77 Kids Revealed: 7 More Things to Love
Loobalee as Reviews
Oct|24|2008
And they are up and running! “Long Live Fun”, the tagline for American Eagles new concept store for kids, 77 Kids, is now Revealed.
The aggressive promotions continue in partnership with the Jonas Brothers. Talk about a major headline! Obviously American Eagle means some serious business with their new concept for kids ages 2-12. What are they up to next? Mark your calendars for a 77 Kids exclusive Jonas Brothers concert to be aired, live over the internet on November 16.
Seven things we still like about 77 Kids after having reviewed their clothing line and website:
- Their size range goes up to Size 12 (instead of stopping at Size 10 like some other well-known brands). And, we love the fun Size Wizard on the site.
- Similar to Gaps 4-in-1 Cart, you can shop 77 Kids, Aerie, and American Eagle via a Single Cart — so promotions across the sites apply. We tried the 20% discount code advertised on American Eagle, and worked for 77 Kids Items in the cart. Yeah!
Cozy Brights vs. Flower Power: Let’s Vote!
Loobalee as Reviews
Sep|30|2008
Immediately upon reviewing BabyGap’s new line for girls, Cozy Brights, a previous line from Gymboree came to mind. I thought I was seeing things!
The line is uncanningly similar to Gymboree’s 2001 line, Flower Power — Reference Gymbohaven to view the entire line.
It caught my attention because I just pulled out a Flower Power hand-me down outfit from my older daughter for my younger one to wear this Fall.
Personally, I love this, although I’m not so sure Gymboree will. I plan to purchase a couple of current, in-style BabyGap Cozy Brights pieces to extend and liven up my Gymboree Flower Power — a bit aged now, but still one of my all-time favorites.
Let’s take a quick vote !
Which is your favorite? I’m sticking with my emotional favorite, Flower Power, reminiscent of Gymboree days gone by.
– Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Seven Things I Already Like About 77 Kids
Loobalee as Reviews
Sep|5|2008
The countdown to go-live for 77 Kids on-line is just 46 days away. “Long Live Fun” is the tagline for American Eagles new concept store for kids, sizes 2-12.
Today, aggressive promoting has begun. I received an email to enter a chance to win a private concert with the Jonas Brothers! You can enter too - just follow this “Party with the Jonas Brothers and 77 Kids” link. Of course, 77 Kids will ask for your email and address information
Partnering with the Jonas Brothers (assuming via Disney) must be costing some big bucks, but I expect they will build a large customer database via the promotion. I think American Eagle is taking this seriously - they should get some major traction with this promo.
Seven things I already like about 77 Kids (without even seeing their full line yet):
- Their size range goes up to Size 12. I think it’s a big mistake when stores stop at Size 10. If they do a good job with design, 77 Kids should see a significant market for sizes 10-12 — for both boys and girls.
- Their website is already integrated with American Eagle and Aerie — so my assumption is they have a combined cart and checkout process (similar to Gap’s new 4-in-1).
Back to School with Club Libby Lu: Not So Fabulous
Loobalee as Reviews
Aug|16|2008
This morning our 6-year-old daughter was watching a few programs on “ABC Kids”. Club Libby Lu’s “FAB-U-LUS” Back-to-School makeover commercial must have run at least 10 times. And, it probably would have gone by me unnoticed if my daughter hadn’t expressed her exasperation at being subjected to this advertising onslaught after seeing it for the 5th time.Obnoxious in the frequency in it which it runs its ads, Club Libby Lu’s campaign to translate their over-the-top, princess, rocker, and Disney Channel star makeovers for young girls into legitimate back-to-school looks is hardly believable. And, is this really consistent with the messages we expect to be promoted on G-rated television network?
My husband summed it up well when he said, “Are they serious? Who would send their girl to school in a cheesy Sharpay Halloween costume?”
