We are swooning over the fantastically stylish girls’ clothing company WUNWAY. The clothing line was created by three moms “desperately in love with their kids and fashion.” And it shows. The clothes are stunning, balancing high-end aesthetic, modern flair and youthful exuberance. We really appreciate that everything is age-appropriate for young girls but with enough edge to remain fun and interesting. Simply put, WUNWAY is mini-fashionista desired and mom approved.

We’ve been styling the teodora shirt, the izzabella skirt and the brandy bloomer shorts. My daughter has been wearing WUNWAY out and about, but she was more than delighted to do a fashion show with a friend to show off the beautiful clothes.

The teodora shirt is a great staple as it’s completely versatile. It looks great with very feminine skirts like the izzabella and the ruffle adds some girly flair to a basic denim outfit.

The izzabella skirt is every girl’s dream: tulle, ruffles, flower corsage accent. The embellished elastic waist guarantees she won’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

The bandy bloomer shorts are a fantastically modern take on an older silhouette and the result is darling. They are a great alternative to boring shorts which lack the style factor that mini fashionistas demand.

We all know the outfit is only as good as the details and WUNWAY has you covered with a range of accessories as finely crafted as the clothes. We adore the patterned socks and tights, and girls will flip for the lovely necklaces and purses.

Shop! WUNWAY girls clothes are available in sizes 1 through 8. The prices reflect the quality and the Sale section is a great place to score a stylish deal.

Thanks to WUNWAY for providing samples. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

Sun Smarties Summer Gear Review

One Step Ahead sent us some pieces from the Sun Smarties collection so we are ready for summer fun. Now, we just need Mother Nature to cooperate. In the meantime, we’ve been testing the gear at the indoor pool.

Sun Smarties bathing suits have UPF 50+ sun protection and come in a variety of mix and match styles to best fit your child. From tankinis to swim diapers to rash guards, the colorful designs are perfect for summer fun. My daughter is rocking the Pink Ruffle Sun Smarties UV Rash Guard and Swim Diaper. We love the coverage of the Rash Guard for long days in the sun and the ruffle detail on the suit is darling. The side-ruching also helps to ensure a good fit. The Swim Diaper is a great bottom even if you don’t need a reusable diaper. It’s comfortable and a full coverage two-piece is super easy for wet bathing suit changes at the pool.

The Terry Cover-Up is amazing! It’s made of soft terrycloth with UV protection to keep kids warm and cozy after a swim. It’s a lighter weight than typical terrycloth, though, so it’s breathable to prevent overheating in warm weather. The fit is generous to allow plenty of room for cuddling. We love the option to personalize the Cover-Up.

When we lived in Florida we frequented a splash park that I loved, but the ground was always slippery. Every single day we were there at least one kid would fall and hit his head. Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with water shoes. They’re non-negotiable, especially with a wobbly toddler like Max. He’s unsteady on solid, dry ground let alone wet pool surfaces. The Sun Smarties Stay Put Water Shoes are an absolute must have whether you plan to cool off at a water park, pool or beach. The shoes are lightweight and actually stay on little, squirmy feet.

Max’s eyes will also be protected this summer with the Toddler Sunglasses with Strap. They fit perfectly, and the soft neoprene strap helps keep them in place. When Max manages to muscle them off his head, the durable glasses survive even crazy toddler throwing.

10 Sun Smarties Essentials from One Step Ahead

Check out ten Sun Smarties products that are ideal for a day of fun in the sun.

• 1. Terry Cover-Up ($24.95 + $6 for personalization)
• 2. Stay Put Water Shoes ($12.95)
• 3. Take-Along Wet Bags, set of 2 ($6.95)
• 4. Beach Towel in a Bag ($9.95 + $6 for personalization)
• 5. Sand-Away Beach Bag ($14.95 + $6 for personalization)
• 6. Reversible, Adjustable UV Sun Hat ($14.95)
• 7. Rubber Frame Sunglasses ($9.95)
• 8. UV Rash Guard Shirt ($24.95) & Swim Trunks ($19.95)
• 9. WonderShade  II Self-Standing Umbrella ($24.95)
• 10. UV Long Sleeve Rash Guard ($29.95) & Swim Diaper Skirt ($16.95)

Shop! Now is the perfect time to shop One Step Ahead, as many of the Sun Smarties summer essentials are on sale.

 Thanks to One Step Ahead for providing details.

