Avon recently launched a new children’s fashion line and just in time for the holidays. Though I am on Avon customer, the only products I tend to buy are from their skin care and cosmetics lines, though once in a while I venture into the jewelry. I’ve never thought “fashion” when it comes to Avon but a first-hand look at a couple items from their new children’s line has me wondering if that might change.

The winter collection offers everything from party outfits to comfy warm-weather clothing. You’ll find plaid skirts, satin vests, ribbon sweaters, leggings, pajamas and even boots. (I love the cozy boots!) Sizes vary (and not everything is available yet) from about size 4/5 on up to 10/12. The clothing is heavy on girls with only a few offerings for boys, but that’s pretty true for Avon in general.

For today’s review Avon sent me the corduroy toggle coat and velour trim skirt, both in size 4/5. Because Livi is still a solid 2T she was a bit too small to give the two a thorough testing, but I did check them out as best I could. The corduroy toggle coat, which is a yummy candy apple red (see photo above), was pretty dang cool. It has a Sherpa-style lining even through the sleeves and seems like it will definitely hold up well in frigid temps like we’re having right now. The corduroy is soft and the toggles sturdy. What I love best about this coat is the color could easily work for a boy as well as a girl. Throw in a black beanie and gloves and you’ve got a decent boy’s coat too!

The velour trim skirt was silky, shimmery and very sweet. The flower embellishments and contrasting fabric made this skirt dressy, yet you could easily dress it down for casual wear. Though its lightweight fabric means it should be comfy no matter how long you manage to keep your four-year-old in the same outfit, I didn’t like how thin the material looked and felt. I snapped a photo hoping to give you an idea of the fabric–see below. You’ll definitely want to add some sort of petticoat or slip and throw on a good pair of tights if it’s winter. Even in the summer I’d think you’d want something under it.

Overall I think the winter collection is a fun and festive one (check out those sparkle flats!), though I do wish they’d add a few more items and offer them in a wider range of sizes, from 2T on up to 14 or so. Perhaps I just need to give Avon a little time! This is their first children’s fashion line, and for a first run they’ve done a pretty good job. You can find the entire collection online at Avon.com. –Emily

If I told you the lip gloss assortment I carry around in my purse isn’t my full collection, you’d probably think I have a problem and you’d probably put me in some sort of 12-step program. I love a good lip gloss and I’ll keep loving it long after even my most favorite lipstick loses its color. (Does lipstick ever lose its color? My grandma owned lipsticks that were eons old, but of the sake of this review let’s say they do eventually fade…)

My enjoyment of all things gloss, and yes, the occasional lipstick, came in handy when Avon wanted to send me samples from their new Summer Lip Sensations. The new collection includes Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick; SpectraColor Lipstick (I’d call this one a lip gloss); and Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand (a combo liner, lipstick and gloss). I tested all three and I have to say my favorite was the Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand, but let me tell you briefly about all three.

The Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick instantly plumps and like most plumping glosses and lipsticks, makes your lips feel tingly all over. This lipstick promises not to feather and it has a center core “packed with plumping power & hydrating moisturizers.” The only reason this is at the bottom of the list is because I don’t use lipstick that often…and the color they sent was so not for me! Of course, I’m not holding that against Avon, but it is hard to see past a pink that makes me look paler than my skin in February!

The SpectraColor Gloss Lipstick actually lets you customize your color. It contains two coordinating colors, a light and dark version. At the bottom you’ll find a dial where you can go from light to dark with a simple turn-and-click action. You actually get seven lip colors and sheer-to-medium coverage in one lipstick. While I totally love the concept—I’m all about more bang for your buck—I didn’t love the texture of the gloss or its staying power. It didn’t last as long as other lip glosses and again, the color they sent was way too pink for my taste. It was reminiscent of sixth grade: the pinker the lipstick the better.

I am a girl who’s all about multitasking and that’s why I love the Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand the best. You get your liner, lipstick and gloss in one shot! Avon has already put together ten Lip Wands with pre-coordinated shades, which helps take out some of the guesswork for those of you still using liner three shades darker than your lipstick. Avon didn’t know I was more of a Vamp than a Rose, so I had to look past the color, but overall this was my favorite of the three. It has gloss and it has multitasking skills…need I say more? –Emily