Toddler Outdoor Essentials

One thing I have learned in my four winters of being a mom, is that you will be outside. All the time. So it’s best to have ALL the gear, for ALL the weather.

If your toddler(s) are anything like mine (well, Harrison for now…) you probably spend 90% of your days outdoors. I wanted to share some of our favorite pieces, by weather type, that will keep everyone adorable, happyy, and warm/dry this fall and winter.

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Snow & Freezing Cold Temps

1. Teddy hat - The only style hat I trust to keep little heads warm for hours outside

2. Reima snowsuit - This suit kept Harrison warm and dry all. day. long. in freezing cold temps AND on wet snow days, sitting in the snow for hours. Unbeatable! Also, runs big so you can get atleast 2 seasons out of it.

5. Neck warmer - Scarves feel just completely impractical with kids, and love how cozy and warm this keeps them, and can be worn with snow suits, or dressed up a bit with an overcoat

6. Sorel snowboots - Warmest with easy pull on and tighten ability. All the wins. With wool socks, of course.

7. Wool mittens- On their own, or layered with fleece lined shell mittens on colder/wetter days.

15/16. Wool base layers - You know I will sing the praises of Polarn O. Pyret forever, and their base layers are essential for winter. We wear under snow gear, rain gear on colder days, and just on its own around the house. Also, LOVE Ella’s Tubes — but they can be hard to find!

Dressed Up

3. Zimmerman Milo boot

4. Wool Pea Coat

8. James Street Co Port Beanie

Rainy Days

9. Classic rain jacket - Definitely for more mild/rainy days vs. cold, but layered with wool base layers and a lightweight down jacket underneath you’re golden.

10. Fleece lined rain pants - Would this even be a blog post of mine if i don’t recommend these golden pants?

13. Fleece lined rain mittens

14. Hunter original rain boots

Dry Winter Day

11. We wear our Patagonia vest from early fall into late spring. Layered or alone, it’s an essential part of our cold weather wardrobe. We sized up and are on our second season.

12. Reversible Patagonia jacket - Great for every day errands and running around in the cold. Again, size up to get another season out of!

Dressed Up

1. Sherpa Coat or Classic Wool Baby Coat

2. Zimmerman Greta t-straps

3. HVID wool bonnets

Snow & Freezing Cold Temps

4. Mini A Ture BabyWen Puffer Anorek

6. Konges Slojd mittens

8. Binibamba sheepskin stroller liner

11. Reima Puhuri Snowsuit — after buying one of these for Harry last year, I will never buy another snowsuit. The warmest, comfiest, most waterproof, easiest to put on, and most importantly super durable. I had optimistic views that her 3-6 month Patagonia baby bunting would work again this year, but after a few playground visits in the freezing cold, it’s not going to cut it. She of course wants to get into things, and play, and it’s just not durable enough for an active toddler, plus it’s definitely on the smaller side, especially since she’s now 15 months… so it doesn’t give her the flexibility to move freely at all. I love them for itty bitty babies, but I like something more durable and free once they’re mobile.

12. Ella’s Wool tubes - worn on their own, or layered under snow suits or rain pants, and last multiple seasons because of sizing and fit!

14. Skoki balaclava

15. Wool sweaters - Margot has hand me downs of Harrys from Misha and Puff, as well as some vintage irish wool fisherman sweaters that you just can’t beat.

16. The North Face snow boots

Rainy Days

9. Polarn O Pyret rain pants - definitely run generous! I would buy the pink if I was buying new for Margot, but since they hold up so well, she is currently wearing navy hand me downs of Harrys in the 6-12 month size. I love layering these over basically everything when they’re not in snow suits - it keeps clothes clean and lets them fall/crawl and enjoy their time outside without getting wet/damp/cold.

10. 2022 Edit: Bisgaard no longer makes these yellow rain boots, but since I originally wrote this post Margot has grown out of them and is now wearing (and loving) Harrison’s hand me down Hunter boots. You just can’t beat a classic!

Dry Mild Winter Day

5. UGG Infant/Toddler boots

7. Liewood Diana vest - also love layered under jackets/snowsuits for extra cold days!

13. Polarn O Pyret wool gloves

This post contains some affiliate links. I make a small commission from purchases via these links, but these products are being shared on my own accord. These are not sponsored products. I only share what I love!

