A Review of The Children's Place for Baby Girl

With the great promotion at The Children's Place right now, we couldn't resist stopping in for a few things. The current shoe offerings are completely gorgeous, the ear muffs and hats are beyond warm and the current color pallets are pleasant on the eyes. We spotted the little boys sweats, which were beyond warm and reasonably priced, but we were saddened to find that the closest similar offering for girls were velour track suits that weren't anywhere near the softness of the boys sweats. Holiday offerings were around in the standard colors: red, gold and black.

The holiday piece that caught our eye the most was the black "pretty party skirt". The skirt was subtle and understated and emoted all the things we love about classy, holiday dress up. At just $11.89, it was a huge temptation.

Another item of interest was the faux-fur sweater vest in milk. While the colors were gorgeous and the vest was nicely done, we were saddened to find there weren't a lot of cream and gold offerings to make an outfit we would like.

Ultimately, we decided on the faux-layer heart top and a pair of full-length shine leggings.

The shirt is gray, with gray and black stripes on the sleeves. The ruffled upper sleeve gives the double-layer a nice, girly touch. The image is screen printed in solid pinks, purples, blues and whites with some accent of silver glittered hearts and flowers. The glitter is delicate and understated and were were impressed that after a full day of wear, none of it seemed to come off. To add dimension to the shirt, TCP has added a silver and white appliqué heart to the lower left of the image. The current price of the shirt is just $5.59, making this top a no-brainer.

The leggings are black cotton and spandex with a sprinkling of silver glitter throughout. They're soft and comfy but look glamorous enough for holiday parties. They are simple and understated and provide the perfect compliment to the double-layer tee. Current price on these beauties is $9.50.

We would have loved to see a matching tulle skirt to go with the leggings and though TCP is currently offering 3 sweater vests, none of them provide a match to this line. On the up side, TCP has several yummy shoe offerings for this line, ranging from shimmery, fuzzy clogs to black glitter heart boots to (our favorite) these funky, glittered Mary Janes.

All in all, we love this outfit! The look is simple and versatile. It's comfortable to wear and completely adorable on. Plus, the added bonus of being able to dress a little girl in something that's not pink but still feminine was an opportunity we couldn't pass up.

To talk about all things The Children's Place and children's fashion, join our message board (it's free)! As always, to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

A Series of Surprises from The Children's Place

The Children's Place is trying to reel you in! They recently launched the site: thechildrensplacecoupons.com where you can get a printable coupon for 15% off your entire purchase (or online, using code K6999). The coupon is reusable for any purchase made through November 16th of this year. When that coupon expires, TCP wants you to know they haven't forgotten about you!

Stop in to any The Children's Place store now and pick up a VIP Passbook. The Passbook includes another coupon for 15% off all your in-store or online purchases from November 17th to November 30th (excluding Black Friday sales). Another coupon gives you 30% off any single item at regular price (in-store only) from December 1st through the 24th. Also included are several Black Friday deal teasers:

• Some stores opening at midnight or 5 am
• Free shipping on all online orders Thursday, Nov. 26th and Monday, Nov. 30th
• Early, early bird savings (unspecified) on Wednesday, Nov. 25th online using the code EARLYBIRD9

Details of the Black Friday sale are to be announced on their Facebook page on Wednesday, November 25th, after 12 pm Eastern.

Want more discounts? These are also outlined:

• Nov. 30th-Dec. 7th, get a free snowman kit with your purchase of $30 or more.
• Dec. 8th-Dec. 14th, get $5 off any regularly-priced pair of denim (excluding newborn)
• Dec. 15th-Dec. 24th, get a watch for just $5 with any purchase $30 or more.
• Nov. 17th-Dec.24th, purchase $40 or more in gift cards, get a $10 coupon.

Finally, TCP is running an awesome sweepstakes! Check out WinAWardrobeSweeps.com to enter for a new wardrobe from TCP! First place is a $2010 wardrobe. Second Prize is a $200 gift card; Third Prize is a $100 gift card; and Fourth Prize is a $50 gift card.

