Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Spring Shopping for Kids

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!