Here’s a quote from Club Libby Lu’s mission, as posted on their website:
At Club Libby Lu®, our mission is to create special memories by encouraging tween girls to express their imaginations and individuality. …Girls join the Club, where they become V.I.P.s (Very Important Princesses®) and enjoy a fun, safe and special place where they can unlock their inner princess!™
It is disconcerting to me that there are so many inconsistencies with Club Libby Lu’s stated mission and how it’s reflected in this new campaign. What kind of “special memories” are created and what kind of “imagination and individuality” expressed by going to school imitating a glittery fictitious teen celebrity?
I also question how many of their stated target “tween” audience watches ABC Kids on Saturday mornings. It seems to me that they are targeting a much younger and more impressionable audience with this aggressive promotion. In light of this, I’m not sure I should continue to trust Club Libby Lu as a company.
And when did the Sharpay Evan’s outrageous character in High School Musical (the one who repeatedly behaves in a self-absorbed manner for 95% of the movie and is rapidly brought back to reality at the very end) become an accepted school fashion or behavior standard for young girls?
Finally, similar to my previous articles on Disney Channel clothing and the Goth/Rocker trend, Club Libby Lu costume-like apparel has absolutely no lasting value for resale or otherwise. Out of curiosity, I checked eBay, and I found only 23 active listings and about 70 items in stores — most under $10.
In doing research this for post, I came across a lot of negative opinions on the internet regarding Club Libby Lu and the values they appear to be promoting. A couple of the more interesting pieces were from thw Washington Post and Daddy Types weblog for new Dads.
All that said, my daughters have been to Club Libby Lu for birthday parties and had a wonderful time. But, would I take them there to shop for school clothes? No. In fact, it never would have crossed my mind before I saw the commercials this morning. And now that I’ve seen the commercials, I may even avoid the store for some occasional fun and imaginative play in the future.
Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Is Disney Out of the Children’s Designer Clothing Line-Up?
Loobalee as Reviews
Jul|23|2008
Once a beloved brand on eBay, is the traditional Disney we know and love going the way of the Dodo? Are we “all Disney-ed out”? It seems that way, as Disney fashion has lately taken akin to its recent programming, as opposed to the classic characters that have stood the test of time. Since the Miley Cyrus craze has hit, there has been nearly no interest in clothing with the images of Mickey, Pooh, or the various
princesses have been extremely popular for so many years. But with this shift to live-action heroes, is the resale value of their clothing styles really worth buying them now? Probably not.
Being the 12th largest apparel company in the world, the Disney brand is able to promote just about however and whatever they want. Of course market demand comes into play, but market demand is primarily driven by Disney’s wildly successful Disney Channel. I’m a parent and my family loves the Disney Channel, but that doesn’t mean my kids obsess over the brand or that I thoughtlessly clothe them in this trend.
On a recent, disappointing trip to Target I noticed High School Musical, Camp Rock, and Hannah Montana themed merchandise all taking front row and substantial space in the Girls clothing section. Intrigued, I traveled the mall just to see how much Disney Channel merchandise I could find. At JC Penney, I could hardly find an item in the Girls department that wasn’t Hannah Montana. Have you heard that the Cheetah Girls branded clothing was the most successful launch of an apparel line in the history of Sears? Potentially only to be topped by its newly introduced Vanessa Hudgeons “Arrive Lounge” line? And, it will be interesting to see how far the Jonas Brothers branded apparel reaches.
What is most noticeable about all these clothes is that this new, trendy Disney brand clothing has severely decreased in its quality, which automatically makes the resale value near worthless.
Secondly, are these characters going to stand the test of time? Even though Miley Cyrus is being touted as a modern day Disney Princess, whose dreams of becoming a rock star and television star came true, she will eventually grow older and portray a much different persona than the bubbly heroine girls adore right now. Will she live happily ever after? This inevitable growth as a star and her to-be-determined future, in my opinion, makes the current clothes endorsed by her basically worthless, so why bother?
At Loobalee, we want to our customers to have access to the highest quality clothing available, and there are definitely Disney brands that are higher in quality out there. My family recently took a trip to Disney World, where we found lots of wonderfully crafted apparel by Disney, much better than you’ll find at your local mall’s Disney Store. And, on the market today you’ll find Disney Couture, Signature Disney, and Disney-themed Designer items such as those from Reyn Spoon, Icky Baby, Trumpette, and Lucky Brand to name a few. These are the types of exclusive clothes that have great resale value, continue to focus on traditional Disney themes, and should also stand the test of time.
