These may very well be the Dog Days of August, but from the look of things, the ENK Children's Club (which may have been brimming with 'puppy love' and just came to a close, (July 31-August 2, 2011) was anything but 'going to the dogs'. The show was very well attended and things were pretty much hopping from my vantage point; there were plenty of brand new companies making their debuts, (which, considering the state of the economy, is certainly a positive sign), and there was much to like.

In addition to finding wonderful items and product lines that fall under that ever expanding umbrella of 'accessories' for newborns through tweens, (many, as usual, bearing more than a passing resemblance to those found in the grownup market), I simply could not stop feeling as if I were seeing bits of pieces of myself (and my closet), wherever I went. Was it me? (I tend to personalize fashion and always delight in finding similarities between all the different markets). Was it the seemingly never ending heat wave, which can play tricks with one's mind, as it apparently has for this writer, LOL? Or then again, it could just be my usually offbeat and humorous way of looking at things and observing the scene around me (hey - if you can't be goofy in the summer, when can you?).

 

Case in point: one of my favorite accessories this season, is a huge white chain necklace made of oversized links. And wouldn't you know it,  as I made my way into the entrance of Pier 94 on the West Side Highway, I could not help but notice that a similar chain (if not the exact same one) was used to section off an area and designate it as the official Taxi Line for the show's attendees.

 Marilyn's favorite accessory this season, is a huge white chain necklace.

 

In addition, my favorite graphic color scheme these days just happens to be black, white, and red, and as I entered the vast Pier 94 in New York entryway, I could not help but notice the welcoming 'red carpet' and the oversized Children's Club banners, a study in black, white, and red: the official color theme of this show and the color scheme that played out inside as well, as seen on the outfits worn by Children's Club staff members and show helpers.

And then there was my perfectly to the point Maira Kalman designed t-shirt, which I picked up at the Jewish Museum (jewishmuseum.org), where there was a major exhibition of her work, Maira Kalman: Various Illuminations (Of A Crazy World). It is white and red, emblazoned with the iconic motto that's always worth keeping in mind; 'Keep Calm and Carry On'. Within a few minutes of entering the show, I stumbled across Planet Sea's witty interpretations which were on display (an adorable swim dress and a two-piece swimsuit both in red with the white logo, 'Keep Calm and Swim On' stamped in front.

Planet Sea's witty interpretations which were on display (an adorable swim dress and a two-piece swimsuit both in red with the white logo, 'Keep Calm and Swim On' stamped in front.

 

I was carrying my notes and books in a very oversized white quilted 'patent' weekend bag, and because I almost never met a chic, practical, humongous, white 'patent' bag that I didn't like, I was immediately drawn to the eye-catching selection on display in the Cyrus Company Bambino booth. Full disclosure: I have a weakness for enormous, chic, practical, carryalls in general, and Danzo's canvas and Italian leather versions caught my eye as well.

 Chic, practical bags from Cyrus Company Bambino (top) and Danzo.

 

And speaking of personalizing things; I have a special fondness for my Chanel black cap toe shoes (flats and heels). So naturally, I couldn't resist the positively adorable mini versions at Old Soles and Designer's Touch (let's be honest: doesn't everything look irresistible in miniature sizes?) The same thing applies to my indispensable Ralph Lauren rope soled espadrilles which were my go to footwear this season (and everyone else's it seems). I literally oohed and aahed over Ralph Lauren Baby and Baby Deer's infant sized versions. And then there are my vintage re-embroidered black lace pieces, many of which appeared in various guises at Children's Club as well.

Old Soles (top) and Designer's Touch black cap toe shoes.

 

As for practical, lightweight, and seasonless quilted nylon, where would we be without it and 7 A.M. Enfant has practically 'nailed' that genre with its form meets function updates which are perfect for urban parents and their babes. Similarly, certain patterns are always desirable and never fade from fashion's glow. Among them: bold stripes, mod geometrics, Nordic patterns, snakeskin, zebra, leopard, hounds tooth, polka dots, and exotic paisleys (all the better when quirkily mixed together).

Looking at baby sized versions at MJK Knits, Zutano, and Tickle Toes, I kept thinking about (among other things) my favorite and beloved vintage leopard print, paisley, bold striped, and overblown hounds tooth vintage coats, not to mention my amazing vintage Pucci's, and marveled at the wonderful way in which a thing of beauty is truly a joy forever; something that is at once completely ageless and 'one for the ages'. Suffice it to say the list goes on but you get my point.

 Zutano's overblown houndstooth pieces.

 MJK Knits' stripes and dots.

Tickle Toes' blue paisley burp cloths and hooded towels.

 

As you may know by now, I am not just a fashion insider, but a long time and avowed collector of vintage fashion and accessories. I am well aware that most if not all of my collection withstands the test of time, transcend 'trends', and the vagaries of seasonal 'ins' and outs. After covering the woman's wear market for so many years, I have come to understand and really appreciate the notion of enduring style, and that is what I find myself drawn to (that, and good, smart design), regardless of the market. To find noteworthy examples across the board is particularly gratifying (and worth noting especially at this time when most of us need to be smart about how we spend our money).

Mix stripes and vintage Pucci.

Houndstooth vintage coat.

Bill Blass for Bond Street vintage paisley coat.

Crayola-striped Hudson Bay vintage coat.

 

Speaking of which, what could be more appealing, enduring (and necessary), than having fun, being happy, and feeling good? There were plenty of companies whose product lines seem to be made to put a smile on one's face and I found myself drawn to them. There are far too many to mention, but a few good examples are Morfs' colorful, eye-catching, whimsical, and artistic 'When I Grow Up' tees with contrast striped sleeves; Dolly & Dimples' Will and Kate-inspired 'The Royal Wedding' gift set in its Buckingham Palace box; Sparkle by Design's witty tromp Leo's tees; Silly Souls' humorous The New Yorker Cartoon Baby Collection of T-shirts and plates; Jefferies' totally irresistible teeny tiny crochet infant sandals; Confetti & Friends' soda top bracelets (made from 22 cans); newcomer Petites Frites' adorable retro Crayola Crayons-inspired gift packaged bibs, which instantly reminded me of my vintage Hudson Bay Blanket striped coat and newcomer Milla Reese's practically lifelike Rapunzel hair clip made of ribbon. (FYI, how many decades have Rapunzel, the Royals and Buckingham Palace, The New Yorker Magazine, and Crayola Crayons been around? Talk about enduring!)

Sparkle by Design's faux collar and pockets.

Morfs' colorful, eye-catching, whimsical, and artistic 'When I Grow Up' tees with contrast striped sleeves. 

Dolly & Dimples' Will and Kate-inspired 'The Royal Wedding' gift set in its Buckingham Palace box.

Silly Souls' humorous The New Yorker Cartoon Baby Collection of T-shirts and plates.

Confetti & Friends' soda top bracelets.

Milla Reese's practically lifelike Rapunzel hair clip made of ribbon.

Jefferies' teeny tiny infant crochet sandals. 

Petites Frites' adorable retro Crayola Crayons-inspired gift packaged bibs.

It was certainly not lost on me that my 'favorite things' (Oprah is not the only one who has them), happen to be the absolute 'height' of fashion as evidenced by recent international runways, and were also the very same things that stood out for me at the August 2011 show.