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Before I start today, I have to wish my sweet hubby a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We love you Andrew! Happy, happy birthday!! XOXO
Here we go…another Shade of Shay. This time, it’s Spring Shopping for Kids. I love putting away my kids cold weather gear and pulling out their clothes, pjs and swimsuits for warmer weather. The bright colors and lighter fabrics just look and feel like summertime. When it comes to shopping for my kids, I try and buy things on sale, that wash well, and things they can wear more than one season (which often means I buy things a size bigger).
My favorite stores for kids clothes are simple…
Here is why I like these stores…
1. They make ordering and returning online SIMPLE! In fact, Nordstrom always has free shipping, no minimum purchase. So, if you’re a busy mom like me, you can shop from home easily without worrying about paying extra for shipping.
2. Gap and Old Navy almost always have sales going. In fact, unless it’s on sale, I don’t buy it (because it will be on sale the next day!). I check both sites every morning for their sales and I pay attention to how much things cost full-price, this way, when a sale does happen, I’m prepared with what I like and what the original cost was.
3. Nordstrom is THE BEST at returns…and when you have small kiddos, you need that! Several times, I have bought my kids shoes from Nordstrom only to learn later that my kids don’t like the way they fit, they tie, etc., and Nordstrom will return and/or exchange without any questions asked. Shoes are probably the hardest thing for me to buy my kids (because you just don’t know how well they’ll work until you actually have your kid walk around in them for a few days), so knowing that Nordstrom will return them, really gives me piece of mind.
4. Nordstrom will match the lowest price. I think some people are hesitant to buy from Nordstrom because they think it will be expensive, but Nordstrom has a price match guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about paying more…they will match it.
So, what are the essentials my kids need for this season…here you go…
Girl Stuff (for Kensington)
1. I like to buy her little dresses like this one…
…because she can wear them with leggings and a denim jacket into the fall. More bang for your buck. Plus, they wash and wear well.
I’m also into these little patterned shorts…
…I love a patterned short because they hide a multitude of sins. After the park, lunch and whatnot, her shorts can look kind of grimy…but with a cute pattern, you won’t be able to tell. I’d pair these shorts with a top like this one…
…a bright fun color that looks fresh and summery.
And for swimwear, I like Kensington to wear two-piece suits that hide her middle. For me, a two -piece is just so much easier for her to potty in. Trying to get a wet one-piece off of her to go potty is hard work, a simple two-piece makes life so easy!
This Old Navy suit is perfect for my four year old by the pool.
And for the perfect cover-up to that suit…
…I love this zip-up terry cloth cover-up. This is so easy to get on and off and perfect poolside.
And for shoes this summer, here are my faves…
Toms because they’re easy to get on and off and look cute with bare little legs.
I use to frown on Crocs…until I had toddlers and then I realized how wonderful these little shoes are! They’re easy to get on and off, they can be hosed off, they’re perfect for the pool and the park…they’re great for young kids!
Boy Stuff (for Smith)
I like to buy a few boy pieces that look like this…
…it’s long sleeve, so he can wear it into the fall but paired with cute plaid shorts, this is perfect for a chilly spring evening. The bright color also gives it that fresh summer look.
How cute would that yellow shirt look with these Old Navy shorts?! Plus, it’s just like I mentioned before, a little boy could color on himself, spill on himself, and get a little dirty in these shorts…and they’ll still look good (compared to a solid pair). Plus, when it gets really warm out, I could pair these shorts with this kind of shirt…
…a bright solid Polo from Gap. Perfect for spring and summer and great for fall too (with a long-sleeved tee underneath).
When it comes to swimwear, my boy has to have trunks and a rashguard…
…I love this one from Old Navy!
And I love rashguards like this one…
For boy shoes, these are my faves…
…I love, love, love these shoes from Gap. They are rubber (like the Crocs), so they clean so easily. Smith can just slip them on and go. Love them!!
And for a more formal feel (meaning, you wouldn’t want to hose them off…), I love these little Sperry’s. So cute on boys!
Well…that about wraps up Spring Shopping for Kids. I get a lot of questions about how I shop for my kids, so this should answer most of them. I buy online, I buy from places that have an easy return policy, I buy on sale, and I buy things I can mix and match for other seasons.
Next week, Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Traveling With Your Kids…I have a lot to say about that!
