high style from across the pond

For anyone who loves European childrenswear lines half as much as I do, but is daunted by the prices, now is the time to act.  I'm all about buying ahead or buying last season's lines on sale, especially if the clothes have enough edge and style to withstand the test of time.  Right now, two of my absolute favorite lines are IKKS and Kenzo.  IKKS reliably delivers beautiful, grown up clothes that even a picky tween will be happy to wear.  The colors are generally sedate and conservative, but the clothes are all style.  Kenzo, on the other hand, delivers prints like no one else.  Takada Kenzo is truly the master of beautiful floral patterns in exquisite color combinations.  Years later, as I look back over my daughter's wardrobe, the Kenzo pieces are favorites that continue to stand out.

Many online boutiques have now put their spring/summer collections on sale.  Even if your

child doesn't need any more clothes this season, it can be nice to buy ahead for next summer and know you have a really special outfit waiting.  Izzy and Ash (www.izzyandash.com) has spring/summer IKKS items on sale for 50% off.  The abolutely stunning funky type dress is $38, and can be paired with leggings ($23), or makes a perfect flowergirl or formal dress (on Izzy and Ash this is called the girl's basikks white sleeveless dress).  Also check out www.smugbaby.com, www.achildscloset.com and www.trendytogs.com.   

I'm dying to snap up the Kenzo turquoise striped sundress - the garden party striped collared dress - at www.trendytogs.com for $45.  It is simply and comfortable, but breathtakingly beautiful.  You can find some summer Kenzo pieces for a modest discount at www.achildscloset.com or www.zandino.com.  There is a terrific selection of Kenzo at www.littleskyechildrensboutique.com, however, it is not yet on sale.  Check in with them, because they have a number of great lines. 

Or you can get a jump on fall shopping by buying last fall's collection on sale.  Peach and Plum (www.peachandplum.com) currently has IKKS' pink denim skirt and shirt with puffed sleeves on sale ($28.40 for the skirt and $26.80 for the shirt).  Zandino (www.zandino.com) hasn't put the spring collection on sale yet, but has some great fall items at a discount.  Naturino Los Gatos (www.naturinolosgatos.com) has a great fall Kenzo sweater dress and matching tights on sale.

Apologies ... I got so excited about the girls' clothes, I completely left out boys.  Check back next week for European boys' designers (IKKS has an AMAZING boys' collection).

gwen stefani rocks out celebrity style

I am always surprised to find a celebrity clothing line that I really like.  I don't know why the whole concept seems so inherently wrong to me.  But of course some celebrities are in fact multi-talented, or at least have good taste and know how to work with the right collaborators.  Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson's women's line, Elizabeth and James, has some great pieces, and I really think Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. is fabulous. So it's no surprise that her Harajuku Lovers collection is as good as it is.  I just love the kids' tshirts.  The Japanese inspired graphics which feature "Gwen" and her back-up dancers (Angel, Love, Baby and Music), are cute and fun, and for those who care about these things, absolutely on trend right now.

This blog is a bit shorter than usual, since I think the clothes (primarily t-shirts) speak for themselves. The line is pretty focused and consistent.  I have liked some of the past season collections a bit better than the current one, so you may find it worth digging around on ebay.  The online selection otherwise is a bit thin, so I'm offering a fairly thorough list of websites that carry the line.  The selection is most extensive in sizes 2-6, or if your daughter fits in junior sizes.  Admittedly, at full retail the collection is on the expensive side but, as always, there are certainly bargains to be had.

Perhaps best of all, the same tshirts are available in women's sizes.  This is one instance in which I'm willing to do the mother-daughter thing ... however, I draw the line at actually wearing the same shirt at the same time.

Find online at:

www.tuttibella.com

www.theretrobaby.com

www.shopkitson.com

www.trenditikes.com

www.cutelittleclothes.com

www.izzyandash.com

www.jenklairkids.com

www.plumdenim.com

www.twirlkids.com

www.lalaling.com

www.maddiescloset.com

www.shopbabytrends.com

and a few pieces are online at Macy's and at Bloomingdales

ready for a swim? (part 2: boys)

It is certainly easier to find boys' swimwear that is suitable and provides coverage than it is to find girls'.  But by the same token, it can be harder to find boys' swimwear that is particularly cute and stands out from the crowd.  Gap and Old Navy are generally reliable and affordable, as is H&M, but you may have difficulty distinguishing your son from every other boy on the beach in his Gap swimsuit.

If you want your son to stand out, Charlie Rocket offers some fun swim trunks that are widely available in children's boutiques and online.  These can be paired with a t-shirt and your son is ready to go.  But I'm a big fan of the boys' board shorts paired with a rashguard top.  Let's face it, surfer and skate punk style is entirely on trend right now, so you can cover your son from neck to knee while he looks impossibly hip.  

Chasing Fireflies (available by catalog and online at www.chasing-fireflies.com) has some cute and unusual boys swim trunks and tops, but most of them are quite pricey.  If price is not a major impediment, I encourage you to check out the site (the eyes see swim trunks, pictured below, are $44 and are really too stinkin' cute).  Personally, I find that sometimes boys' swimwear is worth a little extra money since it's likely to last for a couple of seasons.

For a more moderate sum, Garnet Hill and Mini Boden are perfect.  Chances are you're not putting a fitted swimsuit on your older son, but for a toddler, Mini Boden's surf suit is absolutely adorable, and for $48 you get both the bottom and the top (and Boden is currently offering an additional 25% off).  While you're at it, why not get their towelling throw-on, simultaneously cute and edgy in a skull print. For an older child, Boden's rash vest ($26) and panel boarders ($28) come in three coordinated color ways.  Garnet Hill carries a very classic and handsome rashguard and swimtrunk set by Sun Busters (the top is currently on sale for $24 and the trunks are $29).  Or match the blue rashguard top with Speedo's graphic flame board shorts on sale at Garnet Hill for the low low price of $14.  But my absolute favorite of the boys' swimwear this season (available at Garnet Hill for $58 for the set) is the Cabana Life striped ship swim set.  The picture (above) does not do it justice.  With a zipper down the front of the rashguard top, sophisticated and very wearable colors, and a terrific graphic of a ship on the side of the leg, this set is truly fabulous.  In fact, although my youngest has plenty of hand-me-down swimwear for this summer, I think I have to cave in and buy it right now. 

correction on boys' swimwear

As promised, I did rush out to buy my son the Cabana Life suit as soon as I finished my post, only to find that Garnet Hill is sold out in all but a few sizes.  My apologies.  I really try not to do that.  So I wanted to let you know that Cabana Life still has plenty of sizes left on their own website at www.cabanalife.com.  While you're there, you might want to check out their other sets.  The anchor stripe swim set is equally cute, although red can be hard for a lot of kids to wear.  But the turtle swim set and the crab swim set are so great!!