Falling Dots Woven Skirt (reg. $29, now $20) is perfect for transitioning from spring into summer. The colorful dots make matching and coordinating it a breeze. We often pair it with the Slub V-Neck Cardigan (reg. $24, now $20 – 25). The Cardigan is lightweight, making it perfect for layering as the temperature fluctuates. As much as I love how the skirt and cardigan look, I think I actually like how easily they wash and wear even better. The cotton poplin woven skirt goes straight from the washing machine to dryer to my daughter – no need for ironing or special attention.

She may be a girly girl, but my daughter is always moving and her clothes need to keep up. The Lands’ End skirt is the epitome of versatile. Paired with a cardigan and leggings, it’s great for a cooler day at school. With a cardigan coat and sneakers it’s perfect for scooting around and playing in the neighborhood.

Top 10 Dresses & Skirts for Spring & Summer

It was difficult, but with some input from my 4 year old Model and Stylist Assistant, we’ve rounded up our top 10 favorite dresses and skirt/cardigan combinations from Lands’ End.

Click through to see our picks!

Patterned Sweater & Falling Dots Skirt

Cardigan & Print Woven Dress

Smocked Maxi Dress

Woven Twirl Dress

Caridgan & Tiered Skirt

Crossover Braided Bodice Dress

Drop Waist Dress

Pattern Sweater & Twill Skort

Madras Duet Dress

Cardigan & Knit Applique Skort

• Pattern V Neck Sweater Cardigan ($12.99) & Falling Dot Woven Skirt ($20)
• Long Sleeve Solid Sophie Cardigan ($29 & add a monogram!) &  Print Woven Dress ($49)
  
• Knit Smocked Maxi Dress ($34)
• Short Sleeve Woven Twirl Dress ($34)
• Long Sleeve Solid Sophie Cardigan ($29 & add a monogram!) & Full Ruffle Pattern Tiered Skort ($13 – $20)
• Knit Crossover Braided Bodice Dress ($29)
• Drop Waist Dress ($29)
• Long Sleeve Pieced Pattern Cardigan ($15) & Twill Snap-pocket Skort ($13 – $17)
• Madras Duet Dress ($20)
• Long Sleeve Solid Sophie Cardigan ($29 & add a monogram!) & Knit Applique Skort ($29)

Shop! Now is a great time to stock up on skirts and dresses at Lands’ End. Save 30% off everything with code SPARK30 and pin 2850. Buy 2 or more, and save $3 each on select regularly priced Girls’ Apparel.

Thanks to Lands’ End for providing samples.

SwimZip was created by a mom who survived skin cancer to provide important UV protection in a stylish easy-on easy-off bathing suit for kids. The bathing suits feature zippered rash guards with SPF 50+ protection. In addition to the safety features that keep mom happy, there are comfort solutions to keep your little one satisfied like the no-pinch zipper flap, tagless neck, and zipper garage around the neck.

My little swimmer is wearing the Sassy Surfer. And sassy she is.

As you would expect, putting on the suit is a breeze. Just put arms in, zip up and then step into the bottoms.

She is wearing a 4T to 5T in regular clothes and she’s wearing the size 4T bathing suit. The top fits generously but the bottom fits very true to size.

Celebrity Fans!

While it’s obvious my daughter has star potential – I mean, have you seen her pose? – she already has celeb taste. That’s right, my 4 year old picked the same bathing suit as cute little Seraphina Affleck. I hope it’s not awkward when they show up at an A-list kids play date wearing the same suit. Because obviously that’s bound to happen this summer.

Stylish Suits for Babies, Toddlers and Kids

SwimZip swimwear is available in sizes 0-3 months through size 9 in great styles for boys and girls.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… SwimZip swimwear achieve the trifecta: UV protection, easy to get on and off and stylish. The design includes thoughtful details, fun youthful flair and quality materials. We definitely recommend hitting the water in SwimZip this summer!

Or Not to Buy… Styles are selling out so shop quickly to find your favorite style in the correct size.

Shop! SwimZip swimwear two-piece suits are $29.99. Visit SwimZip.com to shop.

Thanks to SwimZip for providing a sample.

