December's Five Easy Pieces

DECEMBER'S FIVE EASY PIECES
LOCAL RETAILERS PICK THEIR FAVORITES

At THE FAMILY GROOVE, we say: "Think Global, GET IT Local." It's our mission to deliver
the groove right to your doorstep—or computer screen, as it were. In TFG's global village,
local stores share the stage with national and international ones. Each month TFG will
introduce you to regional retailers who have got it going on.

1. THE KIDDIE SUIT SETS
Sarah Shaoul of the hip and modern kiddie clothier, BlackWagon in Portland, OR., loves these funky schoolboy and schoolgirl suits.

"I love Egg+Avocado's use of modern silhouettes made of super comfy and cozy french thierry. Kids can look great for holiday gatherings and still get down on the playground. The boys Milco Cargo Pants and matching Austin Jacket have cool, useful pockets.

I also love Egg+Avocado's rich and vibrant color palette, which has more of a mature appeal. Adults are always asking, 'Can I get this in my size?'"
For boys: $50, Austin Jacket, and $48, Milco Cargo Pants; For girls: $46, Jessi Jumper, and $50, Nicole Jacket, BlackWagon, 3964 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland, Oregon.
www.blackwagon.com
866.916.0004

2. THE MATERNITY DRESS
Stephanie Gold of the pregnancy-cool Bellies and Booties in Lawrenceville, NJ, knows that this versatile frock, will stylishly take you through all the stages of pregnancy.

"I love this dress by Schone Maternity. It doesn't even look like a maternity dress. In fact, a woman who wasn't pregnant bought this dress recently. It's great for work or a holiday party. Remember: you don't have to change the way you look just because your pregnant."
$230.00, Bellies & Booties, 4120 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 1, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
www.belliesandbooties.com
609.716.1700

3. THE BOOTS
Tony Zelaya from the height-of-chic, Zelaya in Bethesda, MD, vouches for these boots that are hands, down, a wardrobe staple.

"My number one favorite item for this season is a pair of Peter Kaiser black suede boots——a must-have for all you ladies. Why? Because everyone needs a pair of boots that really fit any leg. That's right, any leg size. It doesn't matter if you have thin calves or really large ones (all you runners out there), these boots stretch to fit. And since they are tightly fitted to the leg, pants go right over them and, of course, they look fantastic with dresses and skirts. These Peter Kaiser boots fit like a glove and are unusually comfortable. This season, they come in three different styles, and three different heel heights. The Nojo has the lowest heel and a lug (non-slip) bottom, the Benny has a mid-sized heel and was a customer favorite last season and the Eloisa has the highest heel with a slight platform. I love the way all the styles look on women—and women definitely love the way they look and feel on themselves. These boots are classic and very versatile they’re not too trendy, so you can wear them through and through. Remember, always invest in the basics and get the trendy stuff on sale."
$395.00 for all styles, Zelaya, 4940 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland
www.zelayashoes.com
301.656.8550

4. THE DRESS
Bethany Nauert of the high-style, fashion-forward Bleu Clothing in Los Angeles, California, knows that this little black dress, will make the others in your closet turn green with envy.

“This dress is simple, modern and very sophisticated. Designer, Alexander Wang, is known for creating very clean pieces with intricate details in the fabric, buttons or straps. On this dress, I find the floating sleeves to be very interesting. They draw attention to the collarbone and are very flattering. It's sure to be your favorite little black dress.”
$526 Alexander Wang Black Wool Dress, Bleu, 454 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA.
www.bleuclothing.com
323.939.2228

5. THE SHOES
Mandy Kruger from the chic and unique Olivine in Seattle, Washington, loves these eco-friendly shoes.

“Theses flats, by Melissa Shoes, a Brazil-based company, are made with mostly recyclable materials. They are super stylish, super cute and totally inexpensive. You can wear them in the rain, on the beach or to funk up your any outfit. We have them in multiple colors and different styles.”
$60, Olivine, 5344 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA
www.olivine.net
206.706.4188