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.

Dear Mommy Fashionista

I need help finding a dress for my 4-year old daughter to wear in our town fair's pageant. My daughter has fair skin, blue eyes, and blond hair. I am hoping to find a pretty shade of blue (periwinkle or dephinium), but nothing too light or too dark, as she will look washed out. The dress needs to be dressy, but please--no national pageant or lil' dolly styles.

Thanks for your help!

Texas Mommy

Dear Texas Mommy,

What a fun quest you have sent me on! You did not mention a desired price, but since you are writing to me, I will assume you're on a budget. Let's see what I can dig up...

• Blue Bow Dress - Could this dress be any sweeter?? This dress is listed on ebay by the seller ForALittleAngel (bids starting at $9.99, buy it now for $13.99). This seller got great feedback, but I still worry about the quality because the price is so extremely low for a new formal dress.
  

• Rosebud dress - From pinkprincess, this dress is a bit more whimsical, and still cutesie ($34.99). This blue may be a bit lighter than you were looking for. I must say, it's much easier to find beautiful pink dresses--shades of blue are tough!

• Elisa - This crinkle tafetta bubble dress is an incredible shade of turquoise and will be sure to make your daughter be bell of the ball (or town fair!). This dress is also sold at pink princess ($64.99).

• My last recommendation is once again on my favorite website: www.etsy.com. Although I do not see a dress that fits this description, there are many dress makers that sell their goods on this site. Etsy provides an option to open an Alchemy request to describe the item you are looking for and the amount you are willing to pay for it. Custom dressmakers will then place bids to make the dress you are looking for. You will be given the option to accept or reject each bid until you find something that is just perfect for your lil' one.

Best of luck and please share pictures of your little beauty on her big day!

30% Off & Free Shipping at Gymbo

Thought I would share the great coupon I received:

Through Sunday, May 17:

Take 30% off your entire purchase and receive free shipping at Gymboree online:

www.gymboree.com

Enter Coupon Code: CFFRIEND

Enjoy!

Oh where, oh where, have the windbreakers gone?

Oh where, oh where, could they be?

First, I'll tell you where they're not: Macy's, Gap Kids, Gymboree, Sears, Children's Place, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target, and Dick's Sporting Goods.

I would like to thank Mimi & GG Fashionista who both helped me on a hunt for a spring play jacket for Chicky. We found many zip-up sweatshirts, rain jackets, and dressy jackets, but had a very tough time locating traditional windbreakers. I have heard from a few other moms (in various parts of the country) that they, too, were having a tough time with this mission.

What we found:

• Kohl's: The two I checked had about 3 infant and toddler-sized jackets on clearance. Online they have a white (how practical) jean jacket for girls. If you're thinking "that's easy, I can bleach it," not so fast--it has bright pink plaid sleave cuffs.
• Burlington Coat Factory: I popped into the Nashua, NH store on Monday night and found a good selection of Carter's, Rothschild, and no-name windbreakers for $19.99 each. I bought Chicky a bright green Carter's jacket with embroidered flowers and gingham trim. These appear to be available in-store, only.
• Hanna Andersson: They have great classic jackets, but they are no bargain at $69.50.
• LL Bean: They sell a Casco Bay soft cotton-lined classic jacket line for $29.50 each (available in aqua, navy, orchid, and orange). They also have some slightly cheaper rain jackets that come in many cute prints and look like windbreakers, but be warned that they are very thin and do not have a soft lining.

Great Buys for the Girlies at Marshalls

I've been to two different Marshalls this week (in different states), and found they both had adorable designer and designer-like girls' clothing.

Some of the items included:

• Floral print Lilly Pulitzer sweaters (compare at $79+ for $29.99)


• Lilly Pulitzer capri pants, sundresses, and skirts (all for less than 50% the original price)


• Adorable spring/summer dress tops with stretch pants for $12.99

What I bought:

Jenny & Me 100% cotton fabric top (looks like a light linen) with stretchy pants that have some gathering with bows on the ankles. $12.99

Good Thoughts for Freshy & Freshy's Fashion Sense

First, I apologize for the shortage of posts over the last couple of weeks. Freshy has been dealing with a minor medical problem, and things have been very hectic around here--so hectic that Mommy Fashionista forgot to get him an Easter outfit (how unlike me). Please keep good thoughts for Freshy.

Also, Freshy would like me to show you all how he thinks 3-year old boys should dress. Yes, I did let him go out in public like this (the dolphin raincoat he was wearing covered the undies). He wasn't feeling well and Mommy Fashionista becomes "Mommy Whatever-You-Want-My-Cute-Freshypants" in times like this.

Freshy is modeling light-up Spiderman pajamas, his favorite Bob the Builder underpants (on the outside), and his sister's two-sizes-too-big pink water shoes. To complete the look Fresh has his (only partially opened to avoid bad luck) dolphin umbrella.

As always, too cool for school, Fresh Man.

Five Tips for a Super Affordable Superhero Birthday Party

Freshy loves Batman, Spider Man, Super Man, and many other heroes. He could not choose between them when it came time to throw his 3rd birthday party, so we went with a generic superhero theme. We threw a small house party that was both affordable and tons of fun for the kids. Here are some tips that made our party a "super" success.

Tips:

1. Create an invitation that is shaped like a superhero logo or typed up like a newspaper headline. Use creative wording to get your guests in the spirit. Ours said "Holy cake and icecream, Batman! Freshy is turning 3! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to report to Superhero Headquarters for a party." For extra fun you can add the following caveat "Superhero costumes optional." Most of the kids came to our party in old Halloween costumes, superhero pajamas, and really creative homemade numbers. Even some of the adults got in on the action:



Super Auntie and A Man



2. Download superhero theme songs to play at your party (e.g., Batman, Spider Man, Wonder Woman, The Incredibles, etc.). This really brought the party to life and set the atmosphere when guests arrived.


3. For decorations, use posterboard to create comic book-style text star bursts (e.g., pow, bam, boom, zap, and kablam) and hang them around the house or party room. The Minis enjoyed creating these decorations and were very proud to show them off at the party.


4. Create a list of missions (an agenda for the party) to hang on the wall for guests to see when they arrive. This was a big hit at Freshy's party, and it helped keep the party rolling. I used military times, and worded everything to sound like a mission (e.g., the activity coloring sheets was worded "help the superheroes locate their missing colors."). I ended the list with "Collect a reward for completing the missions. Great work supereheroes!"


5. Play some super games! We had a Mr. Freeze dance contest, played pass the kryptonite (we used a glow stick), and pin the webs on Spiderman (store bought). I also had coloring sheets (printed for free off of the internet) for the kids to color while we waited for guests to arrive. The grande finale was a Batman pinata (I told the kids that Batman's evil twin had "captured the energy bits" and he needed their help to free them).

Happy 3rd Birthday, Master Freshy Pants! SMOOCH! Love you to the moon & back!