We may still be experiencing the worst of summer’s heat, but it is time to start thinking about pre-orders for top children’s lines. I really like the simple good looks of this dress from Cakewalk’s Nomads of Mongolia line. The red and grey combination on the sweater really pops, and the red pom poms add a touch of fun. It is available in sizes from 2T up to 8 years, with prices ranging from $70.95 for smaller sizes to $78.95 for the largest. It is expected to ship in late August or early September. You can preorder one at thesillywagon.com.

Something about the simple styling of this beanie by Child’s Play really caught my eye. The brimmed Buckle Beanie is crocheted in charcoal colored 80% acrylic/20% wool yarn, making a warm, comfortable hat for your little one. The silver buckle just sets the entire hat off. Jessi, the designer, is willing to custom-crochet this hat to your specifications, including custom sizes and colors. Sizes/prices range from 9-12 months for $27 to adult for $35 at 1000markets.com. Two weeks production time is necessary for these custom made hats.

After spotting Matilda Ledger in a pink tiered Lucy Sykes dress recently, I thought I’d have a gander at the site. There are so many things to choose from, all in pretty, feminine patterns and cuts. Some of the dresses look like they’d only be appropriate with bloomers, but in all, it’s swanky gear. Harmonize your daughters’ outfits, should you have two or more girls, easily with coordinating collections of dresses, tops, and pants. You can even get a thing or two for yourself or your sons while shopping at LucySykes.com.

Since the Lucy Sykes site seems to be malfunctioning, I found the sweet-as-can-be candy-striped cotton seersucker dress at the famous Saks Fifth Avenue online store for $72.

I’m always a sucker for mermaid-themed clothes for my girls. They bring back fond memories of my 80’s childhood and my favorite Sea Wee dolls. This embellished Musical Mermaid Swimsuit by Rhonda Sutton is one of the cuter mermaid items I’ve seen recently. I love the intricacies of the design–from the shimmering fins to the detailed instruments the mermaids are playing. This suit is available in sizes from 2T to 6X and retails for $41. You can order one at MyPrincessCloset.com.

I’ve been seeing a lot of sales on Small Paul products lately. Here is a deal on a pack of Julius the Monkey underwear.  The set contains three pairs 100% cotton underwear in a reusable plastic pouch. The set is currently on sale for $18 at RubysKids.com. While that is still more than I generally pay for underwear for my kids, I think the set would make a fun stocking stuffer or other small gift. Sizes are limited, however, so you will want to order soon for the best selection.

Polarn O. Pryet (POP), one of Sweden’s largest children’s wear companies, is currently having a sale of up to 50% off  on many of its summer styles, including clothes for newborns, babies, toddlers, kids 2-6, kids 6-11, and even moms. This includes clothing from its ECO line, such as this Applique Eco T. Made of 100% organic cotton, the tee features an applique of a house on the front and comes in Black, Pea, or Rowan. Regularly priced at $28, it’s currently on sale for $14. You can view all of the sale items at PolarnOPyretUSA.com.

I’m not usually a big fan of halter tops or dresses on young children, but this sweet little dress from Baby Gap manages to avoid the spaghetti straps and overly-adult styling that usually turn me off. Instead, its cute plaid fabric and apron style pockets create a very sweet and summery look. This would definitely be a great option in hot weather. This dress, which has been seen on Suri Cruise, is currently on sale for $19.99 at gap.com. How often can you pick up a celebrity-approved outfit for less than $20? It is available in sizes from 12-18 months to 5 years.

Stock up for fall and save with this Baby Nay Frida Scoop Neck Layered Tee. We have some clothes from this Baby Nay line, and I quite like it. The blue is just a very unusual and striking shade that works very well with the foliage print. It looks great on my blue-eyed baby. This layered look continues to be popular, whether you pair it with jeans, leggings, or even a skirt. You can purchase this top on sale for $18 (half price) at shopbabytrends.com. It is available in toddler sizes.

I was not familiar with the brand Baby Sara, but I recently stumbled upon their clothing while browsing online, and was quite taken with this cute little top. I love the attention to detail around the neckline. The crocheted lace and flowers are very sweet, and the bright pink of the flowers stands out beautifully against the green silk of the top. I think this would look great on a little girl with green eyes. Originally $50, it is currently on sale for $35. Unfortunately, sizes are very limited. You can check it out at shopbabytrends.com.

