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Fall/Winter 2011 Children's Club: The 'Ideas' of March - Footloose and Fancy Free (shoes) It's not just the Ides of March, but the 'ideas' of March, where the March ENK Children's Club (March 6-8, 2011) is concerned. Indeed, it's not just about products and items that look good, but that have a good idea behind them. As I covered the trade show, in search of the best of the best for infants to tweens, in the 'accessory' arena, I kept thinking about the 'BIG' idea behind the line, the product, or in the best cases, both! These are some of the ones that stood out this time around.
Customized, artisan made shoes Designer: Amanda Dimova Wholesale: $2.50 - $24 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Boys 8 - 14, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 16, Infant What's the BIG idea? A line of customized shoes made in the USA that is at once whimsical and highly original, as well as environmentally 'correct' (when they use real leather, it's eco leather treated in environmentally friendly way), with an emphasis on keeping prices down (hence - their adorable shoes made from one piece of leather!). They have also just launched Vinca (which means 'flower'): a collection of very well priced yet highly unique rings, earrings, necklaces made of acrylic or walnut in the shape of cats, bears, seahorses, birds, deers, etc., meant for girls ages 12 - 16.  Standouts: The eco friendly baby shoe in avocado or persimmon made of one piece of leather.  Standouts: the pink metallic and red patent ballerinas (sized for one year to 9).  Standouts: The round toe stitched slip ons (sized from 1 - 9).  Standouts: Rocker Bear ring from the Vinca accessories line  Standouts: The new 'Memory Match' puzzles.
Tel: 800-473-0641 E-mail: Amanda@bearfeet.com
An entire range of nature inspired footwear and clothing for infants and toddler Wholesale: $9 - $35 Size: Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? This New Zealand-based company created the world's first soft sole elasticized shoe for babies in 1991, and since then, they have been busy expanding to incorporate a range of comfortable, high quality shoes and clothing that that takes its cue from the laws of nature, sized for newborns, pre walkers, and active toddlers. The eco leather used in all the products literally wicks away moisture from baby's feet and enables the feet to breathe.  Standouts: Boots in the 'I-walk' line, which is geared for active toddlers.
Standouts: I-Walk navy sports shoe for toddlers.
Standouts: I-Walk red Mary Jane for toddlers 
Standouts: The infant sized sleepsuit, bundler, one-pieces, pants, and caps made from skin friendly mercot (a combination of merino wool and cotton which regulates the temperature of baby's skin).
Tel: 800-315-3039 E-mail: customerservice@bobuxusa.com
Designer's Touch / Trimfoot High quality infant and toddler footwear Wholesale: $18 - $22 Sizes: Infant, Layette, Preemie, Toddler What's the BIG idea? A division of Trimfoot Company, Designer's Touch is an exclusive brand of classically styled, high quality (and safe) footwear sized for newborns to 5 years of age, with an emphasis on styles well suited for special occasions, Christenings, pageants, and formal wear. 
Standouts: The black satin with rhinestone buckle, pleated silver, and black lace overlay Mary Janes
Lynn Meyer Showroom Tel: 212-947-5522 E-mail: lynnmeyerinc@aol.com
Elephantito A modern approach to classics Designer: Maria Frallicciardi Wholesale: $19.75 - $34.75 Sizes: US 0 - 4 What's the BIG idea? The shoes are all made from 100% leather and it's all about European styling, (classic not trendy), the highest quality materials, and construction, and comfort. They are truly made for walking and there is a special cushion on the bottom of every sole, to facilitate that. They recently added a clothing line, which complements the footwear.  Standouts: The infant sized ankle strap ballerina flats, moccasins, and loafers
Standouts: The side zipped tall boots (leopard printed and luggage leather) for toddlers and older children  Standouts: Toddler and little girl suede and leather slipons  Standouts: Boy's dress shoe
Tel: 888-776-9541 E-mail: Alexandra@elephantito.com
Fun, casual footwear for all ages Wholesale: $18 - $26 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Boys 8 - 20, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 14, Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? It's always been about "more is more" where this fashion forward, California-based line is concerned (more color, more embellishments, etc.) but for fall, they have put their aesthetic and philosophy to good use with an extensive line of fashion forward boots which perfectly mix form and function with their zippered closures and sturdy rubber soles.  Standouts: It's all about the little girls' boots with plenty of attitude (sized 22 - 35): The tall 'Capri' in black with zippered detail.  Standouts: The black 'Jordin' booties with nailheads.  Standouts: The Lara boot  Standouts: The 'Mandy' (the tall boot in clay or black).  Standouts: The 'Tammy' lace up booties with sequins.  Standouts: The 'Willow' in purple or black (faux fur with sequined floral design).