Speaking of which, I’ve also noticed that while Americans are obsessed with “new” Disney, foreign countries are newly or still embracing “classic” Disney. This traditional Disney wear is now being promoted much heavier on the global market rather than in the U.S. because the demand is higher abroad. For example, a new concept, Disney Jeans (for kids)—which may be launching in U.S. this fall—is promoted and available at upscale retail and specialty boutiques in Europe and India. This “non-character” merchandise also is the type that makes for wonderfully resalable clothing.
So, Disney is not out of the game yet, it is just unfortunate that the response of audiences to their new branding is causing a surge of cheaply made and essentially worthless clothing. My prediction is that 2-3 years down the road, no one will want these clothes. Not only won’t you be able to resell them, you won’t even be able to give them away. It won’t be until that point, that those who eagerly purchase these items today will realize the wastefulness.
What do you think? Shouldn’t Disney primarily promote fashionable and quality clothes that will last through years to come?
Welcome “crewcuts”!
Loobalee as Reviews, Sales At A Glance
Jul|3|2008
I’d like to warmly welcome J.Crew’s crewcuts to our Sales At A Glance bi-weekly postings. I must say, I had my doubts about the line when it was initially introduced just over two years ago, mainly sold through J.Crew stores and a couple of pilot stores. I realized there are the die-hard J.Crew fans who would definitely frequent the store, but would others come?
Now operating in 42 stand-alone stores nationwide and a fully-populated webiste, I believe crewcuts is here to stay.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit a store, I highly recommend it. You simply can’t get a sense for the overall line and quality on-line. The quality is outstanding and the fabrics and colors are fabulous. The designs uphold the same (if not in some cases better) J.Crew standard and are in line with their “Classics with a Twist” style.
I researched J.Crew’s aspirations for the stores:
“We are going after a J.Crew style that our customers really love for themselves and want for their kids. Until now, we feel that the kids market has been missing a certain sophistication, price and quality that we hope to provide,” says Millard Drexler, Chairman and CEO of J.Crew.
Created for parents looking for well-made children’s clothing at friendlier prices (and knowing how hard it is to find), crewcuts features the best J.Crew items … only smaller. …Crewcuts highlights the younger elements of the J.Crew personality and incorporates all of the iconic items the company is famous for, including washed patchwork madras and argyle, as well as broken-in and lightweight chino. Children (and parents) will love the brighter colors, critter embroideries and graphics featured on crewcuts items.
I think J.Crew is doing an amazing job attaining this vision, and I think the clothing will sell well on the resale market. While the introductory pricing at crewcuts is on the high side (just like it’s mother J.Crew) , the sale pricing is great (especially now! - get an additional 25% off sale-priced and clearance items in stores).
Additionally, this is one of the very, very few places where Parents and Kids can coordinate their style and outfits. Many of the items in Women’s, for example, are also offered in Girls. While I often think the coordinating styles are bit too cute, I think J.Crew is being successful with a level of coordination sophistication we aren’t seeing elsewhere.
So, welcome crewcuts! We look forward to tracking your sales, style trends, and ongoing success.
— Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Baby Clothing at Restoration Hardware?
Loobalee as Reviews
Jun|16|2008
Who would have ever imagined that a hardware store would venture into designer baby clothing? Even with an upscale hardware store, such as Restoration Hardware, it seems a bit of stretch.
To me, this is a strong indicator of how strong the children’s designer clothing market remains and the consistent growth it has experienced over the last decade.
Although I was surprised with the arrival of the Restoration Hardware “baby & child” catalog in my mail, I was equally impressed with the collection. An area I think Restoration Hardware has done well, which neither Pottery Barn Baby or Land of Nod have jumped on with anything but an afterthought, is coordinating infantwear and layettes to match their bedding, linen, and furniture collections.
In Restoration Hardware “baby & child”, the clothing appears to be a strategic component of each collection. It is simply and classically styled to coordinate perfectly with the bedding and bath linens. Monogramming is offered, which can be a perfect addition for a gift.