One of the things I like best about this Organic Zoe Ladybug Tee by Colette Kids is that it can be worn by a boy or a girl. Made of 100% USDA certified organic fine jersey combed cotton, the tee is an eggplant color (the website calls it “cinder”) and features a playful ladybug named Zoe. Each tee is screenprinted individually by hand, and also features a rib neckband for durability. Available in sizes 2T and 4T, you can purchase this cute t-shirt for $24 at ColetteKids.com.

It’s a bone of contention in our house that I won’t let my girls wear flip flops. While I can appreciate some aspects of that summer favorite, I just don’t feel like my girls’ feet are safe in them. I like these sandals from bathing suit favorite Kate Mack because they incorporate the practical elements of flip flops–easy to get on and off, water proof, etc., with safety features such as an ankle strap. They are pretty darn cute, too. Whether they are paired with a coordinating Kate Mack bathing suit or with shorts and a tee shirt, these are sure to be a hit with moms and kids alike. You can purchase a pair for $26 at bestdressedkids.com.

One of the best things about having a daughter (I’m guessing) is being able to buy her all sorts of cute hair accessories. I love this Crocheted Hat with Flower Clip by Woobie Wear. Babies, toddlers, and young children can get away with wearing beautiful hats like this one. It’s handmade, just like all of Woobie Wear’s hair accessories, and the flower clip is interchangeable, allowing for several different looks. Another great thing about these hats - they’re one size fits all, from newborn to age 12, as they come with an adjustable ribbon. So even though you might spend $20 for a hat, you know your child will be getting years of wear from it. You can view this gorgeous hat and all of Woobie Wear’s products at HeyBabyDesigns.com, and you can purchase this hat for $19.59 at Image-DesignInc.com.

Like many children, my son has sensitive skin. I’ve learned to buy laundry detergents free of chemicals and dyes, but sometimes, his clothes still bother his skin. That’s why I was anxious to try Cottonique’s line of allergy-free clothing for babies, toddlers and children. I decided to sample their boys’ underwear, as they lie right next to a child’s skin. The first thing I noticed about the boys’ briefs was that they were just that - brief. They were styled more like a bikini than the traditional briefs that I’m used to seeing. But once I touched them, they were the softest underwear I’d ever felt.  The rough edges are sewn on the outside, not the inside, so as to avoid irritating the skin. The reason the underwear is so soft, according to the company, is that it’s made from 100% natural cotton, dye and chemical free, and pH balanced. This accounts for its off-white color. The clothing is also latex-free and spandex-free.

The only thing I didn’t like about the underwear was that they fit rather snugly - a notice that accompanied them in the box said that this was because they are not treated with flame-retardant chemicals, so they must fit snugly. My son said they were so comfortable he didn’t even remember he was wearing them. Time will tell if they hold up in the washer and dryer, or if they shrink too much to fit him. All in all, I’m very pleased with this Cottonique product. You can view all of their apparel at Cottonique.com, where the boys’ underwear I tried sells for $17.75 for a pack of three.

For a flashy and trendy diva kinda day, the Airspeed Toddler Girls’ Diva Sneakers are just the ticket. Pair them with a snazzy outfit (something by Gwen Stefani perhaps?), like a cool tank, a fun hat, and jeans, and she’s ready to lavish in all the attention she’ll get.  A wide Velcro closure will help get them on and off (as we all know how difficult—infuriating!!—putting shoes on kids can be.) If you’ve got boys, they’ve got similar styles for them as well. Nobody in the household has to lack in style, especially when these Size 8-11 sneaks are only $15 at WalMart.com.

I have always loved the clean, cool appeal of peasant blouses. My broad shoulders, unfortunately, keep them from looking right on me. Fortunately, they look great on my daughters. Even my 6 month old has a few. I’ve been ogling this Senorita Blouse from the upscale brand Pebbles. The bright colors really stand out against the white background. It would look great with jeans, shorts, or perhaps a denim mini skirt. Best of all, it is currently on sale for $32 (from $48), so you have the chance to add a high-quality, ultra-versatile piece to your child’s wardrobe at a fraction of the retail cost. You can purchase one at milkshop.com.