Despite the 30-degree weather, Spring is in the air. And with Easter approaching, it’s that time of the year to break out the lighter fabrics, and bright colored prints. And when it comes to Easter, parents never fail to keep the kids looking fly. Whether it’s a cute playtime outfit for Easter egg hunts – or breaking out their Sunday’s best for their Easter speeches – this time of the year is so fun for children’s fashion.
Local designer extraordinaire Shan Keith’s latest contribution to St. Louis style highlights some of this year’s trends. Keith recently made the transition from women’s couture and ready-to-wear lines to designing for children with the recent debut of his Rubik’s Cube collection – for the ultra-hip kiddo that doesn’t mind expressing themselves by being fiercely fly.
“The reason why I created this collection, was being a parent of a daughter and twin sons, I find it a challenge to find clothes that can be mixed and matched to form a practical but still stylish wardrobe,” Keith said. “I was inspired by my children, to keep them fashionable but age-appropriate.”
In the past, moms would make it a priority to get their kids coordinating outfits for the colorful holiday. Little girls would wear bright or ornate dresses with lace socks, and gloves to match, while boys will be suited and booted. That tradition has paved the way for new, more edgy stylings for kids.
And Keith is leading the way in funky kids frocks. His collection emphasizes on color and comfort.
He says the 15-piece collection has a high structure, but equally comfortable feel to the clothes. The collection includes boys and girls pieces that can be intermixed within respective lines.
Long gone are the days of the sailor outfits, and frilly lace trims. Kids are rocking anything from skinny jeans and hoodies to trench coats and fur. Kid’s fashion is becoming ever so chic. With more of a “mini me” approach, the design elements for kid’s are similar to adults and are making waves in the trends for Spring 2013.
“Kids style doesn’t always have to be Osh Gosh B’gosh, or outfits that come together on one hanger,” Keith said about the current state of children’s fashion. “They should be able to have fun with their clothes, but ultimately still remain a kid.”
Find out more information about Shan Keith’s children’s collection, Rubik’s Cube, at www.shankeithdesigns.com for custom pieces, contact shankeith48@gmail.com
Hot spots for fresh kids gear
H&M: They have the cutest coordinates to keep the kids fresh. Their sizes run a bit larger, which is a good thing for the ever-growing little person.
MiniHipster.com: Cool online blog, shopping, and social networking about what’s the top kid’s brands
Pintrest: Pintrest is becoming the Bible for accessible “Do it yourself” lifestyle enhancements. There is always something new and affordable for the fashion forward kid.
Goodwill: Many people sleep on the local thrift or reuse shops. The Goodwill is the perfect solution to not spending a fortune on clothes that in three months will be useless. A lot of times there will be items that have barely or never been worn that will be just as or not more stylish than what you will find at your common department stores.
FashionPlaytes.com: This interactive website offers girls ages 5 – 12 to create and design their own clothes. It not only promotes freedom of expression, it also gives the girls awareness about having a healthy self image.