Abbey Draa says
Found your blog after watching your brother on The Bachelor, and have really fallen in love with all your posts. Such a great blog with so much practical and fun info. And love how you are always loving Jesus and your family! Sending love from Georgia!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
You forgot to write this…."and when GAP is 40% off, go ahead and buy 7 dresses."
Good tips mama! And yes. LOVE those GAP shoes!
Sarah says
I have a single digit rule – I won't pay more than $9 for any item of clothing. The exception is dresses (since they are both a top and a bottom) – I'll go up to $15 for those.
We always go to the Stride Rite Outlet for shoes. My boy has Fred Flintstone feet – Sperry's will never fit him. I hadn't even thought about Nordy's.
Kelly Jo says
I am not a great shopper so I need to remember all of this. Happy birthday to your hubby!
Meagan @ The Clanahan Fam says
Have never even thought about Nordstroms for kid's clothes. Smart! And I was just about to buy some swimsuits for my two and had not even thought about the practicality of a 2 piece for bathroom purposes. So glad you mentioned that b/c (crossing my fingers and making the sign of the cross) hopefully my little girl will be potty trained by summer. Thanks for the great ideas!
Anonymous says
And Nordstrom will also let you buy kids shoes in a different size for each foot! If your kiddos need orthotics this is sometimes very, very helpful!
Alice says
Great tips! We love Target, Old Navy and JC Penney's! I don't know if you have been in there lately but they have some really cute stuff and great deals too. We shop at Stride Rite for "good" shoes and Target for "play" shoes. I am ordering those plaid boy shorts and those Gap slip-on shoes NOW!!
Aubs says
I haven't ever shopped at Nordstrom but ummm…i need to start!! My boys are super picky about shoes and it seems the older they get, they are pickier about clothes so an easy return policy is a must!! =)
Anonymous says
I LOVED this post Shay! Thanks for the information. Your kids are always dressed so cute! I have a five year old son and am going to have to get him those CUTE shoes from GAP!!! 🙂
Summer says
I love these posts! And, if you do shop at Old Navy frequently, be sure you download the Snap Appy app for your smart phone. You snap pics of the Old Navy logo–just google Old Navy logo images–and you can get great coupons to use in store. My fav is the $5 off any purchase (no minimum). With my iphone and my husband's too, we've scored free (or almost free) clothes from the clearance rack on multiple occasions!
Lauren says
I just bought Parker those exact madras shorts from Old Navy last week! They are SO cute!!
Anonymous says
How do you get your kids to let you decide what they wear? My children ( similar ages) insist on choosing their own clothes and I hate the battle.
Mix and Match Mama says
I usually pick two things that I like and then let them pick between the two. This way, they get to feel like they're making a decision but it will be something I like. Good question!
Elaine~ Honey Pie Accessories says
I use to hate Old Navy, but lately I stop in there every week and I'm bound to buy something for one of my girls!
Alice says
Love this post! I mostly shop at Old Navy, GAP, and Target for my 3 girls. Would you consider doing a post on your favorite magazines? You`ve mentioned your love of magazines before. I`m just curious about your favs…I LOVE magazines too!
Loralee says
Love your blog! This post is great…I often shop ON and Gap for my girl, but haven't looked much at Nordstrom's. I love online shopping, but hate shipping charges, so they seem ideal!
Can't wait for your post on traveling with kids. I know yours are a bit older now, but if you have tips to share from when they were infants too, I'd be ecstatic! I have two solo international trips this year, with the first being from Chicago to Italy in July (my daughter will be six months at that time) and I'm already having a mild nervous breakdown at the thought! 🙂
Colossians 2:6-8 says
I didn't know that about nordstroms price matching! I'm glad I stopped by your blog today!! Great tips, thanks Shay!
Carrie Beth says
Hi! I recently started reading your blog and I love it! I had a question about the. It's boys shoes from Gap. How do they run? I'm trying to figure out what size to order for my son since they are combo sizes. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would buy up a size in the Gap shoes. I've had them two years in a row now and I would say, when in doubt, buy them a little bigger.
laurabeth1976 says
I just finished doing my spring shopping for the kids at Burlington Coat Factory. They had great prices and I love the new Osh Kosh B'gosh outfits. I can't wait to get some pictures of the kids in their new clothes.