Something Special For Fall - It's a Cakewalk

For those of you who haven't really done your fall/winter shopping in earnest yet, I suggest starting out with a special purchase or two. It's always easy to fill in a wardrobe later with basics. If you start off with a few treasures, it will be easier to decide which basics you need to round out your child's wardrobe.

One of my all time favorite lines is back with a beautiful collection for fall. Cakewalk is a little expensive, but certainly not as pricey as it gets, and you're

sure to get good quality clothing that you can pass down so that you feel like you're getting your money's worth.

If your daughter is a pants person, they do offer

cute trousers to match their tops and sweaters, and they have some sweet dresses. Personally, I find the skirts and tights the most precious pieces in the collection. This season Cakewalk is offering tops in gorgeous and flattering shades of turquoise and purple, but if you're looking to save a few dollars, you can get the skirt, tights and perhaps the sweater (left) - Cakewalk makes wonderful sweaters - and pair it them with any shirt you want. A simple pink or white tee and you're pretty much good to go.

Cakewalk can be found online at www.littlelunablue.com, www.zandino.com, and www.everythingbuttheprincess.com, among others . Tights run about $30 a pair, skirts $76-$90 and tops $36-$52. The sweater shown above is $100. So, not cheap. But perhaps if someone is buying a special outfit as a gift .... Most of these sites have last season's collection on sale, so if you're willing to buy ahead, you might be able to score a good deal.

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

all aboard with j. crew

I can't get over what great clothes J. Crew has been offering lately, and crewcuts is no exception.  Yes, it's a good resource for some high quality basic tees in interesting colors.  But visiting their swimsuit collection, I found a number of pieces there right now that I can't resist.  It's a little more subdued than some of the boutique collections, but is a great addition to any girl's wardrobe.

The knits are particularly wearable - both comfortable and affordable.  There are some terrific little jersey dresses for summer, and at $45 for the cotton flamenco dress, $42 for the stripe jersey halter dress and at $32 for the ruffle-neck shift dress, you can't go wrong.  Finish off the flamenco dress with the watercolor floral cardigan and you have a truly special outfit for any occassion.

For $29.50, the jersey ruffle skirt is one of my all time favorite pieces, comfortable, too stinkin' cute, and you can be sure she'll gladly put it on every day.  Pair it with any t-shirt, or top it with the short-sleeve cotton cardigan for a more polished party look.  Many of the t-shirts have subtle metallic embellishments, not too tacky but guaranteed to make them her favorites.  The sunflower tee features a little tulle skirt detail that is irresistible.

There are a couple of splurges at crewcuts this season that I find worth the money.  Personally I have never been a big fan of birkenstock style shoes, finding them too clunky to be cute, but when I found a fun floral pair broke down, and found they are every bit as comfortable as advertised.  J. Crew's nubuck sandals for girls with a flower embellishment have made them downright stylish.  By and large, the boys' collection is what you would expect.  It's cute and preppy, but by and large nothing out of the ordinary.  But the boys' utility jacket is so grown up and adorable, and looks even better on.  And your daughter can wear it too.  Paired with a girly skirt, it adds just the right casual and funky element.  Ok, it's $75, but if you can get at least two kids to wear it, I say go for it.

something truly special

Oilily.  Personally, I love it.  The more over the top, the better. But it can be a little much for some people.  And as children's clothing goes, it tends toward the super expensive.  But if you are looking to add a little flair to your child's wardrobe, spring can be the perfect time to dabble in the brand.  A little jersey dress or a great skirt may be in your budget - especially when paired with a tee for just $9.50 from JCrew.  

Usually Oilily is all color and frivolity.  This season, the collection has taken a turn toward the 70s.  For older girls, the Tigra-K skirt is the standout pieces, but their best skirts are for  toddlers.  Each one is cuter than the last.  The Twixy skirt with a horse applique is too stinkin' cute, and the print on the Tircle skirt is just gorgeous.  The Derit pants for babies make me want to have another one all over again.  If you don't have an Oilily location near you, a good selection can be found at www.littlelunablue.com.  If you are discouraged by the current season prices, some great past season items can be found online.  No one will know the difference.

Or try Oilily's offspring -- literally, the line is designed by the daughter of the Oilily founders -- Room Seven.  Room Seven is my go to line for fantastic spring skirts.  The fabrics tend a little more to the conservative side, but they are absolutely beautiful and can be dressed up, down, or downright offbeat, with the right top.

Room Seven is available on a number of websites:  www.mybeautifulsophia.com has a small selection from the current collection available at 30% off, and www.chasing-fireflies.com has last year's absolutely adorable bubble skirt on sale for $29.99 paired with gorgeous Room Seven tank tops at $24.99.  The only problem is deciding which color to pick.  That's where your child's coloring is a good guide.  I'm always tempted to pick my favorite, rather than remembering that with my fairskinned redheads turquoise and lavender are generally safe bets ... pink, no so much.

Stores:

www.everythingbuttheprincess.com - good Room Seven assortment on sale

www.littlelunablue.com - fairly extensive selection from Room Seven spring 2009 collection

www.babyskyeboutique.com

www.forgetmenotkids.com - some beautiful Room Seven skirts and blouses on sale

www.dragonfliesandladybugs.com - Room Seven on sale

www.room7usa.com - see the official website for a list of stores

living the high life -- with tropical style

The unseasonably brutal temperatures that hit the northeast -- even my energizer bunny of an 11 year old son refused to go outside, declaring that it is too hot -- have made me unable to resist talking about Wati.  

Wati is at her strongest with her spring/summer collection, and it always brings to a perpetual resort getaway or a Mexican siesta.  The fabrics are compulsively light, floral and colorful.  Perhaps Wati's most distinguishing feature is the wonderful embroidery which gives the clothing a little extra something.  And for frustrated mothers of tween girls everywhere, the collection goes up to a size 12 (and the sizing is fairly generous).  Every girl needs the Talia dress in a couple of colors - it is an easy, light and pretty dress, in a flowing cut that every girl can wear.  It is comfortable enough for everyday, but nice enough for a party.  And it retails for just $44.95.  Wati also offers a simple dress with spaghetti straps, the Suzanne dress, in a grey flower print and an orange polka dot print that my daughter just lives on on hot days.  Again, the price is right, just $40.  

This season the collection includes a cute plaid shorts in a couple of lengths and some great floral skirts, which you can pair either with Wati's tops or with some simple t-shirts.  Some of the most beautiful tops Wati designs are her tunics.  They are easy, fashionable, flattering, and work with shorts, jeans, leggings, or even on their own.  Once you get your daughter started on Wati, I think you'll find you want the whole collection.  While most of the colors in the collection are sweet pastels -- light blues, bright oranges, pinks and yellows, lavender and white -- the tunics can have an edgier feel just by paring them with the right bottom or shoe.  In these clothes, your budding preteen can be, on alternating days, both a sweet little girl and much more grown up and hip, with just the slightest tweek of her outfit.

Check out the entire collection at www.watidesign.com.  The offer a list of local retailers or you can contact them to find out who carries the styles you're interested in.  You can find the Talia dress and the Suzanne beach dress online at www.trendytogs.com, as well as the Juliet and Sofia skirts and the Molly pink plaid shorts.  They are also available at www.cutelittleclothes.com, at www.honeysandheroes.com and at www.MyLilDarlingsBoutique.com currently for 20% off with code SAVE20.