RESET

The Reset design team cuts puffer jackets close to the body so kids don't look like giant marshmallows. Subdued colors mean the pieces function as well on an urban street as they do on a ski slope, and removable faux fur collars and cuffs and washable bodies make the upkeep easy.

Outstanding Piece: With a mix of fabrications and neutral tones, the girl's belted puffer jacket manages to be both eye-catching and understated. Sizes: Girls and boys 2 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $79-$109; Tel: 347-394-3151; lolligo.com.

STELLA INDUSTRIES
I can string out adjectives to describe Stella Industries' Fall 2012 collection, but I'll keep the list down to a few: trendy, richly hued, detailed, easy to wear, and well priced.

Outstanding Piece: Designer Ary introduces a grown-up version of the much-loved, oft-photographed Summer 2011 tulle dress. While the color of the follow-up is quiet, the big silky bow and tutu-inspired skirt add quirky charm. Sizes: 2T to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$39; Tel: 213-627-2676; stellaindustries.com.

ALESSIA
Desinger Norma Di Paolo is known for understated special occasion dresses and suits. For fall, she cut loose with colorblocked designs.

Outstanding Piece: The designer does color-blocked pieces and ups the ante with a flattering asymmetrical neckline and mod silver zipper down the black. Sizes: 4 to 20; Wholesale prices: $13-$60; Tel: 514-276-0311; alessiaclothing.com.

 OOH! LA, LA!
Designers Ann Dugourd and Jennifer Rotunno offer a rockin' good time from the neck to the waist and a touch of the precious ballerina in the tulle skirt: a blend of sensibilities that little girls love.

Outstanding Piece: Forgoing the expected cartoon primary tones gives this print and skirt fresh appeal. Sizes: NB to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$56; Tel: 212-967-6457; oohlalacouture.com.

Novelty, polar fleece coats in jewel tones and neutrals; some of the looks are understated; some offer ruffles, rosettes and unusual color combinations; all will star in a girl's winter wardrobe.

Outstanding Piece: As much as I admire the posie pieces, it's this simple swing coat with the unusual collar treatment and of-the-moment leaf shade that called to me. Sizes: 12 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $27-$36; Tel: 510 533-6545;

US ANGELS
Fifties' styling reigns with defined waists, full skirts and roses: think rose tones, rose embellishments and one knockout rose print.

Outstanding Piece: The dress is a killer combination of retro charm and a stunning, look-at-me print. Sizes: 4 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $37-$69; Tel: 213-624-4155; usangels.com.

LEMON LOVES LIME


Joy Cha loves ruffles, appliqués of mermaids and seahorses, and color! She loves candy colors, and rich hues, and she'll even do gray - with ruffles!

Outstanding Pieces: Ruffles three ways: Understated in gray and white, wild in fuchsia, and on a down coat in a shade of sapphire that reminds me of the ocean in winter. Sizes: 3 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $16-$66; Tel: 630 260-7885; lemonloveslime.com.

Designer Maria Frallicciardi works with Liberty of London prints in a palette of saturated tones dusted down so there's no harshness. Her shapes are unfussy and cut for movement.

Outstanding Pieces: The knit bodice and long floral skirt looks fresh in delicate lilac trimmed with a velvet tie. Sizes: 3 to 12 years; Average wholesale price: $32; Tel: 888-776-9541;

KIDCUTETURE
KidCuteTure for Fall 2012: swirls and whirls, Lurex threads, architectural shapes and a palette of phantasmagorical hues.

Outstanding Piece: If a buyer wants one piece that truly represents Pantelyat's aesthetic, this royal blue cotton knit with the signature swirl is it!; Sizes: 3 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$49; Tel: 609-216-7490; kidcuteture.com.

MAISONNETTE
Ava Warr and Madeline Warr debut with a collection of pattern-driven sportswear with a decidedly playful bent. Says Ava Warr, "Maisonnette's Fall 2012 collection is full of fresh looks that are fun to wear!" The collection is divided into four groups: The Giselle, the Coco, the Penelope, and the Majori. Each group includes a baby dress and legging set, a dress and tunic (up to size 8) and T-shirts and leggings in all sizes.

Outstanding Piece: From the Penelope group: Two layers of pretty prints, a full skirt to twirl in, and fanciful touches such as the floral embellishment and "curtain-pull" detail, make for a must-have dress. Sizes: 2 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$39.50; alismarket.com; Tel: 760-730-5447; maisonnetteoceanside.com.

HUDSON THREADS
Designers Dayna Cohen and Michele Polo could continue to do what they do best - source gorgeous jersey prints and solids and cut them into flattering, simple dresses - but that's too easy. For Fall 2012, they've created colorblock designs that function as dresses and tunics - as well as works of art.

