During this busy time of year, it’s often hard to find a moment for ourselves to actually appreciate the season and what is so meaningful to each of us.

It wasn’t until I had children that I realized how quickly time flies and the need to capture these fleeting moments because each one is so precious. As almost a tradition, I ask my kids at each birthday to stay little and not to grow any more. The truth is each year continues to be more meaningful and fun than the last, and I absolutely adore watching them blossom into the amazing people they are today. Yet, it is so hard to see the close of each passing year.

I had a moment to reflect over the past week after all the wrapping was complete & dinners were made and enjoyed. Although my kids are delighted by the gifts they receive, I believe even they realized that it’s not about the physical gifts we get. It’s about the memories we make.

I hope you make some wonderful memories with your family and friends this season.

As a member of our extended family, I’d like to thank you for your support. Just a few short years ago, FashionPlaytes was a mere concept and with the help of friends and family we’ve launched and grown our business. Thank you.

I’d love for you to share your thoughts with me. If you have any feedback regarding FashionPlaytes.com – from how much your special girl loves the site to how we can improve the site experience, please send me an email at sarah@fashionplaytes.com.

Wishing you and your family heath and happiness throughout the holiday season and the New Year.

Sincerely,
Sarah McIlroy
CEO, FashionPlaytes

Introducing the newest guest blogger to grace FashionPlaytes: Zoe R. from Chicago! She’s a fabulous 8 year old fashionista who loves writing — and even has her own fashion blog: Manicures & Math Class! Hope you enjoy.

– Samantha, FashionPlaytes.com

My Favorite Winter Activities

I live in Chicago where there is a lot of snow in winter. I like to take advantage of the wonderful snow (even if my mom doesn’t) to do these awesome winter activities.

#1.  Building Snowmen
Chicago is a wonderful place to build snowmen because there is very good packing snow – wet and chunky. I love to build snowmen! Here is my method:

• Roll out a big base, roll out a slightly smaller ball to be the middle, roll a small ball to be the head
• Decorate however you want! Here are some decorating ideas: carrot nose, button eyes, tiara or crown for a snow queen.

#2.  Snowball Fights
Snowball fights are awesome! We are not allowed to have snowball fights at school because it’s possible that someone could get hurt. Because of this, I like to have snowball fights at home with my dad because I can clobber him! Here are three steps to make a good snowball:

• Get a handful of snow, pack it tight, then throw it someone!

#3.  Sledding
Even though I live in a flat area, I love to go sledding. Last year, the Park District in my town made a new sledding hill by the train tracks. The sledding hill is flat on top, which is good because it is sort of like a launch pad. And there is a big slope where you can go down. At the bottom, you skid on the big field below. It is awesome!

It’s important to have the right winter gear while doing these activities! When I play in the snow, I always wear a big winter jacket, snow pants, big gloves, a scarf and a hat. The big gloves are better for making snowballs because they pack really well. But wool gloves are not good because snow seeps through and they get all wet.

What is your favorite winter activity?

- Zoe R.

Even with winter soon approaching, the simple tee-shirt is a fashion staple of any cool fashionista’s wardrobe!

Tee Shirts are casual, comfortable, soft and can be worn with anything. They are the ultimate way to express yourself. Your tee-shirt can show your love to your favorite animal, shout out with a funny saying, show pictures of your loved ones or pipe up about your favorite vacation spot! Hawaii anyone?

Here at FashionPlaytes.com, we’ve embraced this everlasting trend & introduced a collection of fun winter graphics that will make it fabulous! Each graphic showcases winter’s fun activities like skiing, snowboarding, skating or snowball fights! Whimsical & totally fun, use t-shirts to layer this winter – you’ll be warm, yet fashionable as always.

– Mary Beth & the Apparel Team

Who doesn’t love slumber parties? They’re a “must-have” activity for pre-teen girls all over the world. We don’t think anything is more fun than spending the night dishing with your BFF’s, complete with popcorn, pizza and a funny movie!

For the fashionable girl, sleepwear is another opportunity to show your stylish flair. While comfort is absolutely the number one priority, feeling cozy and looking good are equally important. Sleep shirts, PJ sets, lounge sets and “boxer” inspired short sets are all contemporary options for comfort and style.

Here at FashionPlaytes, we bring sleepwear into the trendy world of fashion with customizable classic fleece lounge set and new mix and match Long John loungers!  With polka-dot bottoms paired with your choice of coordinating tops, it’s a fabulous look. Add your favorite sleep-over inspired graphic for a genuine slumber party statement piece!

Don’t forget what you sleep IN! Slumber in ultimate style with our limited edition sleeping bag with fun graffiti graphic print and coziest plush polar fleece lining ever. We know you’ll LOVE it.

– Mary Beth & the Apparel Team

This fall, showing your love of pets — or animals in general, is not only cool but encouraged! Whether they’re in the center of a tee or a photo key-chain hanging from your backpack, images of pets are a perfect thing to add to your wardrobe.

Here at FashionPlaytes, we love pets & so do our young fans! We’re happy to introduce our new pet graphics collection that was designed to pay homage to the cheerfulness of our little furred friends. It doesn’t hurt that nothing is cuter than a puppy or kitten! We hope that you young pet lovers have fun designing your own tee or hoodie with our inspirational embellishments!

