Demanding more from wardrobe purchases for kids

by Molly Moncreiff, owner Brussels Sprouts

During these tough times in our economy families are turning their focus to value and versatility now more than ever. And, they're not alone. During New York's Fashion Week designers addressed the issue by putting out ready-to-wear pieces that would take women from day to evening, work to dinner out or home to PTO meeting.

In the kids world that translates to looks that will take kids from parties to school to a weekend away. But no one wants to sacrifice style. And we don't want basics. Do function and fashion have to be mutually exclusive? You know what we're going to say.

We don't believe in plain. We specialize in fun and crazy, sophisticated and stylish. BUT, we know that you need pants that fit, tees that can be layered, underpinnings that can dress up or down. And that dress? That dress has to work for the upcoming wedding, the Bat Mitzvah AND a plethora of birthday parties. What you really want is versatility. And therein, lies the value.

As women and consumers we're going to be expecting more than that. Value is also going to lie in the price. As buyers for the store, we have always trained our eye on your bottom line. I don't think we have ever had a dress in this store for over $100. On average, our dresses are in the $40 to $60 range. And while for some of us that is still a lot, it is well below the average for upscale boutiques. This season more than ever we have tweaked and adjusted our buying strategy in response to the times and what our customers are looking for: even better value.

Kids grow. That is of course, the good and the bad news. How will you adjust this season to the reality that they will need clothes, but that the allocation for this category may be a little less? Buy smart. Here is a suggested strategy for getting the most out of your spring purchases:

1) Use coupons. (We will be offering these throughout the season)

2) Shop early. So they'll wear it longer and you get the sizes you need

3) Get a good fit. Just a tad on the long (not wide) side and it will last through the fall. Shorts, capris and short sleeves tend to last more than one season because of their cropped length.

4) Focus on transition pieces. Transition months like March, April and September, October are tricky. The days start cool, then kids warm up in school or on the playground. Look for long sleeves in light fabrics or layering pieces such as hoodies and cardigans. These pieces have a long shelf life and as such are good investments.

5) Layer up dresses. Don't be put off by the sleeveless dress whether its in the closet or attic at home or in the store window. These can be easily layered over a long sleeve top for the jumper look. (Very "in" right now.) And, when it gets warmer layer the short sleeve, then go sleeveless in July. Very versatile.


6) Layer those short sleeve tees. Its called a two-fer in the business and we sell them all in one piece but you can make your own by throwing a favorite short sleeve tee shirt over a contrasting -NOT matching long sleeve tee. This goes for mom and kids. Have fun with it.

To learn more about this season's hottest colors, styles, trends and values you can come to the store anytime to get the look.

Molly Moncreiff, owner Brussels Sprouts

Gothic Lolita
Super-sweet with a dark twist this look is dominated by black, gray and white with splashes of red. Horizontal stripes, polka dots and colored embroideries give innocent, voluminous silhouettes a graphic twist. Look for tulle, chiffon and lace layers in black and then make it pop with a burst of crazy neon color such as hot fuschia.

English Rocker
Rocker looks include as always tons of black in skinny pants and jeans, slim-fit graphic t-shirts and black and red striped knitwear, tartan plaid skirts, a dark base with flashes of bold colors, leather, short jackets; ruined, weather-worn and relic looks. 

Future Chic
Gold, silver and other metallics have been rocking the runway in the form of lame, vinyl, bags, sneakers and more. A splash of shimmery jersey in a tank or sequined tee is guaranteed to give an ensemble a lively 80s twist.

Denim Every Way
The hottest styles in denim include skinny jeans with zippers, medium blue baggie "boyfriend" jeans, rips and tears, dark wash bell bottoms and colored denim in purple, indigo, red and green. For spring the store will be stocked with denim bermudas and capris in a variety of washes and bright colors.

Wrap it Up
The wrap dress is back in full force. And never has there been a more flattering look for girls. Flowers by Zoe wins the prize for Best Wrap Dress of the Season. Look for seventies influences in the paisley swirls and geometric prints.
 
Get Ruffled
The big news in the women's market is that ruffles are back. For kids they never really left. They just get an updated, less fussy treatment in the new dresses and skirts.

Solid Bold
This season's colors are eye-popping, strong and saturated. Color statements can be made with deep jade green, turquoise, orange crush and delicious fuschia.

Ombre
Tie dye is out but ombre is in. Color flows in gradiatations from golden yellow to orange to pink. See an example in this striking dress by Zaza Couture and striped hooded tee from Splendid.