On why I haven’t bought any clothes for my little girl {and a GIVEAWAY!}

Actually, that’s a bit of a lie. I carefully shopped for her 'going home from hospital outfit' and have bought her a summer coat, some onesies, a few vests, some leggings, a couple of denim pinnies and bits and bobs from the charity shops along the way.

Not exactly much for a girl who just turned thirteen months. But this girl, she has more clothes than me, Paul and Ollie put together. 

How? I like to call it Extreme Upcycling.

You see, when I was pregnant with Lila, it just so happened that I had three lovely friends who had also recently had girls and who weren’t planning to have any more.

And so they off-loaded all of their unwanted baby clothes to me. Which is how I found myself swimming in a sea of girly onesies, tiny tees, cute dresses and lots of pink, way before Lady Lila graced this earth with her presence. It was really quite amazing and I spent many, many hours pre-birth happily nesting away, getting all teary whilst washing and folding tiny clothes.

Now I’m a big fan of second-hand, upcycled, recycled {whatever you want to call it} clothing and I am soooo grateful to my friends for all that they have passed my way. Particularly as all three had great taste in girls clothing. But the only problem with Extreme Upcycling, is that the clothes go on and on and on. And on. And although I would have loved to have splashed out on many new things for my little girl, I just haven’t been able to justify it. Until now.

Because the upcycled stash has all but run out, we have a new season well and truly here and Lila finally needs some new big-girls clothes {hurrah!}. And let me tell you, I am thoroughly enjoying putting together her winter wardrobe.

Right now I’m particularly loving dresses with bold prints in deep colours, paired with tights and chunky knits. I can’t quite imagine how cold winter is going to be, but I know Lila will need a fleecy coat to keep her warm. And hats, oh how I love babies in hats.

Shopping in this country is so much fun and there are some truly gorgeous brands to choose from. So much variety. So much choice. So much cute.

I’m trying not to rush out and get too carried away all in one go, so I'm starting with a list. I love lists. And lucky for me I have the perfect place to write it - a gorgeous new journal that I won over at Lottie's the other week. 

And you know what's even more exciting? I have five more fabulous floral-print Joules journals to give away to you, my lovely readers.

To win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Yes, it's that simple! For extra entries you could also share the love on twitter, instagram and Facebook and leave a comment here to let me know that you have done so. Good luck! 

Now tell me… do you upcycle? Or do you prefer new clothes all the way? What’s your favourite go-to for children’s clothes?

*This post is sponsored by Joules, who sent Lila some items from their new, utterly adorable A/W children’s range (like the amazing floral dress in the pictures above). All words and opinions are my own.

** Competition is open to British residents only. Entries close at 8pm on Tuesday 30th October and five winners will be chosen at random. Entrants must provide a first name and some way for me to contact you - either via email, your blog or social media.