Springing back into action.

Mommas, it's been a while! I just managed to pull myself out from underneath my tax season rock this past week, and now I can focus on more fun things... like this ridiculously cute luggage from Pottery Barn Kids.

Shoot, forget the kids - I'd carry this stuff. Toss in a few sundresses and some sunblock and let's head for the coast!

Thanks for sticking around, mommas. Stay tuned - I'm going to have a lot of exciting stuff coming your way over the summer, including some great giveaways. And Bump Day will be back in action starting next week!

Brand Favorites: Trumpette

As a self-proclaimed accessories girl, it's only natural that I'd fall head over well-dressed-heels for this delicious brand. There's nothing cuter than wildly colorful tights or socks on a little one, and Trumpette takes the cake on fun socks, if you ask me. But even more drool-worthy? These itty bitty mocs!




Seriously, can it get any cuter? (The only answer to that is a solid "no.") I'll take one in every color, thanks.





Trumpette's first big seller was "The Perfect Little Dozen" - a traditional egg crate filled with 12 pairs of baby socks in a rainbow of colors. The old school ones really were in actual brown egg crates... it was (and still is) one of my favorite go-to baby shower gifts. Just plain adorable, but incredibly practical too!



You've probably also seen their famous Mary Jane socks on little fashionistas around town. And the thing mommas love about Trumpette socks? They stay on.





After 20 years in business, these guys must be doing something right. Check out more of their adorable products here. You can also find Trumpette products at other retailers all over the country. LOVE! And I'll leave you with my absolute favorite... I'm such a sucker for a kid in wellies!

Love Captured Contest

Oh, mommas... who doesn't love a freebie? Well I've got a fab one for you! If it's true that a picture speaks a thousand words, than I've got a mouthful. Atlanta-based Chikadeez Photography and Make Room for Style are partnering up for a contest in honor of Valentine's Day. What's at stake? A free 2-hour on-location photo session with Laura at Chikadeez Photography (a $150 value)...

If these beautiful photos don't make you smile, you just might need a pulse check. Chikadeez Photography serves the Greater Metro Atlanta Area and specializes in natural light photography. The photographer, Laura, specializes in family, children, and pet portraiture. Working with Laura is sure to be an experience to remember... one filled with laughter, goofiness, and stories to share with your family afterward! Who doesn't love goofiness?

So this 2-hour photo session is all about you and what you want to make of it! You'll have unlimited outfit changes within that time period. And mommas, please note this session is for the metro-Atlanta area only. Anyone is welcome to enter, but you'll need to make your way to Atlanta to claim your prize. So how do you enter?

Here's what to do. As a tie-in with Valentine's Day, we want to hear your greatest love story! It may be about your husband, your child, or even that bun in the oven... it's up to you. Give us your great love story and a winner will be chosen on Valentine's Day. Leave a comment on this post with your story. There's no minimum or maximum words here... this isn't a college essay. Just let your heart do the talking! Get those entries in by Friday, February 12th at 5pm EST to qualify.

Is that a fab deal or what? We think so. For those of you drooling over these photos, the good news is you don't have to wait. Chikadeez is offering $50 off a photo session fee when you mention Make Room for Style. Contact Laura and check out more of her amazing work at Chikadeez Photography.

Brand Favorites: Hanna Andersson

What's one of my favorite things about fall? Little girls running around in colorful tights. If I wouldn't get some strange looks, I might wear these myself. But it's a little harder to get away with once you get out of grade school...

And if you ask me, the authority on fabulously fun tights for girls is Hanna Andersson. This is a favorite brand of mine that's been around for over 20 years. There are a lot of "Mommy & Me" type looks in the catalog - not my favorite. But if you can get past that, the kids' clothes are just delicious. But especially tasty this season is their huge selection of tights and leggings.

Atlanta moms, you can find Hanna Andersson stores at Perimeter Mall and Phipps Plaza. I do encourage you to visit a store if you have one nearby. Some catalogs don't do a brand justice and I really think this is one of them. The colors and fabrics are so much more vibrant in person.

How fun are these colors? Even with the dreary, rainy weather we've had here this week, you can't help but smile when you see a little girl in a pair of these.

Brand Favorites: Crewcuts

If you know me at all, you know I love everything J. Crew. So it's no surprise that I'm a big sucker for their crewcuts collection for kids. J. Crew has sold some children's items here and there in the past, but a couple of years ago they officially launched their crewcuts line for ages 2-12.



You can find these mini J. Crew items in a selection of J. Crew stores and a handful of actual crewcuts stores, but you'll find the most selection online.



