A Boy in a Bowtie

To date, Jeff has been a groomsmen in eleven weddings (with his 12th coming up in October), and I have been a bridesmaid in six.  In keeping the tradition alive, we're starting Sam's count early:

#1. "Ring Bearer" in Jeff's cousin Benjy's wedding.

When Benjy first asked if Sam would do the honor of walking his wedding rings down the aisle, I was hesitant... to say the least.  Kid is a pro at looking cute; but, walking slowly in a straight line while carrying two expensive rings --- that's asking for trouble....

His role was simple - dress in adorable outfit, walk down the aisle, deliver book with rings tied to it, sit quietly with mom and dad during ceremony, walk back down the aisle at the end.  BUT, after a less than ideal run at the rehearsal, I prepared myself for the wedding with a complete bribery kit (Dum-Dum lollipops, Teddy Grahams, and a new book), and significantly lower expectations.

When it was all said and done, Sam completed approximately 2/5ths of his assigned tasks (the dressing up and walking down the aisle parts), and I'm calling it a success...

Never mind that he literally threw the book with the rings on the ground with his first step - luckily, one of the four flower girls picked it up and safely got it up front - and then proceeded to say "uh oh" loudly and pick up each of the petals the girls dropped as he took his sweet time getting down the aisle then immediately ran off to play, he looked precious and and didn't completely ruin the wedding. #win

Later, he showed off his flat-footing on the dance floor, ate an unnatural amount of wedding cake, and tackled several of the older kids (#notmyfinestmoment).  All in all, it was a good night.

Call it the southern girl in me, but I have a soft spot for a boy in a bow tie - especially short, bald ones. ;)

When wedding talk first began, I knew I wanted him to wear a sweet bow tie and suspenders.  I, of course, scoured the internet and eventually came across Cotton Kandy on Etsy*. Not only are Kandace's clothes and accessories absolutely ADORABLE, but she also has some of the BEST prices around -  we're talking $20.00 for hand-made bow tie and suspenders, versus $65 that I found at other shops.  

The groomsmen were wearing khaki suits in the wedding, so I wanted something neutral with a touch of "little boy flair" (that's a thing, right?) for Sam.  Kandance was SO easy to work with and helped me decide on the Cream and Brown Circles Adjustable Bow Tie and simple suspenders in solid light brown.  The order came SO fast and the quality was fantastic.  Sam kept both on all night, got TONS of compliments, and will definitely be wearing them again in the future.

If you're interested in getting your own bow tie and suspenders set (or at least one for your little boy - haha), go enter Kandace's give away on her Facebook page right here for the chance to win $25.00 Cotton Kandy Dollars!  (You better believe I'm entering!!)

If you just can't wait... Use coupon code FALLFRENZY in the shop to get 10% off of your order now!  Trust me, the new fall items are ridiculously cute, you'll be finding all kinds of excuses to dress your little man in a bow tie! :)

Hope you guys had a great weekend!


*I received Sam's bow tie and suspenders for free in exchange for this review.  However, I found the shop all on my own, and I think Sam's photos speak for themselves.  We are hooked!!

Little Boy Shoes on GroopDealz - Hurry!

I don't do this very often, but I had to share this great deal on GroopDealz today:

In case you don't keep up with the latest toddler fashion trends*, these things are the much-cooler cousin to Crocs (which, everyone hates until they have a toddler boy - am I right?). I ordered Sam a pair of lime green and a pair of red.  I can't wait to see his chubby little feet in them!

*Ok, in all fairness, I didn't know a thing about these shoes until a few weeks ago when AP wrote this post on boy-shoes. I might have even thought they looked dorky, but AP has great style - so, you know.  Plus, since then, I've seen these all over the trendy-toddler world. ;) Apparently, there is a much more expensive name brand of these things, but I'm all about a knock-off bargain. 

There are only five hours left on the sale, and lots of colors and sizes are already sold out - but at $11 a pop - you gotta check it out! 

Don't have a little boy? Fear not! GroopDealz is my absolute FAVORITE spot for inexpensive trendy jewelry like these bubble necklaces on sale for $8.95 & free shipping.  I know... You can thank me later!

