Havins Originals is an Orange County based company that produces vintage-look children’s shirts. The designs of founder & designer Vikki Havins are influenced by southern California culture and inspired by her love of vintage design and rock n’ roll. I’m not always a fan of vintage. If I want my clothes to look worn, I’ll wear them myself thankyouverymuch and I’m not big on the “looks old, doesn’t last, pay more” phenomenon that often accompanies the vintage trend. But this isn’t the case with the Havins Originals brand. These shirts are amazingly soft. They feel like an old favourite right out of the bag! Yet they wash & wear well, are super comfortable and seem to be very well made. The prices vary depending on where you buy them so I’d suggest a little shopping around for the best deal.

Check out the way cool fall 2007 collection, available soon at retailers or online.

With shirts for boys, girls and babies (and now sweatshirts too!) there’s something for everyone. My personal favourites are ‘hardcore reader’ pictured above as well as the ‘Can’t talk, I’m reading.’ (I’m an early literacy teacher so I can’t help it. Sue me.) For the less literacy obsessed among us, there are so many more fab designs at Havins. Have a sugar freak? I Want Candy might be the one for him (or her). Once upon a time…the end is my favourite in the onesie styles and is sure to get some chuckles. Whatever your preference, you won’t be disappointed with the true vintage look and soft comfort of these handmade shirts.

And, of course, we’ve got some for you guys! To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Havins-girl or Havins-boy in the subject line and tell us one Havins Originals design not mentioned in this review. Contest closes at midnight MST on 6/13/07. Prizes are sized for 2-4 year olds. Congratulations Cheryll & Jodi-Lynn!