Last time I checked, there were 38.6 million Google hits for "baby clothing stores". Yikes!
A quick browse revealed the same-ole-same-ole
infant clothes. If I wanted that I wouldn't be searching online! I'd be shopping at Wal-mart!
But, then again, I like to have my cake and eat it too. I want original clothing (designer would be heavenly) without spending like
a celebrity.
Take heart...the Perfect Storm of savings and style has arrived. In this article I'll review (and rate)
some seriously top-notch baby clothing stores.
If you find a store you want to browse, just click on the website link provided. Even better, I've compiled each store's coupons into one
article that I update regularly. Those coupons are linked directly under each store.
You can browse endless baby clothing stores from the comfort of your slippers and without makeup. (I won't tell. Heck, I'm doing the same
thing...)
A Word About Ratings...
You may notice that the lowest rating I've given any of these is 3 stars. Why? Because if a store
deserves only 1 or 2 stars, it doesn't deserve mentioning (nor your visit). 3-star rated stores are still worth a visit, just with a few
precautions.
Baby Clothing Stores: B. Swanky Boutique
Things You'll Love
Besides having one of my favorite all-time boutique names, it also has some adorable dresses (for the girls) and jumpers (for the boys).
Even better, all of their clothes are 100% unique
and custom-made. A little extra will pay for your baby's name across the front.
The clothing here, in my opinion, is really not for every-day wear. Look here for special first-birthday or holiday outfits. I'm especially a fan of
their Easter dresses. (The extra feathers, and ribbon shoulder straps are awwww-worthy from even the grumpiest of grandparents.)
Like I stated above, their product line is somewhat limited. No onesies here! And since they make their clothing in-house and offer personalization,
you're going to pay a little more. However, if you're looking for a special special occasion dress, this is the right place.
I've given B. Swanky 4 stars (out of five) because of price and selection limits.
Baby Clothing Stores: Baby Because
Things You'll Love
Everything's made out of organic cotton at Baby Because. Super soft, and perfect if your baby has very sensitive skin. Onesies and
layettes are simple, yet still very cute.
Baby Because has a lot more than clothes, so you can purchase your cloth diapering supplies, natural toys, and other items at the same time.
If you like bright colors and designs, these clothes aren't for you. Baby Because sticks to the "simple is best" mantra in clothing design.
However, if you like things as close to the plant as possible, you may have found your heaven.
I've given Baby Because 3 stars because of the limitation of clothes. There are only a handful for sale on their site.
Baby Clothing Stores: Baby Brown's
Things You'll Love
Baby Brown's makes the most adorable monogrammed dresses and jumpers. They are made with the softest featherwale baby corduroy fabric.
Due to the fabric, they are best suited for the colder months.
Sizes run as low as 0-6 months up to 4T so you can sibling match for photos.
Besides the dresses, they offer onesies, pajama sets, kimono sets, and baby hats.
Baby Brown's is an all-around boutique. They don't have as much selection as exclusive baby clothing stores. However, what they do have is original
and soothing to the eyes (and soft to the touch).
Again, since their clothing collection is somewhat limited, I've given them 4 stars out of 5.
Baby Clothing Stores: Baby Earth
Things You'll Love
As you would expect from a store called Baby Earth all the clothes here are made with organic cotton and other natural fibers.
Unlike some organic clothing stores, these clothes are vibrant with color and even have patterns and prints. Overalls, dresses, coats, you can find
a little of each at Baby Earth.
If shopping for natural baby products is important to you, you'll love this store. Organic and natural items are almost always slightly more
expensive than their non-natural counterparts. Check for Baby Earth coupons and sales to make up the difference.
Similar to the stores above, Baby Earth is not an exclusive clothing store. In all, I counted around 45 clothing items. Not bad, but not a ton of
choices, either. Due to this, they have a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Baby Clothing Stores: Bargain Children's Clothing
Things You'll Love
The prices. Their clothing is generally 20% - 70% less than many other baby clothing stores. Besides baby clothes, you can stock up on sibling-wear,
new pants for Dad, and a comfy sweater for yourself. It's completely dedicated to clothing, so no strollers or other baby gear to search through.
