Family & Leisure
Best Kids Clothes
Second Act Childrenswear
1046 Madison Avenue
212-988-2440
Last April, an electrical fire sparked the closing of Second Act, a
37-year-old kidswear consignment shop that has, happily, just reopened.
Parents who climb the stairs to the overstuffed space have one of two
reactions: They either bolt from claustrophobia, or dig in and find
incredible bargains on things that are in perfect condition. Designer
clothes are never out of stock. A recent archeological dig unearthed a
Sylvia Whyte floral formal abundant with crinoline for $62, Lilly Pulitzer
leggings for $9, and a Capezio leotard for $4. Twice a year, owner Joan
Blake marks everything down another 30 to 40 percent.
Tartine Et Chocolat
1047 Madison Avenue
212-717-2112
If Second Act were a Gemini, Tartine et Chocolat would be its other face.
The gigantic and immaculately arranged French transplant, which opened its
New York boutique last October, lives by the philosophy that children are
supposed to look like children. That translates into smocked dresses for
girls in girly colors and sports motifs for boys. The hallmark of the
clothing is fine Egyptian-cotton, hand-stitched detailing, and prep-school
styles. Dubbed the Chanel of the children's market, Catherine Painvin's
collections are priced accordingly: up to $116 for a dress, $60 for a boy's
shirt, $80 for a onesie. Sizes go from infant to size 10.
|