Review and Giveaway: Happy Green Bee

Thank you to Happy Green Bee for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

I've long tried to incorporate organic products into our lifestyle. We own several organic blankets and we buy some organic foods on a regular basis. But one area where I've always fallen short is organic clothing. The cost is normally double that of regular clothing and considering how Nate grows out of things so quickly (not to mention stains them up with typical dirt and other boy muck), I couldn't really justify the investment. That is, until we discovered the bliss that is Happy Green Bee.

Happy Green Bee is a mom-owned business with a simple philosophy: create clothing that is comfortable, colorful, playful and ecologically responsible. As owner, Roxanne Quimby states:

We created Happy Green Bee so that a child can be a child, first and foremost. By using organic cotton, a comfortable and practical fabric, and simple bee-striped patterns, children feel as comfortable as they look while their parents take a small step in making a big difference in the environment their children live in.

I first came across Happy Green Bee via a fellow blog and I fell instantly in love. Their color-coordinated, mix-and-match designs are whimsical and versatile. They carry everything from cardigans, tees and tanks to skirts, dresses and leggings to create your own unique, eco-friendly look. Happy Green Bee is fun and fancy-free, the way infant and toddler clothing should be.

I don't say this about many brands but the most appealing thing for me was the price tag! At Happy Green Bee's Clearance Store, you can find organic clothing and accessories for as little as $2! I snatched up several items for Nate, including the Chocolate/Bean Kimono, Chocolate Short-Sleeved Tee and Butterscotch/Chocolate Stripy Leggings. My order came to under $20 for all three pieces! With other organic brands, I'd spend more than that on a t-shirt!

When the clothes arrived, I was really impressed by the quality. Uber soft and bold combinations that really stand out. I've had more than one person ask about his Happy Green Bee outfits when we go out. They also wash up very well and retain shape and color. Granted, I wash them in cold/warm water and let them air dry. But I know they aren't going to be falling apart anytime soon.

I bought size Larges and the pants were a little roomy on Nate, as he's just now moving into 2T. But they fit great with a bulky cloth diaper underneath. The shirts fit him perfectly and I'm hoping we'll get lots of use out of them through next spring. I love that all of the clothes are basically seasonless (i.e., use a matching cardigan or layer a long-sleeved tee under a kimono for fall/winter).

After sharing our great experience with Happy Green Bee, they kindly offered to send me another piece to review here on my blog. I chose the Radish Leggings in size Medium. I love the fit and feel of the leggings on Nate. The tapered legs don't get in the way of play. They are soft, cute and comfy. Good for your baby and good for the planet!

If you're looking for affordable, organic clothes for your wee one, you really can't beat Happy Green Bee. I can't wait to pay another visit and add to our wardrobe!

BUY IT: To make a purchase or peruse the collection, visit www.happygreenbee.com.

WIN IT: Happy Green Bee is offering one lucky reader their choice of item from the Clearance Store (in stock only)!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Take a look around the Clearance Store and tell me which article of clothing you would choose. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Affordable organic clothes for kids! Win any item from the Happy Green Bee Clearance Store @kris10chumley Ends 9/20 http://bit.ly/9grn0u

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Happy Green Bee on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on September 20, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free pair of leggings from Happy Green Bee to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. All other items mentioned were purchased by me. The opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. Your experience may differ.