My eight-year-old son did make his First Communion earlier this month. As you know if you’ve read this blog at all, I dress my kids relatively conservatively, classically. At least for church and occasions. I won’t share what my three-year-old twins dress themselves in on a daily basis. (One went through a week-long phase in which he wore three-sizes-too-big-soccer-cleats everywhere.)

So, number one son had a single sartorial request related to First Communion. A bow tie. A real one.

I was lucky enough to find a real bow tie with an adjustable neck band in the men’s department of a local luxury retailer. The tie wasn’t exactly cheap ($50) but it was perfect. The one pictured below isn’t the one we bought – but it’s darn close.

The pants, button down and shoes came from Nordstrom. The jacket (which looks almost exactly like the one pictured below) came from the same retailer as the tie. It was $130 and is made by Scotch & Soda, which also makes super cool men’s clothes. (Also, I had a gift certificate that made the jacket only $30. Yay!)

And, in the end, he looked darling. Perfect. Cutest kid there. Ask anyone.

First Communion Look – Boys

My 8 year old son had one request for his First Communion attire. He wanted a real bow tie.

Boys’ Shoes by Sperry
Boys’ Outerwear by Burberry

disclosure: I am a compensated ShopStyle affiliate.

I had to get back to share some cute finds with you though! How ’bout these little shoes? Found ‘em right under my nose – here in Kansas City!

The JEMOS children’s shoe line is reminiscent of the Pediped line and a few other soft-soled cuties. The girls styles look like they have a higher back so that the strap doesn’t ride across the very top of the foot, allowing for a secure fit. They retail at select online and brick-and-mortar shops for about $28.

Take a peek:

And…those classic Vans Checkerboard Slip-ons are still around. Still cool.

I saw these on Nigel Barker’s son though – and I LOVED them! (I also love Nigel Barker, but that’s a story for another day…) They’re Vans Old Skool V.


$35 at Vans.com. Cool but classic.

I saw my Vans-wearing fourth grade crush’s name on Facebook last week. Wonder if he’s still cute…

These are on my littlest boy – he’s two and a peanut. And I seriously love these. They are lightweight but substantial, if that makes any sense. The straps and heel are made of kind of a microsuede material. I chose the blue and red option – it has a little bit of blue camouflage at the heel. So cute.

And speaking of the heel, I really, really like that these have a fully covered heel. Nothing exposed to slip out and twist little ankles. The walking platform is wide enough for chubby feet and the velcro closures and straps have never chafed or rubbed Harry’s little feet at all. They’re finished very nicely.

And he can take them on and off himself. Which is great. And not so great at times.

So, I can highly, highly recommend Umi’s Gator sandals for your little guys. (And I’m not saying that because Umi gave me the shoes for free – I really can’t think of anything bad to say about them other than they cost a bit more than sandals at Target…)

These come in a few different color selections – blue/red, chocolate/black and khaki/yellow. They’re normally $54 at umishoes.com.

BUT WAIT! Umi is having a 30% off sale now thru May 31st! You read that right – THIRTY PERCENT OFF! Use Promo Code MAY30 at checkout.

Now, I’m excited for two things. First, the spring/summer line is coming. And second, they now make shoes for older kids – Eleven.

Ummm, I need a toddler girl. Stat. Those green shoes on the bottom left are calling me…and I don’t think my two year old boys would like them.

Now, my six year old girl wouldn’t fit into the green See Kai Runs. But she’s a shoe girl. And she would LOVE to slide her little piggies into these Elevens (brand, not size).
Alexi, $54 at SeeKaiRun

Pixie, on sale now for $40.50 at SeeKaiRun

Everyone here is outgrowing shoes by the minute. I’m overwhelmed. I did get a peek at the Umi spring/summer catalog this week too – and there are some DARLING (and cool – for my seven year old son) shoes coming! I hope to share those with you in the coming weeks!

PF Flyers Kids – Center Lo Hook Loop (Red)
(Zappos.com, $51)

PF Flyers Kids – Center Lo Hook Loop (Navy)
(Zappos.com, $51)