For months I have been promising people in DMs and comments that I would make this gigantic toddler shopping guide and today is that day.
I don’t talk a lot about clothing on Instagram or this blog, because I don’t want our memories to come off like clothing ads because they aren’t. That said, I completely relate with the yearning to know every cute childrens store ever because it’s SO FUN. It’s kind of a hobby, honestly. So let’s get into it….
Matching Outfits: I fully realize how silly all this is, but I’m not here to defend myself. I’m here to tell you where to shop. 🙂 I can sum this up pretty quickly! Our first outfit is from Thief & Bandit (adults/kids) they have a lot of cute matching prints in different styles. The sweaters are from Chicwish (adults/kids) size down if you get the adult one. The brown dresses in the second pic are from Rylee + Cru, which is one of my favorites! The plaid dresses are from Doen. The overalls are from Harlow Jade (I actually bought these for myself before we were even adopting because they are such a cute fit and it’s hard for find overalls with really big bell bottoms). They also sell the bodysuits for kids, which are really useful for toddler layering. Love this one.
Hats, Sunnies, Knee Socks, Shoes: I get so many questions about where we buy sunnies, but it’s difficult to answer because my answer really is “everywhere”. I have always loved kids sunnies and had quite a few stashed away before we began our adoption. Anyway! Here are places I have found cute sunnies (a lot of stores will have more options in the spring/summer, so stock up then)- Amazon, eBay, Gap, Old Navy, Zara, We Are Sons And Daughters, Urban Outfitters (Nova’s white cat eyes are actually adult size micro-sunglasses haha).
For hats, we really like any styles that have a strap around the chin (because she wears them longer). My favorite hat from this Etsy shop. The little deer hat she wears a lot is from this shop (it’s pricey, but one of the best quality kids shops). For the rest of Nova’s hats it’s honestly a lot of the same shops I listed for sunnies. Her hat from the photo above is from Amazon (sorry, I can’t find the link).
The knee socks I buy are almost all from Amazon- stripes, solids with ruffles (my fave) and more simple solids. She wears these almost every day.
The swan dress above is from Rocky Raccoon Apparel (one of my favorite Etsy shops for dresses).
My favorite shop for Nova’s little t-strap shoes is Starry Knight Design on Etsy. She takes a LOT of breaks, so if you go there and the shop is closed just bookmark it and go back later. We have these in so many colors and they are extremely easy to get on and off, which is essential when your child takes their shoes AND socks off during every car ride. haha
Besides that I buy most of Nova’s shoes either in person (target, the mall etc where I can try them on her). She did get this pair of mini dr martens at our shower and they absolutely kill me.
Overalls and Jumpers: I love this look on toddlers. When we were matched with Nova the overalls from Harlow Jade were one of my first purchases (seen in the first and third photo above). I really love the rompers Rylee + Cru puts (second photo). And the pink velvet overalls are from Bailey’s Blossoms (one of the best sources for affordable toddler clothes that look like Coachella- haha).
Disney Outfits: Nova’s tinkerbell dress is from here and her Alice dress is from here. The white rabbit is from Sleepy King.
Play Clothes + Basics: I consider these the MOST important pieces. You have to have pieces that are easy to wash and will stand up to a lot of washing. I have a couple favorite sources for these.
June & January I buy a lot of clothes from here. Nova’s little one piece (above), her Christmas jam jams, all of her diaper covers (which you never see in photos, but they are the best diaper covers, shorts, cute little peplum tops. She even has this cute little cardigan from them. Love & highly recommend.
Childhoods Clothing My go-to for cozy knit pieces, rompers, dresses and sweaters. I love their shorts too.
JellaBee We have a lot of knit dresses from here and they are so cute.
This Little Street Really great knit pieces with bell sleeves. Nova wears this dress all the time.
And kind of random, but I found this David Bowie dress at a boutique in Brooklyn while we were in the waiting period and it’s one of the most sentimental things I can put Nova in. I was going through a rough patch when I bought it and it so now when Nova wears it I feel like I am just bursting with gratitude.
Oh, and speaking of music icons- Nova’s Dolly t-shirt is from this Etsy.
Amazon: It’s crazy what you can find on Amazon these days. This little romper I found for her and spent a couple of tv nights stitching little stars to it (I’ve already washed it and the stars look even better now woohoo).
