How & Where I Shop For Kate

So this ‘How & Where I Shop for Kate’ post has been on my mind for QUITE some time. Kate (and subsequently, me) gets a compliment on her outfit every time we go out. Of course, that makes me one proud Mama. And it’s even more exciting to know that I typically don’t spend much on Kate’s clothes. It seems a little dumb to overspend on a baby’s wardrobe when she can only wear it for a minute, really! Where I shop is totally important, but HOW I shop is even more important because knowing what you’re looking for is the first step in building a versatile, adorable wardrobe for your little one.

 

Those pictures… I DIE! 

 

HOW I shop:

Here are a few rules that I stick by to make sure Kate is super fashionable at ALL times! I even let these rules apply to things like onesies and sleepers. I’m a little more liberal with sleepers… sometimes! I LOVE to shop consignment and I use these rules to keep me from buying a bunch of unnecessary things just because they’re so cheap!

  • No Characters. She’s not old enough to ask to wear a shirt with Elmo on it, so we don’t. Even when she is asking for it, I won’t promise I’ll give in. I’ve never liked stuff like this. The exception here would be vintage tees/onesies (like 80s bands)! I also hate meaningless appliques. Like why does this adorable pink onesie have a random elephany applique in the center of the chest…. Unnecessary.
  • No Bright Oversaturated Colors. I try to stay away from HOT HOT pinks, over saturated bubble gum pinks, and other bright ‘color wheel’ colors. I always tend to go for things that are a little muted like blush pinks, burnt oranges, denim blues, and mustard yellows. It makes things look much more expensive, even if you got it at Target.
  • On Trend Patterns. I try to stick with on trend patterns for Kate. Basically, if it’s a pattern or color that I myself would wear in an adult variation, then I’ll buy it for her. White with thin black stripes, small polka dots, and mid sized floral patterns are all winners in my book right now. But Don’t forget that SOLIDS are always a win!
  • Texture, Texture, Texture. Especially as we move into fall, think texture when your shopping for your little ones. I love a linen feel for fall. You probably think that’s only for spring, but in the right colors, it’s perfect for our hot southern weather. I also love chunky and waffle knit.
  • Accessories are EVERYTHING. I know you may not think to spend your money on accessories, but that is what MAKES an outfit. For fall I’m looking forward to lots of velvet bows and some thigh high socks for Kate!  Plus, a plain white onesie can be 10 or more different outfits with the help of some cute accessories!

All of these rules have exceptions. Always. But those are just some tips to keep in mind when your shopping.

 

WHERE I Shop:

 

Old Navy. This is a no-brainer. I actually did an Old Navy try on haul on my Instagram for Baby Girl Clothes – just look under the highlight ‘Old Navy’! (follow me here) You guys know I love a floral onesie and Old Navy has around 8 floral options right now that are just the CUTEST! Plus everything else they have right now is just adorable. I’ve included a widget of some of my favorites below.

TJ Maxx. I don’t shop here for myself much to be honest. Not because they don’t have amazing thing (they totally do) but more because I’m not a digger, guys. But the baby section here is much less intimidating to me and so I like to check out what they’ve got when I’m around. My favorite things to grab here? Onesies. They typically have cute little sets of 5 for only $10. Typically I like at least 4 out of the 5 in the pack which is a total win for me!
Amazon. Yep… you read that right. Amazon! You’d be surprised at how ADORABLE some of their kid stuff is. You have to watch the shipping, though. Some of the cuter stuff is from china and so it takes a while to get to you, but some of it is even PRIME! They also have sweet bows as well. Just know that some of these brands aren’t the BEST quality in the world. But my thought is that she only wears these outfits for a very short time. I don’t need them to last forever, just a few months. Here are some of my recent faves.

Baby Gap. This is a LITTLE bit pricier than everything else that I’ve mentioned but I always love everything that they’ve got. It’s so cute and tailored. Kate has quite a few Baby Gap pieces. Always remember to check out their clearance because I’m always finding fantastic things in there.
H&M. Did you know that they have baby stuff? Well, you should because it’s stinkin’ adorable. And kind of cool for baby clothes. I love their jogger sets!

Consignment. I never, ever, EVER pass up an opportunity to shop consignment for Kate. Because babies grow in and out of clothes so fast, they don’t get ‘worn out’ like adult clothes do. Just keep in mind the rules that I talked about above and you’ll save a ton of money! Some of Kate’s cutest things are from consignment!
Little Jaimes GrayThat adorable oversized bow you see on Kate in the above photos is from this shop. And can you say, LOVE!!!! She has tons of different styled bows and different patterns as well. I’ve quickly fallen in love with kiddos in oversized fabric bows and Little Jaimes Gray is a fantastic place to get them for a great price. She’s current closed the shop for the next week getting ready for her fall launch, but you should totally follow her on Instagram to keep up with her adorable stuff!
Elly Kay’s Closet. If you love a good smocked dress, (and I do!) THIS is your site. Everything is under $25 AND they offer monogramming! I’ll be sharing a few looks from here that I got for Kate soon on Instagram but let me just say, I’m in LOVE! Plus, If you use the code ‘kassyondesign’ at checkout, you can get 10% of your first purchase!
In addition to the above, here are some other, more pricy brands that I ADORE!
Rylee and Cru – I mean… I can’t. I just can’t. It’s all so adorable.
Spearmint Love – Cutest Baby Basics
HarlowJade – These baby bell bottoms. O M G! As soon as Kate can fit in 6-12 month clothes, we WILL have some bell bottoms.
Jamie Kay – Sweetest baby girl stuff!
Pink Chicken – I love their pattern mixing and the tiered dresses!

Where do you guys love to shop for your little ones. I’m always looking for new spots to try!