Nonetheless it is sometimes hard to stay motivated with busy schedules for both work and play.  I’ve come to appreciate the time that I can dedicate to fitness and try my best to worry less about the time I can’t spend in the gym. One thing that definitely gets me psyched for a workout is having the proper gear.  A workout can be totally ruined for me by a lousy pair of sneakers or clothes that don’t fit well.  I am always on the hunt for the perfect pair of workout pants.  I think I might have found them in the yoga pants from C9 at Target, an activewear line that is exclusive to Target and offers a variety of options for men, women and kids, all at an incredible value.

That high rise!  That full leg!  That hip hugging shape!  I can always find a pair of workout pants with one or two of these features, but rarely all three. And they are cute enough to go from the gym to the grocery store or to daycare pickup, because of course a workout is never followed by a leisurely afternoon on the couch when you have a toddler!  Staying fit and healthy is as much a gift to our children as it is to ourselves as moms, and it always feels like less of a chore when you can do it in style without breaking the bank.

C9 at Target wants to help you live a healthy and fit life with a giveaway for a $25 gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

The pajamas are unbelievably soft and are designed with your child’s safety (they meet the Consumer Products Safety Commission guidelines for children’s sleepwear)  and comfort (flat interior seams, for example) in mind. The pajamas have a slim fit, but run true to size compared to other pajama brands.

Skylar Luna generously provided samples for each of my children. My 4 year old daughter is wearing Pink/Gray in size 4T, 13 month old Max is wearing Forest/Silver in size 18-24 months and my skinny 6 year old is wearing Cars in size 6T.

We spend so much time creating the ideal sleep environment for our children so we shouldn’t stop when it comes to what they wear. We love that Skylar Luna is committed to using eco-conscious materials for the safety of our little ones. The result is pajamas that are obviously high quality in both materials and craftsmanship. We can’t wait to buy more!

While a little unpleasant, the following is worth mentioning. I took the picture below of my kids less than an hour before Max’s accident when he suffered a major cut on his finger. As you can imagine, the pajamas had a lot of blood on them and I figured they would be a lost cause. When we got home my husband sprayed them with a heavy dose of spot stain remover, threw them in the wash with our other vacation laundry, and wouldn’t you know? Every stain came out. So, let’s count that as one good thing that came from Max’s ordeal.

Shop! Skylar Luna pajamas are available in sizes 12-18 months through 10T. Long Sleeve Sets are $39. Stock up now for warmer summer weather – Short Sleeve sets are on sale for $25.50.

Thanks to Skylar Luna for providing samples.

“We believe that fashion is an outer form of expression of oneself that one must enjoy and embrace. Our goal is to make clothes fun, stylish and bold as well as inspiring and positive in order to make an impact on kids self-esteem at an early age.”

Available in two styles, Polkadot What leggings allows a girl size 2 through 10 the opportunity to take part in the design process to get leggings as unique as she is. First, decide between the Capri Shapes and Stripes leggings and select a size. Next, create your leggings by selecting a pattern or color for each leg. We love that the shapes and colors are labeled personality traits (like confident, happy, unique, awesome, sweet) rather than simple descriptive words. The website is very user-friendly and previews your design before you buy.

Polkadot Style

See how my daughter is wearing the Stripes in Unique & Sweet.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… We love the design your own leggings feature that guarantees leggings as cool as your kid. You can pick your design based strictly on color or based on the personality traits that best describe your girl.

Or Not to Buy… We realize not everyone will go for the two-different-color-legs-leggings from Polkadot What. Granted, we wouldn’t give this a thumb’s up on an adult but it’s perfect for playful girls – and to encourage them to have some fun with their clothes and just be themselves.

Shop! We are delighted to offer two discount codes to Polkadot What. Use code PDW-SHOPMAMA-10 and get a pair of Stripes for $28 (reg. $32). Use code PDW-SHOPMAMA-15 and get a pair of Capris for $25 (reg. $30). Codes are valid until April 30, 2013. Receive FREE U.S. shipping for 2 pairs or more + FREE Polkadot What mini bag.

We received samples.

Tea Collection Clothes for Spring Break

We were lucky to receive a gift card to shop some spring styles at Tea. When shopping, my singular goal was to put together some outfits for my kids to wear on our vacation. Now, I know it’s a little silly but I wanted the clothes to coordinate. My theory? We’ll be taking lots of photos on vacation and you never know when you’ll snap this year’s holiday card. The kids might as well be dressed for the occasion, right?