Heading to School for Harrison

And somehow, here we are. Harrison starts school three weeks from today. And while I cannot believe we are already at this stage, I’m really so excited for him. He’s been asking about it for months, and I know he’s going to do so so well and really love being around new friends and exploring his new space. It’s the start of a new chapter for him and I am so happy I got to be there all day everyday for the past 3.5 years of his little life. It’s a new chapter for us all, but I think we’re ready.

I wanted to share some things we’ve rounded up over the past couple weeks to prepare for the coming months of both school and colder weather. I’m sure you will notice quite a few things.. what can I say, we like what we like ;) This round up leans a little more outdoor/rugged because.. it’s Harry we’re talking about, and of course we chose a preschool that has outdoor play everyday no matter rain/shine/snow. I was sure to try on all his outerwear and gear and am adding a few pieces to our ever growing outdoor collection. I also ordered a Preschool Label Pack from Mabels Labels to keep track of everything and make sure it all comes back at the end of the day. Or atleast we’ll try… !

So here it is. As always happy to chat through our experiences/sizing!

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  1. First and Last Day of School Pennants - The Letterman Co

  2. Small backpack - Sticky Lemon

  3. Chore shorts - Noble — I wanted to include these shorts because I think they’re a really perfect transitional short while the September/October days can still be so warm, and they look so so cute with a sweater/vest layered and boots

  4. Wool Sweater - Cygnet Living

  5. Knee patch jeans - Hey Gang

  6. Retro fleece vest - Patagonia

  7. ‘Schools First Day of School’

  8. Original kids Hunter rain boots - I think we’ll be unfortunately be going back to these tough boots. We’ve gone through two pairs of Konges boots and while I absolutely love them and they keep his feet dry/easy to put on/off.. he wears them daily and they look it… I think the Hunter hold up much better with daily use/abuse.

  9. Luke tartan flannel shirt - Louis Louise

  10. Everyday pant - Hey Gang

  11. Striped socks - Summer in May

  12. Vintage Levis denim jacket

  13. Chuck Taylor All Stars

  14. Oso & Me - Jefferson shirt

  15. Rain pants and rain jacket and rain mittens — all Polarn O. Pyret

  16. Fisher's cable sweater - Classic Prep

  17. Rain jacket — all Polarn O. Pyret

  18. Port Beanie - James Street Co

  19. Denim shirt - Zara

  20. YETI Rambler for kids

  21. Denim letter hat - Rey to Z

  22. Nano puff - Patagonia

  23. Tubes - Ellas Wool

  24. Crew sweatshirt - Patagonia

This post contains some affiliate links. I make a small commission from purchases via these links, but these products are being shared on my own accord. These are not sponsored products. I only share what I love!

Baby Girl + Toddler Boy | Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobes

In true New England style, it seems that we will soon be going straight from winter into summer, and with April somehow already here — I wanted to round up some favorite pieces I’ve picked up for Margot & Harry as we head into the warmer weather. As I have said before, it seems each season I buy them less and less and really hone in on what they wear daily with a few special outfits. Fingers crossed we will be able to actually wear these special outfits this summer….!

baby girl

For Margot, I like keeping her styles very simple. She’s starting to be on the move, so onesies and rompers are easiest (and cutest in my opinion…) — as always I had to include some pretty florals and delicate prints. I have, and think I will keep it to, just one pair of sandals for her. I swear by the Salt Water Sandals because you can dress them up or down, and they can be completely submerged in water so they’re perfect for the pool and beach.

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  1. Minnow Swim Antique Floral Rashguard

  2. Grech & Co Sunglasses - Shell

  3. Misha & Puff Knit Romper — Currently unavailable but similar here!

  4. Minnow Swim Antique Floral Sunhat

  5. Little Cotton Clothes - Afia Romper

  6. Olivier London Audrey Dungarees

  7. Salt Water Sandals - Sailor

  8. Summer and Storm Chunky Cardigan — We love it so much I just ordered another one in pink. 100% cotton and just perfect for spring and summer.

