High Fashion Tots for Winter

Flipping through a few magazines I was really surprised to see what some of the trends were in kid's fashion for this weekend. For one thing some of the styles are quite grown up. Your kid is supposed to be in clothes that are as tailored as yours.

For example designer Philip Lim showed a collection that was all mustards, burnt oranges, and bone and tan colors. Kids were outfitted in little riding pants, cropped fifties style jackets and trenchcoats. Big bulky suede boots in milk chocolate brown complete the ensemble. This is a wonderful look if your kid likes to ride horses! I would probably only dress up my kids like this if I had to take them to wedding or a funeral. These are not every day looks even though celebrity moms insist they are.

Another interesting trend is the footwear for kids. There are a lot of gold and silver shoes on the market to buy for kids. The only problem with this idea is that once again, they are not really for every day wear unless your little girl is very neat.

Another trend is to make your kid look like a bit of a flower child. This is a much happier and more comfortable look especially for teenagers.

Everything that is tie-die is in including tie-dyed T-shirts and leggings. This is paired with long johns and shirts with tiny Victorian floral prints like violets or roses. Many girls are wearing short wool skirts or jean cut offs over this get up.

Straw hats worn with vintage sweaters with pictures of reindeer on them are also popular as are recycled corduroy skirts with floral inserts.

The key to a successful hippie look is to wear many layers including vests, belts and scarves as well as a perky wool artist's tam. In terms of footwear think Frye boots in a tam color and Jesus sandals for slogging around at home. Mocassins worn with socks and bright and shiny satin style leggings in a neon color are also in style.

Looking like a little jailbird is also cool. Gray flannel shirts, pants and dresses with lateral stripes are also considered to be very cool.

One look at this fashion trend tells me that it is probably a great idea to take my kids right to the used clothing store so they can mix and match their own look. It is a good way to teach them to put an outfit together on a budget!

More Simple Free Ways to Have Fun With Your Kids

The recession is a bummer but it does not have to bum out you and your kids. Here are some more free ways to have fun with your kids that cost nothing or next to nothing.

If you have a little girl then try playing dress up and playing pretend with her. Little girls really like dressing up models and playing with makeup. Both sexes of children enjoy being made up as clowns.

Kids love water fights of all kinds. On a hot day have a water fight with the garden hose or have a water balloon fight. You can also teach kids how to make their own popsicles.

Kids also love to give their imaginations a work out. Look up at the clouds and teach your kid how to look for shapes in them. Tell stories about the shapes.

All kids love a simple game of hide and seek or cops and robbers. If you have an old can on hand then play 'kick the can!' You can also make telephones with rope and a couple of cans.Never underestimate the simple fun a just climbing a tree, flying a kite or playing hopscotch. Playing a simple game like Chinese Checkers can renew your child's interest in it. Foot races, skipping and playing 'King of the Hill' are also fun games for kids.

Kids love to be barefoot. Go for a walk somewhere safe completely barefoot. Walk in the mud and the rain with no shoes. If it is rainy then hold a picnic indoors.

Kids also love simple contests. A singing or dancing contest can be very entertaining for kids.

Older kids also like cooking. You can set up the stuff for banana splits or smoothies and let the kids choose their own ingredients, topping and sprinkles. If you are more health conscious they can help you make juices (as long as you operate the juicer!)

If you really want to entertain a group of children then set up a treasure hunt. The treasure does not have to be glorious…it is the hunting that keeps the kids fascinated!

An older child might appreciate being taught how to keep a diary. Have your kid write down wishes in a book and then keep track of how many come true.

Remember it is the small things in life that can help keep your kids happy! Sometimes the key to their happiness is right under your nose.