 PS. No one paid me - or even gave me a discount - to write any of this. Promise.

My Trendy Tot (Boy Fashion)

I've been trying to write a really sentimental post about this sweet stage of motherhood I am in, but the words aren't flowing this morning.  (The voice is a little rusty, what can I say?!)

So, instead, I thought I'd link up with AP and several other great bloggers (all new reads for me) to participate in Trendy Tot Tuesday; because, really, my tot is trendy y'all. ;)

Need proof:

This photo was taken a few weeks ago after church, and I loooove it. 

His jeans are from Baby Gap - I bought them when everything in the store was 30% off back in the fall, but they were worth every penny and I'd pay full price for another pair in a heartbeat; if they made them in Jeff's size, I'd buy him a pair too!  The little oxford shirt is also from Baby Gap, but we got it second-hand from a friend who's little boy is a bit older than Sam and very stylish.

That sweater makes my heart flutter a little.  (Too much passion for a sweater?)  Cardigan, neon, striped, and elbow patches - it is like all my favorite things sewn up in one.  My favorite thing in his closet right now; and, after eying it at Target for a while, I finally got it on the sale rack for $6.99 right after Christmas. I would dress Sam like this every day, but Jeff says it isn't appropriate for "play."  Haha.  So, I'll settle for church and other "special occasions."

And, his shoes... I could write a whole blog post about these shoes.  Also from Target, they are MiniStar by Bobux - basically, their less expensive version.  In my humble opinion, they are BY FAR the best shoes on the market for little feet. I started buying them early on (long before Sam was walking) because they stayed on his feet. Since then, we have owned three pairs, and Sam wears them probably 95% of the time.  They go with everything (and people always tell me how cute they are - bonus), are comfy (I assume because Sam never complains about them), affordable, good for development (because you can actually feel the ground below you), and they stay on.  We will wear these shoes until he outgrows the biggest size or asks for light up tennis shoes, whichever comes first (please let it be outgrowing).  Seriously though, I can't recommend these shoes more. 

Ok, and just for fun/ because I really should be cleaning my disgusting house: A little spring board for the trendy tot:

Gap Striped Pocket T / Gap Flat Front Colored Khakis / Genuine Kids from OshKosh Infant Toddler Boys' Windbreaker / MinistarDesigns by Bobux Baby Shoe Brown 18-24M / Classic Pony Cap - Accessories Infant Boy (9M–24M) - RalphLauren.com

As you know, I feel pretty strongly about dressing boys... Sam did not wear jeans until he was a year old, and my blood still boils when I go in stores like Gymboree or The Children's Place (and even Target really) and the boys' section is half the size of the girls' and full of hideous graphic tees and cargos.  BUT, I have grown to really like dressing a little boy... In fact, it has almost become a game for me - finding the cutest outfit, at the greatest price, while still making him look like the perfect mix of BIG and LITTLE boy.

Yes, sometimes he wears Crocs and sweatpants and graphic tee shirts.  (I've lowered my standards significantly on this level because they aren't joking when they say little boys are dir-ty.)  And, I know the day will come soon enough that he demands to wear the same sweatshirt every day and athletic shorts; but, for now, I think we've struck a nice balance and I (sometimes) pray that we'll have a house full of boys one day so that I can get LOTS of use out of all these cute clothes.  :)

This was fun... Who needs heartfelt blogs when you can talk about clothes? (Just kidding, mostly.)

So, how do you dress your boys?  What's your style philosophy for little ones?  (What, I'm the only one that says things like style philosophy for little ones? Ha!)

Guest Post: On Dressing Boys

OK, I admit it, I kind-of love Sam in his adorable little Baby Gap jeans these days.  BUT, he wore his first pair of jeans after he was a year old, and in the early months, it was quite the challenge to find sweet BABY boy clothes for him. I actually met Sandy, the owner and designer of Room to Romp, after posting this and we became fast friends - she has been the source of MANY cute outfits for Sam and she lives in Clemson!!  I was so excited when she offered to write a guest post for me on dressing boys because I totally consider her an expert in the field.  Hope you boy-moms can appreciate this as much as I do!

