Loving Lately

Although my daughter doesn’t need anything new for spring, it’s hard to resist the beautiful stuff I’ve been seeing in my shopping travels both in-stores and online. Fortunately, since I buy so much of her wardrobe secondhand, I don’t feel too guilty picking up the occasional new piece when I really love something so I thought I’d share a few of the items I’ve had my eye on for her so far.

Clockwise starting top left

Floral Jersey Rompers, Old Navy, $27
I adore the ease and comfort of a romper for my daughter who loves to dig in the dirt out in the garden with me. These wash so well, are incredibly soft on the skin and if I want to dress them up a bit, I can just add one of my daughter’s many cute sweaters, vests or a jean jacket before we head out. I’m definitely a floral fan too.
Cotton Bubble Romper, Egg/by Susan Lazar
(*SOLD OUT* so I linked to other items by this designer)
I can’t resist anything with flutter sleeves. They’ve always been my go-to for Emilia and again, I love a romper for the easy of wear and casualness. This is such a beautiful material though — it dresses it up a bit — which makes it perfect for a weekend brunch with mom or a other semi-formal special occasion.
Eyelet Set, Gymboree, $15
When I think “spring,” eyelet is one of the first things that comes to mind. (Also, gingham, seersucker and chambray.) Aside from the beautiful eyelet detail and flutter sleeve, the color is what caught my eye. Coral on anyone is a favorite of mine since it really pops against that bright, early green of the trees and gardens. The flutter sleeve on this is adorable and those little shirred shorts just kill me.
Floral Set, Gymboree, $15
Loose, flowy tops (again, with flutter sleeves!) are my go-to for keeping my daughter cool and comfortable in the spring and summer so I couldn’t resist this pretty, blue floral top and shorts.
“Tulip” Sandal, Stride Rite, $44
I’m a committed Stride Rite-devotee and feel strongly about providing quality footwear for my daughter as she grows. I’ve been very lucky guessing at her sizing for future seasons when I’ve found amazing deals at the Stride Rite outlet but I recently happened upon a store the day it offered a closing sale and scored multiple pairs of summer sandals.

Naturally I stocked up for the next three years and was very pleased to find an almost identical, closed toe sandal to the “Tulip” style which is one of my favorite, classic styles for kids. I don’t particularly like crazy colors — just a simple white sandal that I’ve found will easily wipe down. It goes with EVERYTHING and the closed toe protects little feet from the scrapes and bumps that come from the non-stop movement of active toddlers.
Anchor’s Away Moccasins, Sweet & Swag $20
L-O-V-E!!!! I’ve always been a fan of black and brown combined, though I know this is a divisive topic among the fashion community. But once you add some stripes I’m basically swooning and reaching for my wallet. These break my rule or neutral-colored footwear for kids (for ease of matching) but I consider these to be such a cute statement piece that I’d probably build an entire outfit around them for my little girl so the matching is a moot point.
Striped Dress, Gymboree, $15
“Ponte” is a somewhat stiff material a bit that’s on the heavier/hotter side of ultra-breathable cotton, but for someone like me who is allergic to ironing yet endlessly drawn to a really structured, prim, neat look of perfectly pressed everything, ponte is worth seeking out in a few pieces for your child — or for you.

For my adventurous, active toddler, this dress won’t wrinkle and will perfectly with leggings or just bare legs. I think the combination of scallop trim, French blue stripes and the little heart buttons just kills me. Even though a semi-formal dress like this isn’t the most practical, I’d make a point to put my daughter in it because it’s just too sweet.