Every now and then they offer coupon codes (free shipping) and other bonuses, so check for coupons for extra savings.
My biggest complaint is completely superficial. I like pretty websites. Their website is a little plain for my liking. It's not that it isn't easy
to get around - you can't have an easier way of finding what you're looking for. It's just not pretty.
However, with the amount of money you can save, we can overlook that...right? It gets 5 out of 5 stars. Enjoy the savings.
Baby Clothing Stores: BunnyBerry
Things You'll Love
They have great "bundles" that let you get pants, socks, shirts, hats, a bib and receiving blanket for one price - or if you'd rather not have
the bib and blanket, they have "Mix and Match" bundles that give you two shirts and one pair of pants for one price. A great deal if you're trying
to build a wardrobe quickly.
Most of their clothing is organic (but not all). The styles and designs are eye-pleasing. I didn't say "yuck" a single time while browsing (and I'm pretty picky)!
What Could be Improved?
Price, as always when the tag "organic" is listed, may be a factor here. But then again, they offer coupons and free shipping offers pretty
regularly, so check to see if there are any current codes before you shop.
In all, the clothes are really well-designed and I like the wide variety. Full marks on this one!
Baby Clothing Stores: Dimples and Dandelions
Things You'll Love
Wow, I love this store. Having two girls, it's a feast of pink. (In fact, I don't browse when Lauren's around...she'd want everything in the
store.) If you have a son, you should still look around. As much "pink" as there is for girls, their boy designs are pretty-darn "tough" cute
as well.
They have some of the best dresses and accessories I've seen on the web. Giant flower-headbands, amazing tutus, baby hats, handmade
hair clips... The accessories alone are worth looking at.
Primarily for this financial reason, I've given Dimples and Dandelions a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Baby Clothing Stores: Hartstrings
Things You'll Love
Wonderful cardigan sweaters, bodysuits, knit hats...If you could go back in time and peek in Martha Stewart's crib, I'm positive she'd be
wearing something out of Hartstrings.
I seriously love pretty much every outfit they have. In fact, their rompers leave me praying for a son. (Come on Y
chromosome...!)
If the "Hamptons" turns your stomach, you may want to check out "Up and Riding" below. The clothes here are adorably traditional.
Unfortunately, besides style, the pricing can also be a little "New England". If money is tight, click above for coupons, or shop their sale
section.
Since I'm a sucker for traditional clothing...I can't help but give it 5 out of 5. The clothing is well-made and will last siblings to come!
Baby Clothing Stores: Le Petite Couture
Things You'll Love
{Sunny Sunshine Shift}
Goodness, I'm not sure there's anything you won't love. When founder Marcie introducing me to her line of clothing in the fall of 2010, I was immediately in love. Her designs are
truly original - in the good sense of the word.
Seriously, if Audrey Hepburn was a 21st century mom, she'd be shopping at La Petite Couture. I love the classic lines and fabrics, all reinterpreted in a fresh way.
It's really quite amazing how well she walks the line between "not enough" (or plain) and "too much" (or gaudy). Each dress
is absolutely perfectly balanced.
Marcie was kind enough to sponsor a Winter Wonderland Giveaway in 2010, a contest that stirred the most entrants of any giveaway I've ever had. Not a surprise,
really. We girls are suckers for cute dresses for our little princesses! And dresses by La Petite Couture are always cute.
What Could be Improved?
Because La Petite Couture is a small business (think exclusive) the website is a little more challenging to navigate. If you choose to order any of the dresses (and trust me, you're
going to want to), the checkout process is, we'll say... personalized. You'll have to fill out the contact form and inquire after the outfits you want to purchase.
Is that really a drawback though...? I guess it depends. La Petite Couture is all about personalized clothing for a personalized person (your infant, toddler, or child). So is it really a
negative if you have to talk to a person to order?
