Sunday, December 18, 2011

Giveaway: Tea Collection Children's Clothing $100 GC {1.18; US}

This is a joint giveaway with Hobo Mama and Natural Parents Network. You may enter at one site only. Please find the section marked "Win it!" for the mandatory main entry and optional bonus entries.

Tea Collection is offering our readers a giveaway of a $100 Gift Certificate.

Tea Collection offers high-quality, modern children's clothes that are internationally inspired, wearable, and unique.


I'm a little bit drooly when it comes to Tea Collection children's clothing. I admired them from afar for a couple years before finally getting my greedy paws on some pieces. I entered giveaways like this (but didn't win, sigh). I was nearly giddy when Tea offered to let me do a review and giveaway of their precious boys' clothing. (Clothes for girls, women, and babies are also available.)

Tea Collection: The Story

Tea Collection picks a particular global region to inspire the clothing line each year: from Japan to West Africa to Hungary. Right now it's Modern Mexico, and I love the south-of-the-border details. The inspiration often turns toward the graphic and the colorful, lending a stylistic and unique touch to your kids' clothes you don't usually find.

The tagline for Tea is "for little citizens of the world." I admire the "fusion of worldwide cultures and modern design," as the About page puts it.

Decorate the Kids: Get Colorful

Let me admit that I'm not a little green when I look at the girls' clothing that Tea offers. As with most children's clothing, it's even cuter. But, I have two boys, and fortunately, Tea has got them covered with delectable options as well.



One thing that often depresses me about boys' clothing is how drab it can be. Tea says no way to boring and came through with not one but two purple shirts for my four-year-old! Mikko loves purple, and it's incredibly hard to find boys' shirts in that color. Yea for Tea!

Matchy Matchy: Range of Children's Sizes

Even better? Mikko loves to match clothing with his new little brother, Alrik, who's six months old. I figure that agreeableness won't last forever, so I try to indulge it as I can. Unfortunately, Mikko wears a size 6 or 7 now, and Alrik is still in baby sizes, of course. This makes finding coordinating clothing very challenging.



Tea to the rescue! Nearly all of the clothing options at Tea Collection start at baby sizes (a Small is 6-12 months) and go up through children's sizes, most up to a size 12. Yup, you could get a baby a romper, big sister a coordinating shirt, and even bigger sister the same one! I can't tell you how excited this makes me.



(They also have newborn size clothing for smaller babies, beginning at 0-3 months up through 6-9 months.)

Our Clothing: Sized Right

Here's what we received, all told:


I chose our sizing based on the Size Chart and was quite pleased at the fit. Just for reference, Alrik is about 17 pounds right now, and Mikko is (gasp) 50 pounds.

Size Small is 15-22 pounds, and Medium is 22-27 — I chose a Medium for the short-sleeve polo shirt, since likely Alrik will be wearing that more in the spring and summer. I didn't feel that either shirt looked way too big on him, probably because of the nice elasticity, but there's thankfully plenty of room to grow. The pants were a little snug over his cloth diaper, but not a problem once we wiggled them on. Since they were in the larger size, they needed to be rolled up, but I actually like it when baby pants are too long, because then they still cover the legs when they get hiked up during babywearing.

Size 7 is 51-61 pounds according to the chart, and indeed, it looks like Mikko has a little room to grow, but the shirts aren't comically large on him. He's tall for his age, but not at a seven-year-old's height, so I worried about the length of everything — they're definitely longer than the toddler sizes he's been growing out of, but I think that will work in his favor as he continues to sprout up, considering he has such a long torso.

My recommendation is to take the Sizing Chart at its word, but don't be scared to size up if you want to get more seasons of wear out of these adorable clothes!

The Clothing: The Look, the Feel, the Wear and Tear

My first impression of the stripe and polo jersey shirts was "Oh! Sooo soft." I kept reaching out to rub Mikko's tummy and hug Alrik tight as they were wearing their shirts!

The material felt substantial and comfortable, just the way quality children's clothes should feel.

I haven't had much chance to do a lot of wash and wear on the new clothes, but I do have some Tea baby shirts and rompers that I bought for Alrik when he was born. Despite needing to be washed frequently, as baby clothes always are, they've held up magnificently to machine washing and drying and are clearly in good shape to be handed down.

I even love the little red "Tea" tags on the back of each item.

The only problem I've encountered is two little holes in the front of Alrik's Diego shirt. I'm confident that we did not put them there, because I noticed them when he was wearing it for the first time and within the first hour. (We're not in the habit of pinning medals to our baby's chest…) I've just contacted the Tea representative about it to make sure it's not a quality-control thing and will update this post as I find out more.

Holiday Looks for Stylish Kids

I'll leave you with some more photos of our kids wearing their new duds to trim the tree and enjoy our cookie decorating party.





If only he knew how many people want to do just that to his own cheeks!





 

BUY IT!


