SAGE CREEK ORGANICS
This is such an easy collection to merchandise: the fabric is organic; each group has multiple pieces so there's plenty of mix-and-match possibilities, as well as great looks for boys and girls; and every season the prints get cuter and cuter.

Outstanding Pieces: The shape has a Seventies' mood and that monkey print is hot for spring. Add ruffled diaper-covers and you have an unexpected and utterly charming set. Sizes: 3 to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $5.50-$27.50; Tel: 877-513-2183; sagecreek.com.

RED WAGON BABY
This is the second season for the Ivy & Olivia group. The garments work rock 'n roll themes into cotton knit pieces without looking too hard-edged.

Outstanding Pieces: She's ready for her first concert in the silver printed tee and jeggings; the dress with a bountiful skirt of satin roses is perfect for a rock princess. Sizes: 3 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices for Ivy & Olivia: $13-$21; Tel: 310 569-0366; redwagonbaby.com.

SCOUT COLLECTION
Designers Mimi and Ellen Leinbach excel at creating timely palettes with a bit of quirkiness that sets them apart. Look for easy, feminine shapes for girls and fun graphics for boys.

Outstanding Pieces: More of a wave than a ruffle creates mystery on the front of the Imagine Dress. A boat neck and tab pocket lend a note of Parisian romance to the boy's Discover Tee. Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$29; Tel: 510-868-2871; scoutcollection.com.

MINIHAHA
Designer Joanne Sackville's collection of separates for infants ranges from delicate and whimsical to trend-driven and edgy.

Outstanding Pieces: You can look, but you won't find an outfit sweeter than this fragile white top strewn with tiny embroidered stars. The charming piece is paired with button-trimmed leggings. Merci! Sizes: 1 month to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $10-$25; Tel: 866-262-2654; creationsrobo.com; minihaha.com.au.

ANDREW & AUDREY
There are nautical collections and then there's Andrew & Audrey's nautical collection. From the color palette that swaps royal for dusty sea foam and standard bright yellow for a color closer to mustard, to the Twenties-feeling-by-the-French-seashore shapes, this is one collection that breathes new life into the look.

Outstanding Pieces: The blousy cardigan lined in cotton knit doubles as a light jacket over a smocked top and sailor inspired seersucker shorts. Tres chic! Sizes: girls and boys 4 to 14; Wholesale prices: $15-$35; Tel: 662-457-0111, Ext. 213; andrew-audrey.com; threadshowroom.com.

MARGERY ELLEN BABY
You know all about Margery Ellen's Pima cotton layette pieces, her delicate embroideries and charming, subtle prints. For spring she's lowered prices, added more prints and even rocked out a little. Yes, life is good.

Outstanding Piece: I salute you, Rock Princess! Sizes: NB to 18 months; Wholesale prices: $4.50-$25; Tel: 516 505-1818; margeryellen.com.

A.BIRD
After tapping into her darker side for fall, designer Patricia Cammareri's back from black with a Spring/Summer 2011 collection of stonewashed pastels and her trademark well-placed ruffles.

Outstanding Pieces: Delicate colors and small-scale prints keep this outfit looking serene and oh so feminine. Sizes: 12 months to 10 years, (some styles up to 12 years); Wholesale prices: $13.95-$44.95; Tel: 904-710-3549; abirdbaby.com.

KOTA COUTURE
For giftware retailers - or any buyer looking for playful, pattern-driven items - Kota Couture is your collection.

Outstanding Piece: This one-piece with the appliquéd front and frill-crazy back is as cute as a cupcake and just as sweet. Sizes: 6 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$28; kotacouture.com.

HUGGYBUNNY
Mothers looking for Christening gowns have plenty to choose from. Mothers on the hunt for attractive Bris sets, not so much. Designer Andrea Chrem to the rescue.

Outstanding Pieces: Stars of David repeat in the soft cotton one-piece, hand-knit yarmulke and blanket. Understated and perfect for the occasion. Sizes: NB; Wholesale price for 3-piece Bris set: $38; Tel: 917-783-2850; huggybunny.com.