Now are these the most affordable children's clothes? Momma, please. If you're me, you're only shopping here for two reasons... either you're looking for a fabulous formal outfit for your child to wear in a wedding or other special occasion, OR you're hitting a big sale. And J. Crew does have killer sales, so don't count this one out when you see those retail tags. I never pay retail, mommas, and neither should you.



Keep an eye on the sale items online. They don't necessarily match the sale prices in store, so get on J. Crew's mailing list so you can be alerted to new sale items and additional discounts. They are always having promotions for "additional 20%" or "additional 30%" off sale items. You can get some ridiculous deals if you time it right.



If you've got a location near you with the crewcuts collection in store, keep an eye on their sale section as well. Sometimes the store sales will beat the online sales, so you just have to keep tabs on both. Definitely add this one to your shopping rolodex... it's a goodie.

Tax-Free Shopping Weekend

Georgia mommas, this weekend is a fab time to get your shop on. While saving on sales tax alone isn't really a *huge* savings, it's a fun little perk - especially when you forget about it till you get to the register. But add a great sale on top of that and you can count me in!

There are lots of great sales happening around town, but here's a couple worth mentioning for you mommas looking to dress your tots, yourself, and even your bump. The first big sale is one you Gwinnett moms will definitely want to hit...


Hansel & Gretel Children's Boutique

* BACK TO SCHOOL SALE *

Friday, July 31st to Saturday, August 1st!

Come take advantage of the TAX FREE BACK TO SCHOOL WEEKEND!

-ALL Clothing Marked Down 40% to 70% Off

-Shoes Priced At 20% Off

-Matching Backpacks and Lunch Boxes

Can Be Personalized In Time For School

1999 Mall Of Georgia Blvd

(next to Pigtails & Crewcuts)

Buford, Georgia 30519

770-614-6860

But hold up, mommas... before you run out that door, be sure to hop over here and print off this coupon valid for 30% off your ENTIRE purchase at all Gap stores through Sunday, August 2nd. The coupon is good for multiple use - it's really more like a "pass" - and can be redeemed at all Gap stores, Old Navy, and Banana Republic! Even better? Five percent of the proceeds from all your purchases will go to the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society. Finding bargains and helping attack cancer... all in a day's work!

Remember, some Old Navy stores carry a selection of maternity items in store (though it's not near as much as they have available online). Also Baby Gap stores often have maternity sections in the back too. Check locations online if you're on the hunt for some maternity bargains.

Happy shopping, mommas!

Georgia moms, here's the nitty gritty on the tax-free shopping...

The sales tax exemption pertains to items in three categories:

Articles of Clothing. The exemption applies to articles of clothing and footwear with a sales price at time of purchase of $100 or less per item. There is no monetary limit on a purchase as long as the price of a single item does not exceed $100. Clothing accessories such as handbags, umbrellas, etc. are not exempt. See the lists of exempt and taxable items for more information.

Personal Computers. A single $1,500 or less purchase of a personal computer (PC) and/or related accessories is exempt. The exemption does not require the purchase of a “personal computer base unit” (tower, desktop, laptop) and is extended to peripheral devices such as modems, printers, speakers, non-recreational software, etc. If a single purchase exceeds the $1,500 maximum the entire purchase is taxable. A single purchase is considered the total of all sales made to a customer in one visit to a store. See the lists of exempt and taxable items for more information.

General School Supplies. The exemption applies to the purchase of general school supplies with a sales price at the time of purchase of $20 or less per item. There is no monetary limit on the purchase as long as the price of a single item does not exceed $20. See the lists of exempt and taxable items for more information

Source: Georgia Department of Revenue

Brand Favorites: Zutano

Isn't that a fun name? For years, Zutano has been one of my all-time favorite brands of clothing and accessories for tiny tots. I've given many a Zutano gift to my expectant momma friends. Cotton never looked so happy, if you ask me. Their array of fabulously fun prints can't help but make you smile!





Zutano was created by two New York artists who were on the hunt for something more fun for their own child to wear. Fast forward 20 years, and now you have the beautiful Zutano collection, made up of cotton basics in endless colors and prints. The creative color combinations give their pieces a modern look and are rarely matched among all the clothing you find in the big name stores. All the pieces are intended to be mixed and matched - which makes this collection not only fun, but very functional.




Even better, these cotton basics are surprisingly affordable. Sure, you can spend less, but mommas, you can definitely spend more. Plus all the moms I've talked to that are fans of Zutano have commented about how well their products hold up. If you're looking for a great gift for a new mom-to-be, Zutano is a great place to start. The colorful prints make especially great gifts for moms who are waiting to find out baby's gender... these color combos are way more fun than yellow and green!