Why I'm Breaking

Thanks E for letting me share in this spot while you are away.  Sometimes I feel like I could write a whole blog about dressing little boys, but I know I would not be very good at blogging, so I'm happy for this opportunity to share my thoughts.

I am a mom to tweens, one boy and one girl.  They are very close in age -- like 6 months apart.  I'll just say that adoption is part of the history.  I waited a long time to have children, and I dreamed of everything about it -- hearing those sweet baby sounds, smelling them in the morning, their first taste of rice cereal, rocking them at night, and of course dressing them was something I looked forward to.

My son came first.  I loved those baby blue bubble outfits with smocking that came in newborn through six month sizes, and I bought up all I could find.  When he closed in on the one year mark though, the choices suddenly dwindled to jeans, khakis, and plaid collared shirts.  I still had a BABY who wasn't even walking yet and was still taking a bottle at night.  I just couldn't bring myself to dress him in clothing that my husband might wear.

I scoured very retail source available to me -- online shopping, thrift stores, upscale boutiques, and consignment shops.  I was able to keep him in the clothes I thought were appropriate for a baby/toddler until about four years of age.  No, he wasn't wearing bubbles at this age, but he was wearing gingham shorts and t-shirts with zoo animals.  When both of my children reached about age four, they started telling me what they wanted to wear, and I was fine with that.  I had dressed them as I had wanted while I could.

My son James as a toddler.

I have heard the same story over and over from moms, "I just can't find cute clothes for my son." You know - something without skulls and crossbones, electric guitars, or footballs.  He can't even hold his sippy cup yet.

I think the clothing market has failed little boys in more than just the style it offers.  I think the needs of little boys are overlooked too.  While some may think it is cute to dress little boys just like Dad, there are a few notable differences between dads and toddler boys -- one being that babies/toddlers wear diapers.  Sure, Dad is very capable of unsnapping, unzipping, and dropping his pants to go potty, but I'm not sure Mom finds it that easy during to a diaper change - not to mention how frustrating this can be for the toddler learning to go potty.

Dads can be active, but it's not quite the same as babies learning to crawl, walk, run, and climb.  They need clothes that are as unrestrictive as possible.  Loose fitting, elastic waist pants and rompers meet that need.

After my children were well into their elementary school years, I started sewing exclusively for little boys in 2009 and joined the Etsy world to sell my items.  I'm still full of ideas and motivation for creating clothes for little boys.

When designing clothes, I keep a few things in mind.  The clothing should be comfortable.  I don't want anything too binding around those soft, full bellies, and I think it should allow room to move - as in, "Room to Romp."  I also choose soft, all cotton fabrics that are gentle on a baby's skin.  And, I like clothes that reflect the interests of little boys: traffic signs, vehicles, and animals are often used in my appliques.  Isn't it a wonderful thought that dressing in the morning might be easy because your son is putting on something he actually wants to wear?

By the way, I make appliques the old fashioned way.  They are hand drawn, hand cut, and applied using a basic sewing machine.  I don't use an embroidery machine which is programmed to do the applique for you. I don't think this type of clothing is bad, but it does have a more commercial look to it.

Other good things to know about RtR: I am happy to exchange if sizing is incorrect, I'm available to answer any questions you may have, and if you'd like something in a different color or with a different applique, just ask.  I've done many custom orders for clients.

I hope you'll have a look at the clothes and decorative items I have available just for boys.  If you do find something you'd like to order, I'll pay the shipping.  Use coupon code EMIFREESHIP during checkout.

Thanks for listening, and I would love to hear your thought on dressing boys in the comments.

Room to Romp

A Toddler Wish List

So, I feel like I'm the only blog-mom in the world that hasn't finished all my Christmas decorating, shopping, and wrapping already (I'm so slack - haha); but, just in case you - like me - are just getting started, I thought I'd share some of my recommendations for the toddler (boy?) on your list.

