Fashion Tips from a Two Foot Seven (and a half) Fashionista

Thank you Old Navy for sponsoring my post today about baby and toddler styles. Old Navy is giving you 30% off everything in their baby and toddler summer collection, plus get an additional 15% off in-store.

This is Lou and oh my goodness, is she a joy to get dressed everyday!

Well, almost everyday… Okay, fine. Most of the time it’s a chore to navigate our way through her ever-changing opinions. There certainly are a lot of them. This past week she issued a cease and desist on jeans. Some days, I can’t get her our of her pajamas. A few weeks ago, she was all about her Halloween costume.

But as I always say, “high maintenance” is just another way to say “worth the effort”. So how do I keep my little fashionista’s closet chic, yet affordable?

Build a Year-round Wardrobe

My daughter’s expansive wardrobe is comprised of equal parts hand-me-downs, second-hand store finds, gifts, and sale items. I fill in the rest with solid basics, then mix and match the whole year-round.

For instance, I can extend the life of an adorable Summer dress by pairing it with a long-sleeve bodysuit and leggings for Fall and Winter. By next Spring that same dress can be worn as a shirt with shorts or capris.

From OldNavy.com: Ruffle-Tiered Corsage Dresses for Baby, Long-sleeve Bodysuit 3-pack, and Lace-Trim Legging 4-Packs for Baby

A rainbow of cardigan and hoodies completes her look and ensure that she will be content undressing and redressing herself all day long.   From OldNavy.com: Ruffled French Terry Jackets for Baby, Crochet-Trim Cardigans for Baby, “California” Applique Hoodies for Baby, and Denim Jackets for Baby does

I can get away with this because our Northern California weather is deceiving, at best. Just because it’s sunny, bright, and May doesn’t mean it’s warm. At the beach in Santa Cruz on Mother’s Day weekend, my girl wore a fleece jacket over layers to stay warm against the wind.

Meanwhile last February, she was ready to march outside barefoot to enjoy a sixty-four degree day.

From OldNavy.com: Jersey Capris and Puff-Sleeve Polo for Baby

Keep Color Simple

I actually think its cute when kids dress themselves in mismatched patterns and clashing colors. However, it’s not so cute when my husband does it… I figure if I want his help (and avoid any criticism that could dissuade such help) I need to keep things simple. The challenge is to still keep it interesting without splurging.

Big, bold patterns. Who knew a little dress could have such wow! And it’s CUTE too.

Lots of mix and match tees and bottoms means lots of variety.

Or plaid separates that go with everything.

Last, but not least…

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

Disclosure: I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. To read more toddler style tips, follow #cleverstyle on Twitter.

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