The 3 Coolest Kids Lines You’ve Never Heard Of

I consider myself something of an expert on kids’ clothing. After all, I’ve been buying it for years. Even before my Lola was born more than 6 years ago, I was shopping for nieces, nephews, friends kids… I became so obsessed, at one  point, that I remember buying pairs of itty-bitty white socks, in bulk, just to have something else to buy. It’s that bad.
The only person whose passion for kids clothing matches (and at times exceeds) my own is my sister’s. Every time I see her daughters in another, adorable ensemble, I ask her who makes it. Or grab one of the girls and check out the label. Matilda Jane? Persnickety what? So I was pleasantly surprised today when I managed to stump her. She had never heard of Lucy Sykes, the now defunct hipster label founded by one of the fashionable Sykes sisters.
So you can imagine my shock when I stumbled across a few kiddie couture lines that I had never, in all my hours and hours and hours of shopping, seen or heard of. And, to make matters worse, they are absolutely droolworthy. Here, some of my new all-time favorites, and a summertime pick for each:

1. Pears & Bears: I was so enraptured by Kayce Hughes preppy chic, affordable designs for adults that I had a hard time tearing myself away to explore the kids offerings, but I was glad I did. Crisp, classic and colorful styles are both timeless and current. I love the 3/4 sleeve tunic dress in a summery floral print, $80.

2. Rachel Riley: Gorgeous styles in pretty prints and preppy stripes at high-end prices, Riley’s classic items are worth the investment. While the custom dresses are scene-stealers, I am obsessed with this stylish, practical sun suit, $89. So sweet!

3. Frances Wood: Hip designs with a vintage vibe, these are clothes for future Anthropologie shoppers. Love! The Gita top and Renata skirt are a favorite combination of mine. Too bad I can’t find a way to post a picture here. : ) You’ll have to take my word for it and click on the link.