In a city as large as Houston, you will never have a shortage of places to shop. The bayou city boasts some of the nicest malls you could imagine. Many who are not familiar with Houston head to chain stores to shop, but some of the best places to find upscale clothing are small children stores. For some, you have to go off the beaten path. Living in Houston for more than 20 years, I have had the pleasure of shopping for my kids at many different stores. Below, are a few of the best.
Little Patooties
If you are trying to find one-of-a-kind designer clothing made to order, this River Oaks area store is the best in Houston. This is the perfect place to locate a hard to find item or gift that no one else will have. The store also offers gift certificates, perfect for a baby shower present.
In this small boutique, you will find shoes and clothing for babies all the way up to mid-teens. They carry American and European designers; some are Betsey Johnson, Portofino and David Charles. If you cannot find the right outfit for a special occasion, they can make it especially for you. They specialize in custom orders for a child's first communion, baptism or wedding attire.
They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and they have ample parking. They accept major credit cards be ready to give yours a workout. If you purchase a girls dress from the David Charles spring/summer 2011 line, they are priced upward of $169. These are intricate, breathtaking dresses perfect for a memorable event. You will also find ECCO Footwear for boys and girls. Athletic styles range from $55 to $85. Winter boots will cost you considerably more -- around $100. If you want to take time to browse, it might be easier to do so without young children in tow.
2608 Westheimer (at Kirby Drive) in Houston
713-520-TOTO (8686)
Nest & Cot
As soon as you walk into this upscale children's store, you are whisked away to a dream nursery or bedroom. The decor is simply enchanting; you will want to buy everything you see. Upon arrival, an extremely helpful and friendly staff greets you.
This Rice Village boutique carries a beautiful line of children's clothing, furniture, gifts and accessories. Every piece of furniture they carry is hand-made from the best wood. Cribs and children's beds start at $1,200, changing tables are $1,000 and up, armoires start at $1,700. You can get a luxurious upholstered chair to snuggle with your children in starting at $450.
Their designer bedding lines include Maddie boo, Mudge and Molly and Serena and Lily to wrap your child in luxury. They are made from the softest fabrics with a high thread count, their bedding sets range from $450 to $1,000.
The furniture will grow as your child does into adolescence. The designer bedding is fit for a prince or a princess. You will find the best upscale items for your baby or child in this local store. The designers are in-house. You will feel good about shopping at a local, independent boutique. Their hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
2402-B Rice Blvd. in Houston
713-581-8396
Janie And Jack
The last upscale children's clothing store on the list of Houston best is located in the massive Galleria mall. You will see that braving the crowds is worth it once you enter this lovely store. If you have girls, Janie and Jack will have the perfect outfit. This boutique has sweet clothing for boys, but their line of girls clothing is so adorable. If you do not have a daughter or granddaughter, you will find someone to purchase for once you see their clothing. The clothing is perfectly made with an impeccable attention to trim and detail, and the staff is so helpful and friendly.
The clothing is for younger children up to size six. Once your child outgrows the sizes you carry, it will upset you -- because the clothes are unique. For a special shower or birthday gift, they offer personalized, embroidered items. You will want to buy a gift just to get a gift box they are so cute. You will also find a special occasion collection for holidays, baptisms, christening and other memorable occasions.
The Janie and Jack clothing line is priced reasonably for the detail and artisanship you find on every piece. A favorite shower gift is a personalized monogrammed ruffled, white onesie. It is adorned with an embroidered butterfly and the child's name. The onesie is only $26.99 with an additional $8 for the monogram.
To protect your child's head in the hot Houston sun you will find an extensive line of hats for girls and boys. They sell sailor hats, straw hats, twill caps and adorable bucket hats. They are priced at only $11.99 up to $19.
5135 W. Alabama Suite #5300 in Houston
713-599-1686
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