For all things The Children's Place, holiday shopping, and kids clothes, check out our forum (it's free!) and to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Children's Place Stuns Us

The Children's Place has had their share of ups and downs lately. Earlier this year, they were alleged to have mislead shareholders as to the actual performance of their stock and more recently, their stock has plummeted as they reported a loss of more than $7 million just over this past Summer.

To be brutally honest, it's been months since we've shopped at The Children's Place. Everything this year just seemed so....bright! The styles this year have been the typical cuteness that we've come to expect from The Children's Place, but we just haven't been feeling the colors that almost seem to glow in the dark (maybe they do, we haven't checked). And The Children's Place seemed to spend much of the year throwing coupons at us- from inserts in all the parenting magazines to birthday emails, to mailers- plus all those awesome sales...It broke our hearts to turn our backs on an old friend.

But this morning, checking the new fall collections and they were toned down....not bad....better than not bad...pretty cute....but then....OH THEN....INSPIRATION!

Cutest. Toddler. Shoes. Ever. Period.

We've never been so inspired by a toddler shoe. We want to take it home and love it and create a retro 80's, dark-denim-skinny-jeans look for our toddler with it! *swoon* We want a mommy version! In fact, we might just demand it!

So Children's Place, if you're listening, BRAVO! We still love you! And we love these shoes! And we hope you consider doing an ulta-cool Mommy version of them! We'll be your biggest fans!

To discuss The Children's Place, join our forum (it's free) and to get FMC news delivered to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

3 Ways to Play: Army Coats!

Military coats are HOT this year for EVERYONE! Embellished or not, new or vintage, the possibilities are endless. It can be exhausting finding just the right coat for your kid, so FMC has found 3 coats for 3 budgets for you!

Burberry black coat with detachable fur hood

This coat barely makes it into the military category because of excessive padding, but the utilitarian pockets and noticeable fur-lined hood earn it a place on our list of favorite military jackets! The hood and faux-fur trim are removable and the entire coat is machine washable. Price tag is not for the faint of heart, this baby is available at childrenssalon.com for about $351.

PS by Aeropostale fur-lined twill jacket

This faux-fur lined option from PS by Aeropostale is also safe for the washer and dryer. While the entire hood is not detachable, the faux-fur is, making for a versatile look. Rib-knit cuffs provide cozy support around the wrists. This coat reatails at PS by Aeorpostale and PS4U.com for $89.50

The Children's Place- Army Jacket

For the budget-conscious mom, this slimmed down version of the Army coat is perfect! Four front cargo pockets have inside buttons to protect even the smallest cargo. Wrist cuffs are ribbed knit and front is zip-closure for ease. Stonewashed olive green color give the coat a decidedly retro feel. Available at The Children's Place stores and at thechildrensplace.com for $39.50

Gymboree to open at Northgate Mall

Gymboree is one of a handful of retailers set to open this November in the Northgate Mall in Terra Linda, Ca. The 725,000 square foot property is undergoing a $75 mil renovation that owners Macerich Co. of Santa Monica hope will reinvent the property.

Also set to open: H&M, The Children's Place and Kohls. No details have been set yet as to a firm date or any grand opening celebrations.

This information courtesy of The Contra Costa Times. For more information, or to chat about Gymboree, Janie & Jack, MiniBoden and Matilda Jane, join our discussion forum at fashionmomcafe.net!

If You're in Dallas Today...

You should head over to the opening day party for the new Children's Place flagship store at Park Lane. Park Lane is touted as a 33.5 acre, mixed-use development with more than 700,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space.

The Children's Place 20,000 square foot flagship store will open today to much fanfare including balloons and face painting for the kiddos. The Children's Place is also offering 40% off their already reduced Spring merchandise in all stores and online!

To discuss the Children's Place, store openings, sales and coupons, check in with the FMC forums located at http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Children's Place to Open Store in Troubled Alexandria Mall

In a leap of faith, The Children's Place has announced it will be opening a new store in the Alexandria Mall in in Alexandria, LA. While the mall has done well and recently opened a new JC Penney, it is managed by General Growth Properties which has voluntarilly filed for protection under Chapter 11 bankrupcy. 

Though companies affiliated with the Alexandria Mall are facing tough times, the mall continues to be one of the top performing centers in Louisiana. 

The Children's Place store is already under construction and set to open in time for back-to-school shopping. 