Baby Clothing Stores: The Land of Nod
Things You'll Love
The Land of Nod has built itself into a well-respected children's boutique. Most of their clothing is solid or stripe
neutral-based colors. They promote "eco-friendly" clothing, but not necessarily organic.
They have a wide range of prices, suitable for many budgets. They also constantly run a
great selection of coupon codes for you to use.
As much as I love The Land of Nod for other things (nursery decor coming to mind) they don't hit the ball out of the park in the world of baby
clothing stores. Their selection is incredibly small (count them...8), and some of the items I've seen in other all natural baby clothing
stores (although I can't
honestly say if they are higher or lower priced).
Although I'd give The Land of Nod a higher score overall, when it comes to baby clothing stores, I'm forced to give it a mere 3 stars.
Baby Clothing Stores: Little Miss Matched
Things You'll Love
Little Miss Matched specializes in socks, pajamas, sleeper sets, and onesies. If you love color, you should bookmark her store.
As you may guess, the premise is to rebel against matching and look for loud, bright, eye-popping designs that even your great-grandmother can see.
The word "zany" is probably the best word to describe Little Miss Matched (and in fact, it's all over their site).
Type "A" personality moms should NOT visit this site. I repeat. If you have an organized sock drawer, you'll only hurt yourself by clicking through.
This site especially appeals to the eccentric. And if you're only kinda eccentric, you could always purchase the pajamas. That way you
can enjoy your "eccentricness" without drawing too much attention.
The clothing is wonderfully refreshing and original. You must admit, it takes some serious self-esteem to sell clothing like this! I can't not
give someone that gutsy 5 stars.
Baby Clothing Stores: Pink Taffy Designs
Things You'll Love
Pink Taffy Designs is one of the more froufrou baby clothing stores on the web (lots of
bling-bling, pettiskirts, and tutus - a little girl paradise). On the polar opposite, the boy's clothing line is edgy and "tough-guy" (but yet appropriate
for infants).
It's a favorite browsing spot. If you prefer organic clothing, they have a specific section set aside for you to browse through. Their birthday
outfits and hats make those memorable photos frame-worthy and even more precious (if you can afford them).
The hair bows for your little daughter are an absolute favorite (although you may want to check the sale section, they can get pretty pricy.)
What Could be Improved?
If you are anti-pink or anti-ruffle for your little girl, be warned. Fancy Nancy fans will be pleased. There is a boys collection that
actually is pretty cool, but you'll have to swallow the girliness to get there. (But it is worth the search, I really like their boy's clothes.)
If you're on a strict budget, be warned. You won't be able to buy more than one or two things at a time. Check my coupon section to see if
there are any outstanding codes or offers you can use before you shop. (They're not as frequent as, say,
The Children's Place, but I do get an alert every now and then!)
I give this a cautious 5 out of 5 rating. The clothes are original and well made (especially the hair accessories). However, this is NOT a store
for the unemployed. Know how much you can spend before you start looking around, you'll be amazed at how much it adds up!
Baby Clothing Stores: Rosey Bear Boutique
Things You'll Love
This store is 100% dedicated to formal-wear for children. From weddings to baptisms, from Easter to Christmas, their formal apparel (in my opinion)
is one of the best. (Did you know they make tuxes for babies?)
Don't want a tux? They still have great dresses and knicker sets that are "formal" without moving into "ridiculous". Sweater sets, collared shirts,
cotton dresses, all still qualify for "formal" without going over the top (and emptying the bank account).
I'll warn you straight up front. You won't be blown away from the homepage. Personally, I find the "dressed up bear" thing a little weird.
However, push past that first impression and the rest is a smorgasbord of cute clothes.
Because this site is exclusively for formal clothing, and I realize that most of us don't dress our children to the nines every day...I'm giving
this boutique 4 out of 5 stars.