Tel: 800-466-724 E-mail: customerservice@raggshoes.com
Australian line of natural leather pre walkers Designer: Vicky Lever Wholesale: $19 Sizes: Newborn - 24 months What's the BIG idea? Ms. Lever added elastic backs to make the shoes easier to put on, stay on, and take off. Standouts: Assorted new Mary Janes
Standouts: The recolored sporty lace up athletic sneakers
Standouts: The Leather Booties with faux-fur lining
Lolligo Showroom Tel: 347-394-3151 E-mail: info@lolligo.com
Footwear with a sophisticated international flair Designer: Letty de Paz Wholesale: $24 - $53 Sizes: Newborn - tween What's the BIG idea? Ms. de Paz recently added a new division to complement Pazitos, which is known for its classic, timeless, leather footwear for the young set. Now in its second season, Picaroz, sized for toddlers, is decidedly more edgy, fashion forward and trend driven, and thanks to the use of eco friendly, biodegradable PU synthetic materials, it is also lower priced.
Standouts: The Picaroz 50's inspired stitch down desert boots in muted metallics and zebra printed glistening patent 'leather' 
Standouts: The Pazitos snakeskin flat skimmers, black patent ballet pump with black flower trim, tall classic riding boot with buckle in super soft lamb leather.
Tel: 818-710-6582 E-mail: sales@pazitosinc.com
Designer footwear for infants Wholesale: $18 - $30 Sizes: 0 - 4 Months What's the BIG idea? An extensive line of high quality and very fashionable footwear for newborns, each and every piece bearing the unmistakable stamp of Ralph Lauren.  Standouts: The Coast Mid snuff suede lace up bootie.  Standouts: The Tavin, Ranger HI and Hamlin rugged hard sole boots.  Standouts: The Tavin and Tribe shearling lined booties.  Standouts: The Vancouver two toned nylon bootie with polo player logo.  Standouts: The Jayde Bow Mary Jane in hot pink, red, purple, and forest green corduroy.  Standouts: The Zoe suede moccasin in purple, berry, and green with gold hardware.
Lynn Meyer Showroom Tel: 212-947-5522 E-mail: lynnmeyerinc@aol.com
Modern, urban footwear for the young set Designer: Cause Haun Wholesale: $5 - $28 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Girls 4 - 6X, Infant, Toddler What's the BIG idea? At last! Big kid shoes. Ms. Haun has just expanded her popular and sought after collection of adorable shoes, sized for newborns, infants and toddlers, to include school aged kids from 2 - 6 (her customers asked for it!) They too, have all the 'bells and whistles' that have come to define the line and feature leather lined soft and durable leather uppers, sturdy and flexible rubber soles, and cushioned insoles for utmost comfort and foot health. And because "great shoes deserve to be paired with great socks", Ms. Haun has just launched her new graphic and eye catching Organic Sock Collection.  Standouts: The Delilah boot  Standouts: The little girls' Jill Mary Jane
Standouts: The little boys' graphic Nikolai trainers
Standouts: Organic Sock Collection Tel: 888-524-7463 E-mail: info@seekairun.com
Seen at the March 2011 ENK Children's Club; Originally published April 15, 2011
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