LilSugar

Simple or Swank: Red Sneakers Are a Kick on Small Feet

LilSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Shoes may make an outfit, but when it comes to children's feet, function often takes precedence. Some of mama's favorite designers are shrinking down their styles to make lil ones' feet as fashionable as adult footwear.

Simple: Puma's Speeder Mesh Sneaker ($38) has been a popular shoe among the toddler set for some time. Its all mesh design, with hook and loop Velcro closures, makes it lightweight and easy for lil ones to dash off in.

Swank: Prada's Sport Sneaker ($195) fuses silver mesh with red patent leather to create a stylish set of kicks that stand out in the preschool pack. Which do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: Natural Wooden High Chairs

LilSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:00:31 -0700

Well made wooden highchairs are back in style . . . only this time they grow with child! The chair's neutral tone that blend with the rest of the family's dining set and their ability to fit snugly under the table make them a smart choice for mamas desiring a streamlined kitchen area.

Simple: The natural wood Keekaroo high chair ($149) features an adjustable seat that can be used for children from six months old on up.

Swank: The Stokke Tripp Trapp ($249) started the "grow-with-me" high-chair phenomenon with its adjustable height and footrest and the ease with which it can be pulled right up to the table. Which do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: Animal Mobiles

LilSugar — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:00:39 -0700

Mobiles are eye candy for babes! The visual decorations help aid baby's growth and development. While some feature colors and patterns, others just add a touch of design to a nursery.

Simple: Ikea's Barnslig Mobile ($8) features four downward facing plush animals to stimulate a tot's curiosity and keep them occupied while in the crib.
Swank: The McKenzie Musical Mobile ($50) also uses four plush animals to entertain tots, but for an additional $42 adds the soothing sounds of Brahm's lullaby to help ease them to sleep. Which do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: Ballet Slippers For Brand New Feet

LilSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Though newborns don't need shoes to keep their feet safe, many new mamas can't resist an adorable pair to top off an outfit and keep babe's tootsies warm. The beauty of booties is they are all about fashion so function isn't an issue. Simple: Designer's Touch has crafted an all leather Infant Ballet Slipper ($28) with shiny ribbon running through its top to form a large bow. The flexible shoe radiates style while allowing the toes to bend and stretch.
Swank: Baby fashionistas can get a head start on their designer footwear with Chloe's Leather Ballerina ($113). Just like its simple cousin, the all leather shoe gathers at the sole and has a ribbon through its top, but its designer label adds an additional $85 to the price.

Which do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: Gladiator Sandals for Little Gals

LilSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:54 -0700

If there is one shoe that defines this season, the gladiator sandal is it. While adult trends do not always translate well for tots, the gladiator's flat sole and ankle strap make it great for lil one's looking to steal some of mama's style while walking this Summer.

Simple: The Gymboree Sparkle Gladiator Sandal mimics the latest mommy trend for only $21 by using faux leather straps and big sparkles.
Swank: For more than three times the price, the $65 Primigi Nikita uses real leather and studs on its version of the fashionable footwear.
Which do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: Play Mats

babysugar — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Every parent wants to raise their child to be the next Einstein by surrounding them with stimulating toys, bright colors, and tactile objects. Play mats can entertain tots while also helping them learn how to reach, grasp, and roll over in their early months putting them on the track to Geniusville.

Simple: The IKEA play mat is a steal at $25 and has aerial toys dangling from foam arches.
Swank: For twice the bucks, the $65 Tiny Love Gymini: Super Deluxe Lights & Music Play Mat literally offers a few more bells and whistles with flashing lights, crinkly fabrics, textures and four musical selections.

Simple or Swank: Tankini Maternity Swimsuits

LilSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:00:49 -0700

Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of Summer - a season filled with pool parties, beach outings and lakeside barbecues. For expectant mamas, it also means shopping for a bathing suit that will take them through the warm months as their tummies expand. Tankini style suits flatter almost every body shape and provide pregnant women with the added benefit of being able to easily use the restroom without completely undressing.

Simple: The hardware-detailed Motherhood tankini is sold as two separate pieces ($37 total), allowing mamas to select the perfect top and bottom for their body. It also gives you the option to purchase additional tops that match the bottoms to create more options at a fraction of the price of entire new ensembles.

Swank: The Prego Black Ring-Kini ($70) has a supportive cross-over style bra top and also includes decorative hardware on its straps.

Which do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: Modern Cribs

babysugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Many mamas expecting baby number two are stuck with the dilemma - to move their tot into a toddler bed or purchase another crib? Not wanting to deal with the transition of the former, many mums decide to bite the bullet with a second crib but don't have to break the bank with another high price model. She can settle for something safe, stylish and affordable.
Simple: The fabulous designers from Dwell partnered with Target to create a line of sleek and economical cribs. For $250, mommies can drool over the Silver Lake in a natural finish.
Swank: Much like the Silver Lake model, the Netto Collection Studio Crib has fixed rails and bonus storage space below. For $954, the swank model has a reverse color palette.

Simple or Swank: Wall Mounted Changing Tables

babysugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:00:08 -0700

When babe's nursery is cramped with a crib, dresser, rocking chair and bookcase many parents think they can do without a changing table. Certainly families can deal without one by changing diapers on the floor or in the crib, but when the nappy runneth over, it's nice for the mess to be caught on a washable pad instead of the carpet. When space is an issue, wall mounted changing tables may be mum's answer.

Simple: The IKEA Antilop ($70) table is simple and white making it easy to decorate around and disguise on a wall.
Swank: For 10 times the IKEA option, Bo Ekstrom's wall mounted changing table ($750) offers a more modern look with bent wood and built in shelves.

Which option do you prefer?

Simple or Swank: White Lace Purses

babysugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:34 -0700

One way to keep mama's purse from getting too full of her mini-me's knickknacks is to give princess her very own tote. Instead of marking my wallet up with crayons, my daughter carries her wares with her wherever she goes. Spring into Summer with one of these delicate, white pocketbooks that is sure to go with any flouncy dress in her armoire.

Simple: Instead of treating the tot to an ice cream cone, use the $4 in the wallet for the zippered eyelet Children's Place purse that is reminiscent of Jackie O.

Swank: Shaped like a large coin purse, the $16 lace adorned Janie and Jack option has a clasp closure and a large bow for the tiniest of divas.