You can purchase Tea Collection baby, children's, and women's clothing online at TeaCollection.com or locally using the Store Locator. There are several children's boutiques near me that carry the line, so you can drool over the selection in person. This also means you can "shop local" for the holidays.

Tea frequently offers sales, so stay in touch (the Bonus Entries below will tell you how). You can get 10% off your first order simply by signing up for the newsletter.

TeaCollection.com currently ships only to the United States. However, you can find local stores in several international areas.

Today and tomorrow, you can receive 3-day shipping for the price of ground (FREE on orders over $150, $7 on everything else). Use code 3DAYYAY. Hurry with those holiday orders — ends 12/19 at 11:59pm PT!

Some of my favorites among Tea's current collection:

If it's too late for you to give the gift of Tea Collection by Christmas, consider a Tea Collection e-Gift Certificate — much appreciated by any parent!

 

WIN IT!

For your own chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Tea Collection, enter by leaving a comment and using our Rafflecopter system below.

Contest is open to United States addresses only.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Tea Collection's website and tell us one item you would pick if you win! You must enter your name and email address in the Rafflecopter entry system for your entry to count, after leaving a comment on the blog post.

Leave a valid email address so we can contact you if you win. Email addresses in Rafflecopter are not made publicly visible. Please leave the same valid email address in your mandatory comment so we can verify entries. If on Blogger, you can enter it like this to foil spambots: mail {at} naturalparentsnetwork {dot} com

This is a joint giveaway with Hobo Mama and Natural Parents Network. You may enter at one site only, and we'll be recording IP addresses to ensure that there are no duplicate entries. That said, please do visit and enjoy both sites!

BONUS ENTRIES:
See the Rafflecopter entry system for bonus entries to increase your chance of winning after completing the mandatory entry. All bonus entries are entered directly into Rafflecopter. Give it a try, and email or leave a comment if you have any questions!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Contest closes January 18, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.


 


Disclosure: I received the products specified for review.
Some Tea Collection links are affiliate links.
I try to seek out only products I think you would find
relevant and useful to your life as a natural parent.
If I don't like a product, I won't be recommending it to you.
See my full disclosure policy here.

69 comments:

Krista said...

i love the aztec sweater vest!

Timothy Francis said...

I <3 the Lola mini dress for my little lady and the little citizens hoodies for my little guy.

Rachel said...

I like the Uno Dos Tres Romper, so cute! and my little guy (9 months) looks adorable in rompers.
Rachel Mitchell

Travis said...

I literally just spent thirty minutes on their site and can't pick a favorite. Everything is so sweet. When Teylor was a baby someone gifted her with a skirt&sweater from them and it was literally the softest little outfit ever. If I win, the toddler would be picking her clothes, but I would go with one of their lovely dresses, I love the pinata style one.

avioletsouffle/ gmail

Gretchen said...

Fiesta Flora Top for sure!

Amber said...

I would get my little guy the desierto henley - the colors are so pretty!

Jenn said...

Lauren, your kids could be models. Those are great photos.

I love the Ticking Stripe Pants from the Tea Collection site.

Michelle said...

Dude. I LOVE Tea Collection. It's a slight obsession. I buy all of Ella's clothes from the consignment store, or Tea. How opposite could we be, please? I'd also like to admit that I fell in love with one of the girl's dresses from lat season, it was nice and elastic at the top. Totally fits me. Shameless. I'd love to win. Though I don't really understand how the raffle thingy works.

Michelle said...

Was I supposed to leave an email address? michelle(dot)cohoon(at)gmail

I am always drooling over the ponchos and dresses for Ella.

Brittany Thomas said...

I'd get some of the Tea Collection for my daughter...and probably my boys too...girls are just more fun to shop for. :)

FreeIndeed said...

the litte citizen pajamas
anna pry

FreeIndeed said...

i'd get matching outfits for my daughters, and i learned that they sell wardrobe sets
anna pry
thepryfamily@gmail.com

Tabitha said...

I'd get the Wildflower Mini Dress
kayleefaith1228@aol.com

Jennifer C. said...

I would choose the Keepsake gift set in the chocolate brown!

jennifercausby at hotmail dot com

Raina @ Mamacita Spins The Globe said...

I would get the aztec eagle shirt for my son, because i know he would absolutely love it!

Felicia R said...

I would choose the wrap dress for my LO
fmgrice2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Felicia R said...

My daughter would be the lucky duck to wear the clothes!
fmgrice2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Felicia R said...

I learned that they have women's clothing, I thought it was only kids
fmgrice2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Morgan Lipton, MA CCC-SLP said...

Lurve the wildflower wrap or mini dress!

Karoline said...

I love the dancing dragon pajamas

Lacey Jane said...

*sighhh* I love them all!!!!! I love allll the rompers for baby girls. I am due in April and I have bookmarked their website. I especially love the wildflower layered romper. SO cute!! LaceyJane413@hotmail.com

Carmen Van Deursen said...

I would love to get the kimono robe sweater for my little guy.
Carmen Van Deursen
eve2570@msn.com

Carmen Van Deursen said...