And, the best part, the all-cotton apparel has a nice price point — which indicates quality and gift-worthy, but not overpriced. Of course, there are also options to splurge on the high-end cashmere too.
If you dream of coordinating everything from your window treatments, lamp shades, rugs, sheets, and baby’s layette…Restoration Hardware “baby & child” might be for you!
— Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com
Clothes For Your Flower Children :: Little Hippie
Loobalee as Reviews
May|10|2008
If you haven’t noticed, the 60’s are over. Fortunately, you can now live vicariously through your kids by dressing them in these creative designs by Little Hippie. There are carefree fashions for boys and girls, babies and even some for mom and dad, too. If you want to get the true spirit of loving mother earth, check out the new Born to Be Green Eco Collection. These clothes are made from a hemp/organic cotton blend in a variety of styles including skirts, dresses and complete outfits. Not only are there comfy clothes for summer and spring here, Little Hippie also offers these cool Hand-sewn Fairy Costumes for your pixie:
Each garment is made by hand, either hand-sewn or hand-painted, and each varies slightly. The dress bodice is elastic for flexibilty and a snug fit, and the wings are hand painted on ripstop nylon fabric using acrylic waterproof paint. The adjustable straps & flexible bamboo frame of the wings are covered with a soft velvet fabric. They are easily worn by simply adjusting the tie straps around shoulders for the perfect fit.
Little Hippie is a great way for you to dress your kids in relaxed and cool outfits this summer. Far out!
Inexpensive Children’s Clothing: Not Exactly Eco-Friendly
Loobalee as Reviews
Apr|22|2008
Inexpensive children’s clothing is generally NOT eco-friendly. In fact, it can be very ecologically and economically unfriendly.
While it can be like shopping in a candy store and easy on the pocketbook to purchase multitudes of inexpensive children’s clothing items in the big box and low-end department stores, it can also be very wasteful.
Sure, it’s fun to have “new” things. But, the quality of the item is often suspect, not to mention rarely eco-friendly. And, the clothing typically doesn’t wash and wear well nor maintains a resale value. So, two big lessons here:
Read the rest of this entry »
Baby Celebration LA - 2008 Show
Loobalee as Reviews
Apr|19|2008
Baby Celebration LA, now in it’s second year, is a large convention boasting hundreds of boutique, luxury, and hard-to-find products for parents (and Moms-to-be).
The show is unique, because unlike a tradeshow the public is invited, and additionally, it is the largest of its kind. Mom’s, to the tune of 15,000-20,000, attended to experience the world of children’s couture and fashion.
A highlight of the 3 day event, held last weekend, is the exclusive Sweet Petite Fashion Treats fashion show, where about 30 children’s fashion designers showcased their talent. The show included newcomers such as Sandbox Rebel and established designers like Baby Lulu. Making the show a splash were also vintage-inspired Hopscotch Designs and Kaiya Eve Couture’s delightful pettiskirts. I found some great detail on the the designs featured at the show and insights to the high-profile attendees at Danielle Friedland’s Celebrity Baby blog.
While you can google and find several LA-based editors who reported on the show, I particularly liked an article by Sandra Barrera of the DailyBreeze.com. Sandra explores some of the “why” behind the hype of the show and the trend toward “mini-me” and celebrity dressing for kids in “Haute tots: Small-Fry fashions on big style”
Earth Day is right around the corner, and imagine this popular combination: Eco-friendly, Celebrity-wear. Hmm…almost an oxymoron. Kicky Pants by Innovative Baby was at the show, which is eco-friendly and relatively inexpensive — not the haute couture you might expect. And, the bamboo clothing is owned by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Christina Aguilera, and Halle Berry.
Isn’t it interesting how the Baby Celebration LA event directly precedes the Earth Day celebration? I do love the idea of eco-friendly fashion for kids, and I’ll explore it more in an upcoming post to honor the day. Meanwhile, enjoy some footage from the Sweete Petite Fashion Treats show below.
— Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com Read the rest of this entry »