This year, we are attempting to start the three gifts tradition, which is all over Pinterest and the internet lately; but, I had a little fun compiling this board with ALL the fun stuff available out there. (I've been dying to share some of my finds but didn't want to give them away.... I'm pretty sure this is safe because Sam doesn't read my blog... yet.)

Toddler Wish List by emyselfandi on Polyvore

Some of the items we already have, some are gifts coming from relatives, and some will be from us (I mean Santa.)  Can you guess which three gifts Sam is getting this year?

Seriously, having a toddler makes the holidays about 10 million times MORE fun - and, I thought they were pretty darn fun before. :)

What are you giving??

*I didn't get any money, discounts, or incentives in exchange for this post... I just have a shopping problem. :)

Lesson 12: Shop Second-Hand

Yesterday I was off from work for the end of the first quarter (Halleluiah!), so you can imagine my excitement when I looked out my window this morning and saw the people at the end of our street having a HUGE yard sale of their grandson's clothes, toys, etc.

I might have gone over immediately - while still wearing my pajamas, no bra, and carrying a pj'ed baby with a dirty diaper - and come home with a bag FULL of clothes, a Leapfrog Learning Station, and $20.00 less. Might. ;)

Anyway, even though I've already mentioned it before, I decided this deserved a lesson all of its own. So...

Lesson # 12: Shop Second-Hand

Before I got married, I bought mostly designer brands and full-price items.  After I got married, I became an expert TJ Maxx and sale-rack shopper.  And, since having a baby, I've become almost obsessed with shopping consignment and yard sales.  (I guess if we have another baby I'll start making my own clothes or something!)

Sam grows FAST (although, it is slowing down now that he is a little older).  He is dirty (my boy loves dirt, what can I say).  And, he goes through a LOT of clothes.

I LOVE shopping.  I LOVE dressing my little guy. I also like buying myself cute clothes, going out to eat, decorating my house, and saving for college... 

So, to keep myself from going totally broke, these days, I hardly EVER spend more than 5 - 10 dollars on clothes for Sam.  In his closet right now, I would honestly say that about 90% of his clothes were not bought new. And, lest you be confused, I still think Sam is one of the best dressed toddlers in town. ;)

Thanks to stores like Once Upon a Child, big local consignment sales like Back on the Rack and Lauren's Friends and Alex (going on now in Roanoke), yard sales, and many generous friends - We get the name-brand adorables that I can't resist at less than HALF (usually less than 1/4th) the regular prices! It is the best of both worlds!

(Many of my friends also shop Facebook auctions for great deals on smocking etc.  But, I mostly save those for special occassions only - as the prices are still usually in the $25 - $40 range.)

So, there you have it.  You can have cute clothes for your little one and not spend a fortune.  Just buy yourself some Dreft and don't be afraid to dig.  Trust me, it is the way to go! :)

*And, a Word of Warning: You may want to avoid stepping into places like Baby Gap until you officially have the "consignment bug."  Today, I can't really stand to buy an item for full price; but, at first, it was much harder to practice self control. Ha!

This post is part of a series for 31 Days of Change hosted by The Nester. To see my other "lessons," click here.

Lesson 4: Baby Clothes

This is going to be quick tonight because I am pooped, but I didn't want to fail at my "31 days in a row" goal on day FOUR. That would be unacceptable.

So, here goes...

Lesson #4: Don't Buy Cute 0 - 3 Month Baby Clothes

On the surface, this might sound like a very simple concept.  An "easy" lesson, perhaps.  But, if you have ever wandered the baby section of a department store (or, ahhh, Baby Gap) and held up the tiniest little outfits you've ever seen, you probably understand this.

As you probably know, I'm passionate about baby clothes.  I love them. And, the sad truth is that they really are their absolute most precious and pure and irresistible the smaller they are.  (UGG, don't get me started on the cargo short and graphic tee phenomenon that is 'toddler' boy clothes today.)  BUT, do not be sucked into their trap.  You do NOT need seven million and one outfits for your seven pounder.  I repeat - do not buy cute clothes in sizes smaller than three months.  (Ok, maybe like one or two or five really cute ones for special occasions - but that's it.)

