Kids’ Fashion to Lift the Spirit but Not Break the Bank

 

There’s a strange feeling here in NYC these days. It’s one of intense optimism and joy over the elections last week mixed with a more somber mood given what’s happening in the world and with our own economy. I’ve felt this everywhere I go: at my kids’ schools, amongst friends, and even from our European designers who have been emailing us with overwhelming excitement about Obama’s historic victory. People are still enjoying shopping for their kids (many customers have told me that they’d rather continue shopping for the little ones in their lives rather than for themselves) but there’s certainly a sense among some that they should be less frivolous and more practical about what they buy.

We realize that much of what we do here at Estella could be classified as frivolous. Although part of our mission from day one was to carry practical, sustainable, and beautiful creations for kids, we also recognize that many of the beautiful things we carry here are luxuries. It is truly a luxury to be able to indulge in a artfully crafted piece of clothing for your little one. Even though we know that our clothes are of the highest quality and will last an eternity, passed down from sibling to sibling (or from friend to friend), we also realize that “need” can not really describe a marabou tiara or a mini terrier pillow.

Given the current mood and new reality, we’re doing our best at Estella to continue offering our customers the finest in designer clothes for children and babies without breaking the bank. We’re reaching out to more American designers and searching out more affordable European designers. As well, we’re expanding our own collections, continuing to give you the Estella style and ethos at a more affordable price.

It’s a challenging but exciting task that we have before us. Our customers are knowledgeable and style-savvy and understandably want the best of all worlds: premium design and craftmanship, a fair price, and something that hasn’t been made in China. Please stay tuned in the coming weeks as we unveil some of our new creations and the stories of some of the new designers we’ll be carrying for Spring 2009.  In the mean time, take a look at this girl’s tulle party skirt we’ve created for the holidays and let us know what you think.  It will be in our shop shortly and will retail for $65.

Happy Fall!

Jean