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 From navy formal dresses to sky-blue shirts, blue is definitely the big color for 2008, say children’s fashion watchers. But there is still plenty of room in the rainbow, especially for florals, metallics and bright colors that evoke the beautiful springtime sun. “There’s so much color,” says Sandy Johnson, owner of Lola Rouge Kids at Fashion Island. “Electric blue, yellow and bold oranges; they’re almost crayon-like colors.” We hit the streets to see what’s new this spring. From fun graphic T-shirts, to metallic ballet slippers and sporty skater shoes, even the youngest fashionistas in Southern California can really shine. Look for the following popular themes to rule this season: Flowery and feminineGood news for parents who are weary of battling their daughters over clothing that is too sexy, too soon. Girls will look just right in this season’s pretty florals, whether it is a classic spring dress or a flowy top paired with capris and ballet slippers. “It’s really age-appropriate for girls this year, which is thrilling,” says Michelle Kouzmine, who writes the online about.com Kids’ Fashion column. “It’s a sweet, endearing look for girls.”What she’s wearing: Faux Wrap Dress, $19.50 Where to get it: The Children’s Place; more than 20 stores in Southern California Website: childrensplace.com Got the blues?Europe’s runways were full of blue this year, including many navy-dyed dresses for a formal look, reports New York children’s fashion writer Tina Barry. Sky blue and aqua work for both boys and girls. And when it comes to blue jeans, look for a lighter wash to be popular this spring.What she’s wearing: Lacey print Easter skirt with leggings, $19.95; puff-print sequin top in Arctic, $14.95 Where to get them: Naartjie at Irvine Spectrum Center, Mission Viejo Mall and Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga Website: naartjie.com Sparkle and shineA girl can really shine in T-shirts studded with crystals, metallic fabrics, silver ballet slippers and sequined tennis shoes. “There’s lots of sparkle,” says Johnson of Lola Rouge Kids. “You’ll think you’re shopping for the holidays in spring.”What she’s wearing: A fuschia and gray tie-dyed “burnout” T-shirt with black crown and fuschia crystals, made by Sassy Stars, $35 Where to get it: Hush Baby in Aliso Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Huntington Beach and Tustin Website: sassystars.com Layers, layers, layersSpring days often start out chilly, but warm up quickly in the Southern California sun. So it makes sense to pair ankle tights or leggings with a dress or skirt, says Jacqueline Ardrey, vice president of clothing design for Hanna Andersson. “Leggings with tunics, ankle tights and pieces that you can layer are very big for us,” she says. As for keeping warm on spring evenings, Barry notes that belted trench coats are a hot item this year, as well.What she’s wearing: It’s a Playdress, It’s a Daydress, $34; opposite-stripe bike shorts, $18; Cutout Clogs, $52. Where to get them: Hanna Andersson at Fashion Island Website: hannaandersson.com It’s organic, baby!Parents are concerned about their kids’ exposure to harmful chemicals, as well as the environment. So, they are seeking out organic cotton and even fibers made of milk proteins or bamboo, says Barry. “It’s definitely one of the next big things for kids’ fashion,” agrees Kouzmine. “And not just whether it is organic. Where is it made? Is it from child-free labor? People are wanting to purchase safe, ethical clothing for kids.”What he’s wearing: Organic cotton Polo shirt, $24; deck pants, $34; reversible bucket hat, $16. Where to get them: Hanna Andersson at Fashion Island Website: hannaandersson.com Go big, go brightThis season, look for bold yellows and oranges. Many clothes are evoking an earlier age, with fun, almost “hippie-chic,” dip-dyed fabrics. “Things are kind of disco-inspired,” says Johnson, of Lola Rouge Kids, “but it’s a modern take on the ’70s style.”What She’s Wearing: Flowers by Zoe Peasant Square Dress, $84.95 Where to get it: This Little Piggy Wears Cotton, in Fashion Island, or online website: littlepiggy.com Mr. ‘T’The graphic T-shirt is a fun, must-have item for all SoCal kids, and boys love them! “It’s not really a trend, so much as a constant now,” says children’s fashion writer Tina Barry. Look for T-shirts with vintage-looking decals and surf or skater prints to be hot this spring. Pair them with plaid shorts for a fashion-forward look. And, adds Michelle Kouzmine, boys love T-shirts from hip labels, such as Small Paul, Charlie Rocket, and surf and skate companies. That includes etnies, Hurley and Quiksilver right from our own back yard.What he’s wearing: A Billabong Roseskull T-shirt ($18.95) and Billabong Jackson plaid shorts ($48.95). Stamp Youth Twill A-Flex Hat by etnies, $21.99; Toddler Cinch shoes by etnies, $25.99. Where to get them: This Little Piggy Wears Cotton, in Fashion Island; hat and shoes available only through etnies.com websites: littlepiggy.com and etnies.com --- SIDE BAR 1 --- THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST COLORS>> Blue is the biggest color for 2008>> Shiny metallics, for shoes and fabrics >> Bright yellows and oranges >> Black and white *Sources: Tina Barry, Michelle Kouzmine and Sandy Johnson --- SIDE BAR 2 --- Brand names at a bargainMusic to a mom’s earFor parents looking to stretch their fashion dollar, there’s another option: consignment stores, well worth a fashionista’s peek inside. “There are many moms out there who don’t know about what I call ‘my best kept secret,’” says Dianne Blaksteen, who shops at Wee Peats Children’s Resale Boutique in Mission Viejo. “You do not feel that you’re in a used clothing store. It is like shopping in a boutique, and I will be sad the day my children outgrow the store.” Wee Peats’ owner, Joanne King, says most spring dresses cost about $10, while girls’ shirts and shorts typically cost $3 to $5 apiece, and pants start at about $7. The store has a large staple of brand names, such as Gap and Gymboree, in sizes from infant to 14. And there are bargains for boys, too. For example, King charges $8 to $12 for Quiksilver clothing that retailed $36 to $40 new. The franchised Children’s Orchard has a number of stores in Southern California, and many parents swear by them. But hip moms looking for something special should check out Newport Kids in Costa Mesa, which offers a high-end selection of name brands, such as Roxy, Miniman, Charlie Rocket and Juicy Couture, in almost perfect condition. Store manager Janice Crayne says her customers are local parents and grandparents who check in weekly to see what’s new. The store sells clothing for boys and girls up to size 16, and Crayne estimates she puts out 200 new items each day. “We’re very particular about what we take,” says Crayne, to ensure that clothes are in style. “Our customers know a Miniman sweatshirt retails for $68, so they’re happy to pay $20 for it here.” Kelly St. John is a contributing writer and mother of 2 stylish daughters. >> Children’s Orchard In Cypress, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Tustin, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Cucamonga and San Dimas, 1.800.999.KIDS childrensorchard.com >> Newport Kids 1775 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa 949.548.2849 newportkidsconsignment.com >> Wee Peats Children’s Resale Boutique 25108 Marguerite Pkwy., #D, Mission Viejo 949.461.9044 102 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente 949.492.8725 |
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