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Big Sale Weekend...and some news about Janie & Jack Easter release date

As we've seen the last few months, tough economic times bring great deals for shoppers. The volume of fantastic sales this week is near overwhelming. There really is something from each brand and for every budget. Here is a quick rundown:

Gymboree is offering an extra 20% all previously reduced merchandise (not including Baby Sale items). Baby Sale is also still going on with price points of $10 and $20 for lines in Baby Girl, Baby Boy and Layette.

Crazy8 is also running a Baby Sale, but with lower price points ($4.99; $9.99 and $15.99). Their President's Day Sale boasts markdowns as low as $3.99 all weekend.

Janie & Jack is offering 20% off all sale items this weekend.

Gap is running a promotion of Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off on all denim. That sale is expected to last through next week.

Old Navy is running their Kids, Baby & Maternity sale with discounts up to 40% off. Maternity Sale is online only. Sweeten the deal with free shipping when you use the code: BABYMAT. Going in store? Ask at the registers for the Valentine cards for kids- When your child colors the one to Old Navy and returns it, they will be given a $5 off coupon!

Pumpkin Patch is promoting an additional 20% off clearance items as well as a Valentine Sweepstakes in store! Fill out the sweepstakes by February 16th for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Naartjie is doing their Kid's Cash promotion- Purchase $50 worth of merchandise and get $20 off another $50 purchase during their redemption period. The online store has free shipping on orders over $75, but you should try a store if you have one close to you- They just did AMAZING markdowns on all clearanced Spring Transition items!

Jacadi stores are not having a President's Day Sale, but they are offering an additional 20% off of already half priced winter merchandise.

The Children's Place is in their last week of the Monster Sale where previously reduced merchandise has been priced at price points of $4.99 and $5.99. However, staff this weekend is packaging up the merchandise and sending it to the outlets, so if you're going to go, go now!

Speaking of Outlets, The Children's Place Outlet is offering a sale of $4.99 for selected big boy and big girl items and $2.99 and $3.99 on baby items.

Gap Outlet is still holding their $10, $15 and $20 sale through the weekend. Expect the Baby Sale next Friday, the 20th with discounts of 20-40% off baby merchandise.

Gymboree Outlet has done some new markdowns on Spring 1 and older. New lines are coming into store Monday and will be including Aviator and Ice Cream Social. These lines WILL be included in the current Baby Sale which ends on the 22nd.

Janie & Jack Outlet is not offering a President's Day Sale, but they still have Season Finale merchandise available.

Finally, we have a release date for the beautiful Janie & Jack Easter lines everyone's been checking out on FMC for weeks. Those lines will be in store on Monday, February 23rd.

Happy shopping!
-The FMC Team

Another Day, Two New SALES

Today marks the start of Baby Sale- One of Gymboree's biggest and most popular sales of the year. All baby items regularly $22.75-$39 are now $20 and all baby items regularly priced $12.75- $19.75 are now $10. On top of that, rumor has it that tonight will be BIG markdowns on past season's merchandise. And if you're lucky enough to get Gymboree's mailers, then you also get a coupon for 20% off your entire purchase!

This week The Children's Place has also begun a monster sale on all clearance merchandise- 50% off the already reduced prices! One shopper found boy's hoodies as low as $5.99, girl's sweaters for $4.99, and baby clothes as low as $1 each.

It's the end of the season and the retailers NEED this stuff out!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

The Children's Place in Hot Water

According to PR-inside.com, an investigation has been launched on behalf of investors into alleged misconduct by senior management at The Children's Place dating back to early 2006.

According the the article:

...during this period, the senior management of Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. ('Children's Place') are alleged to have knowingly and/or recklessly made material misrepresentations in the PLCE's filings with the SEC and to the investing public concerning Children's Place's business and financial results. Furthermore, so the investigation, Children's Place failed to disclose significant problems with a major business partner and that its former Chief Executive Officer and still current director, Ezra Dabah, knowingly violated established internal controls policies., and that Children's Place failed to adequately disclose, among other things, the backdating of option grants to certain members of Children's Place management.

We're sure this isn't the last we'll hear about this investigation and FMC will bring you all the details as we get them.