Outstanding Piece: All the right decisions in color, cut and details (the polka dot cuffs are perfection) were made in the creation of this piece. Sizes: 4 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$33; Tel: 914-481-1113; hudsonthreads.com.

SOPHIE CATALOU
Perusing this collection reminded me of staring into the window of an antique jewelry store. The colors are a mix of garnet, citrine, amethyst and gold, and each piece has a rich texture and quirky charm.

Outstanding Pieces: Three tiers of garnet come to life with citrine edging, a "corsage," and an exuberant ruffled jacket. Sizes: 12 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $11-$34; Tiny Ginger Showroom; Tel: 212-564-9606; sophiecatalou.com.

JUNEY BLOOM
Susan Exley's back with a collection that blends luxurious fabrications such as silk velvet, linen, batiste, and silk charmeuse with a love for understated vintage shapes.

Outstanding Piece: A loose sequined jacket sparkles atop a simple silk charmeuse dress: full stop glamour that looks effortless. Sizes: 3 to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $32-$130; Tel: 818-383-2019; juneybloomclothing.com

CE CE CO
Daisy Lim specializes in feminine, delicately colored knitwear. For fall, she introduced a cashmere group that's perfect for girls and boys.

Outstanding Piece: Pure luxury can be found in this one-piece cashmere with contrasting color and argyle detail. (Available in dusty pink for girls.) Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale price for cashmere: $49; Tel: 732-888-9988; cececo.com

MARGERY ELLEN
Buyers adore Margery Ellen's patterns, so she's added several elegant yet whimsical prints that should make buyers and parents happy.

Outstanding Piece: Are zebras the new owls? Sizes: NB to 12 months; Tel: 516-505-1818; margeryellen.com.

BUSY BEES / MISS B

Outstanding Piece: The bubble hem on the Vivi skirt, from the Miss b collection, turns a traditional cashmere twin set and skirt into something flirty and fashion forward.

Boys wearing polo shirts, sweaters and cords always look clean, and put together. Sizes: Girls and boys 3 months to 12 years; Miss B 7 to 16 years; Wholesale prices for Busy Bees: $16-$86, wholesale prices for Miss b: $16-$148; Tel: 415-785-8447; busybees-kids.com.

KISSY KISSY
As always, Kissy Kissy offers quality infantwear in timeless designs and colorations. This season, look for whimsical patterns.

Outstanding Pieces: Robots are the "it" motif for boyswear this season. Here a nicely drawn design goes one better with velour sleeves and yoke details that lend a color block effect.

A delicate rose pattern mimics hand-stitchery on this lovely girl's gown. Sizes: Preemie to 24 months; Wholesale prices: $4-$32; Tel: 732-345-5073; kissykissyonline.com.

SMASH
Who's afraid of a little color? Not Jimmy Solado whose debut collection for boys includes saturated tones, interesting dye treatments and narrow shapes.

Outstanding Pieces: A soft to the touch woven plaid shirt in a Western cut sports details such as a contrasting striped placket and a dyed ombred effect. Narrow royal blue jeans finish the look. Sizes: 4 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $14.50-$39; Tel: 213 995-5555; smashtrends.com.

ELEPHANTITO
I appreciate a designer who respects patterns. Maria Frallicciardi works with Liberty prints, cutting the shapes large enough to allow the designs to flow. Embellishment is done with a light hand. 

Outstanding Pieces: A smock shape with bib detail and slate trim adds a touch of playfulness to the mature tones of the print. All the piece needs is the simple circle skirt and fabulous silver flats. Sizes: 2 to 12 years;  Average wholesale price: $32; elephantito.com.

TWIRLS & TWIGS
A master of understatement she's not, and that's why buyers looking for exuberant, one-of-a-kind like pieces shop Shawna Dalton's line.

Outstanding Piece: The designer's favorite piece, and mine, is this lovely emerald- colored jersey with a corsage of crocheted flowers, striped waistband and a graceful asymmetrical hem. Sizes: 12 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$48 wholesale; twirlsandtwigs.com.

For Fall 2012, Natasha Pantelyat goes beyond cotton knits with the addition of fine corduroys, woven cotton, classic denims and sweater knits strewn with stars and snowflakes. To her cotton knit offerings, she's included machine washable styles laced with Lurex threads for a subtle shimmer.

Outstanding Pieces: Orchid done three ways: in a modern French Terry jacket edged with ruffles and tulle, a tunic with an asymmetrical hem and signature rosette, and a dress lit with Lurex threads and frills of tulle (shown with coordinating hat). Pretty, pretty and pretty! Sizes: 3 months to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $13-$49; Tel: 609 216-7490; kidcuteture.com.

OOH! LA, LA! COUTURE
Timely, flattering, and flirty, Ooh! La, La! is a staple for tween actors on the red carpet.

