With the holidays popping up early this year it feels like there is so much to do in so little time. The cleaning, the cooking, the covering surfaces with aluminum foil… does anyone still do that anymore? But most importantly, shopping for the perfect outfits for the kids to wear to shul, to the Seder, at Bubby and Zaidy’s house, and to get together with friends for snacks of macaroons and chocolate covered jelly rings on Yom Tov afternoon!
Have you checked out what’s hot in fashion lately? How about kids’ fashions? The big designers are showing women’s collections which could be described as bold and daring, but when interpreted for girls they are completely fun and adorable! Kids’ fashions have been closely linked to current fashion trends for quite some time, yet in a lot of ways, when you look at what’s currently stealing the spotlight on the runways, it almost looks as though the women’s designers are taking their influence directly from children’s wear!
Bright, popping colors in clashing, yet complimentary tones dominate. Bold, geometric prints in black and white, and touches of shine, glossy fabrics or metallic accents will make the getting dressed up for shul this year particularly fun and celebratory!
There’s no shortage of local stores offering the broadest assortment of kids clothing to suit any style and budget, so you will certainly be able to find the perfect looks for your little ones. But, with so many days of yom tov this year, finding enough clothes to keep your little ones outfitted in their “Pesach best” might be a bit of a challenge. I’m here to help you navigate some of the best local options for fashionable, and maybe even affordable, yom tov fashions.
For starters, check out Tuesday’s Child at 177 West Englewood Ave. in Teaneck. The Brooklyn transplant, originally founded 35 years ago, has always had a reputation for offering all the hottest trends and labels in women’s wear to the kids market with a “kosher,” fashionable holiday selection. With brands like Little Marc Jacobs, Miss Blumarine, and Armani Junior, your kid will certainly be dressed to impress, and while these offerings might cost a pretty penny, the designer duds are simply gorgeous and bound to make your little one feel like a prince or princess. However, with all the springtime and Easter dresses hitting the racks you’re bound to come across some perfectly adorable dresses and jumpers that, because of their sleeveless or scoop neck designs, aren’t so perfect for a day at shul. Well, not to worry, with a full assortment of Kiki Riki shells, Tuesday’s Child’s has you covered! (Literally!)
Look for nautical looks with stripes and pleated details, as well as a proliferation of ruffles applied with abandon to all types of garments, from dresses and tops to coats and sweaters. Color blocking is everywhere, while bold, contrast piping on and around collars and garment details keep things looking crisp and sophisticated. Also, look for details like bows and floral accents for a decidedly girly girl look.
Searching for something a little more traditional? Check out Jacadi at Garden State Plaza. Crisp classics with a modern edge make these beautiful selections a perfect choice if pushing the trend envelope isn’t your thing. Jacadi also has a beautiful selection of ballet flats in a rainbow of soft sorbet colors to compliment the season’s pastel palettes.
Not ready to spend more on kids clothing than you’re spending on Shmurah matzoh this season? Try your luck at Taralynn’s Closet. This high-end children’s consignment boutique only carries the best designer names and strives to make sure their items are in pristine condition, yet sell at a fraction of their original cost. Located at 10 South Maple Avenue, in Ridgewood (phone: 201-754-8272), this may become your new secret hot spot.
And no list of kids’ shopping spots would be complete without (this columnist’s favorite) Century21 at The Bergen Town Centre (aka The Bergen Mall). This store never fails to deliver if what you’re looking for is on-trend fun and eye-catching clothing at reasonable prices. Digging through the racks might at times prove challenging, but emerging with that one-of-a kind find is usually worth the effort.
Here’s an idea you may not have considered, H&M has some of the most affordable, on-trend clothing for you little ones, so don’t forget to stop by. With three stores within six miles of Teaneck, finding some great gear there, including cute shoes, is a great option.
Speaking of shoes, since the closing of Little Steps in Englewood, finding a great pair of European kids’ shoes has gotten a bit more difficult. A good local option for European Kids shoes is Jenny Jon in Paramus at the Fashion Center. Of course, Nordstrom has long been known as “the” spot for the greatest assortment of kids’ shoes, in all the hottest brands.
So you see, there are so many fantastic options the only problem you’re going to have is helping your kid figure out what to wear each day!
By Tova Gold
