Fashion

Lisa Wu Hartwell may very well be the hardest working housewife in America. Fans of Bravo's hit reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” will know that Hartwell never rests on her laurels. She's not only the wife of NFL football player, Ed Hartwell, and the mother of three young boys (Jordan, 14, Justin, 11 and EJ, 1), but she's also a film actress, screenwriter, real estate broker, certified personal trainer, jewelry designer, painter, and trained martial artist! If that's not enough, she also has a baby clothing line called Hart 2 Hart Baby. "The name comes from my last name," Hartwell explains. "Hart 2 Hart means from my heart to my husband's heart to our consumer's heart." As her name also might suggest, this Renaissance woman really puts her heart into each of her endeavors, ensuring each one is a success.

All of Hartwell's businesses grow out of her hobbies or out of a niche she sees in the marketplace. A natural entrepreneur, Hartwell has a knack for making money out of what she loves to do. Hart 2 Hart Baby was created when she saw her infant son crawling on the wood floor, and had an “ah-hah!” moment to create kneepads. Instead, from that simple idea, she actually ended up doing her first line of baby socks. These 100% cotton socks printed in the trompe l'oeil of basketball sneakers, animals, and ballerina slippers were a success- and a bargain for consumers at under $3.00 a pair. From there, the line expanded to include apparel from infant sizes all the way through size 8. The Hart 2 Hart Baby collection stands out with basic pieces in edgy prints that get kids noticed. Hartwell aptly calls the collection "a cool alternative to traditional baby clothes."

She gets her inspirations from clothes that she and other celebrities actually wear themselves. Hartwell's a big fan of edgy Ed Hardy flavor, but tries not to go too dark with her designs. From motorcycle onesies, studded British flag tees, to blinged-out cross hoodies, this line is fearless but still fun.

Hartwell starts off her design process by consulting with a graphic designer about her print ideas, who then brings them to life with her approval. These include motifs like skulls, roses on thorny vines, or angels. "The prints are things that adults would normally wear, but are made in mini-me versions," Hartwell explains. She even has a boys t-shirt that says "Daddy's Mini Me." "Basically we want everyone to enjoy seeing miniature versions of themselves walking around," she says. Staying away from frills, Hartwell is drawn to a rock and roll aesthetic. The line strives to be edgier than other childrenswear lines on the market, but at a more affordable price tag, while still maintaining good quality.

Lelli Kelly: Pretty In Pink
Meredith Craig de Pietro

Any princess diary worth a dowry is gushing about Lelli Kelly's shoe line: the bright shades (OMG! Pink embroidery on metallic pinks!), bead embellishments in the shapes of flowers, and the gorgeous glittery shapes. Unlike any children's shoes on the market, Lelli Kelly unapologetically appeals to young girls. "Little girls are about pink and princessy," says Suzanne Hood, U.S. Director of Lelli Kelly. "They want to feel beautiful, and this type of footwear is geared exactly to that girl."

Launched in 1993, husband and wife team, Attilio and Mariella Attilieni, found a niche in the marketplace and created "a brand that was addressed only to little girls." The line was then launched in America by Atsco footwear in 2005, exploding into stores across the country. Hollywood caught the fever, garnering a celebrity tot fan base, including Leni Klum (Heidi's daughter), True Fischer (Joely's daughter), and Penelope Anne Hanson (Tyler's daughter). Attilio Attilieni, President of Lelli Kelly, says, the inspiration comes from "what girls would create for themselves [if they could]." Stores like Nordstrom, Von Maur, and Harry Harris can hardly keep them in stock. Also, as a bonus, each pair of shoes comes with a gift with purchase. A tiny ice cream cone lip-gloss, fluffy heart shaped pen, or a cell phone lip tube can send little girls swooning.

