We look to celebrities regularly for fashion inspiration and to learn about the latest trends. Dressing your little ones doesn't have to be any different. The children of fashion-forward celebrities are often passed down a great sense of style that you can use as a reference when ditching the boring kids' clothes and opting for star style.
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Upscale children's clothing boutiques and specialty lines have become increasingly popular, and the kids' clothing industry is booming. Magazines and television shows often focus solely on the fashion choices of famous tots like Suri Cruise, the Beckham boys, Kingston Rossdale and Jaden Smith.
Many celebrities also dress their children in matching "mini-me" outfits with pint-sized versions of runway and designer looks. If your child is a budding fashionista or aspires to be in the entertainment business, you can get the party started by incorporating these trendy ideas into their wardrobe.
Splurging on designer clothing is one way to achieve the same look as celebrity little ones. Many high-end designers like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Gucci and Armani have lines of clothing just for teens and tots. If you want the designer name brand without the hefty price tag, check out consignment stores that carry gently used designer items or check Web sites like eBay or Craigslist for deals on new and used designer children's clothing for a fraction of the price.
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Of course you don't have to shell out an entire paycheck to get your kid dressed in the latest and greatest fashion. You can replicate designer looks and styles by printing out pictures of child-celebrity outfits and bringing them with you on your next shopping trip. You can often find look-alike pieces at discount stores or online through cheap children's clothing sites.
Many celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus and other tween Disney stars have started their own discount kids' clothing lines offered through big-box stores like Target and Walmart that offer fashionable pieces at low prices. These celebs often rock their own lines, giving them real fashion street cred.
An element of being a trendsetter is trying new and unique things. Many children's outfits, especially for special occasions like holidays can be predictable and boring. Swap out a frilly Christmas dress for a sequined tunic or a seer-sucker Easter suit for khakis and an argyle sweater vest. Go for the unexpected, and your kids will look like they just stepped out of a magazine.
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Keeping your children's clothing in good condition is another way to keep them looking like celebs. You don't see many well-off stars with ratty, dirty or scuffed clothes and shoes. Wash pieces according to the label and be sure to dry clean anything that requires it. Toss or donate ill-fitting or damaged items.
Accessories for kids are another great option to add to your child's wardrobe that adds pop and high-fashion style. Little girls can pile on colorful or metallic bangles, sparkly purses and clip-in, feathered hair extensions. Young boys can look like Hollywood hunks in newsboy caps, baby blazers, cartoon character bowties and little loafers.
In addition to accessories, another often-overlooked element of style is hair and makeup. Take pictures of your favorite celebrity hairdos with you to the salon during your child's next haircut because younger heads of hair can be styled just like their adult counterparts. Styling your daughter with an intricate updo or flowing curls at the next special occasion or school picture day will make her look and feel like she's at the latest award show.
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More dramatic runway and red-carpet beauty looks can be toned down with kid-friendly lip gloss and sparkly body lotion. Boys can get in on the action with shaved heads like David Beckham, braided hair like Jaden Smith, or temporary, non-toxic hair dye like Kingston Rossdale or Pax Jolie-Pitt.
Remind your kids that just because they may be emulating a celebrity, that they are still regular people and should behave as such. There is no need to be snooty or snobby just because your parent dresses you in designer clothing.
If you want to join in on the fun of a celebrity fashion for your kids but don't think it will fit into your everyday life, consider throwing a fun, Hollywood-themed birthday party for your kiddo. "Stars" can dress up in fancy dresses, boas, sunglasses and walk their own personal red carpet. Having a dress-up bin full of these fun outfits is also a great way to give your little ones a day of glamour without overdoing it.
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Shoot photos and pretend to be the paparazzi or stage a television talk show where you interview each child about their latest "project" to top off the whole thing. Serving popcorn and mocktails while "screening" a popular movie can be fun.
In addition to the clothing your kids wear, you can pump up the glam factor with childcare products like bedazzled baby wipe cases, modern and sleek strollers, high-fashion maternity wear and designer diaper bags. Being a mom doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your style as well. Adding some pop with these extras can keep you looking just as cool as your kids.
No matter what type of celebrity style you choose to dress you children in, remember that they are still kids. Clothing not only should be fashionable and fun, but also functional and comfortable. Make sure that clothing items fit and do not have dangerous elements like easily removed buttons or strings that could become safety hazards for toddlers. It's also important to remain age appropriate.
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While a hot pink cocktail dress may look great on Britney Spears, it's not the right look for a 12-year-old. Celebrity stylists know that "less is more," so you should also take this outlook when dressing your kids. Sticking to one or two fashionable items is better than overloading your tot with designer looks and flashy accessories.