Back to School Fashion Finds for NYC Kids

The great thing about shopping for kids clothes is A) Their whole wardrobe costs about the same as just one pair of your shoes. B) They look good in everything. C) You don't have to try anything on eliminating the worst part of shopping in my book. That's not to say that even shopping for kids clothes can't be a hassle, but seeking out fun clothes like these cool duds for kids makes it much, much more fun.

We had the experts at some of our favorite clothing stores for kids, tell us what the hottest items are this Fall for NYC kids. Here's what they said:

Sons + Daughters
35 Avenue A
212 253-7797

www.sonsanddaughtersinc.com

Sons + Daughters is a neighborhood children's shop in the East Village that carries a selection of carefully chosen items from creative craftspeople and innovative manufacturers—from around the city and around the world.

LEATHER LUNCH BOX:
The Ruitertassen Kids Lunchbox is 100% natural. These beautiful bags are made from carefully chosen cowhide, tanned by a vegetable process, without using heavy metals. $137.50 Also available in backpack size.

PENGUIN BACK PACK:
Perfect size for crayons, coloring books and a furry friend. Everything a tot needs for a busy day. $37.50

BABY KNEE SOCKS:
If your little one kicks off every pair of socks you put on, try a pair of these Baby Knee-high Socks by Ewers, the leading producer of children's tights and socks in Europe. $7.50

RUBBER BOTTOM SOCKS
Here’s another new addition to the Ewers line of high-quality socks and tights. These thick, warm cotton blend ankle socks have a layer of silicon on the bottom of the feet, adding grip and protection. A great warm sock for cold winter months. $14.50

Firefly
Two Locations:
Park Slope and Front St in Manhattan
See website for details

www.fireflychildrensboutique.com

Firefly sells unique and one-of-a-kind fashion finds at discount prices plus a selection of classic and innovative toys.

Girls (from left to right):

Cakewalk (Dutch) - Embroidered cardigan ($52.80) and cropped pants ($28.50), size 6.

Alessia (Canadian)- top ($30.60) and pant ($34.20), size 10.

Mim Pi (Dutch) - top ($32.40), crinoline skirt ($34.32) and knee highs ($12.00), size 4.

Red Sound (French) coat ($164.40), MDP Miss (French) jumper (39.60) and MDP Miss leggings ($26.40), size 10.

Boys (from left to right):

Cks (French) -button down shirt ($78.60), City Threads (American) waffle shirt ($22.00), and Miniman (France) -mid weight cords ($43.20), size 8.

Heart Strings (American) - 2pc track suit is $80.00 ($48.00), long sleeve shirt ($20.00), Size 5/6

Alphabet (French) - Cotton cardigan ($39.60), long sleeve graphic tee ($21.00), jeans with belt ($52.20), size 4.

Love the idea of getting al these cool clothes for you tykes, but don't have the time or inclination to shop? Hilary Waterous is the owner of a children's personal shopping and gift buying company, Pride & Joy. Hilary can do all your back to school shopping so you can get back to something else. Since her job is to track the tips and trends for kids in New York, we thought she'd be the perfect person to tell us what's hot this Fall for kids.

To learn more about Hilary and Pride and Joy, visit www.prideandjoynyc.com.

This fall it's all about mixing classic and modern.
The cardigans and blazers once reserved for uptown boys are getting restyled for a downtown look. Pairing a button-down cardigan with jeans and bright sneakers turns a once stuffy staple into the perfect play date outfit. Layer blazers with graphic tees or hoodies for those first crisp school days.

For girls, look for lots of ruffles and bows, but with more spice than sugar. Pretty petticoat skirts are so much fun, good luck getting your little girl to wear anything else once she has one! Dress it down with this season's rocker inspired boots and a simple tee on top. Bows are being seen on everything from hairs clips to skirts, but steer clear of pastels and try fun textures like velvet to keep them from looking too sweet.

This fall your wallet may not be growing, but those kids never seem to stop! Invest in classic versatile pieces, like affordable cashmere sweaters from Crewcuts, and items that will be worn almost every day, like shoes and outerwear. Then check out Zara and H&M for everyday basics like tees and leggings, and don't fret when your budding rock climber gets holes in every pair.

"kindergarten rocks" (at top of page)- Kindergarten Rocks Tee By paperlili, $48.95. Red Pettiskirt By Oopsy Daisy, $69.95. Both available on http://www.sillywagon.com/

Left: Ralph Lauren boys Princeton Herringbone Jacket, $365.00 and the Fleece Hooded sweatshirt, in Park Avenue Multi, $80.00. Both available at www.poloralphlauren.com