The Budget Bambino

What: Rainy season will be here before we know it, and they best time to pick up some water-resistant gear is before the downpour begins! I fell in love with these Girls’ Polka-Dot Wellies from JCrew’s Crew Cuts line ($48). With a bright, fun pattern girls will love and durability and slip-free treads moms and dads want, these boots are the perfect cure for rainy day blues. What We Say: While brands like JCrew, and even Juicy, now make adorable …

What: With back-to-school time less than a month away, it’s time for the most important purchase of the year—the backpack. As these bags become fashion statements, many kids want to start the year fresh with a new one each September. What We Say: Whether you need to replace a worn book-bag or your child simply wants a new look for the new year, you can find great bags and backpacks for low prices. (And don’t forget to donate old ones …

Naomi Watts makes being pregnant look soooo easy in this breezy summer maternity look—if only we could all be that cool and collected. Well, you can at least look the part, and without spending a fortune either. What? Don’t believe it? Well, here’s proof—we’ve found these pieces to pull it all together, for less (and we even gave you two necklace options, because we loved both). No thanks are necessary—this is our idea of fun.: Tank Dress with Bow, on …

What: Fall means back to school and sweater season—and we’ve got both covered here. What we say: The end of summer gets us all excited for the leaves turning color, yellow school buses driving around town, and especially nostalgic for the prep school experience we never had. And what’s more prep school than the classic cardigan? There are many options for cute kids cardigan sweaters from funky casual to dressy cashmere, and all are perfect for tying around the waist …

Yeah, we’re kind of tired of seeing Katie Holmes and daughter Suri in the news, too—and on TV—and in the magazines—blogs—you get the picture. And yet here we are—mostly because we just couldn’t resist Katie’s totally easy yet pulled together mom look (and practical too!) and Suri’s super cute all-girl polka dot dress. So here it goes—ways you and your daughter can do this, for less: Katie’s look: Levis 501 Pegged and Rolled Jean, $58, Urban Outfitters—or, if you can manage …

The Deal: Free Shipping on Select Baby Gear at Target.com The Lowdown: Purchase selected babygear from strollers to monitors and get free shipping at Target. You were probably going to buy this stuff at Target anyway, and now you don’t have to burn any gas getting what you need, with free shipping. Be sure to peruse all the great namebrand offerings, like this Graco Alano Travel System, $189.99. Shop: Target.com

Most of us can’t walk around dressed like Ashlee Simpson all the time (nor would we want to), but her style has evolved a bit over the years, and now that she’s expecting, she’s been seen in some pretty free-spirited but stylish stuff. This look caught our eye because it’s not your typical maternity dress and flats —instead it’s a casual/going out with friends look that’s got a little funky edge to it, but is still actually wearable. One note: the …

What: Boys and Girls in the hood . . . What we say: Nothing feels more snuggly on a cold day than a comfy hoodie and our picks showcase how versatile these fall staples can be. The various colors and styles are bound to fit any kid’s style from preppy to funky to sporty. They are the perfect compliment to a pair of worn-in jeans. Old Navy’s new Reversible Hoodie ($20) for girls gives you two styles in one and comes …

What: Our favorite styles for fall jackets, just in time for the cool weather to settle in . . . The Lowdown: Baby it’s cold outside…but not quite cold enough to pull out the parkas and ski pants. That’s why we’re looking at some of our favorite fall jackets – fun, versatile styles that’ll be warm on your kids and easy on your wallets. The Double-Breasted Peacoat from Old Navy ($18) is cute enough for your little pumpkin. In pink or …

What: Stripes—zebras shouldn’t have all the fun . . . What we say: Girls have polka dots this season as a go-to pattern, so it is only fitting that boys have stripes as their trendy clothing design. After seeing a photo of Gwyneth Paltrow’s son Moses sporting a cool striped sweater, we thought that stripes are a fun, fashionable style for this season on everything from outerwear to accessories. This Piece-Striped sweatshirt from Old Navy ($14.99) is reminiscent of the diagonal …