Maternity Shirts you'll LOVE to wear!

Let's face it, with all the joy that finding out you're having a new little one brings, comes the dread of knowing you're going to spend the next 9 months or more in drab, ill-fitting, ugly maternity wear. Finally somebody has got it right! We are loving these cute tees from 2 Chix (available at Duo Maternity for $38). Styles include "Waistlines are Overrated" and "Pregzilla".

Due Maternity stores are located in Atlanta, Austin, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and online at duematernity.com

If you're expecting a little one and want the best advice for finding cute clothing for yourself and baby, join our forum. And as always, have FMC come to you by following us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

A Little Nostalgia

Questionable taste in children's fashion

Many moms don't know designer Ida Pyk, but she's sure to ruffle a few feathers with the infamous face gracing some some of her new oversized tees. The Swedish designer recently premiered her new lookbook and mixed in among the Anorexic leggings and narcissist tanks were children wearing Bin Laden tees.

Image courtesy of refinery29

Is your youngster too small for a Bin Laden tee? Have no fear, TwistedTwee has you covered! The UK retailer known for clever sequential baby tees and onsies with sayings like "nobody puts baby in the corner" has brought us baby pasties

Image courtesy of TwistedTwee

What are your thoughts? Will either of these wacky shirts be coming home with you this Winter? Chat about it on our message board or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter!

A Correction to an earlier story on Pumpkin Patch closures...

The current known list of Pumpkin Patch stores closing is as follows:

Arizona:
Arrowhead Towne Center
Chandler
Paradise Valley
SanTan Village

California:
Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton

Colorado:
Cherry Creek
Flat Iron Crossing

Maryland:
Annapolis
Columbia

Texas:
Willow Bend in Plano
Dallas Galleria
Houston Galleria
Northstar in San Antonio
Willowbrook Mall

Virginia:
Tyson's Corners

Washington:
Tacoma

The original press release announced that there would be approximately 20 closures. FMC has only been able to confirm 14 closures to date.

Thanks to all those who helped contribute to this story and extra special thanks to alert reader Rebekah for alerting us to the inaccuracies of the previous list.

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

It's that time of year again...

The dog days of Summer are waning, making way for....BACK TO SCHOOL! But just because they're going back to school doesn't mean they're headed back to monotony! Give them something to look forward to (and show off) with these bags by Sammo @ etsy.com

We espeically like the creepy MMMM BRAINS bags

The inspring JAZZ HANDS

The ever-popular CAUTION LUNCH

And of course, President Obama


Sammo also does custom work, so be sure to check him out!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

BREAKING NEWS: NORDSTROM OBTAINS EXCLUSIVE US RETAIL RIGHTS TO MINI BODEN

Earlier this year, FashionMomCafe.com brought you news that Asos.com had obtained retail rights to distribute Boden in the UK. Boden has now done it for us here in the US- offering up Mini-Boden in Nordstrom stores! Few details are yet known, but FMC has learned that Nordstrom has obtained the exclusive retail rights to sell Boden in the US!

No word yet on when we can expect to see Mini Boden in stores or if the chain will be carrying adult-sized Boden as well. FMC will bring you all the news, as it happens. Until then, happy shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Shops at Grand River sign Gymboree, Gap

Though it's not opening for another year, there's an excited buzz around Birmingham while the entire area anticipates The Shops at Grand River- a $127 million dollar outlet mall, rivaling the ones seen at popular tourist destinations. The 6,500 acre development is planned to start with 330,000 square feet of retail and dining space in the fall of 2010 and expand shortly thereafter to 500,000 square feet.

The property announced an impressive line up this week, including Gymboree, Gap, Carters, Osh Kosh, Brooks Brothers, Jones New York, Banana Republic and Tommy Hilfiger. It is rumored that 27 others have signed on and 30 other retailers are in negotiations.

This mall is definitely one to watch! Happy shopping to all our friends in B-ham!

Talk about this on our board or Facebook!

-The FMC Team

Janie & Jack Halloween Pictures posted to forum

We're pleased to post Janie & Jack Halloween and Western-themed SKU pictures to the forum! They'll be uploaded to the front of the site later tonight, but for now, why not come join for free?

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

2 New Gymbos set to Open

Those of you following Gymboree on Facebook already know that the new store at Legacy Place in Dedham, Ma. is opening Saturday, August 15th! What you might not know is that another Gymboree location is also opening this month! On Wednesday, August 26th, the Valley Mall location in Yakima, Wa. will be opening!

Click here to become a fan of FMC on Facebook!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

More details on Tide and Gymboree partnership

As FMC first reported in May, Tide and Gymboree have partnered up to promote Tide's newest product line, "Tide Stain Release". Tide coupons have been popping up alongside Gymbo coupons in recent weeks. Matter of fact, those Tide coupons are popping up everywhere the last few weeks.

We are now receiving new details of the partnership. A recent press release from Proctor & Gamble (parent company of Tide) details:

The holisitc, multi-touchpoint partnership between Gymboree and Tide Stain Release includes shared national print advertising, web site integration, co-branded interactive components, and a robust in-store marketing program within over 600 Gymboree stores across the country.

So what does all this mean? We've seen the print adverts and online integration- but that leaves the mystery of what is meant by "co-branded interactive components" and robust in-store marketing.

What are you hoping to see?

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team