BABY CLOTHES - MY FAVOURITE STORES

One of the most enjoyable things to me that isn't directly with the boys, is styling and dressing them. I like them to look good but also be comfortable so it's something I'll admit I do put a lot of thought into. You wont see my grabbing something off the shelves just because it's cheap, because I think you can get reasonably priced clothes all over you just have to shop around. I don't like spending a crazy amount on baby bits, as they're usually only in them for three months at tops. However when they reach one you usually get a year or half depending on the seasons, worth of wear out of their bits which makes me a bit happier to spend that little more on their clothing. Anyway, today I'm talking about my favourite stores and why for Patrick.

Marks & Spencers - They do some beautiful pieces for babies in particular. I've even wondered into the girls section and noticed that it transfers through both genders, their stuff is just fantastic. Their two piece sets for boys are usually a mere £10 which when you think it's £5 for a top and £5 for the bottoms that is actually incredibly similar to supermarket prices - except with a much higher quality. Marks and Spencers clothing washes so well and that's why their sleepsuits are my absolute favourite. Again only £13 for a pack of three, much cheaper than other high street stores out there. The sleepsuits are always incredibly soft and they even have the special copper popper so you don't have to worry about completing the poppers on your baby's sleepsuit, to find you need to undress them as it's all wrong. 

Baby Zara - My holy grail for both boys if I'm honest. Their prices are cheap and their clothing is beautiful. People have such a misconception that Zara is expensive when it really isn't. T-shirts are often £2 or £3 and trousers you can pick up for just £5/£6, again really rivalling supermarket prices. Quality wise I wont lie it doesn't meet the standards Marks and Spencers set particularly when it comes to washing as I feel the clothing can fade quite easily. For style however Zara always hit the nail on the head. The mini section has lacked options for boys previously but it appears this year they're really pulling it out of the bag. I bulk purchase at least once a season and as we're slowly slipping into Spring, I can feel one coming on.

Mamas and Papas - Mamas and Papas I feel are somewhat forgotten about when it comes to baby clothing. I'm not sure if it's just people I speak to but I rarely hear anyone say they've purchased an outfit from there and I'm quite shocked as they really have some beautiful pieces, particularly for special occasions. Mamas and Papas prices are a bit higher than most but I do feel that is reflected in the quality of the clothing. I purchased a few sets of sleepsuits and vests for Patrick in December and I can safety say they do not look any more worn than the day we bought them yet they've been washed possibly 20+ times. We've had poo explosions, sick ups, food, everything and there isn't any sign of such. They're going to be my go to now for basics such as vests, because I know I can rely on them staying in pristine condition and to me it's worth the few extra pennies.

Baby Gap - Another hugely underestimated store, but one of my absolute favourites for two reasons. Firstly, their summer stuff is adorable, in particular their rompers. Noah pretty much lived in them during summer when he was under 2 and Patrick will be very much the same. My second must have from Gap are their Pyjamas they are just insane. Granted the prices can be hefty but we live near an outlet store so we always get them discounted or just grab some when they have their online sale. The sizing is very snug though so I recommend going up one or even two sizes.

Next - Next to me is incredibly hit or miss. During Noahs first two years we really canned Next month after month, the clothes last pretty well, their sizing is great and when Next get on trend, they get on trend well. I really enjoyed buying from Next before we found out Patricks gender as their range of neutral bits was by far the best out there. My one bug bear with Next is something that I love at the same time, their prices. Sometimes I find blankets for £10, t-shirts for £4 and jeans for £11 - all great. But other times I see an outfit for £22 and PJs for £24, and I don't think they've quite balanced their pricing out. It's either really affordable or really extortionate.