When it comes to children's clothing, it's the rare store that is able to successfully combine style and affordability.  And now that I have two kids for whom to purchase wardrobes, I'm even more mindful of the fact that, although I certainly want them to look on-trend and stylish, I simply can't spend a fortune on my kids' clothing.  Enter The Children's Place, which carries super cute clothing for babies, toddlers and kids at prices that will knock your socks off. 

I was lucky enough to get a peek at The Children's Place's summer line at a recent shopping event held at the store's Union Square location.  Walking into the store on a rainy NYC day was like a breath of fresh air.  Everywhere I turned, the vibrant colors and cheerful prints of the store's summer collection brought a smile to my face.  From snazzy bathing suits to bedazzled sunglasses and sandals to bohemian maxi dresses and more, the summer styles on display at The Children's Place are sure to bring a much-needed splash of color and fun to your kids' summer wardrobe.  I was particularly enamored of the mix-and-match skorts, shorts, t-shirts and halter tops for toddler girls as well as the surf-inspired graphic tees and shorts for baby boys, and couldn't resist picking up quite a few pieces for Sadie and Ben, who are going to look super cool in their new looks.  In fact, the only weakness in The Children's Place's repertoire is the fact that the store doesn't carry clothing in adult sizes, as I would have loved to have picked out a few items for myself!

The Children's Place has locations throughout New York City, so be sure to check the website for exact details and more information.  Happy shopping!

GIVEAWAY!  The kind folks from The Children's Place generously have provided me with a $50 gift card to give away to one lucky Macaroni Kid subscriber!  Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment below telling me why you'd like to win (this part is mandatory).
• Want an extra entry?  "Like" Macaroni Kid Manhattan East Side on Facebook by clicking here, and then leave a separate comment below telling me you've done so.
• Want another extra entry?  Follow @MacaroniKidNYC on Twitter and leave a separate comment below telling me that you've done so.  Be sure to include your Twitter handle in the comment or it won't count! 
• You can only enter once via commenting regarding why you'd like to win, a second time via "liking" Macaroni Kid on Facebook and a third time via following @MacaroniKidNYC on Twitter.
• As always, you must be a Macaroni Kid subscriber to be eligible to win.  Not a subscriber?  Click here to sign up (it's free and you'll love it)! 
• I'll use Random.org to draw one lucky winner from all eligible entries received by 5pm on Thursday May 17, 2012.  No purchase necessary to win.  Open only to U.S. residents and you must be age 18 or over to enter.  Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.  Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a store credit to spend during the shopping event.  The opinions expressed herein are, as always, entirely my own.