A Quick Update, and Because You Asked

The Quick Update:

I just spent the last couple of days at a conference in Washington, D.C. (The reason that I and others like me were required to attend this conference is a post in itself. However, I've made a solemn oath that I would never post anything about my current work and workplace on this website. That said, if I ever leave my job, someone remind me, and I'll tell you the story.) It was the first time I'd spent any nights away from Alex, and I gotta tell ya, I didn't handle it well. I kept nudging my co-workers: "Hey, wanna see pictures of Alex?" By we got back to Houston, they practically pushed me off the plane.

Anyway, when I got back, I discovered that Miss Alex had done some growing while I was gone. Marcus made me wait downstairs, and took Alex upstairs. I heard things opening and closing, and then Marcus yelled, "Okay, Karen, come on up!"

As I started up the stairs, I realized Alex was standing up.

Okay, she was using the safety gate for support, but STILL! And Girlie was proud, too:

I'm so going to have to take these pictures with me on my next business trip to Washington ...

Because You Asked:

A lot of you have asked where I get Alex's clothes. I'm happy to share, but before I do, you need to understand My Children's Clothes Philosophy. It's long and extremely complicated, but in essence, I ascribe to the following ideology:

1. In general, I hate the "pink is for girls and blue is for boys" type of thinking. Kids should wear what looks good on them. It's silly to succumb to the sexist credos of today's society.

That said, Alex looks really good in pink.

2. Pastels are icky. I mean, these are kids, for heaven's sake! They should be in bright colours! Funky designs! Eccentric prints! Besides, there may come a time when all my child will do is brood and wear black. I'm going to have my fun while I can.

Okay, with that backdrop, the following are the places where I buy the majority of Alex's clothes:

First, the places with actual storefonts. One of my favourite children's stores where the items are surprisingly cheap and the clothes really colourful (like the trousers Alex is wearing, above) is The Children’s Place. Really great store, and everything goes with everything. The sizes run a bit small (at least for Alex - she's current wearing their 18-month pyjamas!), but besides their website, they have a TON of locations in malls all over the place. And the best part? You can buy a lot of clothes for very little money -- especially when they have a sale. And they always have a sale.

My absolute favourite storefront, however, is Oilily. Oh, those wacky Dutch!! Their clothes are AMAZINGLY bright and cheerful (see Alex's outfit in this post). However, a warning: (a) they don't have an on-line store, (b) the actual stores are hard to find, and (c) they are incredibly, exorbitantly expensive. I mean crazy expensive. They have wonderful sales (although their sales feel like a splurge, too), so I just got on their e-mail list, and whenever they announce a sale, I go. But to be honest, we haven't bought too many of Alex's clothes here.

The majority of the time, however, I buy Alex's clothes online. One of my favourites is Lit’l Lizards, where I've bought Alex a bib with sushi on it (I love sushi), and the cute hat-and-trousers outfit she's wearing here. They're stuff isn't cheap, either, but they're not as bad as Oilily (trust me, nothing is as bad as Oilily). They also have a storefront in San Francisco, so whenever they have a sale, I get my sister to go for me, and she picks out whatever she thinks is cute, and I mail the money to her.

I have a good sister.

My other favourites: Oliebollen, Pokkadots, and for shoes, Robeez. I love Robeez. I'm embarrassed to tell you how many pairs Alex has.

So that's pretty much of all my Alex-wardrobing secrets. Do me a favour, though: if you buy your daughter anything from these stores, could you give me a call? I mean, imagine how embarrassing would it be if your daughter and mine both showed up at the same social function wearing the same outfit.

Comments

[Jo]

She should be proud! I am sure she INVENTED standing! Wow! Watch out though momma, you know what comes next... I have found that bricks were not enough to keep them from that awful first step, so if you come up with something to stop her from growing up so fast, feel free to share.

[Marion]

I loves the Robeezes -- I have bought countless pairs for babies of various loved ones. I figure that cute baby shoes that the baby can't get off are always welcome. Which pairs does Miss Alex have? Any dragonflies in the lot?

[nat]

Well, SMELL HER!!! Congratulations and a thousand kisses to my sweet niece. I didn't realize this was your first trip away. Sucks huh?

[Julie]

Hahahahaha, love that smile, but really love those pants! I can't wait to dress my own kid like a clown because why have 'em if you're not going to costume 'em?

[Toni]

I'm going shopping now. Thanks. Like Carley needs anymore clothes (counted 32 shirts alone yesterdays...eeek...glad I didn't tell my hubby!!).

[Kara]

Standing? Standing! Amazing! Way to go baby girl!

We have those same pants (well, my daughter has those pants, not me) and we love them! you're so right, the Children's Place is a wonderful spot to stop and binge on frugal but fun baby clothes. :)

Best Wishes, Kara (long time reader, first time poster)

[Twyla]

I've seen her row(s) of shoes. But, I will abide by the confidentiality agreement and not tell how many. I will say they are all incredibly cute.

[Hayley]

I know yet another great Dutch supplier of colourful kids clothes. And neither their prices nor their mailing costs will break the bank. http://www.rainbowbabies.nl/ makes plain cotton basics - t-shirts, trousers, onesies, pullowvers, hats, socks, plain dresses - but in really fantastic bright colours. They are becoming pretty huge here now because of their quality and prices.
Their stuff would look great on Alex. :-)

They'll send a package of more than three items for ten euros, which is about 12 dollars, to the US. Less than three items is 5.85.

Their website is in Dutch, but I'd be happy to help you navigate it and figure out the sizes. :-)

You can click on this link to see their photo gallery.
http://www.rainbowbabies.nl/fs-fotos.html

[Rachael]

Way to go to Alex on standing. She doers look mighty proud of hersel, she's adorable.
I have to agree that Alex always has the cutest outfits on. Thanks for all the links to cute baby clothes. We already have a closet full for Gavi, but man I really want to get more now.