Here are some random things I have bought and loved from Amazon- this romper for $6.50, this beautiful Chinese dress (saving it for next CNY), this pink cowgirl hat, good quality tights, our bargain diaper bag, toddler Nirvana t-shirt.
Speaking of Amazon…. here’s the link to Nova’s tutu and ballet slippers.
Mall Stores: While I try to do most of my shopping with small brands and Etsy shops, I’m not going to pretend like I don’t love to shop at Baby Gap and Old Navy too. My biggest thing with these shops is to try to only shop during sales since they have so many. One of the best things I buy at these stores are shoes- these are my absolute favorites (pictured above). I got a couple sizes so she can wear them for longer. Also these cute sandals and these. I have learned that it’s way easier to buy most of your shoes from 1-2 places because the sizing can be obnoxiously different from store to store. I recently picked up this star jacket on sale and I know it will still fit her next fall. Shopping at the end of season for outerwear is a good call too. Major discounts.
The other thing I like to buy from mall stores in PJs. You can never really have too many. I picked up these roller skate print pjs at the mall last weekend and love them so much.
Custom Jacket: We get so many compliments on this jacket from Daily Disco. They are custom and handmade and it was one of the most amazing gifts we received at our baby shower. I’m already planning what to design for her next when she grows out of this.
Special Occasion Dresses: I am obsessed with Pink Chicken. Their dresses are so nice! We love this one, this one and this one.
Vintage: I love shopping vintage for Nova. Fortunately, my friend Sam owns Whurl and finds Nova the most amazing pieces (like this romper) when she is out hunting. For vintage I usually shop eBay and have found a lot of gems on there- it is time consuming but fun. I also shop Etsy when it’s for a special occasion, like I just picked up this dress for a 60s tiki party we are going to next month.
I hope this guide was helpful! If you have questions about any other specific pieces just comment on one of my newest IG posts and I’ll be sure to see it! xx
Since we were already in California for
(matching dresses from 
We stayed at The Saguaro. It was perfect for a child who is just learning her colors. We were there for one weekend night (it’s kind of a party hotel) and we were concerned the music (and drunk people) would be too loud, but it wasn’t bad at all. We loved it! I think they put people with children all in the same area of the hotel because there was a crying baby next door to us (which was comforting, not annoying at all). We loved our stay.
(matching outfits from 
My friend Sam has this vintage app called 
(matching outfits from 
This photo just kills me. I have to frame it.
(dresses from 
This was one of my favorite nights. We went to Birba (our fave!) for pizza all together and then we went to the ice cream shop.
Ugh… my heart.
We had a magical time in Disneyland with our two nieces and daughter this month… it was all of their first time at Disneyland.
We packed as much as we could into each day, balancing pre-planned activities and whatever the kids were in the mood for. The second day wasn’t busy at all and there were no lines… that was so helpful for us and Nova got to try way more rides on the second day. She loved It’s A Small World.
It was so special to take our nieces (ages eight and ten) to Disney for their first time. We really considered in their trip and just a bonus trip for Nova since she is so young. That said, I am still so grateful we were able to bring Nova along. When we were planning this last year (and in the waiting period for our adoption) it gutted me to imagine going without her, so I was extra thankful.
Here we are on the Winnie The Pooh ride, Penelope’s favorite.
We found 
These rainbow succulents (they are all real and not painted) blew my mind on the storybook ride…. such a magical detail.
I love this photo of Ruby and Bella from breakfast the first morning. We checked the Micky Mouse waffles off our list.
Penny at the Penny Arcade. We got our fortunes told.
She kills me. Watching how fast our nieces are growing up puts Nova’s childhood into perspective for me. It goes by fast. Bella was born the month before Jeremy and I fell in love… and Penny was just two years behind her. So basically we’ve spent our entire relationship watching them grow up.
When people ask me what Nova enjoyed about Disneyland I have to laugh…. it’s a random mix. She was mainly into snacks, following Penny around and ringing the “ding dongs” (her favorite thing to do at home too). She’s two… what else can I say?
We were so lucky that a random (VERY NICE) man asked if he could take our photo. This is the only group photo we got. My brother and sister and I haven’t been to Disney since we were children, but I’m so happy we were able to come back together.
Cheers to Disney! We loved it.