Back To School Fashion

admin Posted OnSeptember 7, 2016

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Pop pom hat at LOL Kids Armonk

Back To School Fashion: Back to school shopping is more than crayons, compasses, index cards and scientific calculators. It’s also fabulous stuff like “Do You Speak Cat?” sweaters, party dresses from Nikolia and Airfish and Uggs, Uggs, Uggs! Here’s a sampling of what’s hot on the fashion front for kids, teens and tweens in and around town.

LOL Kids Armonk, Armonk “Meow!” The hottest “Back to School” trend at LOL Kids follows a cat theme. The Armonk location, boasting an extensive “Do You Speak Cat?” collection, features such bestsellers as sweaters, like this pink soft-blend sweater by Silivian Heach, leggings and jeggings by Fun & Fun, and fluffy faux fur vests by Little Marc Jacobs. They’ve even got the accessories to match — like this faux fur handbag by Sonia Rykiel. Additional name brands include Catimini and Nikolia. Another big seller for the fall season is winter hats with oversized pom-poms — because “every little girl loves pom-poms,” says storeowner Julia Rozenfeld — which the store sells exclusively by Catya. “They’re available in every color imaginable,” from navy teal and lavender grey to ivory and more. And then, of course, there are the “ultimate party dresses,” like this navy blue neoprene A-Line dream dress by Nikolia. Another bestseller — in keeping with the Back to School Fashion oversized items — is this peach satin leon dress with oversized collar by Airfish. “We come up with the edit for the most original styles we see,” says Rozenfeld, of the item, sold as part of the store’s Let’s Party collection. She notes that “these particular dresses have been the hottest trend on Instagram since the day they were released.” Additional “party dress” brands include Mi Mi Sol. (LOL Kids Armonk, 384 Main St., Armonk, 914.219.5232; www.lolkidsarmonk.com).

hip-kid, Chappaqua

For hip-kid in Chappaqua, “back-to-school” is all about making a statement. “People are becoming vocal,” says store owner Trish Kullman. “Especially with everything going on in the world, people want to put their feelings out there and make themselves heard.” Hip-kid is helping the cause, with soft-washed cotton T-shirts from brands like Chaser and Go Gently Nation, that offer messages both humorous — ‘Pizza is my jam’ — and moving — ‘Peace. Whatever it takes’. “A lot of our designers work gender neutral. It’s not just girl and boy, pink and blue.” Back to School Fashion It’s a practice with which hip-kid agrees. “We want to give you whatever makes you feel good. Ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable.” Hip-kid also sells “cute and basic” backpacks and messenger bags by Fjallraven, and educational games, such as Franken Words and Number Ninja, from the Haywire Group. And it’s all either fair trade, eco-friendly, organically made, or a charitable donation. (hip-kid, 77 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua, 914.861.2710; www.hip-kid.com).

Jagger & Jade, Armonk: Jagger and Jade is sprucing up their Back to School sales with “fun, trendy [and] affordable clothing for kids.” What’s big at the Armonk location? “Anything with an open, cold shoulder,” says storeowner Elizabeth Talbot, which the store sells by Vintage Havana. Noting the style eked through last spring, Talbot says “this season for sure, it’s come in and stayed.” Why? “In my [opinion], it looks good on everybody. [Whether they have] broad shoulders [or] little shoulders … It’s just flattering on everyone.” Camouflage (for both tops and bottoms), by the All American Clothing Co. is another big seller, as are cotton lace-up tops, by T2Love, and graphic tees, also by Vintage Havana — some honoring music greats like Bob Dylan and David Bowie; others offering fun, inspirational messages, like “Peace and Love,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Think Happy, Be Happydresses .” Additionally, kids can add flair to their backpacks with “really popular” stick-on patches by brand name Bari Lynn, of all different colors and designs. Additional brands include Tractr, Play Six, and So Nikki. “I just think, at the end of the day, kids like to be comfortable,” says Talbot, “It doesn’t matter what’s in style… it has to have the right feel and [kids] have to like it.” (Jagger & Jade, 402 Main St., Armonk, 914.273.2100; www.jaggerandjadekids.com).

Squires’ Family Clothing & Footwear, Chappaqua: Squires’ Back to School sale targets the older teen and college student. “We have a lot of lightweight, warm packable jackets and vests for fall,” says owner Michael Kushner, Back to School Fashion from North Face and Patagonia. Noting that a lot of college students head off “to a colder climate and don’t come home until Thanksgiving,” Kusher says the store offers pre-season promotions on Canadian outerwear with real fur hoods, and waterproof down jackets, from Fera, Spyder, and Arc’teryx. And boots! “Duck boots, snow boots, fall boots, Uggs,” from Sorrell, Timberland, and Hunter. “And Bussola Leather,” Kusher adds. “The girls love those.” But “our best-selling brand for teens is Vineyard Vines. Button-downs, polos, shorts, pants.” Squires also carries a selection of North Face and Jansport backpacks. (Squires, 41 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua, 914.238.4511; www.squiresny.com).

New York Dolls, Mt. Kisco: What’s trending in fall fashion for teens? “It’s all about the sleeves this year,” says New York Dolls owner Robin White. As emphasized in this emerald green top with puffed sleeves by MILLY (pictured). And “leggings are also here to stay,” she notes — especially when worn with oversized shirts — as are flared, colored, and high-waisted jeans, on sale from brand name Henry & Belle. Flannel shirts and fake-fur jackets, made by Jet and Philanthropy are other “must-have” items for teens. “And your boho look is back,” Back to School Fashion White adds, “with the big sleeves and lace,” as shown in this flow-y blue-and-white top with a plunging neckline (and exaggerated sleeves, to boot) from Blue Life — one of their bestsellers. Sheathe dresses (from Nannette Lapore) and jumpsuits (from Nicole Miller) are also among the more popular, trendy items. Additional brand names include Central Park West, Sloane Rouge, and Minnie Rose. New York Dolls also sells its own brand-name jewelry, from bracelets and earrings to necklaces and pendants. (New York Dolls, 153 Main St., Mt. Kisco, 914.244.3655; www.newyorkdolls.net).