burberry – Tack and Tweed Equestrian: The Love of Horses

Designer Duds for Kids – Fashion or Folly?

Off topic Sunday…not an equestrian themed post today….

Milly Minis Crystal Embellished Organza Dress $995 NeimanMarcus.com

I love me some cute kiddie clothes. Typically, I get kids clothes from Gap Kids for the staples, Target (pronounced “tar-jay”) for the trendy soon-to-be-thrown away items, and if I’m feeling spicy, I go to Crew Cuts. I scour the internet for Splendid Littles sales (they are just sooo comfy – especially Splendid’s adult line for mommy). Once in a while, I find some fun Burberry items on Ebay, which I consider a major coup, as there is the added benefit of being able to sell said clothing after the 3 wears they last (no way is she wearing this in the mud puddle in the back yard).

Like Ralph Lauren years ago (I buy adorable Polo items at discount stores), many higher end designers are trying to cash in on the children’s clothing market. It used to be for a really special occasion, one could lay a Benjamin or two down on a gorgeous hand made dress at Bergdorff’s kids department, but now, that’s just a drop in the bucket for even the most common and out-grow-able children’s duds. I’m sorry, but I just can’t stomach or imagine throwing over $500 on a Baby Dior or Missoni dress for a 9 month old who can’t even walk. The styles are gorgeous, and I’m sure would look great on the tony tots being pushed by their nannies on Park Ave, but my hubby’s hard-earned dollars are better spent on our mortgage :).

In this spirit, I’ve found some beautiful children’s fashions and comparable reasonably (for some) priced garments. After all, kids either wear their clothes to death, or wear them once. I’m sure I can’t beat the quality of Baby Dior, but I can certainly beat the price!!

Most of the expensive finds are from Neiman Marcus and Barney‘s, their less-expensive counterparts are from all over – hover over image to see the source.

I love a dreamy princess ballerina dress like the next person and this Milly Minis one is killer (to the pocketbook). The Luna Luna Copenhagen dress is just as sweet and a fraction of the price.

Missoni knits are comfy, and I’m sure this dress is fun to wear…as is the alternative:

For a special occasion, this gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana dress is spectacular, but at $1615, who in their right mind w(c)ould afford it?? I love this Kleinfeld Erica Dress alternative from at $150!

Every ballerina needs a tutu, but this one is too too much for me. Why not save some loot loot?

Cold weather calls for long, warm coats, and here are the similar choices:

And for the sweaters:

And, for the babies – nothing beats a special cashmere blanket as a special gift, but some are more affordable than others:

I haven’t even listed the cute and fun options at Target or Kohls, etc (this post could go on for ever)!! Finding super cute kid’s clothes at a premium is fun, but finding less expensive alternatives is satisfying 🙂

Hunting for Hunters

As the fall and winter weather rolls in, I’m reminded that I do not own a pair of rain boots. I typically alternate between my slUggs (slipper-like Uggs) to my super duper arctic fur-lined winters. I think I need to find a pair for the fall and spring when the slush and rain puddles are up to my ankles, but the weather isn’t so cold. I only have a budget for one pair, so I need to find some that are stylish enough for Soho but functional for the times I’m at the barn cleaning my tack and stepping in poop. I need to be able to rinse off the manure and jump in my car without too much residual slime…my husband likes a clean car (again, sorry dear).

I have a fun new Hunter Umbrella – it reminds me of the clear plastic one I had as a child – it’s great because I’m totally protected, but can see where I’m going on the streets. For some reason, New Yorkers love to either open ginormous golf umbrellas while exiting a crowded subway stair, or rest their umbrellas strategically on their heads so the little end spikes are at on-comers’ eye level. Probably some defense mechanism or complete obliviousness, but I digress….

I also have a navy blue Jules Horse Poncho for rainy days when I need to push my baby’s stroller and I need both hands free.

As I will be wearing all my rubber at once, I have to match. Here are my options:

Jules makes really cute wellies.. They have a sale on their “horsey” patterns, but I think with my poncho, this may over do it just a tad; a little too preppy for downtown.

Of course I LOVE the Hunter for J Mendel boots with muscrat fur and shearling. Boot bliss, but perhaps it’s a little decadent for doodoo.

I also adore the Burberry Shearling-Lined House Check Winter boots, but yet again, I digress from the practical side of my purchase….

Chooka makes a pretty wellie for a reasonable price. This pair is definitely in the running. The added contrasting color straps give this a little luxury.

Hmmm, maybe I can get a twofor…barn work with riding ability. The Green Rag Bone X Hunter Tall Boots seem to be okay for riding (heel, zipper on outside, tall). Again, they’re not cheap at $295, but if they double as a winter riding boot, that’s two in one. I’ll have to try them on to be sure.

My last option is the good old Original Hunter Wellington. I love the silver – and added benefit of matching Annalise’s new little girl pair. Mommy and me wellies always win.

Decisions, decisions!

Back to School Back Bags

Backpacks are trending hard this fall. My daughter is starting preschool Monday, so I’m investing in a super cute new back pack for her, as well as for my son, who’s entering the 2nd grade. I thought I may pick up one for myself while I’m at it. I totally forgot how comfortable it can be to schlep my goods on my back. Carrying everything in my super-huge mom bag on my left shoulder has left me somewhat lopsided. Check out the cute back-bags below – most of which can be carried by modern mommies and fashionable teens.