What inspired you to start blogging?

I have kept an online journal of sorts ever since I was in highschool. Back then, my entries consisted of me and my girlfriends' weekly expeditions to see local bands and my aspirations of marrying a singing guitar player that would serenade me in bed every morning. Nearly a decade later,  the need to write down the bits and pieces of my life hasn't left me. I may have married a tone-deaf country boy, but we have two sweet girls and a little house filled to the brim with failed crafting attempts, lots of clothing, and love above all else. I have never known anything sweeter. My blog is where I record our love story, which may not be the greatest story ever told, but something I sure do treasure to the tips of my toes.

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

I wouldn't really say I "keep up" with the fashions, but I will say I have a real problem when it comes to saying "no" to vintage clothing. It's a bit of an addiction and we have quite the collection. Classic prints like houndstooth and plaid will never get old to me, and when they're paired with smocking, dainty lace trims, or old buttons --  this heart can't contain itself. I think one of the greatest joys and responsibilities that comes along with being a mother is being able to shop and provide for our little ones.

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

1. Longevity. i am sure i am not the only mama out there that doesn't have thousands of dollars to spend on children's clothing. I love to look for pieces that can grow with my child -- ie, dresses that can become a skirt or shirt eventually. Not only does it stretch your dollar, but you seriously can't put a price on the nostalgia that comes with seeing your baby finally out grow that piece she also wore on her 2nd birthday.
2. Versatility. I love mixing and matching and layering. Try to shop for pieces that compliment each other and aren't too season specific.
3. Comfort. I know this should probably go without saying, but I see it all the time. Cute outfits aren't so cute when there is fussing about how tight, restraining, or itchy the material is.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. Pillowcase dresses. 
2. Handmade hair bows
3. Holy suspenders!

What inspired you to start blogging?

I’d been designing toys for almost ten years before I started Small for Big, but when I became pregnant I realized I wanted a place to keep track of the trends, products, and inspiration I was already researching while working on designs. Suddenly, I had another reason to keep track of it all. It’s now grown to become an important place where I can be mom AND designer, instead of being just one or the other. I really love building a  community with like-minded pals, too.

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

I’m obsessed with everything visual. So for me, it’s a natural thing: every time my girl grows out of something it’s time to go on the hunt. I love searching out unique modern kids fashion with an eye on small budgets, a good dose of vintage and a strong nod to color and pattern. It flows through everything from fashion to toys and décor. Be young, silly, and a little loud!

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

1. Keeping your kids comfortable (and dirt-ready) does not mean elastic waists and boring T-shirts. I love Threadless.com for T’s (they have GREAT sales too) and jeggings from H&M for everyday.
2. Always start with the sales area of your more expensive favorite brands. Often the quirkiest pieces are still available at a much more affordable price. But my favorite places to look are flash sale websites – I’ve listed my favorites in this post.
3. Mix it up, kids feel more unique when you layer things up from different sources. They’re kids! So think less about coordinating and more about mixing up colors and patterns. And when they help pick the things they wear, the fashion is theirs.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. More or less: Stella McCartney Kids
2. The (global) taste of fall clothes
3. Worth 4000 words: Toddler Glasses

What inspired you to start blogging?

I started more out of frustration than inspiration. When I was pregnant it seemed like all the beautiful things for babies/kids cost a small fortune or weren’t available in the US market. I think things are getting better with more flash sales sites, where you can get high-end kids clothing at a good price and companies like Target and Babies r Us enlisting designers to create collections.

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

I am lucky to be in NYC, so it’s easy to pop in a store or schedule showroom appointment to see a new collection. But I spend a lot of time combing the web, writing designers to keep me in the loop.

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

1. Remember they are kids, not mini-adults— matching is boring
2. Kids need accessories too.
3. Don’t be afraid to dress your kid in pieces from the opposite sex. My son almost always wears girl’s cuts in jeans since the boy’s styles are always way too boxy and stiff.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. French kids’ fashion is some of the best. I had fun doing this Paris-inspired fashion round-up including lots of inexpensive pieces from old navy and the gap.
2. It’s rare that I love everything in a collection, but the Spanish label Bobo Choses has the most whimsical children’s clothing that captures the essence of the season.
3. Tiny trunks for little boys—back to don’t dress your kid like an adult.