Exciting! Crewcuts Outlet Shopping

We are here in lovely Destin, Florida, on vacation this week. This afternoon we will be visiting the Silver Sands Factory Stores, which has a Crewcuts outlet. If you don't know, Crewcuts is the toddler and kids collection from J. Crew. The clothes are pricey (but reasonable compared to boutique clothing) and excellent quality. The teeshirts are the softest, nicest ones ever. I'll report back what I get at the outlet -- prices are about 50 percent less than retail. In the meantime, here are some of my recent favorites from the current Crewcuts collection -- starting with the divine Spelling Bee dress at the top of the post. This amazing dress is "only" $65, which is obviously alot, but not compared to what a fancy boutique would charge. Next, the Boy's Secret Wash button down shirt. It looks to be just as nice and stylish as the grown-up version.


Two-button Schoolboy Blazer for boys. How cute would this be over a polo shirt or button-down for church or a dress-up event. And it actually looks comfy.


Ugh, I want this for ME! A tangerine-hued, pleated chiffon dress. Tea-length, floaty and gorgeous.


The Lombard Ruffle Top, which I like because you could dress it up or down.


Boys' Raceway Slub Tee. So cool.

I'll be back later to report my finds!

Let's Go Bargain Shopping: TJ Maxx

I love bargain shopping. I don't know when I last bought something that was full-price (except maybe diapers or something like that). And the thrill of the hunt is half the fun. However, since my now near-constant shopping companion is a 2.5 year old, visiting dingy, crowded places like TJ Maxx has lost some of its appeal. Nevertheless, we stopped in this weekend and got some great deals. First up is this lovely book I got for . . . er . . . my niece. Yeah, that's it. For my niece. Regular price is $9, TJ price is $6. (They have all four of these books for those of you who are interested. Not that I am interested. Not at all.).

I got some very cute Liz Claiborne PJ's, similar to these, but cuter. Tag price was $64, TJ price was $10 on clearance.

Awesome box of four Melissa & Doug puzzles: tag price $12, TJ price $6. Now please pray that these keep my child occupied for at least some small part of our upcoming road trip.


I got my husband two of these awesome Chaps Ralph Lauren short-sleeved button downs. The one pictured is still in the regular stores! Tag price $40, TJ price $10.

Love the Karen Katz books. This one has a tag price of $7, but a TJ price of $4.



Happy shopping, and let me know about your TJ finds!

P.S. to Jill: you are the world's greatest bargain shopper ever, and this post is a tribute to you. I'm thinking about you today and praying for your family. XOOXOXOXOOXOXXOOXOXOX

Tomorrow

I have covered some photo albums with fabric, and it's super easy. I'll post a how-to tomorrow. I must warn you that it's addictive! You'll be out at TJ Maxx (my secret source) scrounging through the piles looking for albums to cover.

Not Sure How I Ended Up There, But . . .

I circuitously ended up browing the "overstock" section of Land's End toddler clothing. They had some really cute stuff, including these half-price tankinis. I want one for the baby, and one for me (predictably). They look sort of Boden-y to me, for about a third of the price.

Stock Photo Does No Justice

Well, I took my baby Christmas shopping yesterday. Guess what I bought? That's right, a handbag for Mama. It's the Tulah Ray split satchel bag, 50% off at Nordstrom. This stock photo from their website does the bag no justice. First of all, it looks better zipped. Second, the color I got is a dark greenish blackish, which is awesome. Third, I like it with the shoulder strap detached. Fourth, it looks like a $1500 bag. It is that awesome. I am in love with this bag. I'll try to post a picture of mine later. They still have some online.....just saying.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Having a toddler and a bunch of stuff to do prevented us from getting our tree purchased and set up this weekend, like we usually do. However, I did bust out a couple of boxes, and I have hung the front door wreath; placed the grapevine deer on the front porch; hung the bannister garland; and started on the mantle (above). I can't wait to add in some greenery to give it some color and life. I am so excited to get the tree up, and I'll post pictures when it's finished.

Baby Lulu At Costco!!!

The "no buy" experiment is causing me real problems. I mean, are baby clothes "necessities?" Are they only necessities if they are from Target? Or if they are inexpensive? And really, what does "inexpensive" mean? Inexpensive compared to a Suri Cruise wardrobe? Anyway, Baby Lulu, the adorable line of baby-toddler playwear by Erin Murphy, has created a few two-piece outfits for sale at Costco (in store only). They are similar to the ones shown below, but retail for $19 instead of $40. I will post a picture of the one I . . . erm . . . fine, the one I bought yesterday.

A Business Expense!

I was so excited to find this mini-bust at the Pottery Barn Outlet over the weekend. It's the perfect size for displaying bibs, toddler tees, peasant blouses, etc. And.....it was about 40 percent off the retail price. Yay!

PS -- This is one of my favorite fabrics: "Bad Kitty" by Michael Miller.

Yay For Bargains

I need to brag about my baby's outfit today. Her top is a practically new Gymboree blouse that I bought at Savers for $3. It's a size 3T but narrow through the shoulders, so it works better as a tunic. The leggings were a gift from my mom from the PX at the local air force base. I just love this outfit. PS -- the purples do match, although you can't tell from this picture.

BabyLegs On Sale At Monkeemoos

Our dear friend Steph has baby legs, including the fabulous lime dots above, on sale for $9 for a limited time only. Plus lucky packages contain prizes, including a trip to Seattle (Kim, Mel, Melissa) and cool baby stuff. Visit Monkeemoos asap!

Look What Came In The Mail!!!

Our on-sale Puddle Jumper shoes! I am so excited. These fabulous maryjanes in the best shade of green (above) were only $15!!! I also got the white sandals below for $20!!!

The shoes are all leather. The styling is similar to Pedipeds, but the soles are perfect for little toddler walkers. Supportive, yet flexible. The girl styles are all adorable. The boy styles are somewhat Euro/schprockets, but at this price, let him make a fashion statement.