Hammerhead Tee ($19) & Safari Print Cargo Shorts ($39) || Colorblock T-Shirt Dress ($27), Mini Stripe Leggings ($18.50) & Peppercorn Scarf ($25) || Hippo Heaven Tee ($19) & Patch Pocket Shorts ($22)

I fell in love with the adorable Colorblock T-shirt dress and picked outfits from there. My daughter has already worn her dress and coordinating scarf and the outfit is just as fabulous as we imagined.

Unfortunately, it’s been far too cold for the boys to wear their cool tees and shorts, but my six year old is stoked his shirt has hammerhead sharks.

Tea Collection Spring Break Sibling Outfit Inspiration

With our upcoming travel in mind, I put together some more spring break sibling styles from Tea Collection.

Venda Fish Polo ($29) & Surfer Plaid Cargo Shorts ($39) || Floral Smock-Neck Mini Dress ($35) & Saltwater Original Sandal ($34) || Dance Print Shirt ($39), Two Oceans Sweater Vest ($45) & Safari Cargo Shorts ($39)

Muizenberg Beach Tee ($29) & Cape Point Surf Shorts ($28) || Wild Hibiscus Tee ($29) & Paperbag Shorts ($30) || Ubuntu Striped Romper ($25.50) || Woodstock Ruffle Bubble Romper ($30)

Colorblock Explorer Tee ($19) & Billabong Muted Board Shorts ($45) || Rainbow Waves Tankini

($45)
Shop! We are excited to share an exclusive Tea Collection discount code. Use PRSHOPMOM213 to save 15% at checkout once between now and April 16. The code is valid on sale items, cannot be stacked and is valid only once per person.

Thanks to Tea Collection for providing samples. This post contains affiliate links.

Cozy Cub Review

Like I mentioned, the weather here is still (bitterly) cold. We have to bundle up every day to walk to the bus stop and Max is usually my biggest concern. He’s been wearing some new gear from the Cozy Cub Collection. The Baby Stay-Put Fleece Hat with Earflaps ($12.95) is a cute fleece hat that keeps his head, ears and neck warm. The Hat is made from a soft, lightweight fleece for baby-friendly comfort. Parents will appreciate the large velcro fastener under the neck and the cute details like the baseball cap style. And, of course, we like that the hat stays snug on baby’s head.

The versatile Cozy Cub Vest is a great option for winter into spring weather. It keeps the core warm with non-bulky insulated and waterproof vest. The armholes are elastic, and the back is longer for extra coverage – perfect for mobile little people like Max. I really like that it’s not too thick, as adding bulk to a little person just adds headache in the winter. (Hello, super tight stroller straps!) I have no doubt Max will wear the Vest year round in Germany. It’s a great layering basic to have!

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… One Step Ahead is a great source for kid and baby essentials every season, and the winter is no exception. The Cozy Cub collection is great quality, designed with active kids in mind and, best of all, very affordable.

Or Not to Buy… The pieces are all very basic, without a ton of style or flair, so we recommend buying the essentials and basics here and adding some of your tot’s personality with added accessories (like a fun shirt under the Vest, for example).

Shop! One Step Ahead’s Cozy Cub Collection is currently available with many pieces on sale. Everything is a very affordable price point – the Fleece Hat is $12.95 and the Cozy Cub Vest is $39.95. Shop for versatile three season pieces (like the Vest) and plan ahead for next year.

Win! A Cozy Cub Vest and Fleece Hat!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Prize may be exchanged for something similar of same value, depending on stock. Thanks to One Step Ahead for providing samples and the giveaway prizes.

Get Moving with pediped Athletic Shoes

After a long and snow-filled winter, we are all getting a little stir crazy. When the weather finally turns, we’ll be ready to get outside and get moving. pediped introduced new Ultra Light Technology into athletic style shoes making them perfect for kid action. The athletic shoe collection maintains the style we expect from pediped with innovations to make life on the go more comfortable. First, the shoes only weigh 5 ounces! They are designed with grooves to encourages natural movement, cushioned heel to distribute pressure and breathable material to allow airflow. And, best news ever: they’re machine washable.

Mini Style Inspired by pediped Spring Shoes

The pediped Spring Line is full of fun and color. I put together a few outfits inspired by some of my new favorites. Which is your favorite look?

***

***

***

***

Shop! pediped’s Spring Collection is available now online at pediped.com where you get free shipping on orders over $35.

Thanks to pediped for providing samples.