There is nothing cuter than a baby's first pair of shoes -- so tiny and pristine, symbolic of innocence. Soon enough, though, baby grows, crawls, then walks, and as he discovers more of the world, his shoes begin to show signs of wear. The years to come will require so many trips to the shoe store that parents can be forgiven if they start to find the whole process rather tiring.
By Lilium Pierson | April 17, 2008
Little Kids, Big City
While at Sugarlump, a childrens' consignment shop in Madison Valley, a couple of days ago, I found what I think is the perfect jacket for little ones in Seattle. This little rain coat from GO!Globo looks common enough, but it features a post-consumer recycled plastic fleece lining, made from old PET bottles. More exciting for the user is the fact that it folds into itself to become a handy little backpack, so mom and dad aren't stuck carrying the thing when the weather warms up.
By Lilium Pierson | April 11, 2008
Daily Find
Tucked into a wee bungalow off California Avenue Southwest in West Seattle is Smallclothes, just about the cutest darn kids' consignment store I've come across. Owned by mother and daughter Ruth and Stephanie Hargrave, Smallclothes carries a combination of gently used clothes and shoes, as well as several thoughtfully chosen lines of new items for ages newborn to 8 years.
By Alison Brownrigg | March 5, 2008
Little Kids, Big City
Up in Greenwood today, I happened into Twig, the new children's clothier that focuses on local and organic apparel. The cute little shop currently carries duds for the very shortest set: newborn to four years. By fall, owner Angela Johnson plans on adding items to size eight.
By Lilium Pierson | February 23, 2008
Little Kids, Big City
The beautiful weather today inspired Gub and me to make our Sunday outing extra long. Instead of just going to the neighborhood farmer's market, we jumped on a bus and headed downtown to the Pike Place Market. After lunch at the Crumpet Shop, we stopped in at Dragon's Toy Box, where they are having a sale. Lots of stuff is 25-75 percent off, including a bunch of games and art kits.
By Lilium Pierson | February 18, 2008
Daily Find
It's a common refrain among mothers: "I love cute kids' clothes, but they grow out of them so fast!" In Seattle, budget-conscious moms in the know hit up local consignment stores to outfit their little tykes in gently worn designer duds.
By Alison Brownrigg | February 18, 2008
The abundance of options when it comes to strollers is one of the most daunting aspects of preparing for a new baby. The varieties seem endless, so many families opt for the package that seems to offer it all: the travel system, which consists of a newborn car seat plus a stroller built to carry the car seat.
Alas, I know few parents who continue to use these behemoths once the child has arrived. So what should one consider when making this important -- and potentially expensive -- decision?
By Lilium Pierson | February 13, 2008
Little Kids, Big City
While out on our rounds yesterday, Gub and I stopped at Kid's Club in University Village. I had been there before, but it was back in the days of newborn parenting, and my focus was narrow. This store really has it all, from toys to darling clothes, and from art supplies to strollers -- not to mention a great selection of baby-proofing supplies, feeding equipment and diapering stuff.
By Lilium Pierson | February 6, 2008
Little Kids, Big City
A few of the many great sales on kid stuff happening in Seattle now -- or soon!
By Lilium Pierson | January 19, 2008
Now is the time to hit the January clearance sales and stock up on cold-weather gear for the kids. If you plan it right, you can find some choice items for the coming months -- and stock up for next year.
By Lilium Pierson | January 10, 2008
