Spring has sprung and that means a new, warm weather wardrobe for everyone, including the youngsters in your life. So, we asked the most stylish mom we know, super-stylist Jessica De Ruiter, to share her favorite boutiques in Los Angeles and online shops to get the cutest kid clothes ever!
TOMBOY
Tomboy is one of my absolute favourite children’s stores – and it is conveniently located in my neighborhood of Silver Lake. Tomboy is my go to for unique pieces for James and for finding special baby and birthday gifts. The owner, stylist Cleo Pollock, has incredible taste and it shows in the collections she thoughtfully features. Bobo Choses (my new obsession!), Ketiketa, Liho (think Lanvin for kiddies!) and Esp no.1 are a few of the incredible lines sold here. And they are mixed in with a small selection of very special vintage pieces and hand-made, one-of-kind kimonos crafted out of the most beautiful quilted fabrics. I am always able to find a real gem when I visit this store!
JENNI KAYNE
Being a stylish mom herself, Jenni continues to fill her store with baby clothing and toys that are as useful as they are beautiful. For the best basics, I stock up on the softest organic onesies from Aspen-based Bonnie Young. And I make sure to visit every season to check out what is fresh from all the many gorgeous things Jenni has hand picked for the shelves. I love dressing James in NY-based Makie with its simple, fine Japanese aesthetic and quality. And we recently hit up the Nico Nico trunk show on a Saturday morning to see the new pieces by stylist Sue Tsai, all designed and made right here in LA!
BONPOINT
By far the chicest in children’s wear (and the most expensive!), this is where I go for a very special occasion or an investment piece that I know James will wear over and over. She has a beautiful knit cardigan that she has worn since she was 3 months old with the sleeves rolled up and is still wearing today at 14 months, looking super cute – even if it is a little on the small side. Sometimes it’s worth a visit to this Beverly Hills boutique just to look at the impeccable miniature outfits and inhale the dreamy signature Bonpoint scent. The French really know how to dress their little ones. Tip: ask to be on the mailing list for the annual sale!
LOST & FOUND
Located on a quiet street in Hollywood, this is a great shop for inspiring, fun, livable things. It is actually six small storefronts lined up in a row, each catering to a different member of the family – women’s, men’s, children’s, toys and home decor. I like to drop in to the kids clothing store to check out baby clothes from Petit Bateau and Tane and the coveted accessories from Woven Play and Mad Factory Inc. And the toy store is not to be missed. They have a magical selection of games, books, stuffed animals and dress-up goodies any child (or parent!) would go crazy for.
LITTLE SEED
Little Seed is a pioneer in eco-friendly, organic baby clothing. They carry their own colorful line of basics for infants and children – all made in the USA – in addition to an assortment of eco-essentials like toys and blankets. I like dressing James in there comfy, cozy jumpers for layering in the winter and their adorable short sleeve onesies in the warmer months. And now that she is bigger, I will be sure to pick up their classic t-shirts, too.
Photo, by Jed Lind.
