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Back to School

Back to School Fall Fashion Fall 2007
By Sarah Molnar

The new school year is quickly approaching, so normally as parents, you will rush to local malls to purchase the latest clothing and accessories on the racks.  But why not try something new?  With so many great children’s designers out there, there is so much to choose from in today’s fashion world.  Before stepping into the same old store again, take a look at these unique clothing companies that feature all types of creative designs and kid-friendly looks for fall. 

Bella Bliss

For a clean and sophisticated look, look no further than Bella Bliss.  This charming company, started by two moms, Lisa and Kelley, features clothing for boys and girls that are pretty enough for a special event but durable enough for recess.  From precious sweaters to adorable dresses, Bella Bliss captures the look that would make mom proud.  The comfort of the clothing is just as important as the fit.  For fall, colors like chocolates, camels, creams, blues and traditional reds will be available.  When it comes to school clothing, Lisa recommends that parents choose clothing for their children that are comfortable, yet beautiful and soft at the same time. 

Sizes: Infants – Size 12            
Price Range: $30- $84
Available in stores and online
www.bellabliss.com

Mimi & Maggie

For the fall season, Mimi & Maggie are introducing a fun and spirited look for girls with tunics over leggings, leggings under skirts and layered looks.  Hand crocheted sweaters and hand dyed pieces will be featured in the new collection as well as their traditional embellishments to all types of pieces.  A variety jeans, knit tops, woven tunics and skirts are also part of the fall line. 
    Mimi & Maggie clothing will appeal to girls from all over the world.  The line features jackets with a South American look, peasant dresses, Peruvian hoodies, just to name a few.  When it comes to back to school clothing, Mimi & Maggie feels clothing should have quality, durability, easy care and style, of course. Clothing should represent the uniqueness of each girl wearing Mimi & Maggie. 

Sizes: Girls 12m – 12
Price Range: $32-mid $80s
www.mimiandmaggie.com

Monkey-Toes

What child wouldn’t love a Buzzy Bee or a Wowie Cowie on their shoes.  Monkey –Toes is a special line of young children’s shoes and socks that incorporate adorable and playful characters that “make the everyday activity of putting on shoes and socks more fun by introducing friends for the feet, all while providing footwear for children.” Jenny Chism, business woman and mother of two daughters, was inspired to make a shoe collection based on her daughter’s long toes.  All of her shoes are hand painted with non- toxic paint and include a pair of springy laces, which do not require tying.  Socks are made with a blend of cotton, nylon and spandex.  Charming t-shirts with the Monkey-Toes logo are also available. 

Sizes: Shoes 1(6-9 months) – 10 (4 ½ -5 yrs.)
Socks (0-12 months) – 3T
Price Range: Socks: $6 per pair, Shoes: $27-$29, Combo: $30
Available online
www.monkey-toes.com

Meli Meli

This European style clothing line for young girls combines elegance, color and grace for fall.  Clothing contains just a touch of sparkle, jewels and metallic.  The look is like that of a princess without the typical princess idea.  Dresses and tops feature beautiful fall flowers and leaves.  New trends include wrinkled fabrics from France, textured fabrics and embellishments with mixed materials. The color palette includes softer and lighter colors like cream, pink, dusty rose, light blue, light green and light gold.  Materials like cotton and silk are used throughout the collection.  The idea of Meli Meli is that children can wear higher quality clothing and happy clothing.  Children, like in Europe, can still go to school and dress nicely every day.  The look is put together and stylish while still maintaining the innocence and sweetness of a child.   

Sizes: Girls 2-12
Price Range: $30-$250
Available in stores and online
www.melimeli.com

Tiny Bubbles

Tiny Bubbles got its name from the owner, Barbara Guglielmo, who was called “Bubbles” as a child.  Her fun-filled collection includes stylish pants, tops, jackets, dresses and accessories. For her fall line, she has included beautiful reds, shades of pink, orange and blue. Flower and striped prints bring out the playfulness of her shirts and sweater.  She calls her new line traditional yet funky.  As a mother, Barbara says that when it comes to children’s clothing, style and the easy-to-wear concept are key ingredients.  The idea is to have fun when it comes to back to school shopping.  Mixing and matching colors and patterns are ok! 

Sizes: 3/6 months- 6 yrs. 
Price Range: $14 (hair bows) - $58 (boy blazer/girl jacket) 
Available online
www.tiny-bubbles.com

Dolca USA

For an artistic twist to children’s wear, take a look at what Dolca has to offer.  The clothing company was founded by Dulce Quesada Magro, an international artist and mother of two.  Her artwork is what makes Dolca so special.  With bright colors and child-friendly images, her clothing is as fun to look at as it is to wear.  According to Dulce, the latest trends for her fall line include the combination of happiness, simplicity and modernity.  Her inspirations include nature and the world of children.  In terms of back to school shopping, she feels parents should think of a child’s imagination when purchasing items.  Besides clothing, Dulce designs one-of-a-kind backpacks, shoes, pencil cases and household items like chairs and rugs.  Her bags are bright, energetic and feature a variety of exciting animals.     

Sizes: Toddlers
Price Range: $10- $250 (highest price for a rug)
Available online
www.dolcausa.com

The Boy’s Store 

If your boys are picky about their clothes, this store will solve all your shopping troubles.  The Boy’s Store, started by Jackie and Ken Sheets, provides a variety of styles to choose from.  Quality and durability are top priorities.  Whether you are looking for playwear or something for a special event, this store has it all. For the upcoming season, the Boy’s Store will be featuring a re-vamped retro and urban cool feel to their line, while still maintaining a preppy style for their suits.  Orange will be a popular fall color.  For back to school shoppers, the Boy’s Store representative, Suzanne Remmington, says to try to avoid clothes that have rough fabrics or scratchy seams.  Pick clothes that are durable, but also, allow the clothing to make a statement that will express the child’s passions and hobbies. 

Sizes: Infants (3m) – Juniors (30)
Price Range: $6.50 (Sale) - $88 (Special Occasion) *prices vary by store

Wonderboy

To dress up your modern little man, Wonderboy is the place to shop.  Christine Johnston, designer of Wonderboy, says that for fall, the trend is a mixture of dress shirts with casual graphic t-shirts.  The look is not oversized, yet more sophisticated with a casual twist and an urban hipster ethnic influence.  The fall collection includes button front shirts with exclusive fabrics and prints that are only made at Wonderboy.  There are also long sleeved layered graphic knits and single button pullover tunics.  For a bit of a western feel, there are snap front shirts with amazing details in coffee and tan butter color schemes.  And of course, the collection has the classic jean, leather belt in colors like green, silver and brown and jackets lined with bold prints.  Baby blues, rich browns, shades of greens and tans as well as tile prints are scattered throughout the line. 
    When it comes to back to school shopping, Johnston says parents should look for versatility, longevity and comfort.  Wonderboy clothing, like the button down shirt, is great for a birthday party but can also work in a school setting.  They are washable, durable and comfortable.  With so much to choose from, Wonderboy offers a variety of looks that can be worn throughout several seasons. 

Sizes: Toddlers – Size 10, (Belts) Small Toddler- Medium Boys
Price Range:  $28 (knits) - $88 (highest price for a jacket) 
Available in stores and online
www.wonderboyclothing.com