Baby Style: Our Fave Essentials

Since the day Aubrey was born, I think I've shopped more for her than I did for myself. I couldn't help it. Everything was just too darn cute. Sometimes I wish her clothes DID come in my size. Now that she's two, (and Dani came along), I've adjusted the way I shop. In other words, I knew when to buy and when to hold off, what works, and what wouldn't work. I'd stock up during big sales events and be on every children's store's mailing lists and after awhile, I had my go-to places (Old Navy, Baby Gap, Zara, and H&M) and fave essential pieces, which I share below:

1. denim jacket - I think every toddler should own a denim jacket. It goes with almost everything and adds a cute little edge to their tiny outfits. We got ours at Baby Gap (found here) and love it cause even though ts denim, its soft and the buttons are easy to close. It also fits wide enough so you can add a zip up hoody underneath and they wouldn't feel constricted.

2. tanks - I always wait for Baby Gap's "playtime favorites" to go on sale. When these tanks go on sale (and have an additional 40% off), I end up buying a lot. I use them as layering pieces when its cold, and as tops to go with skirts when its warm. The lace trimming gives it a more girly appeal too.

3. My most favorite "jeggings" for babies and toddlers is from Old Navy. Hands down, these are the best pants for them so far. They are soft and extremely durable (I've thrown them in the wash several times and they've held up), not to mention have a really good stretch (which is great for babies that are becoming more mobile).  Children's Place has some great ones too.

4. rompers - I love putting my girls in rompers. Whether it be short or long, they look so cute in them (even more so in a crazy print!). I'm always careful, however, in making sure the romper I purchase  have snaps in the bottom, otherwise diaper changes would be excruciating.

5. denim chambray top - I get so much wear out of mine that when I saw a similar version (found here) of it at H&M kids, I had to get it.

6. boots - Their sandals and ballerina shoes are no match for the San Francisco weather so when the fog rolls in, they are in their boots. I purchased these for Aubrey to wear on her birthday and she loves it (red is her favorite color apparently) and still continues to wear it. Whenever we step out and I ask her grab her shoes, these boots are her go-to's. To tone it down, however, these would be a nice alternative. For Dani, since she's still at that cruisin stage, I recently got her these from Old Navy. They're soft, easy to put on, and inexpensive.

7. printed leggings - I love the printed leggings at Old Navy! They are normally 3 for $15 and are durable and fun to dress them up in. I check in every once in awhile for new prints (I recently purchased a dark pink polka-dot one for Dani).

8. cardigans - Another San Francisco must-haves! My faves are the ones from Zara, which I stock up on for the girls during their semi-annual sale. H&M has good, inexpensive ones too (you just have to go a size down since they tend to run big).

9. utility jacket - Aubrey has gotten so much wear out of hers purchased from Old Navy that I'm considering getting Dani's her own. We purchased it a year ago (it still fits!) but they brought back something similar (as seen here).

10. knit dresses - Now that Aubrey is in the early stages of being potty-trained, she needs something with 'easy access'. Old Navy has some great knit dresses that usually go on sale from time-to-time (as low as $5!) and that's what she usually wears around the house, since its soft, 100% cotton, and not to mention, cute designs! H&M also has some for $4.95 (for a limited time, however, since they're part of their summer collection).