BUSY BEES
Fresh, clean and traditional without the starch, Maryam Barrett's collection of couture fabric pieces now includes the Miss b line of tween and junior sizes.

Outstanding Pieces: More than just a striped T-shirt dress, these big sister/little sister pieces have subtle gathers at the small of the back for a body-conscious fit. Sizes for Busy Bees: 3 months to 12 years; sizes for Miss b: 7 to 16 years; Wholesale Prices: Average wholesale price: $45; Tel: 917-796-9771; busybees-kids.com.

KIDCUTETURE
Kashka, the infant collection, and KidCuteTure, for toddlers and children, makes its mark with cotton Jersey pieces in unusual architectural silhouettes, dynamic colorations and the signature larger-than-life rosette. This season, Natasha Pantelyat added Lurex for a touch of shimmer.

Outstanding Pieces: Don't let the understated front of the bonnet and dress fool you. The back of the bonnet is one big rosette and the skirt opens to a cascade of ruffles.

A zillion ruffles and a trio of rhinestones at the neckline give gray cotton shimmer knit a special occasion feel. Sizes for Kashka: 3 to 24 months, sizes for KidCuteTure: 2 to 16 years; Wholesale prices for Kashka: $12-$42, prices for KidCuteTure: $14-$46; Tel: 609-216-7490; kidcuteture.com.

ELEPHANTITO
Lots of floral patterns and Liberty prints on fresh, clean, easy shapes define Elephantito for Spring/Summer 2012.

Outstanding Piece: What works for resort but doesn't shout "nautical"? This little red, white and blue number with fine crocheted trim bodice is a little unexpected. Sizes: 12 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $27-$34; Tel: 888-776-9541; elephantito.com.

OILILY
Luxurious fantasy describes the go-for-broke mix of fairy tale prints, big checks, and photorealist patterns that the Oilily design team blends with abandon.

Outstanding Pieces: Little Red Riding Hood never had it so good.

A palette of bright pastels and a clean, white ground keep the flowers, dots, and stripes from going off the deep end. Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer; Tel: 928-445-6540; oililywholesale.com.

Designer Emily Meyer colors the repeating patterns of a traditional Balinese weaving in sophisticated tones of khaki and mauve..
 
Outstanding Piece:

ELIANE ET LENA
Eliane et Lena is the booth I hit first, just to get a feel for the season. Among great bright palettes, there's an elegant navy and white group and many "must-have" pieces.

Outstanding Pieces: Navy is as important to spring collections as dyed eggs are to Easter. But to keep the color fresh, designers change its cast - one year the tone leans toward green, the next season it's closer to royal. For spring/summer 2012, navy has a purply richness that looks exciting paired with warm pimento and yellow, and, of course, great with white. Here, the designers use the new navy with white to color a sophisticated floral flounce dress paired with a cute bonnet and bow-tied pants.

This dress doesn't need a lot of exposition. It's simply unlike any other tulle dress in the market, and there are a lot of them. Sizes: Girls and boys: NB to 14 years, boys NB to 10T; Wholesale prices: $11-$44.50; Tel: 480-619-5515; elianeetlenausa.com.

WATI
For Spring/Summer 2012, ikats, the woven designs of Bali, fascinate designers in all fashion markets. Wati Grossman scales the design down and adds an unusual color combination for a fresh take on the look.

Outstanding Pieces: An ikat print looks new in a hot pink and taupe color combination. And don't fix what's not broken: The embroidered dress returns in a timely lilac and red combination. Sizes: 4 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$28; Tel: 650-224-7478; watidesign.com.

VELVET & TWEED
 Designer Tina Salibello's collection has trendy notes - gingham, mixed prints, tulle - and yet in her hands, the garments stay streamlined and clean.

Outstanding Pieces: The Bow Dress, in cotton voile with a flirty tulle edge, works for a fancy event or, thanks to its easy shape and airy layers, a casual day anywhere.

