I seem to spend a lot of time trying to justify spending large amounts of money on seemingly frivolous items.
The coat that was explained away as an "investment purchase" one year ends up succeeded by a newer one in a slightly different cut the following year because it doesn'tquite work with the latest migratory hemlines.
Or the shoes that have always been more style than substance - bought a size too big because they were on special - finally admit defeat when faced with cobblestones.
But expensive baby clothes have always seemed to me a special kind of frivolous. Not only do the babies not care - at all - whether you have bought them a $250 jacket or dressed them in a hand-me-down white onesie, they can wear any item of clothing for all of five minutes before they grow out of it.
Still, there is no shortage of gorgeous, tiny babywear available. With Royal baby fever in full swing, there is even more focus than usual on the "stylish baby". If the "Kate effect" saw dresses sell out in minutes, what might "the George" effect entail?
So far, he's been seen in little apart from a shawl. But for those who are looking ahead, I've had a look for baby clothes that are cute, practical and not too terribly budget-busting.
Baby style experts recommend choosing cotton garments with stretchy neck holes and magnetic crotch fastenings rather than complicated buttons or zippers. Some babies dislike having things pulled over their heads, though - so you might need to find a few front-fastening items, too. They say the size is just a suggestion and advance bulk-buying during sales should be done with caution, in case of a growth spurt. Focus on the basics and if you're unsure, buy a size bigger than you think you need. And aim for light colours - they're less likely to show up bodily fluids.
