Retail Therapy
It's kids' fashion season: Keeping the little ones trendy
Moo Boo
Star Crossed Flowers Dress, $14.90, Forever 21
Scalloped Embroidered Dress, $18.90, Forever 21
Baby Girl Giraffe Hood, $60, Top and Bottom set, $60, Itsy Bitsy Boutique
There’s just something about azaleas, candy Peeps and warmer weather that makes me think of little girls in poufy pastel dresses and little boys in blazers and ties. Parents (and super sweet aunties) have their pick of spring’s latest fashion blooms for the smaller set just in time for egg hunts and pictures among the posies.
Forever 21 is more synonymous with Girl’s Night Out, but for those who go on play dates at the park, the new HTG81 is a kid-cool line of clothes for boys and girls in sizes six to 14. The two-story Forever 21 store in Memorial City Mall carries the collection that puts girls in cotton dresses, cropped denim jackets complete with '80s influenced zippers and little plaid jumpers. Boy’s looks are just as fresh with skinny ties, two-button blazers, hip hoodies and even skinny jeans. The HTG81 line ranges from $2.90 for a basic cami to $22.90 for outerwear.
The Itsy Bitsy Boutique on Eastside (just next door to women’s boutique Tres Chic) is a one-stop shop for irresistibly traditional clothing for babies and kids. Owner Susan Watt knows a thing or two about children’s clothing after working for the kids and baby departments of GAP in San Francisco for seven years.
There are adorably sweet gingham and sailor dresses, ruffled bloomers and special occasion dresses, but Watt has also found floral print dresses little girls can certainly run around and play in. Boys often get the short end of the style stick, but there are classic Guayabera Mexican shirts in various colors, creative polos, animal print T-shirts and onesies with tons of personality. Sizes go up to seven and prices are affordable, and since the shop is for kids, the space is inviting and casual.
Watt regularly holds events for the wee ones (time with Santa Claus, teas) and items can also be purchased online.
The Houston-made Moo Boo’s collection of dresses and accessories for babies and little girls is pure fairy dust and cotton candy. The collection of special occasion dresses and playsets launched in 2007 and is now available in more than 100 boutiques across the country, but local shoppers can hop online or pop over to Tootsies for pieces made specifically for the venerable retailer. While the adorable pink-and-black Fifi in Paris Spring 2010 line is cute for everyday, Moo Boo's signature graphic floral, stripe and dot patterns and full skirts are the bee’s knees for spring’s special events. Most dresses run between $60-$70.
