Top 25 Kids' Style: 4 of 8

What inspired you to start blogging?

Alix: Dottie and I were members of a 60s style go-go dance group called The Devil-Ettes and both shared a love of all things vintage. I had been blogging for several years about design/fashion/photography. I loved sharing my finds and the creative outlet it gave me! Miss Dottie was also blogging but her specialties were cool crafts and DIYs

Fast forward a few years and suddenly we each had a little kiddo. Dottie had the brilliant idea to start a blog that matched our love of vintage with our new love of all things kiddo.

Dottie: Aw, well it's true we both loved great kid fashion — particularly with a vintage twist — and we didn’t really see that many people writing about it at the time. We decided to start Modern Kiddo as a way to showcase our own passion for vintage fashion as well as all the cool new kid’s style that was popping up all over the place.

How do you keep up with the latest kids fashion and being a mom?

Alix: The beauty of children's fashion is that they really all march to the beat of their own drummer. The best part of incorporating retro duds into your child's wardrobe means that their style isn't really dictated by trends. You almost make your own trends! Wolfie, my 7 year old, likes dressing up but he is also a regular little boy and doesn't want anything too fussy. I'm always looking at major retailers for fun basics, but then love adding a fun twist like a vintage cowboy shirt or fun hat.

Dottie: We also love looking globally for new styles. There are tons of great blogs out there in Europe, Asia and Australia that I check regularly to see the latest trends. We also get a lot of emails from up and coming designers, which is really fun!

What are three things parents should think about when styling their kids?

1. No matter how fabulous/hip any outfit is, make sure it fits your kiddo’s lifestyle! Cute and comfortable is always key.
2. Can you live with the care of that outfit? Don't buy a cashmere sweater and then get upset when it inevitably gets stained.
3. Do embrace color! On any budget you can look like a million bucks just by making a few bold color choices—especially for boys!

What are your three favorite posts?

1. Alix is a big fan of the colorful, European styles over at Polyarn O. Pyret.
2. Dottie loves the Etsy shop Creative Babies and the wonderful use of vintage linens in her dress designs.
3. And of course our Vintage Kiddo Round Up where we scour Etsy and Ebay for the best in children's vintage.

What inspired you to start blogging?

I have been passionate and excited about fashion for as long as I can remember. Once I had my daughter my love for fashion and design naturally just spilled over into children's clothes, accessories and nursery design. Starting a blog where I could share my inspiring and creative finds seemed like the logical next step and I have loved every minute of it!

How do you keep up with the latest kids fashion and being a mom?

I'm not going to lie, it is a challenge! Trying to find time to scout out the newest trends while whipping up some mac n' cheese, building a block tower and painting my face for the day isn't the easiest thing in the world. All I have to say is thank God for naps! Amen and amen.

What are three things parents should think about when styling their kids?

1. I believe the number one thing to remember is comfort. Children want to be able to move and breathe in their clothes so lets not deny them of that. They can be stylish and not lose their ability to bustle around.
2. Try not to get too caught up in the "it" trends of the moment for they can quickly change. I find it better to purchase timeless pieces that will see your child through a season or two. (But, of course sneak in at least a trendy item or two!)
3. Don't be afraid to thrift. Some of the greatest pieces I've found for my daughter are from rummage sales or resale shops. When you buy something used the chances of someone else having it are pretty slim so you can look at it like you're getting a one of a kind piece.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. I am in love with Zara's children's line. It's so light and airy and all the floral patters? Hello! LOVE.
2. Stella McCartney Kids is another brilliant line. With bold prints and detailed embellishments any child would look simply darling in these clothes.
3. Vintage clothing for children doesn't get much cuter then what Belle Heir has to offer. The hand stitching, embroidery and attention to detail is remarkable.

What inspired you to start blogging?

I started blogging about 10 years ago. My very good friend Alix (of Modern Kiddo fame!) suggested I start a blog on Live Journal, which cracks me up when I think about how popular blogging is today.  It's so cool to look back and think about all the amazing ladies and mamas I've met over the years -- some of whom I've been lucky enough to meet in person, and so many of them I KNOW I'd be real life bffs. The support and friendship from the blogging community is one of a kind. That's probably one of the main reasons I've stayed with it all these years.

How do you keep up with the latest kids fashion and being a mom?

Well, I sort of shop for a living. I've been a vintage seller for 10 years now, and my work is about 50% hunting and gathering and 50% making it available online. I have two Etsy shops, which means I spend a good amount of time on Etsy, and it's no secret that Etsy is absolutely loaded with great shops for kids clothing, both new and vintage. Another great way to stay in touch and be in the know is to read other blogs. Most of my favorite blogs are written by Mamas who share common interests, so we all share our favorites with each other.

What are three things parents should think about when styling their kids?

Comfort, comfort, comfort. I think that sort of sums it up!

What are your three favorite posts?

1. This is a toughie! I am big on vintage, so I do most of my buying second hand. It's amazing what you can find for a buck or two in a Goodwill bin, or a couple dollars at a little thrift shop in a tiny town. My daughter's closet is proof (I share some of our favorite finds in a feature on the blog called: What She Wore).
2. Another favorite is the weekly round up from the gals at Modern Kiddo. This is great for people who don't have the time or energy to comb the internet looking for that special little find.
3. And then of course, there's Etsy. Treasures for days, my friends.