Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dear Mommy Fashionista

I need help finding a dress for my 4-year old daughter to wear in our town fair's pageant. My daughter has fair skin, blue eyes, and blond hair. I am hoping to find a pretty shade of blue (periwinkle or dephinium), but nothing too light or too dark, as she will look washed out. The dress needs to be dressy, but please--no national pageant or lil' dolly styles.

Thanks for your help!

Texas Mommy

Dear Texas Mommy,

What a fun quest you have sent me on! You did not mention a desired price, but since you are writing to me, I will assume you're on a budget. Let's see what I can dig up...

  • Blue Bow Dress - Could this dress be any sweeter?? This dress is listed on ebay by the seller ForALittleAngel (bids starting at $9.99, buy it now for $13.99). This seller got great feedback, but I still worry about the quality because the price is so extremely low for a new formal dress.



  • Rosebud dress - From pinkprincess, this dress is a bit more whimsical, and still cutesie ($34.99). This blue may be a bit lighter than you were looking for. I must say, it's much easier to find beautiful pink dresses--shades of blue are tough!


  • Elisa - This crinkle tafetta bubble dress is an incredible shade of turquoise and will be sure to make your daughter be bell of the ball (or town fair!). This dress is also sold at pink princess ($64.99).



  • My last recommendation is once again on my favorite website: http://www.etsy.com/. Although I do not see a dress that fits this description, there are many dress makers that sell their goods on this site. Etsy provides an option to open an Alchemy request to describe the item you are looking for and the amount you are willing to pay for it. Custom dressmakers will then place bids to make the dress you are looking for. You will be given the option to accept or reject each bid until you find something that is just perfect for your lil' one.

Best of luck and please share pictures of your little beauty on her big day!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

30% Off & Free Shipping at Gymbo

Thought I would share the great coupon I received:

Through Sunday, May 17:

Take 30% off your entire purchase and receive free shipping at Gymboree online:

http://www.gymboree.com/

Enter Coupon Code: CFFRIEND

Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Oh where, oh where, have the windbreakers gone?

Oh where, oh where, could they be?

First, I'll tell you where they're not: Macy's, Gap Kids, Gymboree, Sears, Children's Place, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target, and Dick's Sporting Goods.

I would like to thank Mimi & GG Fashionista who both helped me on a hunt for a spring play jacket for Chicky. We found many zip-up sweatshirts, rain jackets, and dressy jackets, but had a very tough time locating traditional windbreakers. I have heard from a few other moms (in various parts of the country) that they, too, were having a tough time with this mission.

What we found:

  • Kohl's: The two I checked had about 3 infant and toddler-sized jackets on clearance. Online they have a white (how practical) jean jacket for girls. If you're thinking "that's easy, I can bleach it," not so fast--it has bright pink plaid sleave cuffs.
  • Burlington Coat Factory: I popped into the Nashua, NH store on Monday night and found a good selection of Carter's, Rothschild, and no-name windbreakers for $19.99 each. I bought Chicky a bright green Carter's jacket with embroidered flowers and gingham trim. These appear to be available in-store, only.
  • Hanna Andersson: They have great classic jackets, but they are no bargain at $69.50.
  • LL Bean: They sell a Casco Bay soft cotton-lined classic jacket line for $29.50 each (available in aqua, navy, orchid, and orange). They also have some slightly cheaper rain jackets that come in many cute prints and look like windbreakers, but be warned that they are very thin and do not have a soft lining.