  9. Liilu Organics Bloom Smocked Romper

  10. Go Gently Nation Ruffled Woven Top — I love how simple and sweet this is and it can go with so many different bloomers or leggings with a cardigan

  11. Carters Gingham Lawn Romper

  12. Sea Star Woven Floral Romper

  13. Briar Baby Sunbonnet - Harbor Stripe

  14. Liberty London Romper — the closest I could find to Margot’s one from Elfie London which is no longer available

  15. Go Gently Nation Woven Bloomer

  16. Olivier London Swimsuit

toddler boy

Over the years I have learned what I love best on Harry, and what is easiest. He is outside 99.9% of the day, and usually covered in dirt. All of his clothes must be durable, but also easily dressed up. These are our tried and true favorites over the past three summers:

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Harry's Fall Wardrobe -- 2.5 Years

I have started to gather and source pieces for Harry’s fall wardrobe, and in true 2020 fashion, it looks a lot different than last year. I have kept everything casual and comfy, since we won’t really be leaving the house beside the occasional outdoor adventure. He’s a pretty casual guy, and I got a few fun pieces for outerwear to lively up his simple everyday pieces.

Unfortunately, H didn’t fit into most of his pieces from last fall/winter, besides his LL Bean down jacket, Patagonia snow suit, and a couple sweatshirts. He needed new boots as well - so I took this as an opportunity to revamp his little closet a little bit. As each season goes on, I find myself buying less and less quantity of items. He doesn’t need 20 shirts, since I do laundry everyday anyways. This gives me more flexibility to buy quality items from small shops and brands.

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  1. Fin & Vince - Colorblock Jacket — This was my splurge for the Fall, but thought it would really be worn to death, along with his vintage Levi’s denim jacket. This piece is so so cute, and really goes with everything else in his closet.

  2. Konges Welly Boots — After a year and a half, H finally outgrew his Hunter boots, and I decided to try a different pair when I saw Wee Mondine put these adorable boots online. We love love the Hunter but thought these could be fun for a different look from the past years!

  3. Les Gamins Sweatshirt(s!) — And long sleeves! I swear by Les Gamins, and absolutely love all their pieces. Quality staples for everyday, and in amazing colors. I bought Harry one sweatshirt last year that he lived in, so ordered three more from the newest fall collection, along with a few long sleeves. The quality is unbeatable wash after wash, and they’re just so. cute.

  4. James Street Co Port Hat — Still waiting for this one to come back in stock, but after two seasons of our Carhartt hats looking like junk after pilling and wear (acrylic…), I am going to go with this Instagram loved (+ 100% wool) favorite.

  5. Overalls — As if you didn’t see this one coming… I’ve sourced some great flannel and fleece lined overalls for H for the fall/winter, but am also excited to get him in a pair of very special 125th birthday vintage inspired overalls!

  6. Patagonia Vest — Another item outgrown, replacing Harry’s vest with this retro one from Patagonia I have loved for so long.

  7. Les Gamins & Eadaie Ribbed Leggings - As cute as they are comfy, our two favorite tried & true brands for ribbed leggings. Eadaie doesn’t have any available on their site now, but will have more coming for fall!

  8. Flannel shirt — I tried to find a vintage flannel, but was having a hard time with sizing since I’m doing everything online now and it was too much of a gamble. So, went with Patagonia’s Fjord Flannel.

Harry's Fall Wardrobe -- 18 Months

I feel like every year around this time, everyone starts to feel the serious itch for fall. Yet, the days are getting seemingly hotter, and we all know that the real fall weather is atleast a good month away.

And yet, here we are planning for the next season. I hate to wish the days away, and it’s on my list to not do it so much, especially now with Harry, I know I’m going to look back on these seasons and wonder how they’re gone. But, I’m only human and I’m sick of the heat and overly excited for cooler days and cozy nights and sweaters.

Over the past year + some odd months of buying Harry’s clothes, I have found myself buying him less and less. In the early days he had hundreds of onesies and clothes, but as the months went on they have trickled off. I kept note of the quality brands and what I actually liked putting on him/what he seemed most comfortable in/made for easy changes, and what did not. As he continues to grow, I know myself and that I do laundry daily regardless, and I find it hard to find things that I love for him, so spending money on a ton of cheap/quick things for him is pointless.. So, I invest in a few pieces, wash them often (as I would do anyways..) and call it a day. It’s interesting to see how each age’s storage bin in our basement gets smaller as time goes on.

