You know the age old saying, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb"? Well, given the weather thus far (the crazy unpredictable mix of balmy one day, wintry the next), the legend continues. And most certainly, this adage was more than applicable to the ENK Children's Club, (March 6-8, 2011) where the booths of countless exhibitors (showing accessories, clothing, gift sets, and items for nursery and room décor, etc.) seemed to be filled with an endless assortment of adorable likenesses of wild animals, zoo and farm animals, aquatic creatures, and household pets, including lions, lambs, AND everything in between. As for the latter, at this moment in time, anything that is 'lamb related' (Mongolian lamb, curly lamb, shearling, sheepskin, etc.), whether real or faux, and used as outerwear, for accessories, or for trims, could not be more popular and 'of the moment' (and by that I mean on the runways, and off the runways, but more on that later).

You know the drill by now. I love nothing more than linking major trends for the grownups, to those found in the baby,children's, and tweens' markets. And since March is the month when the bi-annual ready to wear collections come to an end in Paris (they kick off in New York in mid February), and it's also the month when THE big Children's Club Show is held (at the sprawling Jacob Javits Center in New York), it always makes the comparisons and links even more timely and obvious.

There are far too many good examples of trends and themes that turned up on the international runways for Fall/Winter 2011, AND played out at the March Children's Club, for me to list them all.

These are some of the ones that immediately jumped out at me, and were easy to support with good images.

1. "….Like a Lamb": All bi products of lamb: Mongolian lamb, curly lamb, shearing (real and faux), are the absolute height of fashion these days, used for outerwear, hats, shoes, bags, and gloves. And yes, there were even sightings of adorable little lambs here and there.

Derek Lam's winter white Mongolian coat

Apple Park's white lamb plush

Happy Garden's faux fur jacket

2. Amazing 'Lace': Ultra feminine open work crochet and lace is an ongoing trend and has been seen all over, (in black, white, tan, pink, or red).

Marc Jacobs' black lace blouse

Prabal Gurung

Andrea's Beau crochet headbands

3. 'Sheer' Delights: The use of sheer fabrics layered over opaque has been spotted all around, and is being offered in a myriad of ways (and for all ages).

Isabel Marant's sheer draped layered over opaque

Louis Vuittton's sheer dress

Submarine's sheer dresses

4. 'Poncho' Villa: The utilitarian poncho has now been elevated to 'high fashion' status.

Altuzarra poncho

7 A.M. Enfant's quilted Pookie Poncho

Million Polkadots' hooded capelet

5. Welcome to the 'Hood': Hoods have never looked better, whether attached to a coat, jacket, or sweater, or worn as a separate piece. They offer not only warmth, but great pizzazz.

Rick Owens' gray mink hood

Zutano's striped hooded jacket

6. 'Prints' of the City: Prints and patterns have been taken to the nth degree as of late, and especially pack a wallop when mixed and unmatched, and used in surprising combinations.

Commes des Garcons

Louise Gray's mixed prints

Zutano's mixed prints

7. It's in the 'Jeans': Jeans are here to stay and will never lessen in popularity, but this season, they showed up on many a high fashion runway, (like that of Chanel), in hip, cool, faded black, legging-like versions. (Hey, it's never too young to get into a pair, as evidenced at the March Children's Club).

Chanel skin tight jeans

Elegant Baby's My First Jeans

Trimfit's denim leggings

8. Mad for Plaid: Tartans and other classic plaids never, ever disappear, and why should they?

Thom Brown mixed prints

Million Polkadots' tartan cape

9. The Gold Standard: Gold IS the standard. Need I say more?

Comme des Garcons gold jacket

Old Soles' gold Mary Jane

10. Animal Magnetism: Leopard, cheetah, and zebra prints are always and forever (and what would fall be without them?).

Junya Watanabe cheetah shrug

The Row leopard coat

Max Daniel's snow leopard blanket

Elegant Baby's leopard slipper socks

 

11. 'Snake' charmer: Snake and python skins, prints, and patterns, used for shoes, boots, bags, or clothing, is another perennial favorite for 'kids' of all ages.

Chloe's snakeskin top and pants

Dries Van Noten boot

Pazitos' snakeskin flats

12. 'Bows' Arts: Bows are always so feminine and alluring, no matter what size, how they are used, or where they are placed.

Chloe's big white bow

Faigie's white bow set

13. Clash of the Titans: Clashing colors, especially color blocks, always make a bold statement.

Chloe's color blocked cape

Country Kids' jumper

Zutano's 3D socks

 

14. 'Circle' Line: Mod inspired, oversized dots and circles, look especially fresh and appealing.

Louise Gray large circles

Marc Jacobs' polkadots

Zutano's polkadot booties

 

15. The Great 'White' Way: Who would imagine that the relatively simple yet utterly chic white turtleneck, would replace the indispensable black turtleneck? From the look of things this season, it has!

Celine white turtleneck

Country Kids' white turtleneck

 

16. Winter 'Garden': If you thought floral prints would disappear for fall/winter, think again!

Jil Sander floral dress

Zutano's floral bibs

 

17. 'Ear' Say: Whimsical hats with animal ears (bears, cats, etc.), are definitely NOT just for the young. There was even a line of rings with prominent cat's ears.

Givenchy hat with ears

Marili Jean's bear hats

Bear Feet's Vinca rings

18. 'Red' Alert: Whether used sparingly, or head to toe, red always makes a statement and one always stands out in red.

Chado Ralph Rucci red Mongolian lamb coat

Magnolia Baby's red velours

19. 'Dog' Gone Cute!: Dogs are not just man's best friend, they are everyone's best friend as well as evidenced by recent runways.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac sweater dress

Apple Park's puppy hat and booties

Smiling Planet's dog yoga set

20. Tally Ho!: The universal and timeless appeal and allure of equestrian inspired clothing and accessories is undeniable.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac sweater dress

Pazitos' riding boot

  

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Seen at the March 2011 ENK Children's Club; Originally published March 15, 2011