Best Bets for Babies

Apparel and Accessories Trends at Stores in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kansas and Indiana

By Sara Karnish

Adults aren’t the only ones who want to look stylish. Many fashion-forward parents dress their little ones in the latest trends, whether apparel or fun accessories.

In accessories, it’s all about stylish but sturdy items—those that can withstand the wear and tear from the most active infant or toddler. “As far as socks go, we sell a lot of Robeez socks for infants and up to 4-year-olds and also a lot of Pals Socks for the kids around 2 and up,” said Ann Brosmer , owner of EJ and Dot’s Children’s Bou- tique in Jasper, Ind. “Robeez stay on great, so they are perfect for those kiddos who are always kicking off and losing their socks. Pals Socks offer fun mismatched taller sock pairs that bigger kids love!” For hats, Brosmer said, “We sell a lot of Kyte Baby and Copper Pearl. I feel the Kyte sell so well due to the fact that they offer a lot of nice solid colors that will go well and match with many things, plus they are made with bamboo, making them super soft and stretchy. Copper Pearl are nice to match with their swaddles and knotted gowns for a sweet gift set.” In jackets and sweaters, Brosmer said, “We love ML Kids for fun and trendy denim jackets, often with lace or fringe trim or detail. These also work great for layering in the spring and fall.” socks, as well as JoJo Maman Bebe because they have sturdy grippers on the bottom.” In jackets and sweaters, Montague said, “Mayoral is probably our biggest seller in sweaters—they make these little sweaters which can be worn with a dress. We also sell a lot of Sarah Louise and JoJo Maman and Bebe.” Sami Buffalomeat , manager at Sweet Tea and Caviar Boutique in

“Our best-seller is the Claber brand. They have different styles for holidays—shamrocks, a nice winter sweater for Christmas with an applique. In coats, it’s probably Hatley, which has nice rain gear, and in a dress coat, it would be Widgeon, which goes up to a size 6. Widgeon is a great coat—it’s a fleece coat with Velcro tabs. They’ve been around a long time, and customers still love them.”

- Mary Rose Perry, Enchanted Elephant Boutique, Scranton, Pa., commenting on jackets and sweaters carried by the store.

Allison Montague , owner of Snapdragon Boutique in East Grand Rapids, Mich., said some accessories trends in hats and socks in her shop are “JoJo Maman Bebe in hats, because they have a flap in the back to keep the baby’s neck warm and parents like that. Jeffries Socks are big for us, because they have the biggest range—everything from boys’ athletic to girls’ frilly

Lawrence, Kan., said, “Our best-selling brands in hats are either Blueberry Hill or Huggalugs. In socks it’s probably Little Stocking Co. They sell well because they are in a very neutral tone and you can wear them with any outfit. They are also at a good price point. The hats are more for winter wear, but most are neutral and go with any outfit.” She added, “In jackets and sweaters, our top lines are Rylee and Cru. They have a lot that are neutral tone, so you can pair them with lots of colors, or just go with the neutral tone.”

At Enchanted Elephant Boutique in Scranton, Pa., Owner Mary Rose Perry said she carries more of the

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