"Top
Picks" for Winter 2008 Baby - Part I
The
winter season has hit New York with a vengeance. As I
write, rain is falling hard and the temperature is
dropping, which means one thing: ice, and lots of it.
With the frigid air, comes the onus of keeping our kids
warm. Yes, it's time for layers, and not because they're
fashionable this season either. We need warm gear and
wraps for little ones that does the job without
sacrificing style.
For Part I of this shopping story
on cold weather gear for fashionable infants - one the
fastest growing segments of the childrenswear industry -
I spoke to four store owners who cater to infants and
toddlers. All weighed in on what's selling at their
stores and why.
THE ROYAL
TREATMENT
Kay Neff believes in giving
her customers the royal treatment, literally. Her
children's last name is Royal, and the motto of her
one-year-old store, ROYAL
BABY BOUTIQUE, is
"luxury apparel and gifts for your little prince and
princess."
The Tralala collection is a
favorite of Neff's customers for its clean silhouettes
and nostalgic prints with a European flair. "The French
holiday line from Tralala's Fall/Winter 2007 collection
is a hot item this season. Little girls looks so royally
stunning in this outfit!" says Neff of the two-piece,
cotton knit pant set and dress with coordinating hat.
That striking rich red and white toile and the bold
details make an eye-catching look at winter parties
($16.99-$82.99, fits NB to 6.)
Talk about bling! Baby Couture's
Army Camo Couture one-piece was created with over 10,000
individually placed rhinestones completely covering the
tee's front and back. Anything with a little sparkle -
and this piece has more than "a little" - is trendy for
the winter and spring 2008 seasons. ($15.99 and up, fits
sizes NB to 8.)
Retailers know that Elegant Baby
offers sophisticated infant giftwear at more than
reasonable prices. That's why the company's goods are
"Top Picks" at Royal Baby Boutique. "Elegant Baby items
are best sellers on the website, especially as baby
shower gifts, because of their high quality and superior
look and feel," Neff says. Her customers are fond of the
Christening Gift Set ($36). The keepsake set, which is
available in either pink or blue, features a baby bib,
covered bible and a porcelain cross wall hanging. "The
set goes extraordinarily well with the christening gowns
by Little Things Mean A Lot," says Neff. Shown here, the
unisex silk Dupioni gown ($154.99) with nautical touches.
THE
"MOMPRENEUER"
Jennifer Laub of
AVANNABEL
BABY is a
self-proclaimed "mompreneuer" who believes in promoting
designing moms. "I am continually amazed at the
creativity and craftsmanship of other work-at-home moms
who design their own clothing lines. Most of the clothing
I sell online is hand made by local seamstresses which
allows us to create exactly what the customer wants,"
says Laub. And her customers want monogramming.
"Monogramming is hot!" she says. "My customers are moms
and grandmothers looking for unique clothing not readily
found elsewhere. They realize a gift is extra special
when it's personalized with the gift recipient's
name."
The three choices below are "Top
Picks." Says Laub, "I think people love that the clothing
is so different. Each item is made by hand and the
quality and attention to detail is fabulous."
The Plaid Giraffe's cotton knit
sets' always fashion forward shade of cocoa forms a back
drop for the modern elephant graphic. The crafty
appliqué and sophisticated colors make an
especially appealing combination. ($58, fits NB to 4.)
The sweet pink and white Birthday
outfit is another example of The Plaid Giraffe's playful
nature. What little girl wouldn't want to sport the sweet
"cupcake" on her big day? ($66, fits 12 months to 2T.)
This little outfit designed and
manufactured by local moms in Laub's area, sports two
trends: The initial in a modern font on the tee and the
tulle tutu. Tulle skirts and anything trimmed with the
fabric is important this season. The set ($64, NB to 4)
is ideal for birthday parties and any time a girl wants
to dress up.
GETTING A GIGGLE OUT OF THE
SEASON
Founder Angela Clemente's
TABLE
FIVE DESIGNS offers
high-end apparel, room décor and elegant gifts for
the parent who looks for modern pieces with a touch of
whimsy. "Our goal is to provide our customers with the
highest quality products and services. We strive to
delight our clients with every purchase," says
Clemente.
Clemente selected three outfits
from Giggle Moon, a manufacturer of playful, sweetly
colored infant clothing. "I love Giggle Moon baby
clothes, because they make an adorable statement, while
keeping sweet peas comfortable and content," she
says.
Since plush materials made their
way into the children's market a few years ago, the
demand for fabrications with a similar ultra-soft hand
has been on the rise. Giggle Moon's Ruffled Ice Cream
Chenille Longall ($42, fits 3 to 12 months) answers the
need with its delicate color, buttery chenille fabric,
and silky ruffled edging. "Beautiful details and a sweet
lavender flower make this warm and snugly outfit perfect
for any winter outing," says Clemente.
Another perfect outfit for the
season - and perfectly adorable, too - is Giggle Moon's
Ice Cream Chenille Swing Top and Pant ($43, fits sizes 3
to 12 months). The pink and pale banana combination,
modern A-line top and warm pants "makes a wonderful gift
for a little ray of sunshine," says Clemente.
You'll wear your heart on your
sleeve when you give Giggle Moon's Ruffled Heart Cotton
Longall in soft pink ($40, fits 3 to 12 months) to a
lucky infant. "Trendy ruffled accents make this adorable
pink longall a must have for the winter season," says
Clemente.
MINK(Y) IS A BABY'S BEST
FRIEND
Winter is the season for a mink
throw and BELLA-GIGI
BOUTIQUE specializes in
the next best thing: Minky, the soft plush fabric
blankets, burp cloths and bibs. Tina Nine, who
owns the company and designs the products, caters to "hip
moms and babies" who appreciate the "modern and unique"
prints, the customized monogramming and the customer
service that is "second to none."
It's no surprise that the Chocolate
and Blue Jumbo Dot Minky Blanket is a "Top Pick" at
Bella-Gigi. That elegant, unisex color combination is a
perennial favorite and dots are hot ($48, 30" x 30").
"This blanket has been a top seller because of the unique
pattern and color combination," says Nine.
The Chocolate and Pink Minky Burp
Cloths ($29.50 for a set of 3, 17" x 11") are "Top Picks"
at Nine's store. "Our burp cloths are revolutionary,"
says Nine. "Instead of the stiff diaper, we use one side
of designer fabric or minky, the inner layer is thick
flannel and the backing is soft minky-lined chenille. Our
cloths are soft, durable and absorbent."
You have to love Bella-Gigi's
"Loveys." The lightweight Chocolate and Sage Jumbo Dot
Satin Minky Lovey serves as a baby's security blanket
($25, 18" x 22"). "All babies should have a Lovey," says
Nine.
Originally published December
17, 2007
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