Anyways, here’s what’s up for Harry’s fall wardrobe this year — as usual it’s centered around vintage overalls and denim with some casual, comfy tops…!

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Vintage denim & corduroy: overalls, jacket & jeans

All from Dempsey & Griffin, of course — I love the ease, comfort and classic look of denim, and as well all know, vintage is better — better quality, more sustainable than purchasing new, and great pieces to pass down. A win-win-win. Every top I picked for Harry’s fall wardrobe can be paired with denim & corduroy overalls and pants. I never buy outfits, but more just keep everything in a similar tone so it can be endless mixing — also makes packing for weekend trips super easy when everything goes together.

Waffle tops

I ordered Harry’s in “spice” from Fin & Vince, their quality is unbeatable and wash beautifully.

Baseball hats

I rotate between our favorite from Pulp Co., and a vintage Red Sox hat that was my brother’s from the 80’s, for the fall I picked up a more seasonal color blocked option.

Pullovers

Soft, easy, versatile. I picked up Harry’s fleece pullover from Fin & Vince in the adorable oatmeal/camel stripe.

Baseball tee

So adorable & classic — and on super sale from Old Navy! You can also find second hand/vintage very easily.

Wellies

I picked up Harry’s Hunters second hand on Marketplace, and they’re in great condition — definitely an easy gateway second hand if you’re nervous about clothes. Hopefully he doesn’t grow out of them too quick, but even if he does I got them for a great price and I will keep for (hopefully) potential future babes.

High tops

Harry’s first pair of Converse were the cutest little teeny tiny things ever, so I’m so glad I finally got around to getting him another pair for the fall. I opted for black because he’s the messiest and I think they look so cute the more worn in they get.

Cotton beanie

I love this 100% cotton beanie in Milk from Little Urban Apparel.

Mittens

These adorable alpaca mittens in terra-cotta are on sale from Fin & Vince and are the perfect fall/winter transitional mitten before it gets too too cold here in New England.

Harrison's Capsule Wardrobe | Summer

 
 
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Before Harrison was born, I scoured the internet -- trying to figure out what my son or daughter's wardrobe and aesthetic would be. I was putting together all these outfits in my head, trying to imagine who this little person would be.

Now that Harrison is here, my perspective has totally changed. I think I put jumpsuits/pants/shirts on him once and quickly realized the incredible importance of ease and comfort. Jumpsuits have a million buttons, and are SUCH a pain to change, pants/shirts combos ride up his little back and had be constantly tugging at him. It needs to be easy and comfortable for him to wear, and easy for me and my husband to put on him, plus look put together of course.

We have realized he definitely takes after his mom, and loves a wardrobe full of classic, clean and simple staples. The kid loves his elevated loungewear look, let me tell you.

Each season, I will post about Harrison's capsule wardrobe for the time of year. First up -- Summer. 

Long and Short Sleeve Bodysuits

On any given day, we probably go through 3 or 4 bodysuits. Depending on the temp we opt for short sleeve or long sleeve. I tried out a few different brands and ending up loving Gap and Carter's the best for their fit, price tag, and how well they wash! We got the multi-pack for 0-3 mo and have rebought the same ones for 3-6 mo and now 6-9 mo! They're so easy and comfy, so zero complaints from the small one wearing them either.

Cotton Sweaters

While this summer was a scorcher, I always had a cotton sweater on hand in the diaper bag for Harrison. And I was surprised at how many times I pulled it out, whether to give him an extra layer in the car, a restaurant, or as a make shift blanket. I love the adorable Gap options, and I think he now has the Bear Garter Hoodie Sweater in every size he's gone through!

Lounge Shorts & Joggers

Easy, lightweight & versatile. Again, I love what Gap has to offer. 

Bibs

My boy is a drooler, let me tell you. I love the multipack options I found on Amazon and stocked up. I love how they can add a different look to his otherwise very similar outfits. 

Muslin Burp Cloths

I was recommended the Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths by a fellow mom friend and am absolutely addicted. They wash beautifully, stay on your shoulder, and are so soft and absorbent. 

Pajamas

Now that Harrison is no longer swaddled to sleep, and is out of his Magic Merlin suit, we put him to bed in just pajamas. His favorites are all (surprise!) Gap. We have about 5 pajamas he loves and since I do laundry daily, it's never an issue!