Versatile Girls Outerwear

I am on the hunt for a winter jacket for my daughter. With three girls (you would think one of the hand-me-downs would fit!) and a lot of coats, my goal this time is to find one that can be worn numerous ways because warm coats come with a price. Reversible, removable arms, hooded to hoodless–here are some I have my eye on.

One Kid Toddler Hearts Revisible Jacket $98 now $78.40 at Bestdressedkids.com.

How cheery are these colors? For the days when she wants to wear pattern and those she doesn't.

Mini Boden Two-in-one Padded Jacket $68.

I just noticed this one in the catalog! Sleeves, hood and fur are all removable! Love the yellow!

One Kid Reversible Down Coat $116 at Garnet Hill.

While I usually don't put my girls in black, I love this one! Reversible and a hood that tucks into collar.

Patagonia Kid's Infurno Jacket $140.00 $79.99 at MooseJaw.

My two oldest girls' staple jacket and Patagonia has discontinued it! Best deal with a zip-in fleece liner that they used on its own Spring through Fall. There is only XL left so if its the right size, scoop it up!

Columbia Girls Bugaboo™ Parka $120.

An alternative to the Patagonia above. I know white is a bit risky for a color choice, but the pink fleece liner is such a pretty color!

Winter Coats For Boys: Parkas to Duffle Coats

For many of us, it is that time of year again. Time to look for a new winter coat for one or all of our children. Wow, there are so many coats to choose from, so many different styles and really so many price points. Good news, there are a lot of quality options. Where to start? I recommend picking a price point and style. After lots of browsing and plenty of experience, here are my choices for boys' winter coats. My focus was on warm winter coats, not lighter weight fleeces and jackets. What are your favorites, we would love to hear ?!

Coat #1: The Sure Thing. Patagonia Kids' Down Coat $125. My personal favorite and an essential for the boys. Comfortable, durable, washable and a good overall value. Does require layering for skiing. For a more serious jacket, try Patagonia's Kids' Puffer Rider Jacket $150 and Kids' Snow Patrol Jacket $200.

Coat #2: The Hooded Explorer. I love the big hoods for boys, warm and fun. Here is the Crewcuts Boys' Snorkel Jacket $138. The Northface Boys McMurdo Parka looks particularly warm too, $199.

Coat #3: The Deal: Lands End Boys Sport Squall Parka was $69.50, now $59.50. Wish everyone had temperature ratings to guide buying. (This one suited for temps -10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit). Also, really like Mini Boden's Padded Jacket with fleece lining for $64.

Coat #4: The Dressier Classic. Papo d'Anjo Duffle Coat $229. Italian wool herringbone with so many colors from which to choose. Many duffle (or toggle) coats out there, but this one is a great value.

Coat #5: The More Rugged. Diesel Jacito was $119, now $89.25 at Saks. Like the military look. Looks warm, but certainly not the warmest.

Favorite Baby Gift

Holly got me thinking about my favorite baby gift. Obviously there are all the beautiful sleepers and dresses we received, but I have to say, one of my absolute favorite baby gifts for our first daughter (and all three wore!) is the Patagonia Synchilla® Bunting. I have borrowed this idea and while the bunting is great for babies born in fall and winter, I like to give the Patagonia Synchilla® Cartigan for the spring and summer babies.

Add in a Sophie the Giraffe for a little something extra! Babies love them!

Happy weekend!

Patagonia Baby Synchilla® Cardigan $50.

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Natural Rubber Teether $18.49.

Jump In and Have Some Fun

Everyone seems to love buying clothes for girls.  There is so much to choose from and one item seems cuter than the next.  Boys are another story.  For many mothers, boys' clothing options seem limited or perhaps it just does not matter ... they are boys.  

To all you boy mothers, I say have some fun dressing them.  They are children.  Throw in a few "crazier" items to mix it up and allow your boys to express themselves.  Bathing suits are one of the most fun and "low risk" clothing items to have some fun.   My favorites are below - my boys like #1 the best (they look like sharks)!

1. Patagonia Kids' Baggies Shorts Trout Tales $29.  2.  Papo d'Anjo Boys' Traditional Swim Trunk Light Blue and Navy Flowered $79.  3. Mini Boden Boys' Bathers Sky Crabs $24.  4. Vilebrequin Trunks at Poppy Store Pink Dots $115.  5. Lilly Pulitzer Jr. Capri Trunk Multi Juicestand Patch $60.