she's a real spring chicken

If you haven't finished compiling your children's wardrobes for spring, there are some great finds to be had.  Check in every Wednesday as we help you to navigate the world of children's fashion.  It's like having your own personal stylist.

For stylish little girls, nothing beats leggings and a dress for transitional spring attire.  Pink Chicken has some of the cutest dresses around (www.pinkchicken.com for stores).  The line offers leggings too, so she can put on that sleeveless dress she’s dying to wear now, and it will carry her into summer.  While Pink Chicken dresses are ideal for the under 4 set, add not just leggings, but a great pair of boots, and maybe even a thermal top underneath on cool days, and the outfit has just the edge your tween needs (while still being entirely age appropriate).

Who can resist the Sasha dress in the big tulip print?  White cotton is covered in giant tulips in gorgeous shades of lavender and peach and tied in the back with a fabulous bow.   Gap’s paisley leggings, just $12.50 or two for $20, in white with gold dots, look like they were made to go with this dress.  My daughter throws a natural waffle knit shirt underneath on cold days (Indera Mills’ basic thermal shirt and pant set available at www.essentialapparel.com for $9 works perfectly - and can act as long underwear or pajamas in the winter).  Pair it with cowboy boots, or even black biker boots, and she’ll be the coolest kid on the block.

Suggested stores:

www.chichibean.com - an extensive collection of Pink Chicken spring dresses through size 6

www.mybeautifulsophia.com - a couple of styles of Pink Chicken in sizes 2-6 are currently on sale 

juicekidscouture.com - carries some Pink Chicken styles all the way through size 8

www.gap.com - for great leggings at the right price

Girls' boots should be their own topic, but as of this writing www.endless.com had a few styles of Geox boots on clearance.  Frye and Dr. Marden can be pricey, but they're classics!  And www.cavenders.com is a great spot for cowboy boots.