Explore culture through clothing with Tea Collection

I didn’t think too much about children’s clothing before having kids. I’d bought some outfits for new moms as shower gifts. I knew I wanted my kids to look cute.

But I never considered how clothing sends a message, defines a culture, or teaches a lesson until I started buying clothing for my own children. When Tea Collection offered me a complimentary gift card in exchange for sharing my thoughts on their Fall / Winter 2013 clothing line, I began to think about what I wanted in the kids’ clothes I buy.

I realized I play a balancing act between my perfect ideal of children’s fashion… and the reality!

• I don’t like branded clothing with licensed characters … however, I give in for hubby’s superheros and son’s Thomas train fixations. 
• I don’t like items to be too trendy because that’s not practical … however, having a pop of color or intriguing design makes clothing fun for kids.
• I don’t love matchy-matchy … however, I do like coordinating outfits between my two boys.
• I don’t love stiff, formal clothing … however, I want my kids to look presentable at church, etc, while also being comfortable.

When I dress my kids in Tea Collection clothing, I get everything I value and then some. I get to create a culture of personal expression for my kids that doesn’t rely on branded / licensed products, yet is still fun for kids. I also get quality crafted clothing that holds its value as I hand down the pieces to my younger son.

I can explore motifs and themes of cultures the world over, simply by pulling a t-shirt over their heads. Each print is detailed and expresses the essence of a particular country or region. The distinctive designs spark conversations, like the one with my son last summer about mariachis (Mexico inspired Tea line). Then there’s the unique twist Tea puts on each package by sending along a coloring book exploring the cultural inspiration for each line!

Tea Collection travels the world in search of inspirations for eye-catching, fresh designs on each piece. You’ll love what’s coming (some already here!) in the Fall / Winter 2013 China collection:

Early fall includes charming blue-and-white motifs reminiscent of Beijing porcelain. Shades of ivory and indigo are predominant.

Tea Collections Back to School fashions focus on the pop culture of Chinese street style with vibrant colors. The clothes for boys with dragons and pandas and vehicles is especially exciting.

In fall, Tea celebrates Chinese art districts, and in winter, florals mixed with geometrics reflect an Art Deco theme. I love how Tea’s clothes for girls are always modest and age-appropriate.

Look for holiday sparkles with the Suzhou Sparkle line inspired by shimmering canals of this “water city” and reflected in the metallic printing you’ll find on these pieces.

I guess I do look for a lot out of a clothing line… good thing I get my wishes fulfilled with Tea Collection!

What do you look for in children’s clothing? Are you a Tea fan? 

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Thanks to Tea Collection for providing a complimentary gift card in exchange for me sharing my thoughts. All opinions are 100% my own.