Spring is finally on it’s way!  As the snow slowly melts and the sun starts enticing kids outside for more play time, be prepared for muddy shoe syndrome.  Avoid sacrificing your kids shoes to moisture and mud by picking up a pair of rain boots or as we like to call them, slop boots.   

They are perfect for running around playground and in the backyard in the spring as well as for exploring the beach when temperatures rise.  The bonus, just hose them down and you’re good to go.  

Rain boots are not just for rainy days anymore.  They are quickly becoming a fashion statement.  Girls love them with skirts and dresses, like little fashion icon, Suri Cruise does and boys just love wearing them.  It’s an affordable way to bring a little more fun into your children’s wardrobe. 

Not only will a cool pair of kid friendly boots make exploring more fun but will but will put parents at ease knowing their good shoes won’t be sacraficed to the mud monster. 

Finding the perfect pair that your kids will love is easier than ever.  We’ve got a few ideas for you below that won’t break the bank (all under $35).  

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

For those that have always been curious as to the quality of mini Boden, now is your chance to feel it out in person by stopping by your closest Nordstrom store.  The large specialty clothing retailer has garnered exclusive sales in the United States from London-based mini Boden children’s clothing. 

Mini Boden specializes in playful, funky and colorful kids wear that is engineered for maximum durability within the comfort standards that kids demand.  Nordstrom’s high end appeal along with their selection of quality children’s designers makes the duo a good fit. Boden’s director of children’s wear, Robin Howard, said they are flattered to be chosen by the department store, “After working with Nordstrom’s management we are all refreshed to find they have a similar sense of humor to ours – that means a lot to us Brits.”

Nordstrom introduced mini Boden this fall in seven of their retail stores including Seattle, Washington; San Jose & Brea, California; Skokie, Illinois; Paramus, N.J.; McLean Va; and Dallas, Texas.  Now you can find a sampling of Spring 2010 frocks for infants, toddlers, boys and girls at 57 Nordstrom stores throughout the United States in addition to Nordstrom.com.

Nordstrom’s national children’s wear merchandise manager, Gary Flynn said in a press release, “We’ve admired the Mini Boden brand from afar for some time.  We’re proud to be the first and only retailer to be carrying the line in America.  We love the brand’s pure design sensibility and we think our customers will too.”

Is this a new trend for Nordstrom and retailers as whole?  We saw it back in January with the introduction of Hanna Andersson clothing at Costco and Nordstrom.  This is a great way to introduce catalog and online brands to the masses as long as quality standards remain in tact. 

Click here to see if the mini Boden collection is available at your Nordstrom store.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

What happens when a pair of blue jeans collide with leggings?  You get Jeggings, a new phenomenon making it’s way into mainstream fashions.

Jeggings is simply another term for denim patterned leggings and they are becoming increasingly popular with the pre-teen and teen crowd.  The idea is to take her skinny jeans to another level with form fitting stretch fabrics without the discomfort. 

We’ve seen these new hybrid bottoms in different “washes” with functional belt loops and zippers.  Some have faux pockets, zippers and buttons stitched on to look like the real thing while others are more straight forward.  The pair pictured to the left are complete with a broken in appearance and embellished studs on faux front and back pockets.  

This spring, we’ll see cropped styles that can be rolled up or at mid calf length to compliment her favorite sneakers or sandals. 

What does this mean for kids?  Another fun fashion element to add to her wardrobe.  Jeggings are great transitional item to wear now with long sweaters and tunics or under a tank dress in the Spring and right through to fall again paired with her favorite long hoodie and boots. 

We’re not sure how long this jegging trend will last but we do know our girls love ‘em!

Do your girls have or want a pair of denim leggings?  Are these just another crazy fashion trend or a brilliant idea?  Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the section below.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

If you’re out and about shopping for your kids today at Macy’s, Bloomingdales, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren or Nordstrom, be on the look out for the new “To Haiti With Love“ t-shirts which went on sale yesterday. 