Nautical sister/brother dressing looks modern when the colors and the scale of the prints are similar yet nothing matches. Sizes: Girls and boys: NB to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $10-$34; Tel: 415 821-9363; velvetandtweed.com.

SIERRA JULIAN
Designer Sophie Jaworski's collection is all about coordinating florals and pinstripes, and embracing luxury fabrications without anything looking too precious.


Outstanding Pieces: How many ways can a designer work a stripe? Here are two: Pair a a flirty floral blouse with a paper bag shaped short in a menswear stripe; and pretend a casual polo shirt is layered over an oxford shirt (it's one easy piece) then get a little edgy with plaid shorts.

Some dresses wear the girl, and some, like this frill-friendly piece, just do what a good dress should: frame a pretty collarbone, show off a small waist and cast a warm glow on her skin. Sizes: Girls: 2 to 16 years, boys: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $23-$145; Tel: 212-359-9531; sierrajulian.com.

ADOOKA ORGANICS
Designer Anne MacGilvray continues into spring with the rich, jewel tones buyers love. She's used the hues to color comfortable, girlish knit separates as well as a small group of flirty woven dresses.

Outstanding Pieces: While the dress has the appeal of a simple pull-on, its deeply frilled shoulder straps and bodice detail, the sophisticated floral and lush plum tones, make it so much more.

A shirtdress is updated with dive-in-the-pool tones of turquoise and lime, lime lace, a dropped waist and seaming that makes for a flattering fit. What's not to love? Sizes: 12 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$28; Tel: 614 657-7248; adooka.com.

STELLA INDUSTRIES
Last spring designer Ary had a hit with dreamy tulle dresses in a multitude of colors. Her follow-up tulle dress is no less impressive.

Outstanding Pieces: The Sage's soft knit top dresses the item down a bit, so it's ideal for a birthday party as well as a wedding. Sizes: 12 months to 16 years; wholesale prices: $9.50-$39; Tel: 213-627-2676; stellaindustries.com.

ELEPHANTITO
Designer Maria Frallicciardi offers another season of easy shapes, Liberty prints and delectable floral tones.

Outstanding Piece: She'll be as pretty as a just-picked bloom in the dresses' fresh, pinky coral tone, fluttered sleeves, defined waist, and, gilding the lily are rows of pleats and dyed-to-match lace. Sizes: 2 to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $27-$32; Tel: 888-776-9541; elephantito.com.

HUGGYBUNNY
Designer Andrea Chrem did a great job coordinating the colors in her collection, so buyers can purchase a romper from one group with an early delivery then mix it with pieces delivered later in the season.

Outstanding Piece: Rich, vegetable tones and jazzy stripes give the Belted Poncho pizzazz, while a bow ties the piece in front, offering warmth and chic styling. Beneath it is the Romper with an adorable rabbit graphic. Sizes: NB to 4T; Wholesale prices: $6-$28; Tel: 917-783-2850; huggybunny.com.

JELLY THE PUG
A collection of brightly colored, flirty, cotton frocks with lots of back interest.

Outstanding Piece: Prints do all the talking in front, while ruffles and corset detailing add plenty of whimsy to the dress's back. Sizes: 12 months to 6X; Wholesale prices: $17-$26; Tel: 310-663-3002: jellythepug.com.

BLUSH BY US ANGELS
A breezy, relaxed mood wafts through the collection's loose shapes, fluttering chiffons and romantic patterns.

Outstanding Pieces: When you have a color like the banana that's dynamite against tanned skin, a stunning print, and the lightest, silkiest chiffon, you do what the designers did: keep the shapes simple and flowing and the embellishments edited to a well placed ruffle. Why add distractions? Sizes: 7 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $28.50-$38.50; Tel: 213-624-4477; usangels.com.

GO GENTLY BABY
Everything from the rich, sophisticated palette to its easy, Seventies-inspired shapes, make this season's line a winner for designer Kristin Coia.

Outstanding Piece: How to translate charm: create a shape with a minimum of fuss and just enough detail - like the flutter sleeves and deep pockets - for a girl to love. Color the organic cotton dress in rich pimento, lush coral, banana and taupe. Wear it everywhere. Sizes: Girls and boys: NB to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$31; Tel: 347-394-3151; gogentlybaby.com.

