Although Q didn't see any Armani or Little Marc at Principessa Children's Boutique, your little fashionista-in-training may leave looking as stylish as Suri, Violet or the newest celeb baby, Nicole Richie's daughter Harlow.
Principessa Children's Boutique, 453 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 847-926-0500, sells new (think Lili Gaufrette and Sister Sam) and gently used designer children's clothes (True Religion jeans and Juicy Couture).
toddler adidas shoes | Vintage Jewelry | Golf | Telescope
The resale items range in price from $9.99 to $100. Q picked up a purple Lauren Celeste fleece toddler coat for less than $20. On our second trip, for a 5-month-old, we bought a Grain de Lune two-piece outfit with pink top and footed pink, green and ivory striped pants for $9.99. Owner Aimee Krupp said the best consignment sellers are anything by Flowers by Zoe and Juicy Couture. "They're at such a high price point [normally], but here . . . a $110 suit would cost $50 or less," she said.
Your average secondhand store. Although you won't find used clothes from large discount chains, Principessa even tries to avoid the Gap, Children's Place and Gymboree. "There may be one or two pieces [from Gap-like stores], but I tend to stay away from that," Krupp said. "I'm trying to distinguish myself as a different kind of consignment store."
Amid the mixture of used clothing and new designer threads, your child will gravitate not only toward the clothes but also to the wooden toys, puzzles, dolls and hair accessories. There's also a miniature table and chairs for your little shopper to rest while Mom or Dad peruses the goods.
If you can dress your kid in secondhand luxe threads for low prices, why not? Maybe the paparazzi will take a second glance your child's way-unless Suri's in town.