As a typical three-year old, my daughter Brooke is learning how to define her own voice and express her independence. That especially rings true when it comes to her wardrobe. She insists on picking out her own clothes and getting dressed all by herself, even if that means stripes matching up with polka dots and pink matching up with orange. And what gets me is her determination and strong voice. When I gently suggest a different option that may match better, she insists what she’s picked out is perfect and dismisses my opinion. Who can argue with that passion for flair?

This September, Brooke will take on the major milestone of starting nursery school. Although she has attended daycare since she was a baby, nursery school will introduce her to structure, lessons and social situations like never before. And, because I usually send her to daycare in hand-me-downs and worn-in clothes (because they get so messy!), this presents a whole new opportunity to go back-to-school shopping and buy some new things. Given Brooke’s track record for dressing herself, we could be in for some major morning blowouts as we’re trying to scramble out the door and she’s insisting on wearing something that completely doesn’t match!

Tea Collection to the rescue! I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak of Tea’s new Fall 2011 collection as a way to help us build up our fall wardrobe. Let me tell you, these items are adorable and should absolutely play into Brooke’s love for color and mixing and matching! For those not familiar with Tea:

Friends Emily Meyer and Leigh Rawdon founded Tea Collection in 2002 while looking for an outlet to express both Emily’s love for fashion and culture and Leigh’s entrepreneurial spirit. As a previous designer for various childrens wear, Emily struggled to balance her work life and keep at bay her own vision for a different, culturally inspired children’s line. At the time, Leigh was attending business school, waiting for an opportunity to let the entrepreneur inside of her thrive. Emily, no longer able to ignore her vision, confided in Leigh and the two followed their dreams and began the Tea Collection venture together.

Tea Collection produces beautiful children’s clothing that reflects cultures from around the world. Emily and Leigh draw their inspiration through their own worldly travels to create stylish, fashion-forward designs that parents can’t help but love.  Tea Collection is a fashionably fun way to visually teach your children about different cultures. Available in girls', boys', baby, and women's sizes, you and your child can travel the world with Tea Collection!

As you’ll see from the photo gallery below, Tea styles their products in some really cute ways. I would never think to pair knee socks with a tunic, or layer certain tees together. I am going to emulate so many of these looks with Brooke to “style” things up.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Here’s another photo gallery, this time Brooke puts on her modeling hat with a few of the key pieces from the fall collection. The product looks adorable even on its own, but we certainly will have fun buying some cute accessories to go along with everything. I know Brooke will have lots of fun expressing herself with these small touches!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
A few of our favorite pieces include:

Courtyard Tile Dress – a great cut and style with pretty floral detail. I would absolutely wear this!

Skinny French Terry Cargo – a nice spin on skinny pants and great layering piece for under dresses and tunics.

Special Tea Collection Giveaway for Mom Central readers!
One lucky Mom Central reader will win a $150 gift certificate to TeaCollection.com.

This giveaway is now closed.

For more information about Tea Collection, including their new Fall Collection (launching at the end of July), please go to www.TeaCollection.com. You can also check them out on Facebook for special promotions and new product launches!

TweetDisclosure: Mom Central received samples from the Fall 2011 collection and a $150 gift certificate courtesy of Tea Company to facilitate this review and giveaway.

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