Outstanding Piece: From the satin straps, sequined bodice and petal like tulle skirt, the stunning silver Emma dress is a showstopper. Sizes: NB to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $33-$54; Tel: 212-967-6457; oohlalacouture.com.

 MISH MISH
Softer, more comfortable clothing at Mish Mish. Shapes are cut for play, but a saturated color palette and timely graphics make the pieces ideal for the classroom and casual outings.

Outstanding Pieces: Blues in a variety of rich tones come alive with bright, sports-inspired graphics for boys.

Girls' pieces mix prints and sweet graphics with feminine touches such as lace peeking from a skirt's hem. Sizes: Girls NB to 10 years; boys NB to 7 years; Wholesale prices: $11-$30; Tel: 201-641-0672; mishmish-usa.com

GO GENTLY BABY
Kristin Coia's Fall 2012 collection focuses on a cameo worn by grandmother. You can feel the affection in the charming screen-printed graphic and all-over pattern that manages to be both nostalgic in reference and modern in color and spare design. For boys, loose long john-styled trousers, grandpa cardigans and striped tees have a similar "then and now" aesthetic. It's a great season for Go Gently!

Outstanding Pieces: My favorite - and one of the designer's favorite pieces as well - is the Cameo Crème Puff dress. The extravagant pouf at the shoulder and romantic face in profile tells a complex story with a few well-chosen details.

The boy's tee asks the important question: "What if"? Sizes: Girls and boys 3 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $14-$41; Tel: 310-980-1104; gogentlybaby.com.

This is Patricia Cammareri's chicest collection to date. She balances her signature ruffle with bubble shapes as well as narrow silhouettes and mixes the pieces with versatile, small-scale stripes and dots in a palette of black, white, gray, tan, pale pink and deep wine.

Outstanding Pieces: Elegant neutrals allow for a harmonious mix of shapes, textures and details. Sizes: 18 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $11.95-$84.95; Tel: 904-710-3549;

DJAKNEMALA
The palette stays simple: mostly blue and white, while a mix of fabrications such as baby soft corduroy and teddy bear fleece add warmth and textural interest.

Outstanding Pieces: Flattering pleats and a pert bow spark a print blouse worn atop the French terry skirt lightened with a layer of tulle. Sizes: Girls and boys 2 to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $12-$28; Tel: 347-394-3151; lolligo.com; djaknemala.se.

APPAMAN
Outerwear, suits, sportswear, underwear, belts: who can keep up with this ever-growing collection.

Outstanding Piece: The details - high ribbed neck, heavy textured knit and weathered silver buttons - make this piece so much more than a poncho. It's tres chic worn with skin-print pull-on pants in a surprising fuchsia and black combination. Sizes: 6 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $8-$63; Tel: 212-460-5480; appaman.com.

Inspired by the 1920's and 1930's, Bonnie Matthews' collection references that era with homespun fabrications, made in America craftsmanship, and a color palette lifted from wheat fields and penny candy stores.

Outstanding Pieces: Inspired by glamorous flapper girls, the Desiree dress floats in layers of sheer poly chiffon (lined with cotton jersey) and falls in fluttered pieces from a dropped waist. So evocative. The dress is gorgeous with either of her brocade coats.

There's something very Huck Finn about the boy's plaid tunic shirt, tweed knickers and hoist-'em-up striped "braces." Sizes: Girls and boys 2-8 years; Wholesale prices: $29.50-$82; Tel: 323-594-6268;

FERD
Jennifer Connaughton introduces a well-edited holiday collection with modern shapes, subdued colors, and just a touch of glitz.

Outstanding Pieces: Metallic threads add holiday sparkle to an understated peasant style blouse atop a woven dirndl. Easy elegance with unlimited mix-and-match potential. Sizes for girls' holiday collection: 12 months to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$50; Tel: 347-394-3151; lolligo.com; ferdkids.com.

SIERRA JULIAN
Designer Sophie Jaworski finds inspiration in the elegant side of the 1970's (yes, there was an elegant side).

Outstanding Pieces: Blending multiple textures and novelty fabrications brings high-end flavor to an exuberant period.

Boys can't complain about wearing a jacket if this tee with a faux-printed tie is underneath. Sizes: Girls 2 to 16 years, boys 2 to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $26-$165; Tel: 212-359-953; sierrajulian.com.

ME TOO
 There isn't a color this design team can't improve on, especially blue. Boy, do they have a way with blue.

Outstanding Pieces: A star is born in the velour one-piece and matching cap.

 Blues get the royal treatment with this multi-textured hoodie and coordinating one-piece and pull-on pants. Sizes: Girls and boys 3 months to 10 years; Wholesale prices: $7.50-$40; Tel: 866-262-2654; creationsrobo.com.