These shoes are not just eye-catching to young girls. Hood says, "The quality appeals straight to the mom and grandmom." With embellishments like crystals, hand beadwork, and beautiful sequins, the shoes are like tiny jewels for the feet. Perfect compliments to high-end children's apparel, these couture accessories are not only fun, but also functional. The line is designed in Italy to wick perspiration with a special compound to absorb moisture. After an intensive study of girls' environments and quality demands, Lelli Kelly has successfully produced all-weather shoes that keep feet fresh and dry in all situations. The best selling model, the Beaded Canvas Mary Jane is perfect for dressing up or playtime. Also, the Double Velcro Sneaker is great for the more active girl who rejects 'rough and tumble' looks. And, the detailed and decorated boots are just the thing to keep feet warm until summer.

All three options are ideal footwear solutions for any girly girl's wardrobe: casual, classic, informal or dressy, but always completely unique. Hood says, "These are just very special shoes, and they make little girls feel very, very special." With the exception of moving into a castle, a pair of Lelli Kelly shoes will come closest to transforming any lucky girl into a princess.

Into The Wild
Release the inner animal with these whimsical zoo inspired clothes. A Lambswool Penguin Crewneck Sweater by Brooks Brothers ($89.50) is perfect for icy days, a Clover Giraffe Sweater by Little Marc Jacobs ($124) is fun to wear, and a graphic Orange Fly Tee by Wonderboy ($32) will keep your kids buzzing.

Color Blocking
Add a little playtime to the wardrobe with some color blocking. This Kid by Phillip Lim Swing Dress ($150) is the perfect starting point. Or simply accessorize with leggings by Le Big ($32) and boots from Gap ($39.50).

Puffers
Stock up on carrots and coal! Kids will be building snowmen again with the warmest trendy coat. Every child should have a Baby CZ Quilted Snow Jacket ($130). For babies, the sleeping bag inspired All In One Suit by Finger in the Nose ($195) is made with real duck feathers to combat cold. For warmer climates, try a snug vest like Little Dudes Only Acoustic Vest ($55).

Tuxedo for Tots
Formalwear for winter takes its cue from tuxedos. A pink sweater with tuxedo ruffling by Bebe Babble ($38) would be darling with a black velvet skirt. This clever Anne Valerie Hash one piece ($210) is a trompe l'oeil that looks like a dress, but is actually a pantsuit. For the ultimate in formal affairs, fall for this gorgeous silk crepe Cookie Dress by Little Marc Jacobs ($265)—bowtie included.

Golden Metallic
Lighten up the standard holiday attire, and let little girls shine with Fall/Winter's must have metallic dress. The best examples include this Shiny Party Dress by American Eagle 77 Kids ($60), Crewcuts by J. Crew Jacquard Jasmine Dress ($328) and this Mini Boden Posh Party Dress ($60).

Some looks are classic. Always appropriate and always practical, they return again and again. Parents pass these clothes to their children and designers use them as a starting point for new concepts. To know what basics should be in a child's closet, get to know what is timeless.

The Clip-on and White Dress Shirt
At any given time during the twentieth century, you could slick back a little boy's hair, button his white dress shirt, clip-on a tie, and take him anywhere you wanted. Many men made their first confession or took school pictures in this same outfit.

Clip-on ties are considered tacky for adults, but with children practicality trumps style. Every mother's son wants to snatch off that tie the minute dinner is over, mess up his hair and search for a rough football game. The beauty of this look is the ease of getting it on; little boys who like to dress up love it.

The Blue Jean
Blue jeans have now been in style for more than half a century. For men, women, boys and girls, jeans are the ultimate 'go-anywhere' clothes. For children, they have become a school staple. They launder easily and denim is practically the most durable cloth known to man, besides leather. Children's jeans now come in a variety of styles including the high-waists, cargo style and of course the skinny jean. They take on the personality of the top you pair them with, be it a sweater, tee or frilly pink blouse.

The Jumper
For toddlers, overalls are the cutest thing. They are easy to take off and on (important for those of us still working on our potty training), they are comfortable and, like jeans, they pair with a wide variety of different tops. In the summer, jumper shorts are cool and in the winter, jumper pants are warm.

The Pullover Sweater
For the winter, pullover sweaters in several different colors are essential. The simple sweater is for December what the t-shirt is in June. All-purpose and durable. The mistake many parents make is buying a high quality, hand-wash only sweater for a child. A woman will definitely appreciate a white cashmere sweater. A five-year-old might like it too, especially with lovely red juice dribbled on it or peanut butter smeared on the sleeve. For everyday wear, stick with fabrics that won't be destroyed by rough handling.