You're sure to find Zutano products in your local baby boutiques, but here are some online retailers that carry the brand...

Comfy Kids

Modern Moppet

Olliebollen

Zutano - Itzy Bitzy

Atlanta moms, here are just a few great spots around town where you can find Zutano...

Lil Squeeze at Limetree

Sprout (my personal favorite in the city - big selection!)

New Baby Products

Hansel & Gretel

This weekend: Children's Boutique Sale

Atlanta moms, clear your calendars...


This Friday and Saturday comes a fabulous sale that only happens a couple of times each year, mommas. Countless children's boutiques from across the city gather under one roof for two days only to get rid of clearance and overstock items. Some ridiculous deals are sure to be had! It's a bargainista's dream come true. Admission to the event is $5, which benefits the Bethesda Home for Boys. Here's a sampling of some of the fabulous retailers that will be represented this weekend...

Jessica's Closet & Joshua's Closet ~ A Mano ~ Sugar Plum Kids ~ Addy's Closet ~ Victoria's Children's Boutique ~ The Doodle Store ~ Wiggle ~ Lark and Loon ~ Pears & Bears ~ Divine Consign Show ~ Lilly and Lucy ~ Tiger Lily Kids ~ Limetree ~ Isabel Greika ~ Layla Luv Fashions ~ marshmallows in the Closet ~ Kangaroo Pouch ~ Little English ~ Me-N-Mommy ~ The Wholesale Boutique ~ Due Maternity ~ Pink Crocodile ~ Bumble Boutique ~ Monkee Moos

Please note that only cash or check is accepted - no credit cards! And you'll do best to leave the kids at home - this is no leisurely shopping experience. Strollers are allowed, but are strongly discouraged. (You don't want to be that mom, do you?!) All sales are final. So grab your cash and c'mon!

1611 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard

Atlanta, GA 30318

Friday, July 24th 10am - 5pm

Saturday, July 25th 10am - 3pm

For more info on this event, hop over here.

Worth a squeeze...

Atlanta moms, be sure to swing by one of the Limetree locations this week to hit the big sale at Lil Squeeze! ALL spring and summer kids' clothing is 50% off, Thursday through Sunday. Get there early on Thursday and get 60% off!

If you're not familiar with Limetree, it's a fabulous spot for gifts and many of the locations have a separate "Lil Squeeze" section just for tots. They carry lots of great designers including a nice collection of Zutano, one of my personal faves. A must-hit for all you stylish mommas...

Trendy kids, listen up!

Fab boutiques in the 'burbs are few and far between. Any girl knows a serious shopping trip requires a day in the city. But when I stumble upon a real retail gem in suburbia, I take note. (And so should you.) Gwinnett mommas, here's one to put on your radar...

Bambaroos, located off Hamilton Mill just west of I-85, is a fabulous spot for the best in trendy kids' clothing and gifts. I was amazed at the sheer size of the place, first of all - the selection is huge. Each section of the store is beautifully pieced together with a gorgeous collection of pint-sized clothing and accessories. You can't help but smile when you walk in... it's a very *happy* store. And many, many things were on sale. Lots of great markdowns throughout the store! In the back corner of the shop is a collection of maternity items hand-picked by the owner, as well as a selection of trendy diaper bags and other accessories for mom.

If you're in the area, be sure to pop by this great boutique on Friday for some big savings! You know I love style on a dime. Who doesn't? Bambaroos also has an online store accessible to stylish mommas and tots everywhere. The site's a work in progress, per Emily, the store manager. So the website may be less than top notch, but don't let that fool you. This sweet shop gets an A+ from me.

A shower gift that's truly drool-worthy.

As you'll soon find out in my upcoming post on baby registries (stay tuned!), mommas need LOTS of burp cloths. Babies are messy little things, did ya know? That's no reason not to spit up in style... or rather, on an uber stylish burpee! One of the fabulous new products Javis Davis is launching this summer is this adorable reusable jar with a sweet little bib and matching burpee tucked inside...




A bent-handle spoon for baby is attached as well. And the best part? As in true Javis Davis style, YOU get to pick the fabrics! Customized or not, this is a fab gift. But knowing you took the time to pick out the sweet prints will warm momma's heart.

For a look at all the great fabric collections available at Javis Davis, click here. The jar sets are $28, or bibs and burpees can be purchased individually for $11 each. A steal of a deal, if you ask me. And you can't get any more original! Contact me with questions or to purchase!

For your American Girl.

