After years of traveling long distances in order to shop boutiques for her kids, Linda Kelly opened Gia Bella Children’s Boutique in October 2007 and named it after her daughters, Gianna and Isabella. Decorated in pink and blue with an elegant chandelier setting the tone, the 800-square-foot store stocks trendy and dressy clothing spanning newborn through girls’ size 10 and boys’ 7. Toys are also available—customers will find them in the back of the store, where a play area keeps children entertained while mom shops.
Jessica Troiano and Zoe Murray opened Piccolini’s Bryn Mawr, Pa., flagship in 2005 before adding a downtown branch last year. Both offer sizes 0 to 6 for boys and girls and a mix of simple separates and basics. On the first floor of an old house, the original 2,200-square-foot location has a green, pink and blue motif and boasts a playroom. Troiano noted the pared-down selection appeals to customers more into presentation than brand names. “The store is truly one-stop shopping with only the best of the best and no product overload,” she said.
Noticing that her neighborhood was full of traditional boutiques but none for kids, Jackie Promislo debuted her shop in August 2007, naming it after a song her children made up. The 1,600-square-foot shop’s turquoise, pink and lime interiors emit a cheerful, modern ambiance. Promislo cited her unique mix of kid-friendly clothing, toys and books plus the fact that Lolli Lolli doesn’t focus on mainstream brands as factors that set it apart. She stocks sizes 0 to girls’ 12 and boys’ 8, but will special-order larger sizes for customers.