The shirts are made possible by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a non profit organization composed of over 350 top American designers including; Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan and Vera Wang to name a few.  

These special t-shirts were designed by Peter Arnell and manufactured by Theory under the “Fashion for Haiti” label.  They feature a lime green map of Haiti with the words, Hope-Heal-Help-Haiti and retail for $25.   

Net proceeds from the sale of each top will be donated to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund which sends support funds for immediate as well as long term recovery for those who were effected by the devastating hurricane on January 12. 

As parents, we are always trying to get our kids to think outside of themselves.  With something as simple as wearing this shirt yourself or purchasing it for an older child it can become a wonderful impetus to get teens and tweens involved in the bigger picture and start the process of raising awareness for others in need.  

“The total devastation of Haiti is unimaginable. I am always amazed by the strength, talent and compassion of our industry and now more than ever it is essential we come together and help make a difference.”  -Ralph Lauren

For a list of participating retailers click this link.

Have you spotted these shirts on your shopping adventure?  Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

Feeling the winter blues?  

If you’re looking to put a little Easter spring in your step, take a peek at some new children’s fashions that will be available right after Valentine’s Day.  

Crazy 8 is giving us a sneak peek at their new Easter Favorites (seen below) which will be in stores and online February 16. 

Take a look at Crazy 8 on Facebook for a closer look.

Spring really is just around the corner… right?

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

Disney actress, Emily Grace Reaves, best known for her role as Cindy Lou in Hannah Montana: The Movie and Miley’s little sister, Noah Cyrus, have decided to take their Noie & Ems Web Show fame to the next level by launching a new girls clothing line. 

The girls have teamed up with Ooh! La, La! Couture, a label that has been designing boutique quality clothing with distinctive flare since 2004.  The new styles will be dubbed, The Emily Grace Collection.  The line promises to be versatile, fun, sweet and a little rock and roll depending on how it’s worn.  Ooh! La, La! Couture says the “collection’s trendy, sweet, yet edgy feel, is reminiscent of Emily’s true personality.”  

The Emily Grace Collection consists of tank style dresses with tutu skirts in a range of bold prints including zebra and leopard prints.  The dresses are targeting for girls age 12 months to 10 years and are priced between $90 and $112.   The fashions will debut at Frank Segal in Santa Monica, California with a red carpet event on Valentine’s Day.  A sampling of the collection (including those seen in the video below and pictured left) can be pre-ordered at Ron Robinson.    

The driving force behind the designs is to raise awareness for the Lollipops and Rainbows Foundation launched in May 2009.  The foundation was formed to support four of Emily’s favorite charities (The Peace Fund, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Children Uniting Nations) and hopes to encourage youngsters and parents to support charities that are meaninful to them.  

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Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

Buying and selling kids clothing doesn’t have to be complicated.  Here on LoobaLee, we make it easy, fun and affordable.  With the latest eBay fee change announcement, they have come up with yet another complicated document to study.  Since we’re all about making your online resale experience easier, we thought we’d help simplify the changes. 

Effective March 30, 2010, eBay auction style listings for those that start at $.99 and under will be free.  If the item sells, you pay a 9% final value fee (up from 8.75% currently).  With this tactic, the risk of having to part with that precious designer garment for less than a buck is a reality and can be heartbreaking.  If your item doesn’t sell, you pay nothing.  For eBay auctions starting at $1 and above you pay $.25 – $2 per item depending on the initial cost in addition to a 9% final value fee.     

Fixed price insertion fees are going up from 35 cents to 50 cents per item plus you will pay a hefty 12% of the final price once sold – unless you have an eBay store (see subscription rates below). 

An eBay Basic store is $15.95 per month for those who sell 50 or more items.  You will pay a 20 cent insertion fee for each fixed price item plus a 12% final value fee for clothing items selling under $50. 

An eBay Premium store is $49.95 per month for those who sell 250 or more items.  You will pay a 5 cent insertion fee for each fixed price item plus a 12% final value fee for clothing items selling under $50.