PIMALINDA
Gabriela Mavros' dresses knit from Pima cotton in Peru, have a cool hand and an elegant drape. Her style is simple and playful, yet the pieces have an understated sophistication.

Outstanding Piece: Flowers two ways: as a "corsage" on the bodice, and an all-over, Pop Art-like pattern on the skirt. Sizes: 2 to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $29-$39; Tel: 210 827-9600; pimalimda.com

FERD
There's a lot to love about Jennifer Connaughton's spring line, not the least a palette of rich spice tones that look especially fresh combined in Liberty prints and paired with neutrals.

Outstanding Pieces: The blouse's print is arresting and the subtle gather along the back and sides adds flattering shape. Combine the top with narrow shorts and she's set for a day sightseeing. Sizes: Girls and boys: 6 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $24-$56; Tel: 347-394-3151; lolligo.com; ferdkids.com.

Imported from Milan, this collection features simply shaped, classic pieces in solids and fresh, happy prints.

Outstanding Pieces: For the bambina, the dress is loose and easy and the print, charming. Little bambinos look pulled together yet casual with a neutral vest, striped shirt and drawstring pants. Sizes: 3 months to 8 years; wholesale prices: $26-$45

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TIKSY
 Carole Stavart's collection of organic cotton hand knit pieces is dyed in small batches in Peru using only natural colorants and spices. The tones have the vibrancy of turmeric and the slightly browned shades of crushed rose petals. A perfect gift collection.

Outstanding Piece: Variations in the dying process make each piece one-of-a-kind. Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$45; Tel: +51 959142588; tiksy.org.

OXANNA BY HAPPY GREEN BEE
Creamy tones of white, eggshell, taupe, beige and charcoal natural linen and cotton make a fresh, modern base for vintage lace doilies and appliqués.

Outstanding Piece: A modern shape and subdued coloration equal a newer, cleaner vintage. Sizes: 2 to 6X; Wholesale prices: $65-$125; Tel: 415-509-1681; happygreenbee.com.

TALA BEE KIDS
Designer Tala Banatao offered two groups: one in denim and seersucker with a classic feel; the other in pastel colors and sweeter, more feminine shapes.

Outstanding Pieces: A return to the Seventies with the soft denim romper.

Doubling up on the ruffles. Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$37: Tel: 415-931-1868; talabeekids.com.

ODE
Designer Rupa Motwani employs age-old Indian printing and weaving techniques while keeping the shapes of her dresses, tops and rompers modern and the color palette timely.

Outstanding Pieces: Saturated hues and modern shapes blend old and new. Sizes: 2 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$41; Tel: 646-450-1695; odekids.com.

OOH! LA, LA! COUTURE
Ann Dugourd's and Jennifer Rotunno's Ooh! La, La! collection for spring is a little edgier and more sophisticated than in past seasons, with loads of sequins, denim and leopard prints - great for the celebrity tots and tweens who covet the line - and for every girl.

Outstanding Piece: Buyers who want to update the ever-present tutu dress can opt for the leopard wrap WOW Pouf dress that blends a DVF-inspired print and wrap shape with a girl's favorite tulle skirt. Sizes: 12 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $22-$54; oohlalacouture.com

 STUN
With an on-trend color palette of pimento, yellow and lilac, shapes and details like flutter sleeves, Christine Johnston's collection is equal parts 2012 and the Seventies.

Outstanding Pieces: Two dresses with prints girls will love and one delectable bubblesuit. Sizes: 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$44; Tel: 215-462-1177; stuncollection.com.

  COCCOLI
Coccoli brings just picked colors, bold dots and stripes and romantic floral prints to their multi-piece, cotton knit groups with coordinating blankets.

Outstanding Pieces: The Unionsuit in a lovely wallpaper floral print and rich, right-from-the-garden rose trim makes a delightful shower gift. Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $5-$26; Tel: 866-262-2654; coccoli.com.

