Kids, get ready to head to Target - Harajuku Mini

Target has done a number of collaborations with boutique childrenswear lines which have more or less flown under the radar.  This one is less likely to go so quietly -- or at the very least, it shouldn't be.  And you shouldn't miss it.  Gwen Stefani happens to be one of my heroes.  She is one of those rare rock stars whose venture into fashion actually merits being taken seriously.  The only other instance of a strong celebrity venture that I think is comparable would be the Olsen twins.  Harajuku Lovers has been one of my favorite children's lines for a while.  I own a bunch of their shirts, my daughter owns a bunch of their shirts (and a few sweatshirts, and a mini skirt ...), and on November 13 an irresistible collection from Harajuku Mini will be available to Target customers.

Target previewed the launch with a selection of bags for back to school which are now sold out.  On November 13 a much broader collection arrives.  In addition to bags, there will be sneakers, an infant line, and even a complete toddler/tween line.  The lookbook can be found online at lilsugar.com.  I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of the styling of the lookbook.  I would suggest focussing, rather, on the individual pieces.  But there are some really precious items.  At Target prices, there should be plenty worth scooping up.

10 Piece Winter Wardrobe for Toddler Girls

A ten piece wardrobe for winter for older girls (approx sizes 5-12).  All items can be found in the Children's Fashion Stylist Amazon store.

Boys - not just Gap jeans anymore

I don't have anything against Gap jeans.  In fact, I've been really impressed with the cut on the 1969 jeans.  They're very cute.  But you don't need me to tell you how to go to the Gap or Old Navy and buy your son some jeans.  That's the uniform.  I can't count the number of times, on the other hand, that I've heard moms and store owners complain that there are no cute pants out there for boys besides this uniform.  It's something of a mantra among moms.  While it's true that the options for boys are more limited than those for girls, I still feel like there are some fun options out there.

I'm all for getting truly funky with boys' pants, but I'll save that for the next post.  The reality is, parents tend to be more conservative when shopping for their sons.  So let's start with the basics.  Color has become the watchword for basics of all sorts recently, and boys pants are no exception.  If you feel most comfortable with your little man in jeans or cords, you can still play with color.  I am blown away by the amazing and rich colors of cords available.

My absolute favorite pants for boys are Appaman's carpenter cords.  The corduroy is phenomenally soft, the cut is adorable, and the green ... come on ... shut the front door.  The more teal green of JCrew's slim fit cords is also really nice, without being too out there for a boy to feel comfortable in them.  If your budget doesn't allow for $42-46 cords, my favorite fall back, as always, is Zara.  Zara's 5-pocket cords have a great fit, and are only $29.90.  I don't love the fit of H&M's cords quite as much as Zara's, but they're even less expensive and the colors are really fun.

Who says color is only for cords?  If you -- or your son -- are feeling a little more daring, Zara also has twill trousers in some pretty great colors.  The blue is an incredible shade.  For a break from Gap jeans, Zara is a terrific resource for jeans in general.  The slim cut jeans are particularly cute.  Lately my littlest one has not been a big fan of skinny jeans, but if your child will wear them, Zara's jeans are absolutely rock star!  Not to be forgotten, I've seen a big resurgence among the boys lately of good old Levi's.  For something really out there - and it's all the rage with the teen boys - Levi's has skinny jeans in absolutely outrageous colors (think bright purple).

So step away from the Gap -- there really are other choices out there.

10 Piece Winter Wardrobe for Girls

A ten piece wardrobe for winter for older girls (approx sizes 5-12).  All items can be found in the Children's Fashion Stylist Amazon store. 

Note:  When discussing my recommendations and the clothing possibilities available on the market, I include all the brands that I think may be of interest, and any stores where they can easily be found.  However, since our Amazon store does not have the capability of showing pairings or outfit suggestions, I will also include on the blog suggested wardrobes using merchandise from the store.

Not So Everyday Everyday Dresses - Kit + Lili

As brands go, I have discussed a lot of European brands without mentioning any American brands.  I do love the European clothes, but there are some great little American lines out there that deserve mention and should be in every (in this case) little girl's closet.

Kit + Lili does basic, and does it extremely well.  But with a twist, since what Kit + Lili is really about is bold, brightly colored, fun and splashy prints.  They're a little reminiscent of Marimekko prints, but more current.  The prints, and particularly the colors, this season are wonderful.  Kit + Lili has picked the most exquisite shades of purple and lavender.  Just delicious.

Although Kit + Lili has some cute tops, skirts, etc., the real standout category in this collection is the dresses.  So great.  So easy.  Comfortable, simple dresses that are easy to wear but look truly special.  The Emi Dress might be my favorite.  It is so simple.  Just a solid jersey dress.  But in unusual and very wearable colors and with a beautiful cut.

So many of the print dresses are cute that I really just want a closet full.  I want the Natalie Dress in grape flora, the Chiara Dress in violet lattice, the Hanna Dress in silver pansy, the Lucie Dress in pink pansy and the Jane Dress in ink big circles ... just for starters.  To get a feel for the choice, the entire collection can be viewed (and purchased) on Kit + Lili's website.

This season Kit + Lili has some great contenders in the special dress department too.  All of the dresses can really be worn as everyday dresses (paired with Kit + Lili leggings) or as fancy dresses with some tights, dress shoes and combed hair.  But I'm in love with metallic silver and metallic bronze dresses.  Girls will go gaga for them.  But the simple and understated design keeps them from being flashy or kitschy.  The ideal party dress.

Items from the current collection are available at Kit + Lili, Garnet Hill, Chasing Fireflies, Twinkle Star and Little Luna Blue.  Some past season items can be found on Arte Bebe, Lil Swanky and The Pajama Squid.

Four Funky Flavors

Just ran across a fun collection I hadn't seen before at Ollypop.  I had forgotten how great that site is!  They carry the most beautiful clothes.

Children's Fashion Stylist Store

Exciting News!  In addition to providing links to boutiques that carry the products we suggest, you also have the option of shopping our recommendations all in one place.  The "Children's Fashion Stylist on Amazon" box at the right brings you to our Amazon store.  Here we have gathered all of our favorites from Amazon in one place so that you don't have to go hunting.  Obviously Amazon does not carry everything we love, so it is definitely worth visiting the stores and boutiques mentioned in the blog as well as visiting us on Amazon.  Happy Shopping!