The Patent Leather Girl Shoes
Patent leather buckle shoes- with frilly white socks, of course- are the best dress shoe for the ten and under crowd. They are one of the symbols of girlhood, along with dolls and 'dress-up'. Even girls who aren't too girly can wear patent leathers because they look nice with dress pants and a nice jacket. Also, it isn't too hard to keep that slick surface clean. If a little princess steps in a mud puddle or decides to take a run through the dusty sandbox, a few swipes with a Kleenex will brighten them. Lately, they also come in different colors or glitter, which kids love.

The Pajamas with the Feet
Many people have spent their entire adult lives looking for pajamas that are as comforting as these. Pajamas with feet (preferably with the pocket in the back) make us want to grab our blankies and take a nap.

Fashion mainstays are always a good choice. Top designers remake them every year because they know how tough it is to get the perfect look together, especially when you are prone to spills, crumbs, and inability to make it to the potty. A closet full of fashion perennials is the end of 'nothing to wear' syndrome.

The perennial fashion faux pas for pre-teen girls is dressing 'sexy'. Lately, 'older' products have been marketed to much younger children. The most popular toys for girls are dolls dressed in bikinis and mini-skirts. Some clothing companies are now following the toy companies, selling padded bras and skimpy bathing suits to ten year olds- and younger.

Some people claim that sexy clothes for girls are harmless because no one looks at a five-year-old as a sex object. Even after the awful stories we've heard about child prostitution and pornography, people insist that all of society is playing by the same moral rules. Not only is this thinking naïve, it defies common sense. Unfortunately, females are often judged by sex appeal alone– even before they develop.

The world never sees children the way their parents do. Other kids make fun, teachers point out behavioral failings, and even the child will see herself differently. When a ten-year-old walks out of her house wearing a mini skirt with 'Sexy' slapped across her bottom, older boys and men will notice.

This places the girl in a position for which she is unprepared. Childhood is like the butterfly's cocoon- a safe place where growth happens. Any piece of clothing that appeared in Pink's Moulin Rouge video has no business on a breast-less body. To keep girls from breaking out prematurely, follow age-appropriate fashion rules.

No make-up. Six year olds trying on mommy's make-up are cute. Six year olds wearing make-up are tragic. Draw the line at lip-gloss.

Undeveloped girls wear shorter shorts and skirts because there is nothing to show, but don't let the hem rise too far. Pair short skirts with stylish tights or trendy leggings.

Don't rush training bras. When it is time for 'junior support', pick one with no cups or padding. Padding makes it look like a woman has more than she does, which isn't necessary for a little girl.

Pre-teen high-heels are a no-no. Not only are they an accident waiting to happen, the same back and leg strain it causes for older women would be catastrophic for a growing body.

Ban hair dye, relaxers, perms, and extensions until your daughter reaches puberty. This is better for her hair as too much processing can damage it.

No tight clothes, especially low-rise jeans. No need to adopt the plumber’s staple this early in life. Growing girls need to breathe. They should feel free, not confined.

Never have nasty or ditsy slogans tattooed across a toddler's tee. It breaks the heart to see a two year old who already declares herself a sexy brat who likes boys more than books.

Make sure everything is real: no false hair, no false nails, and no false lashes or waxed brows. They become beauty 'crutches' that girls use to make up for perceived imperfection. A child should know that she is always beautiful and perfect inside and out.

If you've perused the children's racks at Saks Fifth Avenue lately, you've probably noticed something obvious. Gone are the days when dressing your mini-me in code—girls in pink, and boys in blue—serves an entire year's worth of fashionable do's. Instead, you're likely to find what's in for you is in for them.

"If you look at French brands they have been doing that for years--Dior, Sonia Rykiel, Cacharel." said Yetunde Schuhmann, President of the Innovative Fashion Council of San Francisco. "It makes sense. If a woman is a fan of a particular brand or designer then she will be more tempted to buy clothes from that designer's children's collection…And it is good business now the designer has captured both markets in one fell swoop-
parent and child."