Here's why: (Most) babies that size are going to spend about 75% of their time sleeping. The other 25% of the time is spent spitting up or pooping (all over their clothes every.single.blasted.time). Besides that, you really aren't going to leave your house that much in those first few months - besides a weekly trip to Target, obviously.  (Our pediatrician advised that we not take Sam around any crowds until he was at least 6 weeks old - and that was in the summer!)  And, when you are home, there is really nothing more precious than a simple diapered ball of cuteness.  (Trust me on this.)

In addition, they will grow SO fast in those first few weeks - seriously, they will basically be a teenager by their first birthday - you'll be packing up those teeny tinies before you can so much as finish your thank you notes (or fit in your pre-baby jeans - see here)!

I know how tempting it is going to be; but, really... Don't buy them.  Settle for several packs of white onesies and some sweet (but budget-friendly) footsie pajamas. 

Instead, invest in trendy blankets (like these, my faves).  They come in lots of great patterns and are the perfect accessory to any onesie, and a lot less likely to be stained a brownish-yellow color. ;) Or, if you really must buy clothes, buy them in size 12 months & up (or, at the very least six)... Believe me, by the time you get there, people aren't busting down your door every second with a new present or gift card, and kids grow a lot slower after about 9 months, so they will actually get some wear out of their clothes.  *Personally, I recommend shopping consignment & second-hand except for special events; but, that's another lesson for another day...

For now, my pillow is calling my name!  Happy (almost) Friday!

This post is part of a series for 31 Days of Change hosted by The Nester. To see my other "lessons," click here.

 

How to Dress a Boy

I know I'm not the first to say this, but how RIDICULOUS is it to find cute baby clothes for little boys?!?! 

At first, I was kind-of relieved that Sam was a boy and I wouldn't be tempted to spend tons of moolah on his clothes.  (More for me - haha!)  But recently, I've been just plain frustrated with the inequality between little boy and little girl clothes on the market today.  It seems like every store I go in is 75% girl and 25% boy.  And then, of that lousy 25%, there's only about 5% that is actually cute.  The rest are graphic tees and cargo shorts made mini.  (No offense, just not my style.) Despicable!

To clarify, I admit that I'm picky.  I have had a hard and fast rule about Sam not wearing "man clothes" until he can stand and walk on his own. I know it won't be long until he is begging to wear the same dirty sweatshirt and jeans every day.  I resigned myself to the fact that he probably won't appreciate a monogram past his third birthday when we first saw "it" on the ultrasound.  But right now?  I pick what he wears, and he doesn't complain.  And I want him to be a BABY.  I want him in soft cuddly pastels; embroidered rompers; and footsies - NOT plaid button-ups, sweaters, and jeans.  (For the record, I'll probably put my foot down at jean shorts even when he is old enough to pick his own clothes.)  I don't judge you if you want to dress your baby like a little man.  Really, I don't.  It's just my personal preference.  I want to milk this chubby baby stage for as long as I possibly can...

Up until this point, this hasn't been too hard to get away with...  But now?  His footsies are getting dirty from bouncing on my floors... And, I had the sad realization while browsing 12 - 18 month spring clothes this past weekend that those days of standing and walking on his own are all too close.

I'm just not ready.  I want to dress him like a baby a little longer.

But, it's not going to be easy...

Case in point:

Here's my loot from my weekend adventures at TWO "huge" children's consignment sales in our area:

Adorable?  Absolutely!  Equal to what I "would have bought" had I been shopping for a girl?  Not.even.close.  You should have seen some of these people - flatbeds full (and I mean full) of smocking, monograms, Lily Pulitizer, etc. My heart hurt a little.

He will have plenty of time to be a big boy; but right now, he's my LITTLE boy.  He's bald and drooly and chubby and soft.  I want to soak up every last minute of that before he's sweaty, smelly, and into race-car t-shirts.

Is that too much to ask?

Where's the love for little boys with preppy mommies?  (Specifically ones that don't wish to spend $50+ on one little outfit that will probably be covered in poop dirt after the first wear.)

Anyone?  Anyone?

Where do you shop for your boys? What does your little one wear on a "regular" day? When did you stop dressing your baby like a baby?