stage isn't forever.

...no really, I won't end each day of my life with a dramatic collapse on the couch and a murmur about how exhausting life is to my poor husband who patiently refrains from reminding me I'm a total broken record here.

In reality, it's actually a pretty perfect little age.

Everything is funny at 19 months. Mama is a superstar and all I have to do is feed and twirl her. Nothing is off limits for copying. If Sophie says "yeehaw," you better believe a little voice will be echoing those cowgirl sentiments. Every food group is delicious, and if it's too spicy, just drink some water and go back for more. Black eyes and bumps and bruises are expected and simply indicate fun is being had. Running everywhere is essential... there is no such thing as walking for a little 19-month old.

And I still get to hold a little 19-month chubby, adorable hand (for the most part).

I love this stage. I know the battles of true toddlerhood are coming, but right now we're at this sweet little bit of life where laughter is abundant and workouts outside of the home are totally unnecessary. ;)

I love you little Maggie girl.

Pretty photography by the talented Silvana di Franco (she's incredible).

Dress by Gap. Shoes Old Navy. Gorgeous floral clip by SaraRae Shop.

Currently Loving: Tea Collection / March 19, 2013 by Kate Brightbill

We got a box in the mail the other day. It was full of beautiful textures and patterns and brightness and from our end: excitement and squeals... Tea Collection!

I've always loved Tea. They get bonus points for being a San Francisco company ;) and their clothing is fresh and unpredictable, but so stylish. Their current collection is one of their best ever... it's South African inspired, meaning texture and brights, my favorites! The best part: they are a brand that gives back. Tea Collection partners regularly with The Global Fund For Children and have designated days where portions of sales go to school funds... not just any schools- YOUR schools.

This means pretty dresses-- wearable for casual and dressy occasions, spunky shorts, tees, and fancy shirts, and the best kiddo accessories are combined with all with a trustworthy, beautiful brand that supports needs globally and locally. What's not to love?

You'll be seeing my girls in Tea Collection all over here in days to come. With colors this bright and appealing and COMFORTABLE, kids will be wanting to wear their Tea Collections outfits every day!