The Minis' "Mini" Bedroom Makeover - Teaser

The consensus is in. The Minis' new bedroom theme will be: "Little Buckaroos."

It wasn't easy to find a theme that works for both a girl and a boy. Those that know Chicky & Fresh can probably guess that tractors and horses may have had something to do with this (they are both just a tad obsessed).

Let the fun begin--I am now on the hunt for: lamp shades, quilts, and wall decorations.

I will share each piece as I find them, starting with the piece that inspired the theme.

GINORMOUS Horse Painting:

Faux Oil Painting found at Homegoods for $40.

This One's for the Boys (Receiving First Holy Communion)

I was at a jewelry party Friday night at my friend "Martha's" house, when I heard some moms venting about the high prices and limited selection of boy's First Communion suits.

In stores the suits are priced around $75 (basic polyester) to $150 (light wool). Online, stores such as http://www.catholicchildrenscompany.com/ and http://www.theperfectpear.com/ offer basic white single-breasted suits (jacket, vest, pants, and tie) at the lower-end of the price spectrum ($73 and $78); However, those prices do not account for the additional $10 fee for sizes 10 and larger, or for the cost of shipping and handling.

Some other online boutiques make claims like "70% Off First Communion Outfits." Upon getting to their sites the suits are priced pretty cheap (e.g., $40), but they charge so much for each size over 5, that between the shipping and size charges, the price is still around $80.

Where are the bargains?

The only bargain store in which I have spotted white suits for boys is the Burlington Coat Factory. However, I have heard the supplies are dwindling and interested shoppers should get there fast (as in-TODAY!).

Other Options:

• Friends and family: I'm thinking white suits do not typically get more than one or two uses (the big day and a picture day). Finding a white suit for a 7 or 8-yr old boy that does NOT have a stain will be the trick.


• Consignment: Call and visit local consignment stores.


• E-bay: Score! There are many new with tags suits listed by several sellers, ranging in price from $39-49! The best part--free shipping! There are also HUNDREDS of used "like new" suits for sale for very cheap prices. This might be the best bet for finding a higher quality (light wool) suit at a low price.

Gino white Communion 5-piece suit listed for $44.99-49.99 by Fairytailes (free shipping).

• Google your fingertips off. There has to be better deals out there, but they will take some digging. If I find an awesome deal I will add an update. If any readers know of any, please send an e-mail to minifashionistas@comcast.net (as the "comments" functionality is currently not working).

Hair Pretties

One of my favorite places to order hairbows is etsy.

Custom artisans offer a wide range of colors, sizes, styles, and prices (starting at under $1). I like to go to the etsy site, search for "hair bows" and then sort using price, low to high. I usually find what I'm looking for fairly quickly.

When I do not find what I'm looking for...

• If color is the issue I select a bow style that works and I contact the seller to request what I need. Typically sellers are happy to accommodate custom requests.
• If it is a completely custom bow I am looking for, I open an alchemy request. Alchemy requests allow buyers to request a particular item at a particular price. Etsy sellers will then bid on the request. For example, if I were to request a bow to match an outfit, I would include a picture of the outfit, the size and style of the bow I'm looking for, and the price I am willing to pay for it. Within hours I am typically flooded with e-mails containing all sorts of gorgeous designs to choose from.

Here are a few bows I found while browsing:

Easteresque

A sweet bow with a cute bunny button. Perfect for Easter fashionistas!

Listed for $3 by My Monday's Child.

A Bit of Whimsy

Paisley birds are all the rage in the baby fasion and design world. What a fun touch this would add to a spring outfit!

Listed for $3 by The Pickled Pumpkin

Made to Match Gymbo

If you are looking for a bow to match a Gymboree outfit, simply search "M2MG bows." You will not be disappointed. Gybmoree shoppers must be custom bow lovers, as there are always a ton of M2MG bows to choose from. The following clippy bows were made to match the peachy pink and soft green colors of the Gymbo tulip line.

Listed for $5 by Aerochick.

The Easter Attire Hunt Has Begun

What I've decided:
To stay under $30 per outfit per child.

What I've discovered:
There are lots of dresses in the stores for $30; however, I don't like any of them.

What I'm doing about it:
Scouring ebay for the following brands:
Florence Eiseman, Anavini, Biscotti, Strasburg Children (heirloom), Hartstrings, Therese, Susanne Lively, Sarah Louise, and Willbeth.

p.s.
Dear Children's Place,
Please stop bedazzling your girls' clothes.
Thank you,
Mommy Fashionista

Some Spring Sale Action

Enjoy a Saturday morning comfy-cozy in your pajamas, sipping your favorite warm beverage, and shopping these great sales:

• Nordstrom's Shoe Clearance Event
• Hanna Andersson Dress & Swim Sale
• Children's Place - 15% Off Spring Pass

Happy Weekend!

Return of the Mini Fashionistas!

Just in time for spring, we are back!

Sorry for the hiatus, folks. I have a super good excuse:
Work has been hectic.
The minis keep getting sick.
Our dog ate the keyboard.
Blogspot does not get along with my computer.
I have the attention span of a goldfish.

I hope you will all pardon my several-month disappearance. I am excited to get back to blogging. I am bubbling over with things to share!

In the coming days I will be posting links to spring sales and coupon codes, this year's latest in Easter fashion, and the mini's bedroom makeover project.

Freshy and Chicky have spent our time away growing

together in friendship and brotherly and sisterly love. Ahhh...they're so sweet.

Brings a tear to their Mommy's eyes.

Bargain Toddler Tuxedos at Syms

Freshy will be wearing his first tuxedo later this month as he makes his manly man fashion debut as the ring boy in Auntie Fashionista's wedding. We aren't sure if Fresh will cooperate or melt into a shriveled up screaming pile of toddler goo at the back of the church. One thing is for sure, he'll look very dapper doing whatever he decides.

Mimi Fashionista spotted classic black toddler tuxedos at Syms stores for just $19.99--what a deal! Toddler tuxedo rentals average around $70, and most places sell basic toddler tuxedos for $50-115.

Check him out!

Freshiola Freshworthy modeling his basic black 5-piece tuxedo

and black patent leather Chikitto wingtip boots.