The eBay Anchor store is $299.95 per month for high volume sellers (500 or more items).  You will pay a 3 cent insertion fee for each fixed price item plus a 12% final value fee for items selling under $50.

On Loobalee, there are no hidden fees, pictures are free, list as many items as you please and everyone gets their very own store!  There is no fine print and no complicated fee structures.  Simply choose your length of time…  One month, 3 months or one year and get unlimited listings during your subscription period.    

Our simple flat rate subscription with unlimited listings and our guarantee makes the choice between selling on Ebay and selling on LoobaLee a no brainer! 

 Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

We are huge fans of high quality children’s apparel and Hanna Andersson is at the top of our list.  We recently learned that Hanna Andersson pieces have been spotted at Costco and Nordstrom.  Rumor has it that they will be seen in a few more out of the ordinary places in the future. 

The retailer confirmed the rumor but says that their website and stores will remain the best place to find the complete selection.  Their Facebook discussion page states, “The most important thing we want to let our Hanna fans know is that our commitment to quality will not change; the prints, patterns, and styles might be different – but not the quality.”   

The dresses for Costco are apparently made from past season overstock fabrics.  The sizing remains the same but the tags on these pieces include traditional Hanna sizes along with US Sizing to avoid confusion to Costo customers.   This tag discrepancy will make it easier to spot so from a resale perspective that’s good news.  Pictured below are the three dress styles currently found at Costco stores for $13.99.  Each dress is made in two different color options. 

While the brand is testing out bigger markets at Costco, Hanna’s are popping up at Nordstrom’s too.  This pairing seems to be a better fit.  We found this cute little dress at Nordstrom.com along with sleepers, bodysuits and rompers for boys and girls in infants sizes.   All of these garments can also be found at Hanna Andersson stores and online for the same price.  The bonus, if you live near a store, you save on shipping.  You also have the option to buy online and pick up in stores.  It will be interesting to see how markdowns and sales will be handled so the two stores are not competing with one another. 

Many fear offering Hanna’s at other big box stores (Costco in particular) will cheapen the brand and/or make it less of an heirloom quality label.  Others think it’s a great way to make the brand accessible and affordable.  We’d love to know what you think.  Feel free to leave a comment below.  

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

With thousands of Haitians suffering from the after effects of the earthquake, children’s retailers are stepping up to help. 

Join Little Miss Matched in their efforts to help the children of Haiti.  They have generously reserved a gift of clothing to send to the earthquake rescue efforts.  They are asked for your help, simply by offering your email.  For every person who signs up using the link below now through February 16, Little Miss Matched will add an item of clothing to their donation in your name.  They are looking to reach their goal of 20,000 articles of clothing to help Haitian children.

Sign up using this link.

Gymboree has teamed up with the American Red Cross to offer much needed funds to the rescue efforts.  To donate, simply stop by any Gymboree store or add a donation to your online order ($1 or up to $100).  No purchase is necessary to make a contribution and any amount you can give will help.    

Purchase from our featured seller, JTSCsMom right here on LoobaLee.  We’ll send 15% of your purchase made now through January 31st to Save the Children: Support the Haiti Earthquake Children. 

We’ll keep you posted on other ways you can help as opportunities arise. 

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

January 19 – February 24

Aeropostale is running their 3rd annual Teens for Jeans drive starting today through February 24, 2010.   This year they are hoping to top the 200,000 pairs of denim that were collected last year.   

You can be part of the campaign, simply bring in any pair of gently used jeans to an Aeropostale store and get a coupon for 25% off a new pair.  Collected jeans will be donated to local shelters and charities that well help homeless teens. 

This is a great opportunity to get your kids involved in something bigger.  Visit DoSomething.org for ideas on how to take action and run their own teens for jeans drive from their very own school.  Get advice on how to get started, poster downloads and facts on homeless youth. 

Don’t forget to post pictures of your kids in action for a chance to win celebrity signed jeans, a congratulatory banner to proudly display or a pizza party for the entire school.  What better way to teach your kids about giving back to their community!

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!