Back to School Picks

I can't believe it is back to school season already! I know that doesn't mean much for those of us that aren't in school, but it does mean a lot if you're a mom sending your toddler to pre-school or your five-year-old to kindergarten. It also means that stores are gearing up for fall clothing. EEEK! My favorite fashion season! Below, you'll find some of my favorite back to school picks (list right here). Plus, I had another opportunity to do a Pinterest Interest segment with Good Morning Arizona showcasing some cool clothes from Peek Kids. Click here to check out my Peek picks.

If you need help styling your kiddos come on by Peek Kids at Scottsdale Fashion Square on August 15, 2013 from 10:30AM to 12:30PM for some styling assistance from yours truly. There will be cupcakes for you and your kiddos to munch on while you shop. More details to follow!

(top image via J.Crew)

Pinterest Controversy - Stylish Kiddos

Yesterday, I saw a picture of a very stylish kiddo and I pinned it to my Mini Me board (image below). To my surprise I started to receive a slew of negative comments. I thought to myself, "Even if this kid was styled by his parents, why would this image upset so many people!?

So, I thought this would be a great time to address styling children. I have definitely styled plenty of children for photo shoots. Here is a project I worked on with Kym Ventola that was featured in a magazine last year. I would say these kiddos fall in line with the photo to the left. I would also like to add they had a blast on the shoot. =)

Being a mom, I put clothes on my daughter every day. I would definitely take something off if I thought my daughter was unhappy or hated it. I think it's important to help her express herself with her clothing, but until she can talk I choose clothes for her that I find cute. I'm not trying to project my taste on her in a purposeful way. I just need to make sure my daughter isn't naked. Why not pick something that looks cute in the process. Can I get an amen?!

When I was young, I remember my mom dressing me in outfits I sometimes thought were lame. However, I also remember getting to pick my own outfits and my mom letting me walk out of the house in some really bizarre stuff. I can't recall one time I got made fun of to my face until I got to high school and I wore an Abercrombie t-shirt. Yeah, I never wore that thing again. haha.

What do you think? Do you feel that this kiddo is over styled in a negative way? Do you feel that parents shouldn't style their kiddos to extremes? Is there a line? I want to hear from you!

Run by Fruiting

Every summer I can't get enough fruit - starting with mangoes and ending with blueberries. I just adore the fruity season. It seems as though the design world is too. I keep noticing lemons, pineapples, oranges, strawberries and bananas everywhere I look. Check out some fruity inspiration below. WARNING: You may start craving a smoothie.

Pineapple art work.

Pineapple iPhone case.

Lemon one-piece swimsuit.

Orange printed blouse.

Citrus nails.

There you have it. Of course, how can you think of fruit and not have Mrs. Doubtfire come to mind? Here's a clip for old times sake.

(Top image from South Molton Street Style)

First Birthday & 30th Birthday

Last year I went into labor on Ryan's birthday and Elle was born the next day. What a birthday gift for Ryan, right?! Well, this year Ryan is turning 30 and Elle is turning 1. Two big birthdays a day apart from each other. What am I to do? I've been thinking about how to combine a little girl's birthday and a grown man's birthday into one party for the past four or five months. No joke! Well, with the help of my sis-in-law, I think we have come up with a plan. Ryan wears gingham or buffalo check every day, so it's the perfect pattern inspiration. It's also a summery print and works well for little girls. Black and white is a classic color scheme that  is gender neutral. We are adding wood elements for a masculine feel and contrasting that with Belles of Ireland, moss and other greenery.

I also found this adorable first birthday party via Pinterest that uses similar elements in a more classic way. I couldn't get over this adorable lace crown the mom made for her daughter Lola. I hope with some fun elements like that Elle will get a lovely first and Ryan will get to celebrate the beginning of a new decade.

Now to figure out games for kids and food. =) Ideas welcome!

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