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The ABC Kids Expo: Still Green - Part II (Wearable Items)
KNITS LUCKY JADE Homebase: Hermosa Beach, CA DESIGNER: Leslie Pitts Sizes: 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $28-$37 Theme: Elegant cashmere-like separates These ever so urbane separates are 90 percent cotton and 10 percent cashmere. The way they feel though, I'd swear it was the other way around.
Favorites: Pitts employs a single branch to suggest a forest on this chic one-piece. Tel: 310-798-8265 E-mail: leslie@luckyjadeproducts.com
MERE BABY CASHMERE Homebase: Vancouver, BC DESIGNER: Nikki Hung Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $10-$42 Theme: Cashmere separates with vintage good looks This collection of cashmere sweaters, hats and booties features understated colors and shapes reminiscent of earlier eras.
Favorites: The delicate dusty pink sweater ties at the side with knit "cherries." It's a charming piece for a special gift. Coordinating hats and booties finish the look. Tel: 604-781-2920 E-mail: rep@babymere.ca
OOBI Homebase: Australia DESIGNER: Alex Riggs Sizes: NB-4 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$24 Theme: "Bold modern colors for brainy babies." There's nothing demure about this collection of richly colored knitwear, and that's all for the good. The pieces are free of detail, which allows the saturated hues and bold stripes to take centerstage.
Favorites: The "Pinnie" dress celebrates the stripe. Add a pair of the booties or "knee boots" and you've got a look just right for the mod tot. Cute-Ture Tel: 310-889-6037 E-mail: info@cute-ture.com
LEGWEAR BABYLEGS Homebase: Seattle, WA DESIGNER: Nicole Donnelly Sizes: Infant to toddler; Wholesale prices: $6-$18 Theme: Cotton and organic cotton leg warmers in a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors. Not since Jane Fonda "felt the burn" have leg warmers looked so au current. These are great for keeping legs (and arms) cozy, to layer over tights, protect little knees and make diaper changes a breeze.
Favorites: All the patterns are great. Tel: 206-734-4000 E-mail: info@babylegs.net
FOOTWEAR PEDIPED Homebase: Henderson, NV DESIGNERS: Angela and Brian Edgeworth Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $14.50-$18.50 Theme: "The next best thing to bare feet." Kids are walking earlier and earlier. That may have as much to do with the shoes they're wearing as it is evolution. Generations ago, parents were told to put infants in hard-soled shoes that held the feet like tiny vices. With no bendability and slippery leather bottoms, it's a wonder my generation ever got up on two legs. Now, companies like pediped make leather shoes with soft, bendable soles that making walking a pleasure. They're adorable too.
Favorites: The "Samantha" and the "Aidan" are as cute as shoes get. Blame Pedipeds for the next generation of Carrie (or Carl) Bradshaws. Tel: 702-567-0311 E-mail: customerservice@pediped.com
KID EXPRESS Homebase: Santa Fe Springs, CA Owner: Lewis Goldberg Lego: Sizes 20-35; $13.80-$21.50; Tsukihoshi: Sizes 4.5-5, $17.50-$22; LelliKelly: 20-42, $28.50-$32; Kid Express: 15-40, $15-$32 Theme: International collections of better brand shoes Goldberg sources kids' shoe lines with fashion forward styles and fine craftsmanship. Each shoe exhibited was exceptionally light and roomy. The colors and the novelties - like beading and floral decorations - are all playful without being gaudy.
Favorites: Kids love to play Lego, now they've got the shoes. Each item has a Lego tile on the buckle and that acid green and aqua colorway is just so cool.
These feather light shoes from the Japanese company Tsukihoshi capture two trends: Pearlized finishes and icy pastels.
Kid Express's rugged sandals are great for every day play; with that generous rosette on the strap, they do double duty as dress-up wear too.
Lilli Kelly's durable Mary Jane with plenty of sparkle is ideal for the modern day Twinkle Toes. Tel: 818-905-4253 E-mail: LGoldberg@kidexpress.net
HATS JAMIE RAE HATS Homebase: Merced, CA DESIGNER: Jamie Wells Sizes: NB to 4T; Wholesale prices: $4.25 to $13 Theme: "Handcrafted for your budding beauty." Adding a big flower to a precious little face may be gilding the lily, but who can resist when the blooms are this lush?
Favorites: A baby will stop traffic in this rosy pink hat with the peony. Sigh. Tel: 209-756-4853 E-mail: info@jamieraehats.com
ZOONI Homebase: San Francisco, CA DESIGNER: Melissa Jeong Sizes: NB to 5 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$18 Theme: "At Zooni we're dedicated to….turning heads and inspiring laughter." This new collection of whimsical hats looks just like their name: "Mop Tops." The curly yarn toppers jazz up a serious coat and, when the weather dips, the flannel lining and a snug fit ensures toasty heads.
Favorites: Each Zooni guarantees a good time. Michelle Jeong with model. Tel: 800-401-1274 E-mail: michelle@zooniwear.com
HAIR ACCESSORIES: NO SLIPPY HAIR CLIPPY Homebase: Pleasanton, CA DESIGNER: Annie Salyer Sizes: Infant to toddler; Wholesale prices: $3.50-$5 Theme: Hair accessories that don't slip out The No Slippy Hair Clippy is lined with velvet and snaps shut with a magnet, so they won't budge no matter how silky the hair is.
Favorites: The kittens, the flowers, they're all adorable. Tel: 800-466-7304 E-mail: sales@hairclippy.com
Originally published October 8, 2007
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