1. Tank from Gap Kids – $10.99 (on sale)

2. Shirt from Hanna Andersson – $25.00 (on sale – 50% OFF!)

3. Shorts from Loobalee – $7.50 (resale)

4. Boots available at Hanna Andersson – Original Hunter Boots $75.00 (new)

Instead of purchasing one of this season’s top trends, color-blocking, try putting together your own outfits.   Pull out the old, and mix it with a new solid tee or caplet, for example.   Mix pops of color together on top and bottom, then really rev up an outfit by layering solid, coordinating accessories and shoes!  Cute!

1. Jeans from Gymboree – $25.19 (on sale)

2. Ski Sweater from Hanna Andersson – $25.00 (on sale – 50% OFF!)

3. Fur Jacket from Gap – $50.00 (on sale)

4. Boots from Loobalee – $4.00 (resale)

Inspiration image found here.

Step 1) Your first layer should be something lightweight, and a collar works nicely too because you will be able to see it under the clothes. Try contrasting patterns. This Storyteller Plaid Shirt from Hanna Andersson would work great. It’s currently on sale for $30.

Step 2) Layer another collared shirt over top of the plaid shirt to create the contrast. This rugby shirt from GAP will surely do the trick. It’s currently on sale for $24.99.

Step 3) Top of the two shirts with a vest to keep them warm. This Gymboree vest is on Loobalee right now. But hurry, this won’t last long there. It’s only $7.99! It retails for $32.50, so this is an amazing deal.

Step 4) Last step, have them wear jeans that contrast with the tops. So, if he’s wearing all dark colors on the top, have him wear some light, distressed jeans like these that I found at Gymboree. They are on sale for $19.99, with an extra 25%, that leaves them at $14.99. Great deal for a good quality pair of jeans.

Inspiration image found here.

Inspiration images found here and here

1. J. Crew: Stanton Pants- $29.99 (on sale)

2. Gymboree: Earflap Hat- $10.49 (on sale)

3. Gymboree: Lace Up Weather Boot - $39.95 (regular price)

4. LoobaLee item: Cable Hooded Sweater- $7.00, retails for $32.50 (resale from jabemt)

Inspiration image found here.

It’s starting to get chilly outside, which means it’s time for layering. Layering allows you to combine all of your child’s favorite pieces of clothing into one outfit. This can be alot of fun to pair unexpected pieces, but careful not to send your child out the door looking like a marshmallow!

1. LoobaLee item: MP Tights - $8.00 (resale from suzanne)

2. Gymboree: Bow Sleeve Tee - $9.99 (on sale)

3. LoobaLee item: Sister Sam Skirt - $17.00 (resale from suzanne)

4. Youth Cherokee (Target): Floral Rain Boots – $19.99

Inspiration image found here.

Trend alert: jersey cargos, MacAlister boots and vintage tops mixed all together. We are going back in time and bringing some awesome trends to the 21st century.

1. LoobaLee item: Gymboree Leather Boots – $7.00 (retails for $34.50), size 2 Regular  (resale from jabemt)

2. J Crew: Knit Carpenter Pants - $19.99 (on sale)

3. FORE Axel & Hudson: Blue Driving Hat- $20.00 (via 1 Handsome Hat)

4. Gymboree: Oxford Shirt – $9.99, (on sale)

5. LoobaLee item: Striped Tie - $2.50 (retails for $9.50), (resale from jabemt)

Inspiration image found here.

Trend alert: bold patterns and colors. It’s everywhere right now. To get this look for your little girl, you won’t have to do much digging. You can find high quality items at sale prices if you shop right.

1. Mini Boden: Ruffle Jersey Dress – $20.00, (on sale)

2. Tea Collection: Flores Top - $29.00 (on sale)

3. The Children’s Place – Pink Scarf – $4.79 (on sale)

4. LoobaLee item: Gymboree Heart Bottoms - $6.30, size 6 Regular  (resale from jabemt)

5. Forever 21 – Sunglasses Print Socks – $0.95 (new)  (such a cute price, and believe it or not, many girls can wear women’s socks by 8 yrs. old)

6. Hanna Andersson – Spot On Dress – $28.00 (on sale)

Inspiration image found here.

This fall season is all about mixing different patterns. Plaid & stripes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to mix, and it can all be done on a budget. By buying statement pieces at resale prices and finding quality, staple items at an affordable price, you can get this look for your little boy.

1. LoobaLee item: Gap Tweed Wool Jacket – $15.99, size 2T  (resale from dsquared71)

2. Tea Collection: Zocalo Plaid Shirt – $39.00 (new)

3. Hanna Andersson – Striped Thermal Crewneck – $22.00 (on sale)

4. Old Navy – Boys Faded Skinny Cords – $18.00 (on sale)

In preparation, I went back and checked some of the Fall Fashion trade show videos for inspiration.   Here are two I thought you might enjoy watching for some upstylin’ ideas!   They are from Kid Style Source.   Enjoy!

KidStyleSource.com on the Playtime trade show floor – Fall Winter ’11/’12 from Kid Style Source on Vimeo.

KidStyleSource.com on the trade show floor – Fall Winter ’11/’12 from Kid Style Source on Vimeo.

How did I think of “Upstyling”?

I shipped out a Gymboree Dress that I sold from the “Teacher’s Pet” line, 2005.  I asked the Buyer if she had anything special in mind for the dress.   And, I found out she lives in L.A. and that her daughter often auditions for TV and Commercials (even has an agent!).   She bought the dress as a potential audition / portfolio outfit.   She’s going to pair with modern boots, so it will fit right in with today’s styles!

This makes me think back to the Gymboree lines I loved from the early – mid 2000′s, which was Pre-CPSIA legislation and prior to the current trends now featured at Gymboree.   The quality in materials and manufacturing today are far different than the workmanship that drove Gymboree’s popularity years back.  You could count on the brand to be indestructible but not anymore!  That, however, is another story.

Today, I want to encourage you to look at the older lines for some real gems.  You’ll find high quality fabrics and sequins, rhinestones, and embellishments that are just too expensive for Gymboree to use today due increased legislation and manufacturing costs.

Take a lessons from the buyer of this dress and look pieces that you can easily update, or “upstyle” with today’s footwear, accessories, or coordinating pieces.   You’ll be glad you did!   Shop LoobaLee’s current Gymboree listings.  You’ll find some awesome deals on great clothing that you can upstyle on your own.

It’s one of those all-around-feel-good kind of things!

Do you have upstyling ideas?  Share below – maybe we’ll feature your idea in a guest post!

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LoobaLee.com/blog: Inspiring the “Conscious Kids’ Closet”… One Outfit At a Time