Hey, and why not? With the plethora of educational programs geared to getting your preschooler in college before his or her fifteenth birthday, dressing them for success should be top priority too. So, let's get started.

The color palette for posh ladies this year focuses on jewel-toned solids and bold prints with hints of real-deal glitter. The best part of a color scheme like this is that it's impossible to fall into a major color clash. And, without missing a beat, 3.1 Phillip Lim cultivates a little charm as does this Splendid Littles number. They're both guaranteed to work throughout the season. If she's into the glitz and glam of Old Hollywood, this Single frock or Burberry trench will make sure she's always in focus.

We know the value and benefit of owning a pair of high end shoes. Why not share the luxury and enjoyment with our little ones? Many of our favorite shoe designers have miniature versions for kids, providing the same designs and features we adults love! Because there’s nothing like the pitter patter of little feet in Louis Vuitton shoes, we couldn’t help but to compile a list of our favorite designers, providing the cutest kicks for kids.

Louis Vuitton (LV)
The designer, who made us fall in love with his luxurious handbags, happens to design equally lush shoes, including shoes for kids! The same signature logo and distinctive designs LV is known for in its signature handbag collections are also available in a pint-sized version. Our favorite LV shoes for kids include its trainer collection, with its unmistakable design and durability. Your kids will be stylish and comfortable at the same time.

Burberry
Burberry is a classic name in fashion and produces the cutest baby booties on the planet. When your little girl or boy has outgrown these cute shoes, they will be a keepsake for a lifetime. Made with a built in sock and the signature Burberry novacheck design, your infant will learn how to walk in style.

D&G Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce and Gabbana has opened up a line specifically for children called D&G Junior, providing the mini fashionista with the same quality, look and feel, as the grown up designs. The D&G shoes for our little ones will not only help set them apart from their peers, but will also provide stability and quality. A favorite for the winter months are these warm booties. Featured with the D&G logo, brushed leather and rubber soles, these little boots will keep your child warm and fashionable throughout the cold months.

Kors by Michael Kors
Michael Kors provides timeless style for kids of every age. A pair of Mary Janes for your precious girls is sure to make them feel like a princess with designer style. Kors produces timeless elegance for the conservatively chic child.

Prada
The devil may wear Prada, but that doesn’t mean your precious child can’t. Prada designs the most sophisticated, sporty baby shoes for any gender. Made with soft durable leather, these shoes are made for the little tike who is ready to make moves! Just like the adult version, Prada children’s shoes exhibit the same time-honored craftsmanship we come to expect from Prada’s trademark style.

Many of the designer shoes featured can be purchased online at www.neimanmarcus.com, www.eluxury.com or www.nordstrom.com. Happy shopping!

Choosing a color palette may seem like overkill when putting together a wardrobe for an infant or older child. But, if you rank dressing your child solely in baby blue or pink right up there with driving a tractor over your Giuseppe shoes, it can save you lots of time and cash. Not only will your child look like he or she just stepped out of a Neiman ad, if you choose the same palette for two different size ranges, you'll find transitions between sizes a lot easier too. There are two ways we would recommend choosing the colors for your child’s wardrobe palette. You can go to your local paint store and cut and paste paint chip onto an index card or rely on Pantone (http://www.pantone.com), the color people, to help you out. PANTONE VIEW inspiration for interiors guide is really for interior designers, but it serves the purpose just as well for children’s clothing. Plus it features all of the color trends for each season, so the guesswork is minimal.

If you are redecorating your home at the same time, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck. Either way, bring your self-created or Pantone guide with you on your next shopping extravaganza to meld together pieces from different designers. Choose one to two outwear pieces and shoes that incorporate all or most of the colors and then choose bottoms and tops that feature one or two of the colors on your palette. You'll find that if you select a number of pieces from the same designer, often times they’ve used a color palette for you that makes it easy to interchange the pieces within their collection. If, on the other hand, you prefer to channel your inner creativity and want to have some fun coordinating your dear one's daily duds, then a color palette is definitely the way to go!