– Mary Beth & the FP Apparel Team

Want to see more sweet pet graphics? Head over to www.FashionPlaytes.com & get designing today!

Listen up for cool trends this fall!

There comes a time in the early Fall when you have to admit that summer is over and put away the flip-flops and SPF50. Good news! It’s also the time when you can wear jackets & fleecy outerwear!

This fall, look for items that are comfortable AND trendy! Cool varsity-inspired jackets, puffy down vests & bright colored vests are totally in — especially with fabrics like cashmere, shearling, leather & sherpa!

FashionPlaytes LOVES this time of year too! Have fun customizing your own look with our soft polar fleece that’s perfect for cool afternoons playing in the leaves. Puffer vests provide layering warmth & are reversible with our signature autumn print lining! Finally, pull on our “soft as cashmere” cable knit beanie cap and hand-warmers in Fall’s most appealing jewel-tone brights to round out your look!

Have fun & stay warm!

– Mary Beth & the Apparel Team

Photo credit: Ornamentea.com

OK so we don’t know about you, but we absolutely love accessorizing! More so, we love making accessories that go with any and all outfits. Read below to do this easy wrap bracelet craft, then grab a parent & buy 35 inches of 1.5 mm leather cord, 8 inches of brass ball or rhinestone chain, 40 inches of colorful linen cord & a small bead or button to create a closure!

1) Take your leather cord & fold it in half to create a loop at one end. Be sure the loop is large enough that it’ll fit over the bead or button!

2) Use your string or linen cord & tightly wrap around the base of the loop to keep it secure.

3) Then, add the brass ball chain along the leather cording & begin wrapping the linen around tightly around the chain.

4) When you reach the end, wrap the cord/string tightly around the leather cords.

5) Tie a knot, thread the bead or button onto the strings & tie a second not. Cut off the additional cords.

Woo – look at that! You just made a pretty accessory! Feel free to share a picture of your finished bracelets on our Facebook Fan Page wall or simply send it to me (schin@fashionplaytes.com) & I’ll post it for ya! PS: Thanks to Ornamentea.com for the cool inspiration. Check out there site to get beads, cord, etc. delivered right to your home!

Love to draw? Love fashion?

Drawing dresses, t-shirts, skirts or more is totally fun & easy to do. BUT, shoes or feet are a little harder! Read the latest from from Kiki Magazine then print out at home to learn how to draw great shoes to go with all of your drawings! When you’re done, share them on our Facebook Fan Page!

We are living in the communication age. Whether you’re online playing games, “tweeting” your every thought, or calling/texting friends and family, we’re surrounded by ways to express ourselves!

Guess what? Fashion echoes these same trends! We communicate 24/7 through the true uniform of youth — a t-shirt and jeans (or dress/jacket/skirt, etc. – whichever you prefer)! Everything we put on tells the world a little bit about who we are – our unique personalities, passions, dreams & more.

It’s no surprise that big graphics are back! They tell a great story in bright & bold prints & colors. They also look fabulous on just about anything, so it’s an easy trend that anyone can wear!

Here at FashionPlaytes, we love to allow girls to express themselves through fashion. This season, we’re leading the big graphic trend by introducing new ways for girls to express their interests — whether it’s a sport, activity, social message or artful expression. So, be trendy & have fun showing off YOU. That’s what clothes were made to do!

PS: Stay tuned for new FashionPlaytes graphics coming soon!

– Mary Beth & The Apparel Team

Maddie (age 9 1/2) & Maeve (age 5) are the super cool daughters of the FashionPlaytes Founder & CEO, Sarah McIlroy. Each are incredibly beautiful with blonde hair & unique personalities that truly light up a room as soon as they walk in. Here’s what they had to say:

1) What grade are you in?

Maddie: I’m in 4th grade! (A huge smile came across her face. I could tell that she was proud to say those words to me.)

Maeve: Kindergarten!

2) You both are going to new schools this year! Were you nervous about going & meeting new people?

Maddie: Yes! It’s a totally new place for me & I barely know anyone. I’m really not sure what to expect, but I’m excited to be somewhere new & meet cool friends.

Maeve: Yes, but I don’t know why! I’m really excited especially since my best friend is in my class!

3) What’s your favorite part about school? Any cool activities that you’re looking forward to this year?

Maddie: Recess, science class & art class. Oh & I can’t wait for cooking class. We have a whole amazing kitchen where students can help cook! Oh & I love horsebackriding!

4) What did you decide to wear on the 1st day of school & why?

Maddie: I wore my favorite orange & white striped tank top with white flared capris & a really cool necklace.

Maeve: On the first day of school, I wore fancy stuff.

5) What are you most nervous about & why?

Maddie: Since I’m going to a new school, meeting the other kids makes me feel nervous. Plus, I don’t know what my teacher is like, so I’m nervous about meeting her & all of the homework that we’re going to have.

6) Does your school have a dress code? How do you still plan on rocking your own style?

Maddie: Yes, we do have a dress code (Big frown). I didn’t have one at my last school, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to wear my clothes. I’ll try to design my own clothes & wear great accessories & shoes, like my Converse knee-high sneakers, to make my clothes cool!