Now that Lucy is almost 10 I’ve started to mentally plan out the next few years of her wardrobe management. Naturally, she is very much a part of her wardrobe building process and although the typical Mom/Daughter disagreements ensue, for the most part her outfit picking and new piece purchasing is a comfy convo b/w the 2 of us. This is probably because we both appreciate and love clothing and get excited over new, different brands. The mix and match is always what makes our hearts start to thump. However, as she gets to these awkward years, I’ve realized that our best bet is probably keeping 75% of her closet in the basics category. The playful category has changed a bit - instead of lots of fun pieces we are loving sprinkling a few spunky pieces in that will co-ord with the rest of her wardrobe. Thus, she is getting older and entering into a different clothing bracket! I always thought I’d dread this moment, but Lucy has made it so fun and collaborative.

So, I’m sharing a few brands that have been my constant go-tos when thinking ahead to a basics base in Lucy’s closet. I realize some are on the higher end (or at least it seems that way since we are talking about long sleeve tees, etc), but since our approach to purchasing and building out Lu’s wardrobe has become more focused I do not feel wrong spending the $$ in that space. Also, as she grows, she is less likely to muck anything up and if she’s comfy and feels good in what she has on then that is all that matters! The break-down below is not just for girls…each brand carries baby + boys as well. Bonus as well for those with multiple gender kiddos b/c the hand-me-downs can really roll through the whole family with these simple choices…

MABO KIDS :: This brand has always been a favorite and Greer is still wearing some of Lucy’s old pieces. I LOVE what they’ve done with their color palette. The simplicity of it makes me want something in every single shade! Here’s a sampling…

(FYI outside of basics, they also design some really sweet wardrobe pick-me-ups 👌🏻)

SMALLS MERINO :: A new brand (to me!) I’ve discovered that Lucy is loving. So am I (psst they have adult! collection). A bit more expensive, but I do believe a few key items are worth it - and their pieces are made of 100% Superfine Merino Wool. Each piece has a contrast stitching for a simple & “cheeky” addition to a basic. Also, I’m sick of throwing away H&M l/s tees by the time it’s Greer’s turn to wear them! Problem solved by this brand.

LES GAMINS :: “Modern Everyday Essentials”. Yaaas. We love. Not much more to know here. Take a look…

(FYI sizes only go up to 6-7, so Lucy misses out on this brand. Sadness.)

MIMII KIDS :: Best for linen (& cotton), breathable, versatile needs. Dress up or down. The sizing can be tricky, but usually runs big for us, so we get a few years out of each piece because of the way her silhouettes fall. Mimii Kids did really well at our Pop Up Shop. Ironed or not, it is like a sweet, summer breeze for your kiddos!

(Oh, AND she designs for ages 9-14 and nails it!)