TEA COLLECTION
I can't reveal the place that inspired Emily Meyer's fall collection, but I can tell you its climate is cold. The clothing, though, in shades of pimento, wine, deep blues and dark neutrals, favors the warmer side of the equator.

Outstanding Pieces: This little dress, in the Handmade Holiday group, has more than a great print. Dolman sleeves, flattering smock-like neck detail and a dropped waist give the item richness and a flattering shape. Wear with tights or as shown over metallic woven leggings.

Fleece lines the hood of the soft charcoal 354 hoodie. A rich striped polo and cargo pants finish the stylish, comfortable outfit. Sizes: 12 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices (including Holiday): $10-$49; Tel: 415-321-2550; teashowroom.com.

KAPITAL K
Much of this collection has a refined, English mood with herringbone knits and British flag graphics. The graphics on tees and one-pieces are music, racecar and dinosaur themed. A palette of soft gray, slate and paprika unifies the looks.

Outstanding Pieces: Front pockets, a band neckline and epaulets lend a serious note to the corduroy fleece footed overalls. Sizes: NB to 8 years; Wholesale prices: $7-$33; Tel: 917 656-0270; kapital-k.com

ELIANE ET LENA
There's plenty of vivid color, plaids and prints in Eliane et Lena's fall collection, yet it's the black and white pieces that are so arresting. The designer worked the pairing in stripes, textures and patterns and from knits to outerwear, all to great effect.

Outstanding Pieces: Head to toe, knit to tulle, black and white never looked fresher. Sizes: 2 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $29.50-$49.50; Tel: 480-619-5515; elianeetlenausa.com.

BABY CZ

Outstanding Pieces: Jackie O would adore the chic cut of this jacket and its faint glimmer of metallic threads. She'd pair it just as Carolina Zapf does, with a narrow fitting turtleneck and bootcut corduroy trousers. Sizes: NB to 14 years; Wholesale prices for cashmere: $36-$265; Tel: 212 580-5190; babycz.com.

  ANDREW & AUDREY
A saturated palette of navy, orange, royal and deep red makes a bold statement on unusual knit shapes.

Outstanding Piece: A cardigan turns novelty item with a soft, brushed-knit front in a multi-toned plaid, and the surprise of a cord tie in back to add flattering shape. Tel: 212-801-2387; Sizes: 4 to 14 years; Wholesale prices: $20-$48; andrew-audrey.com.

BISY G
I've said it for a long time: the kidswear industry needs to acknowledge overweight children and tweens with clothing that fits well and is just as stylish as smaller-sized lines. Someone heard me! Designer Samantha Brownell, and business partner Kerry Lavelle, debuted with a collection of hip cotton knit pieces that flatter rounder shapes.

Outstanding Pieces: Cotton knit basics that drape beautifully, fit around the waist and hips without pulling - and one funky pair of leggings. Great pieces that make dressing the bigger tween that much easier. Sizes: 9 to 13 years; Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer; Tel: 908 208-4028; bisyg.com.

Reset specializes in trend-conscious outerwear that that doubles as survival gear: shearling-edged for warmth, extra strong zippers and lined pockets. Hoods are removable as well as faux fur trim for easy machine washing.

Outstanding Piece: The quilted puffer is light, utterly warm, cut close to the body for a flattering fit, and the chic collar and cuffs are removable. Sizes: Girls and boys 2 to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $79-$109; Tel: 347-394-3151;

STELLA INDUSTRIES
Designer Ary is a print enthusiast who likes to mix things up with solids. Or a lover of solid, modern pieces with a yen for the occasional hot print. You decide.

Outstanding Piece: The designer allows the print do the work. Keeping the bodice uncluttered and the skirt full takes advantage of the dramatic border print. Sizes: 12 months to 16 years; Wholesale prices: $15-$39; Tel: 213-627-2676;stellaindustries.com.

Gerri Mack coaxes polar fleece into wearable art with ruffle-laden, richly colored every day and novelty outerwear.

Outstanding Piece: Roses, ruffles a gorgeous colorway and show stopping back - what more do you need?

Sizes: 12 months to 12 years; Wholesale prices: $27-$36; Tel: 510-865-4105;

FINN + EMMA
If you have a palette as appealing as Finn + Emma's, you don't need to reinvent the color offerings each season. Just a tweak of blue here, or a deeper purple there and Anna Schwengle's lifestyle brand of organic apparel, bedding, blankets and toys is all she needs.

Outstanding Piece: The footie in the softest cotton and prettiest shade of blue looks so clean! Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices for apparel: $11.50-$24.50; Tel: 973-771-5662; finnandemma.com.

Originally published February 28, 2012

FALL 2012 EDITOR'S PICKS - Part 1

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