PETIT LEM
A briny breeze of French sea air blows through Petit Lem's decidedly Gallic, au courant yet timeless spring collection.
 

 Outstanding Pieces: Designers employed spring's hot pimento shade on the T-shirts flirty figurine and nautical striped pants. Notice the button details on the pant's cuffs. Charming!  Sizes: NB to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $14-$22; Tel: 877-748-6698; petitlem.com.

MARGERY ELLEN BABY
Designer Margery Ellen Frank takes a detour from her trademark soft palette, understated prints, embroideries and classic shapes, with the Contrast-Trim separates, a group with soft yet fashion-forward hues and contrasting trim.

Outstanding Piece: Water lily tones for a modern kimono top and pants. Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $13.50-$14.50 for contrast-trimmed separates; Tel: 516-505-1818;margeryellen.com.

  ANA LOUIE
There's glamour to this well-edited collection of nostalgic dresses and separates.

Outstanding Pieces: Can't you see Lana Turner reclining on a love seat wearing one of these silky numbers? Sizes: 7 to 14 years; Approximate wholesale prices: $34-$106: Tel: 206 229-3892; analouieapparel.com

AMBITION
Activewear can be too glitzy or too drab and utilitarian. Ambition's collection fits and flatters, the colors are vibrant without being loud, and the patterns are edgy. Just as important, the material's breathable and allows a girl to really move.

Outstanding Piece: Sandra Stollar's 11-year-old daughter who inspired the line, wears the Spandex and Lycra Racer Back Tank Top and Capri. See how well the pieces fit. Sizes: S to Junior 4; Wholesale prices: $10-$22; Tel: 212-366-6800; iglooisland.com.

SOPHIE CATALOU
Fashion is more than trends for designer Jordi Perez. Each season she taps into colors, motifs and embellishments that inspire her and turns her ideas into a collection of dresses that have a one-of-a-kind feel.

Outstanding Piece: The way the lime green lights up the turquoise, that neckline that's a Sophie Catalou trademark, and the daisy embellishment with its sequined sparkle. The garment has timely artisan touches yet it's entirely reflective of the designer's aesthetic. Sizes: NB to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$30; Tel: 201-683-4603; sophiecatalou.com.

SUBMARINE
Designer Deborah Soriano cast her net wide for 2012 with sexy shapes and prints that hit every trend from nautical to nostalgic, Indonesian to tie-dye, and plenty of paisleys and animal patterns too.

Outstanding Pieces: There's a bit of the 1930s beach beauty in these campy pieces.

The lace motif and scattering of sequins updates an Asian-inspired pattern in a gorgeous periwinkle and deep coral combination. Sizes: 2 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $34-$40; Tel: 305-931-4196; submarinekids.com.br.

GIRL AND A MOUSE
Pieced-together, softly colored, with touches of vintage-like lace and ribbon: Designer Nicola O'Connell's collection looks like it was produced in the atelier of artisans with exceptionally refined taste.

Outstanding Piece: O'Connell screenprints "embroidery" on the bodice of this soft, cotton knit dress for graphic impact. Sizes: 2 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $17-$42; Tel: 215-764-0685: girlandmouse.com.

SEAM
Designer Cindy Estes debuted with two cohesive groups: one in a palette of pale lilac, lime and sky, and a warmer selection with rose, soft orange and raspberry. Both groups of loose, modern pieces are based on multiple, retro-inspired patterns that are meant to be mixed and matched.

Outstanding Piece: The Tilly dress in the hot maxi length offers tiers of fun Sixties-like prints. Sizes: 2 to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$49; Tel: 617-803-3490; seamcollection.com.

  ZOLIMA
"A pleasure for the senses," says the designer. Indeed it is, with a color palette like a spring garden after the rain.

Outstanding Pieces: Unfussy, feminine shapes and colors to swoon over.

The lotus blossom, a symbol of good luck, is the company's signature flower. Sizes: 3 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$46; Tel: 212-947-3443; zolima.com.

Originally published December 5, 2011

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