belted sweater dressAs of today, I officially have two children in school. (Sniff!) So we did some serious back to school shopping a few days ago and learned there was much awesomeness to be had at Old Navy. It’s a lucky coincidence that this week the shop is one of Cool Mom Picks’ beloved sponsors (thank you, thank you!), and I get to share my weekend discoveries with you.

I’ve always loved Old Navy for kids basics and denim, as I’ve written here before. It makes sense not to spend a ton on things like jeans that are so quickly outgrown, though maybe you splurge on a few special pieces to go with them. But recently, Old Navy has really stepped up their design game, and if you haven’t stopped by in a while, they’re doing a lot more than printing their logo on sweatshirts.

We’ve turned a discerning eye on the selection to bring you 10 items that ring in under $20 but look a whole lot more expensive. –Liz

[don’t miss 10 great kids’ looks and a killer giveaway after the jump!]



1. Belted Sweater Dress (above) Attention everyone in my daughter’s kindergarten: Prepare to see her wearing this a lot
this year. The knit is soft and comfy, and the fit is way more
flattering in person than it seems from the photo. On sale for $15.

canvas sneakerscanvas sneakers in olive

2. Canvas Faux-Pocket Sneakers.
Rugged, masculine, adorable with that little pocket. If you don’t mind
lacing up sneakers on your little man, these are a huge score at just
$16.50 and all three colors are fab.

atari tee shirt

3. Hipster Atari Tee. Looks and feels just like the trendy $45 ones we see all the time. Only it’s $8.99. So buy five?

black skinny jeans

4. Black skinny jeans for older girls. Great cut, and the black wash is so hot. If the fit works for your kid, grab another pair in a different wash, like the distressed denim skinny jean. $19.50

boys plaid shirt

5. Boys Plaid Shirts.
How can you not dig that retro speedway motors graphic on back? If you
paired them with expensive jeans and shoes, no one would know you didn’t
get the shirt at some overpriced shop in Santa Monica. $14.50.

fleece moto jacket

6. Jersey Fleece Moto-Jacket
The hard edge of a motorcycle look gets a smart, kid-friendly makeover with
fleece. Kristen’s daughter owns one and I might have to get two so my
girls don’t fight over it. On sale for $20.

hooded sweater

7. Hooded Curled-Edge Sweaters
I looove the Scandinavian chic of these chunky sweaters, especially in
this bold purple. Wondering what to pair with jeggings this season?
There you go. Just $15 but limited sizes left.

boys cargo jeans

8. Boys Cargo Jeans
Not every boy will embrace the skinny jeans, so it’s nice to see a
stylish cargo jean for just under $20. I like the darker wash but you’ve
got two to choose from.

ruffled baby cardigan

9. Ruffled Baby Cardigan
Of all the colors, I think the white works particularly well even if
the brown is more practical. (Eh, practicality is overrated.) It’s 100%
cotton so just toss it in the wash if it gets anywhere near tomato
sauce. $15.

girls denim jacket

10. Girls Denim Jacket
If your daughter doesn’t have this staple piece yet, now you have the
incentive. I nabbed this classic dark denim jacket for my five year-old
earlier this year, and I just love the slightly cropped cut.  $19.50

Check out Old Navy’s Baby Sale online and in store with great deals starting at $5. Yes, $5.

This is the first of a 2-part content series, courtesy of our sponsor, Old Navy. (Yay!) The content and picks are ours and ours alone – and we had the best time doing it.