Back to school shopping is over, and the kids have all their electronics, books, pens, supplies and everyday needs well in hand. But is your shopping done? Noooo. Inevitably there will be that unexpected birthday party, recital or other special event -- and all those holiday plans. Yes, you can always stop at Gymboree, crewcuts or our many department stores, but look a little further afield. Below are a few spectacular shops to outfit your little, and not-so-little ones through the rest of the year and beyond!
Brooks Brothers for Children - 1184 Madison Avenue
Shoes, outerwear, accessories and more for your little MiniMe's, all with the distinctive classic Brooks Brothers touch.
Monnalisa - 1088 Madison Avenue
For the fashionistas in training, this Italian import brings high style and high prices to children's wear. But the clothes are works of art!
Polarn O. Pyret - 200 Chambers Street - 428 Columbus Avenue
A one-stop shop (from Stockholm) for durable children's apparel, from boots to dressy clothes, with a style that allows kids to play, get messy and enjoy.
Pink Chicken - 1223 Madison Avenue
This shop is for the girls only, from infants to Moms, but with a real focus on cool clothing for tweens.
Armani Junior - 1223 Madison Avenue
Yes, your child can look as effortlessly chic as you do, courtesy of Armani's fabulous tailoring, downsized for the little ones.
Rachel Riley - 1286 Madison Avenue
Classic children's clothing made so beautifully you'll hate to see the kids outgrow them. You can have an outfit custom-made here for that extra-special occasion.
Jacadi - 1841 Broadway - 1242 Madison Avenue
Paris' take on children's style, with great quality and age-appropriate styles for babies to tweens as well as home furnishings.
A Time for Children - 506 Amsterdam Avenue
A great place for hard to find clothes, accessories and toys, and still do good for others -- 100 percent of the profits are donated to The Children's Aid Society of New York.
Catimini - 1125 Madison Avenue
Also from France, Catimini offers trendy, colorful apparel for babies on up, in exclusive fabrics with embroidery and appliqués.
Lester's NYC - 1532 Second Avenue
For older kids (boys size 8 and up, girls 7 - 14 and juniors), this shop focuses on trends for today, and classics for ever, including college tees and shirts.
Julian & Sara - 103 Mercer Street
High-quality imported children's clothing (many European designers) at great values, joined by a private-label knitwear created by the store's founder, Julian and Sara's mom.
Kids want to be fashionable, too! Take your tots and tweens to one, more or all of these shops for your next occasion. Happy Shopping!