Baby Clothing Stores: The Children's Place
Things You'll Love
I'm sure you're aware of the Children's Place stores in your local mall. Over the past several years, I've discovered that shopping online
is often a much more cost-effective way of purchasing their clothes.
The online store is cheaper and has a lot more sales. (All those leftovers from all those stores get funneled into the website for
specials and sales!) Shipping is a flat $5, so it makes even more sense to shop through their online store.
Since I have this website, I'm privy to getting their special sale notices and exclusive coupon codes to share with my readers. I get these every
few weeks, so be sure to check my coupon list to see if there are any current offers.
I guess the only complaint I can think of regarding The Children's Place is that the clothing isn't as unique as some of these other stores.
On the other hand, if you want to be 100% unique, I suggest you sew your own clothes.
The Children's Place has reasonable prices (even better when you consider their sales), great selection, and cute designs. It's a 5-out-of-5 kinda
store.
Baby Clothing Stores: Children's Wear Outlet
Things You'll Love
Another winner in the realm of discount baby clothing stores, nearly all their outfits are around the $10 mark. Don't be fooled by the home page!
Their largest sales are in are school uniforms, but a little digging will reveal some great finds in baby wear.
Since it's an outlet, sizing is limited. In fact, I didn't see anything under 12 months. (That doesn't mean they don't have anything smaller,
just that I didn't see anything.) Still, at those prices...it may be worth stocking up on larger sizes.
I'd love to give this store 5 stars simply based on price ($8 outfits? Come on!). However, sizing limitations force me reduce the rating to a 3 out of 5.
Baby Clothing Stores: Tiny Tot Dress Shop
Things You'll Love
These dresses are not to be found in normal run-of-the-mill baby clothing stores. I love looking around the Tiny Tot Dress Shop (the cute name also makes me happy).
Dresses vary from the uber-formal baptism and flower-girl variety to the sundresses and park-outings. And since my oldest rarely wears anything
but dresses these days...I visit often.
I also love that I can dress my two girls alike, but not exactly the same. See the pictures to the right for an example
of this. The first is the "infant" version, the second is the "little girl" design. They match, but they still look like individuals.
Also note, they do offer clothing from Coco BonBons (see above). Keep in mind that the clothes on this site from Coco BonBons are from previous seasons,
so if you like them, buy them from Tiny Tot Dress Shop. You won't be able to find them on the Coco BonBons site anymore.
What Could be Improved?
Obviously, if you have a son, this store is not for you. However, if you have a niece, I'm sure she would be thrilled to receive such
a beautiful gift (or at least her mother would!).
Besides the obvious gender-gap, I can find no fault with Tiny Tot Dress Shop. I highly recommend it.
Baby Clothing Stores: Up and Riding
Things You'll Love
If you recognize brands like Billabong, Hurley, RipCurl, and Volcom you'll love Up and Riding. Think surfing and skateboarding.
Think grunge, without the dirt.
Since there is a large surfing element on this website, expect to find a wide variety of swimsuits, boardshorts, and wetsuits for babies.
It's a favorite for summer apparel.
As of this writing, their baby collection is a tad on the small side. They could be in the middle of switching seasons, so we'll be optimistic.
I'm hoping they add more. There seemed to be more infant girl's clothes to choose from than boy's (which was surprising).
Prices are also a bit higher than I was expecting, but you could balance that out with coupons.
Overall, I'd say they warrant a 3 out of 5. They lose a point for selection, and a point for being a bit more expensivo than the usual standard
clothing shop. (So, ironically, it costs more to be counter-cultural?)
Phew! We made it! These are all my current recommendations and reviews for the best baby clothing stores on the web. I hope it was
helpful to you (especially the links to current coupon codes and sales!).
As always, I'd love to hear your feedback on any of the stores I've listed. Did you find them better or worse than I shared? Let me know!
With the ka-zillions of baby clothing stores online these days, a little information can go a long way in picking our way through the bad ones
and finding those hidden boutique gems!
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