My three year old son would wear the cloths.
Carmen Van Deursen
eve2570@msn.com

Carmen Van Deursen said...

I learned that the kimono sweater in indigo is unisex.
Carmen Van Deursen
eve2570@msn.com

Adrienne said...

I think the baby boys' origami pajamas are adorable!

Adrienne said...

Of course, if I won, my little son would be the lucky duck to wear these duds!

Cere said...

I love the boy's kimono sweater, and it would be first on my list if I had 100 Tea Collection dollars!

Socks4supper {at} gmail {dot} com

Lindsay said...

I like the boys long sleeved "purity" tee-I think it'd be great one its own or for layering!

Lindsay said...

the lucky ducky who would wear the clothes I'd get if I'd won would be my two-year-old son and my niece whose first birthday is next month!

Lindsay said...

I learned that their design team actually travels to the places they base their clothing lines on so they can look at the architecture, nature, and people/culture to get inspiration for color, shapes, textures and motifs to include in their collection based on that place.

Unknown said...

I would pick the boys kimono robe, it is so cute!

Unknown said...

my son would wear it. :) He has 1 tea collection outfit and it's our favorite, so soft, comfy, and adorable

Unknown said...

They started a womens collection in 2010 (probably because the mom's were jealous of their kids awesome clothes.)

Dona said...

Besides any and all the clothes :0) I'd get the Aura Tiempo set for my daughters (4 & 6), as I just love getting them nice but not matchy clothes. Thanks for the opportunity!

Whomping Willow said...

I LOVE the Mercado striped skirt, I think I would get it even though it wouldn't fit my daughter for a couple years, it is too cute!

Whomping Willow said...

My 18 month old and soon-to-be-newborn (in March) would wear the clothes

Whomping Willow said...

I learned their clothes are pre-washed & pre-shrunk, that's great!

Unknown said...

I love the Mixteca Alta Sweater and would have to get it for my little boy!

Unknown said...

I learned they have women's - yay!

Aili said...

I love the Mixteca Alta sweater....and everything else!

DeniseL said...

Amazing Army Jacket for my little guy!

DeniseL said...

My son Henry would get most of the clothes if I win (he's 2). but I won't rule out the possibility that my 19 yo daughter and I order something too ;)

Sophie said...

I would love to get the Chiapas dress!

Shanna said...

I like the mixteca alta sweater!
stkc79 at gmail dot com

Shanna said...

My boys would get the clothes! (5 and 1)

Sophie said...

My twin sisters would be the lucky recipients!

Megan B.B. said...

I love love LOVE the wildflower mini dress. I love tea. :)

Megan B.B. said...

My 2 month old daughter would wear these. :)

Unknown said...

i like the Ubud Ikat Dress. amypugmire@live.com

Unknown said...

my 2 little girls would be so lucky to wear these clothes. amypugmire@live.com

dropastitch@yahoo.com said...

www.teacollection.com/product/2S22006/boys-t-shirts-barong-batik-layered-tee.html#twilight

and the
www.teacollection.com/product/2S22003/boys-hoodies-growling-naga-zip-hoodie.html#shale

dropastitch@yahoo.com said...

would be for my fab grandson Eli Sachs

Heather Swartz said...

I would pick the Las Casa layered Polo. I love the layered look. :)

Heather Swartz said...

It would be for my absolutely adorable son. :)

Heather Swartz said...

Last year, Tea Nation focused on Korea. I love all the layer looks that they had.

Jessica Snook said...

I would love to get the WILDFLOWER WRAP DRESS.

Jessica Snook said...

My daughter would wear the new clothes.

Jessica Snook said...

I learned that they have a Woman's section! :)

Nikki said...

One of the things we'd get is the Botanic Garden Playdress. ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Nikki said...

This would be for my daughter! ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Nikki said...

I learned that through their Share the Love! program, you can 'Refer a friend and get a $25 Tea certificate. Plus your friend gets 20% off their order of $100 or more.' ngiraldi at gmail dot com

Jess said...

The las pasadas (I bet I botched the spelling big time!) dress would be adorable on my little girl!
Jesscupcakekucsan{at} gmail{dot} com

wakana said...

I saw UBUD IKAT DRESS today at Nordstrom and fell in love with it! It is just gorgeous. I also like the Ubud Ikat Top; I guess I love the ikat fabric.

gwakana at gmail dot com

Windy said...

I love the desierto Henley! I avoid dressing my toddler in clothes with designs that are overpowering. The earthy geometric patterns on this does a marvelous job of framing the child's face.

Darcel {MahoganyWayMama} said...

I can see either one of my girls in the cactus flower dress. It's so cute!

dropastitch@yahoo.com said...

Tea started in 2002 in San Francisco with 3 beautiful, pima cotton baby sweaters

jules mcnubbin (buttmuffin) said...

safari scooter jacket.. so cute!

jules mcnubbin (buttmuffin) said...

my niece is expecting a baby boy in May

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