Here's to a fabulous holiday weekend for all! May your Memorial Day be filled with sunshine, cookouts, and all things summer... and may we all take time to remember the brave men and women we lost who gave us the freedom to enjoy wonderful days such as this!

To get ready for the weekend, be sure to stop by Old Navy today to stock up on flip flops for the whole family... today only, they are all $1 per pair (in store only). While you're there, you may want to check out these precious patriotic frocks if you've got a sweet little girl to dress...

The boys' "July 4th" collection is a bit of a snooze, but Old Navy has some really cute pieces for girls. And while the $1 flip flops are hard to pass up, how stinkin' cute are these metallic T-strap thongs for little feet? I love seeing adult trends downsized for baby - it doesn't always work, but this sandal is drool-worthy for sure.

Have a safe and happy holiday, mommas!

From top to bottom, left to right: Ruffled star-print swimsuit, $10 on sale (from $14.50); Smocked printed dress in Seeing Red, $14.50; Bandana print sunhat, $9.50; Patriotic print flip-flops, $5 (or $1 TODAY in stores!); Metallic thong sandals in gold or silver, $8.50.

You say overstock, I say stock up!

What's almost as good as being spoiled on Mother's Day? How about a warehouse full of delicious duds for your tots at rock-bottom prices? Leave the kids at home and grab the checkbook, mommas...

Divine Consign is coming to Atlanta Friday, May 14th for a two-day blowout sale in Buckhead. Boutiques and designers from all over will have their overstocks drastically reduced - and all under one roof. But don't expect a leisurely afternoon shopping trip, sipping on cappuccinos with your girlfriends... This is a sport, mommas, so grab your bat and put your game face on.

Shoppers, be sure to read up on the guidelines for more information. Note that no strollers are allowed and the only accepted forms of payment are cash and check. No credit or debit cards! Volunteers are also needed to pull this event off, so if you're interested in carrying a shift or two (usually 2-3 hours per shift), you'll be allowed to shop before the sale opens to the general public... which means you get first dibs on the goods! For more details on volunteer opportunities, hop over here.

The Atlanta Spring Overstock Show will be held in the old Linens & Things location in the Publix / Barnes and Noble shopping center off Peachtree Street in Buckhead. Don't miss out!

Plug in: Online Sample Sales

Over the last couple of years, private online sample sale boutiques have been all the rage with cyber-fashionistas. Getting designer duds at bargain basement prices is the name of the game... and with the limited shopping windows and perceived exclusivity of it all, it's definitely drool-worthy! Most of the featured boutiques are only open for 2-3 days. And at deeply discounted prices, the goods go fast! Your best plan of attack? Know what sales are happening when and have your hand on the mouse as soon as the boutiques open for business.

While there's a whole slew of great sample sites out there for women's fashions, you moms and moms-to-be should take note of a few ones that often offer up fabulous boutiques for children's clothing and accessories. First is one of my absolute faves, Rue La La. The creators of Smart Bargains launched this site last summer to much success. I actually use this one a lot for gifts... you'll mostly find boutiques featuring women's and men's clothing and accessories here and the occasional homegoods sale, but they will throw in a great children's boutique every once in a while and you don't want to miss it!

To gain access to Rue La La, click here and click on the "not a member?" icon at the bottom of the page. A new window will pop up and you can enter my email address (exactly as entered below) as the inviting member:

Another great sample site you must plug into is Gilt Groupe. You may've noticed some of their featured sales in my sidebar. They have great designer children's boutiques going on pretty regularly, so I'm always popping in to see what they've got on sale. Both Rue La La and Gilt have excellent customer service and they aim to please.

To gain access to Gilt Groupe, click here to register.

And the newest sample site you mommas cannot miss out on is The Mini Social. This site, just launched last fall, is exclusively for mom and baby, offering up fabulous style at sample sale prices. And to top it off, a portion of all sales goes to great charities like UNICEF.

Currently, access to The Mini Social is open to everyone! Click here to register.

Happy shopping, mommas!

Stroll with Style.

Tots on wheels need style too, you know. I've had my eye on these designer fabric stroller totes at MollyAnna Maternity for a while, but I lingered a little longer today when I found them on sale...

Several fun patterns to choose from here... grab one of these and slap a monogram on it and you've got the perfect baby shower gift.

Stroller Bag, $28 on sale (from $68).

Easter Lilly.

Wishing you all a fabulous Good Friday and Easter Sunday full of love, family, and lots of style! Here's a little dose of Lilly to get you in the mood...

From left to right, top to bottom: Baby Lilly Shift Dress, $98; Flossie Dress, $78; Little Lilly Flora Shift, $68; Maren Dress, $98.