SHOP RIGHT

FREE-FALL INTO THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING SEASON WITH THIS GUIDE OF THE HIPPEST STORES THAT HAVE EVERYTHING YOUR KIDS NEED TO STAY WARM AND LOOK COOL

Play Outdoors
There’s nothing better than crisp fall air—which makes it the perfect time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. There’s all kinds of good gear to be found at Play Outdoors, an ecologically and socially conscious company that has strict standards for the wares it carries—like they must be tested by real kids and have been manufactured with sustainability in mind. The Mountain Sprouts Infant/Toddler Canyon Wall Overalls are great for the rough-and-tumble player who can’t be stopped to pull up his pants, while the Outside Baby Girls 2-Layer Windproof Fleece Pull Over is cute and comfy, easily taking her from fall to winter. Standout lines include Kelty Kids, Spyder, Patagonia Kids, Roxy and Quiksilver.
(www.playoutdoors.com)

Little Ruler
Founded by skateboard legend Jeff Kendall and his wife, Little Ruler is the clothing label de rigueur for future skaters. Your child may be dependent on you for, well, everything, but he can show off his independent spirit to the world with cool tees like the Independent Komrade and Independent Ultimatum Toddler T-shirts. When the time comes to start riding, you can even get a mini skateboard with matching helmet to put your little one on the path to turning pro.
(www.littleruler.com)

Puddle’s Collection
Dress your kids to impress with duds from Puddle’s Collection, a sibling-owned clothing boutique that specializes in formal wear for the smaller set. We love the vintage feel of the Alexa dress, available in seven colors, and the fall-fabulous Faith dress, which comes complete with a bubble skirt and a matching bolero jacket. Boys will look sharp in the Edward five-piece suit or the slightly less formal four-piece Jackson pinstriped suit. Whether for a wedding, communion, holiday celebration or any other formal event, these clothes make special occasions even more special.
(www.puddlescollection.com)

Two Little Whales
Mom-owned Two Little Whales gives you the tools to do cloth diapering easily. And cloth diapers are not only good for the environment, they also protect a baby’s bum from the chemicals found in disposable diapers. One very mod option is the Knickernappies OneSize Diaper, which fits babies eight to 40 pounds, comes in six great colors and includes two inserts with each diaper (plus it’s all made in the USA), so changing Baby and helping the earth is a snap!
(www.twolittlewhales.com)

Elephantito
With a European style sensibility and high-quality fabrics, this line of children’s wear is as pretty to look at as it is fun for kids to sport. The fall collection features a number of pieces in great autumnal colors, including a cozy V-neck bolero, a to-die-for holiday tweed dress and a trendy smock shirt dress. For a modern take on the classics that will have everyone singing the praises of your shopping prowess and catapult your kids to the top of the best-dressed list (not that they weren’t there already, of course), Elephantito.com hits all the right notes.
(www.elephantito.com)

Shoe Market Kids

The shoo-in online store for great kids’ kicks, Shoe Market Kids offers a wide range of footwear to keep your children’s tootsies comfy and stylish. Brands include Hush Puppies, New Balance, Striderite, Cape Clog and many more. For a great back-to-school look for boys, try a pair of preppy loafers from Sperry Topsider; girls will look adorable in a pair of boots, sneakers or modern Mary Janes from Umi.
(www.shoemarketkids.com)

Kota Couture
Baby, it’s getting colder outside, so dress your baby in long sleeves, like the Say Love in Chinese long-sleeve shirt (featuring the Chinese character for love and some blingin’ Swarovski crystals) or the Tour Hoodie (camo appliqued guitars on a navy blue sweatshirt). Kota Couture promises “kool clothes for kool kids” and they don’t disappoint—think fleur-de-lis motifs, sparkling skull dresses, tatted-up tees and more.
(www.kotacouture.com)

Little Fashions Boutique
For an abundance of designer children’s clothing, look no further than Little Fashions Boutique, which seems to carry it all. For the freshest in fall looks, check out the Heart to Heart Black Sequined Hearts Dress from Haven Girl, Plaid Backpack from Lipstik Girls, and Pink & Green Argyle Pea Coat and Hat from Corky & Company. There’s no reason why your little girl can’t be dressed to the nines—even if she’s only nine months.
(www.littlefashionsboutique.com)

HelloBabyWear
One mom’s doodles equal clothes everyone can love at HelloBabyWear. It all started with “birthing team” T-shirts for her firstborn, then blossomed into a full-fledged business after her second came along. There’s a design for everyone—for Mommy, “Wine Makes Mommy Sooo Happy!”; for twins, “Two Cute!”; and for the birthday kid, “Finally, I get to eat cake!” The sayings are sweet and the designs are as cute as they come.
(www.hellobabywear.com)

Yellow Turtle
As the fall chill sets in and the weather gets a little more wet and wild, it’s time to swap out flip-flops for fierce rain boots, bathing suits for snowsuits. Yellow Turtle, specializing in outerwear and ski wear, is to the rescue, helping you transition your tiny tots from summer to fall with ease. Your little rascal will be more than happy to put on his coat if it’s something like the Kidorable Pirate Raincoat, featuring a treasure chest pocket, a hood with an attached pirate-style hat and an eye patch with Velcro fastener. Arrr-dorable!
(www.yellow-turtle.com)