Macaroni Style is everything busy parents need to know about looking great. Fashion for adults and kids, beauty features, interviews with stylish people and more …I can't wait to bring you the low down on looking and feeling fantastic!
Spring is here and the coats are coming off (which is a great thing for us toddler moms who have to wrestle our kids into them)! Now is the time for our kids to really show off their looks at the playground and everywhere else you go!
For our first style feature we turned Kim Proal who oversees the uber-fashionable boutiques at Citibabes in Soho and Scarsdale in New York City
MK: Which lines do you carry at Citibabes?
Kim: We carry hard to find brands and designers like Pink chicken, Papa d'Anajo, Little Marc Jacobs, Nellystella, I Love Gorgeous, Stun, Joie , Neige, Baby Susu, Marie Chantal.
MK: Have you always enjoyed Children's fashion?
Kim: Yes! I used to work in fashion and really love to follow fashion. When I started working at Citibabes, it was so exciting to see children dressed in such amazing outfits...they wear stuff I would wear. We have the cutest bathing suits and cover-ups by Mini Eberjay. I want them for myself! Many Citibabes children wear our lines and it is always fun to see them dressed in clothes I’ve ordered for the store. I also think parents who enjoy fashion enjoy dressing their kids in cool, yet comfortable, clothing as well.
MK: What tastes and sensibilities guide you when you buy for your boutique?
Kim: We look for things that are hard to find in your average boutique and try to create a well rounded assortment of clothes that you might have to go to four or five stores to find, and bring it all under one roof. We have cute, classic clothes like the smock dresses from Marie Chantal and then things with a more city vibe like the boys shirts from Kingsley. It’s sort of like all that we do at Citibabes, our philosophy, in that we try to present parents with the best options possible in all arenas-parenting, education, fitness, fashion—and let parents make the best choices for their children.
MK: What are the big trends this season?
Kim: Bright, bold block colors, cute floral designs for summer dresses. Plaid for boys.
MK: What makes a kid look great?
Kim: No child looks great when they can't move or are uncomfortable in their clothing. If it fits well and it is still easy for a kid to play, it looks great. Layers are great as well.
MK: What do you think of kids dressing like mini adults vs. looking like kids?
Kim: I think it’s okay for children’s clothing to be inspired by adult clothing, to take cues from the world of adult fashion like color, patterns, and general trends. Kids clothes don’t have to be rinky dink or silly, or Disney, but they should always be age-appropriate. I don’t think young girls should be too sexy. There are many options now for amazing, but appropriate children’s clothes.
MK: What do you think of girls dressing like boys or girls that dress like women?
Kim: I think children should express themselves with their clothes within certain parameters.
MK: If a parent can only buy one important piece for their child this spring, what would it be?
Kim: Lotus Springs Pj's for the spring are fantastic, light weight and the most comfortable jammies kids could ever put on (they come in boys and girls)
MK: Which of the big stores do you think carry the cutest clothes at the best price, and best quality?
Kim: I like Crewcuts (J. Crew Kids)
MK: What is your absolute favorite item for boys and girls this season?
Kim: Anything bright and vibrant that shows signs of the new season. Kids are ready for spring just as much as adults are!!
Thanks Kim! Stay tuned for MK Style next month where we will feature our first Mom with Style and offer some great beauty tips for moms with zero time on their hands! Have a great April! Gwenn
