Last spring Diane von Furstenberg teamed up with GAP to produce a collection of childrenswear for GapKids. Lucky for us Dian von Furstenberg has designed another collection for GapKids for Spring 2013. The limited edition Explorers Collection launches on April 25th and features the vibrant prints have made DVF so famous. On April 27th, select GapKids locations will have a fun in-store event to celebrate the launch featuring refreshments and activities. To see if there is an event near you visit Gap.com/DVF.

We just finished planning our summer vacation so I’ve clearly got the beach on my brain. Swimwear for kids is so cute it’s hard to just pick one suit for your tiny dancers. As you can see below, I found quite a few trends for summer so I’m sure you’ll find one (or two, or three) bathing suits for girls that you love. And, because I love accessories, I included some coverups and jelly sandals for good measure. Which are your favorite?

Itsy Bitsy Bikinis! clockwise from left: Kate Mack, Old Navy, babyGap, babyGap, Janie and Jack

Ruffles! Clockwise from left: Cherokee, Kenzo, Mini Rodini, Juicy Couture, Carter’s

Stripes! Clockwise from left: crewcuts by J.Crew, Circo, Circo, Juicy Couture, crewcuts by J.Crew

Bows! Clockwise from left: Janie and Jack, Janie and Jack, Gymboree, Seafolly, crewcuts by J.Crew

Polka Dots! Clockwise from left: Circo, Carter’s, Circo, Janie and Jack, babyGap

Characters! Clockwise from left: Disney Princess, Harajuku Mini, Dora the Explorer, Disney Princess, Old Navy

Nautical! Clockwise from left: Janie and Jack, crewcuts by J.Crew, Hello Kitty, Mini Rodini

Designer Suits! Clockwise from left: Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney Kids, Gucci, Little Marc Jacobs, Roberto Cavalli

Cover Ups! Clockwise from left: Hello Kitty, Carter’s, Janie and Jack, Milly Minis, Janie and Jack

Jelly Sandals! Clockwise from left: babyGap, babyGap, Old Navy, babyGap, Old Navy, Hello Kitty

Earlier this week was picture day at my daughter’s school – it was her first picture day every so we were both excited for the occasion. At first I was going to put a fancy dress on her but then I thought about it and since it’s a school picture I went with an outfit that was adorable but not overly dressy. Here’s what she wore from head to toe:

Headband: babyGap
Top: babyGap
Leggings: Old Navy
Shoes: Zara Kids

Trends come and go but some patterns and materials are classic and never go out of style. When I think about spring fashion, I can’t help but think of seersucker. And I’m not alone! Most of the kid’s clothing stores I shop at had some type of seersucker offering for the little ones. Here are some of my favorites…

Clockwise from left to right: Janie and Jack, Janie and Jack, Gymboree, Janie and Jack, Janie and Jack

Clockwise from left to right: Janie and Jack, Janie and Jack, Crazy 8, Polo Ralph Lauren, Crazy 8

Clockwise from left to right: Gymboree, Gymboree, crewcuts by J.Crew, crewcuts by J.Crew

Clockwise from left to right: All items Gymboree

Clockwise from left to right: Ralph Lauren, Florence Eiseman, Ralph Lauren, Hartstrngs all available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Clockwise from left to right: Ralph Lauren, Florence Eiseman, Hartstrings, crewcuts by J.Crew

Clockwise from left to right: Gymboree, J.Crew, Carter’s, Cherokee, Janie and Jack

It’s the time of year to pick out Easter bonnets and baskets and of course the perfect Easter dress to go with it.  The hardest part will be deciding on just one dress.  The usual florals and pastels are in style for spring, as well as stripes and polka dots.  The little ones will look adorable taking pictures with the Easter Bunny and searching for Easter Eggs.  Be sure to take lots of pictures!

Clockwise from left to right: babyGap, Crazy8, Carter’s, Mayoral, Zara

Clockwise from left to right: Old Navy, babyGap, Carter’s, J.Crew, Janie and Jack

Clockwise from left to right: J.Crew, J.Crew, J.Crew, babyGap, Rachel Riley

One of my favorite children’s clothing lines is Noé & Zoë. Hailing from Berlin, the design duo creates the cutest, whimsical pieces for boys and girls. Everything they make is cute enough to make adults happy and has a playful element to please the kiddos.  You can always count on Noé & Zoë to bring some color and exciting prints into your childrens’ closets.  Here’s a sneak peek of the Autumn-Winter 2013/2014 collection but you can get their adorable, bright, neon summer pieces online now at the Noé & Zoë online shop.

While I was in Las Vegas at the shoe show, I came across a booth of Hello Kitty sneakers so naturally, I was drawn to the booth. There were hundreds of new Hello Kitty styles for kids – too many pink ones for my taste though, I would have preferred to see more styles in primary colors. But pinkness aside, what really piqued my curiosity were sneaker wedges for kids.

The sneaker wedge has taken over as the “fashion” sneaker for women. While I don’t understand the concept of a sneaker wedge for women (WHY take something comfortable and make it uncomfortable?), I absolutely abhor the idea for children.

More and more our kids are growing up much faster than generations prior and I’m starting to wonder why we’re so intent on taking away childhood. Kids should be running, jumping, chasing and exploring. How is a kid supposed to do that in sneaker wedges? Would you let your child wear heels? Why are sneaker wedges any different? And don’t get me started about sexualizing little girls at younger and younger ages. Slapping Hello Kitty on the sneaker doesn’t change what it is – a heeled shoe for kids.

I know where I stand on sneaker wedges for kids. What do you think about them? Am I over-exaggerating? Too sensitive? What’s your take?

The Herschel Supply Co. has been making quality backpacks, bags and travel goods since 2009.  Now, the brand is introducing a line of backpacks just for kids.  The line features the simple design of the classic Herschel backpack and shrunk it down for the little ones.  The children’s collection of Herschel backpacks come in an array of patterns – sometimes with many different patterns on one bag.  Coming in two sizes, youth and kids, you can find a backpack for your older and little ones.  (I personally think the youth size is ok for mama’s too! )  You can find the backpacks online on the Herschel online store.

Melissa Plastic Dreams always has the cutest styles for kids and when I visited the booth I saw a few styles I hadn’t seen before.  First (and my favorite) is the Minnie Mouse collaboration featuring peep toe flats with polka dot bows.  Another favorite was the watermelon hearts and a new style that looked like a sneaker.  Check out my favorites below…

It’s been unseasonably cold here in Northern California so we’ve been layering up to stay warm.  Last Saturday we went out to lunch and did some shopping so we kept it pretty casual.  Here’s what the Tiny Dancer wore …

Hair: Bow, Claire’s
Top: Sweater, Polo by Ralph Lauren
Belt: babyGap
Pants: babyGap Skinny Jeans
Sneakers: adidas Campus
Book: Disney’s Lady and the Tramp