Small Shop Summer Styles

"When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance."

I'm sure we've all seen that quote floating around the internet, particularly around Small Business Saturday (the day after Black Friday). For me, shopping small has always been something I enjoyed. I love seeing new businesses open and meeting the owners. I love seeing their faces light up when they talk about this dream they've had that has now come to fruition. 

Supporting small businesses, however, is not confined to one day a year. Those actual people happy dance all year long whenever a customer places an order. Perhaps you're wondering where to start? Searching Etsy can be totally overwhelming. For example, searching the term "Kids Clothes" gets you 102,855 results. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite shops (and provide you with a few discount codes while I'm at it).

1. Shiloh Z Boutique

Shiloh Z Boutique feeds my need for all things feminine, whimsical, and bohemian. This shop has some of the most beautiful pieces: kimonos, dresses, rompers... And each piece is handmade from the softest fabrics just perfect for summer. My daughter loves wearing the kimonos the best. She says they make her look like a princess. I love them because they add a lightweight layer to protect against the sun if we are outside or a strong AC system when we are indoors. You may actually recognize that lace kimono from The Today Show where it was featured for summer styles for kids!

Another thing I love about Shiloh Z Boutique is that when you make a purchase from them, a portion of that goes to supporting various charities. The shop owner, Elsie, and her husband also make a monthly donation to a precious family in Peru, sponsoring their little girl so she can go to school! As Elsie says on her shop site, "There's a great feeling when we are able to do good for people around us!" You can follow @shilohzboutique on Instagram here. Feel like placing an order? Use code PARKER15 when you do to save 15%! And, as always, free shipping within the US.

2. Mommy and Doodle

Another of my favorite shops and the first shop Sweet P and I ever had the pleasure of working with is Mommy and Doodle. Christine is the cutest mommy ever and makes some of the most darling headbands and bows around! But it doesn't stop there! She has bibs, leggings, bloomers, and skirts, too, with even more coming soon. I love these headbands because they are made with elastic in the back to slide on and off without having to be retied, which is awesome for me because my bow-tying skills are severely lacking! The bows are awesome, too, because they stay in my girl's very fine hair VERY well. Perfect for keeping her hair out of her eyes when she's outside playing in the summer sun! There are so many sizes and styles of these bows, you will definitely be able to find one to go with every outfit. You can follow @mommyanddoodle on Instagram here. On her Etsy page, you can use our discount code, PARKER15, to save 15% on her already low prices.


3. 2 Lil Buggs

Tawny, the owner of 2 Lil Buggs, has some of the most fun, unique fabric you will find on Etsy. Her new line just SCREAMS summertime! Looking for something fun for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July? Check out her Land of the Free line for anything and everything red, white, and blue. Her Summer Fun line is full of florals, fish, and flamingos. There is even a line just for fruity fun fabrics called Fruit for Summer. Her items include dresses, rompers, skirts, shorts, and tops. And if that wasn't enough, she is getting ready to add some amazing new linen dresses that are perfect for a fancy picnic or just playing outside. It literally took my breath away when she sent me a sneak peek! And drop Parker's name on her etsy shop for a 15% discount (code: PARKER), and follow her Instagram page here for the latest news from her shop.

4. Wiggle Baby Shop

Wiggle Baby Shop is like a one-stop-shop for mamas and their littles. Seriously, Gloria makes everything from bedding and changing pads to bibs, baprons, and scarves to dresses, tops, and bottoms. Her line of organic clothing is so soft and made from the best organic cotton. And all of her prints are so fun. These clothes are perfect for summer because of their bright, bold colors and cool cotton knit. I was even able to custom order a dress for my daughter's birthday by picking out a fabric from her separate Etsy page just for her fabric collection: Wiggle Fabric. It was a huge hit; she wanted to wear it morning and night! You can follow her on Instagram here and be sure to use code PARKERFF15 to save 15% when you order from Wiggle Baby Shop on Etsy.


If you follow me on Instagram, you will see items from these shops and more in action. Parker lives in her small shop, handmade items. The quality is so much greater than anything from a retail store. It makes me smile knowing not only where my daughter's clothes come from, but also the sweet mama who made them! The small shop community is awesome, and I am so happy to be supporting it!